EVENTS NEAR YOU

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

Sixth Annual Whiskey Obsession Festival

April 11 to 14, 2018

Sarasota, Florida

The Sixth Annual Whiskey Obsession Festival will be held April 11 to 14, 2018 in Sarasota, Florida. Whiskey Obsession is the largest world whiskey festival in the U.S., with four days of classes, tastings, lunch and dinner pairings, expanded bartender academy, interactive panel discussions, cigars, VIP pours, a fabulous grand tasting with hundreds of whiskies and cocktails to sample, plus free live music street party in the heart of downtown with four rockin’ bands.

Whiskey Obsession is the proud recipient of Visit Sarasota County’s marketing grant, and ticket sales to date show that 50% of attendees are from outside our region, with 20% coming from out of state. WOF has partnered with Brick Smoked Meats, Cask & Ale, Aloft Sarasota, Louie’s Modern, Mattison’s, Sarasota Whiskey Society, and the Gator Club to offer signature cocktails and exclusive bottlings at the Grand Tasting on Friday night. Visit these vendor tables to taste some local flavor. We are pleased to announce that the Child Protection Center will be a charitable beneficiary of the festival.

Schedule of Events

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Bartender Academy @ The Aloft Hotel, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

$20 ticket includes lunch (bartenders/ industry only)

Session I – Professional Development Panel // 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Three panelists discuss mixologist and ambassador professional development, best practices, and career advancement including industry opportunities, expectations, and responsible brand marketing. With Randolph Adams, Distilled Spirits Expert, former Brand Ambassador and Bartender; Byron Banks, Senior Manager of Regional Sales for Four Roses Bourbon; Andy Weir, Brand Leader, Aberlour Single Malt Scotch.

Session II – Interactive Bars and Workstations // 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Participants will learn new skills and techniques from Four Roses Bourbon, Aberlour Single Malt Scotch, and Glen Moray Single Malt Scotch.

Whiskey Obsession Kickoff Dinner @ Sarasota Yacht Club (SYC), 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

The theme of the 2018 Kickoff Dinner is Whiskey , Time, and Time Zones presented by Nicholas Pollacchi, CEO of The Whisky Dog. Dinner features a special menu created by SYC Executive Chef Anthony Puccio paired with the evening’s premium whiskies: Macallan 15 Year Fine Oak, Glenrothes 2001 Vintage, Glenmorangie Nectar D’Or, Nikka Taketsura Pure Malt, and Highland Park 18 Year. Tickets are $125 per person. Open to the public; SYC membership not required.

Thursday, April 12, 2018

Exclusive Focus Lunch Master Class @ The Francis Private Dining Room, 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Lunch whiskey pairing with a Jenny Bartels of Breckenridge Bourbon, featuring a special menu from The Francis. Tickets $35 per person.

Panelist Small Group Dinner @ The Francis, 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The pre-panel dinner features an intimate meal with Raj Sabharwal of Glass Revolution Imports who will present a fantsatic range of world whiskies, including Amrut Single Malt, Amrut Fusion, Blackadder Chimera Blended Malt, and Blackadder Drop of Irish Single Malt 8 Year. Tickets are $125 per person, limited to 16 guests.

The Panel of Whiskey Experts Interactive Tasting & Discussion @ The Francis, 7:00 to 9:30 p.m.

Tickets are $75 and seating is limited to 120 guests. Panelists include:

Jenny Bartels, Partner, Breckenridge Bourbon

Rob Dietrich, Distiller, Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey

John Foster, Distiller, Smooth Ambler

Andy Hannah, Global Brand Development Manager, International Beverage

Bernie Lubbers, The Whiskey Professor, Heaven Hill

Nicholas Pollacchi, CEO, The Whisky Dog

Raj Sabharwal, Founding Partner, Glass Revolution Imports

Andy Weir, Brand Leader, Aberlour Single Malt Scotch

Brand Showcase at the historic Gator Club, 10:00 pm until late.

Bernie Lubbers, The Whiskey Professor from Heaven Hill Distillery, presents Bourbon through Bluegrass, featuring a range of whiskies accompanied by guitar and vocals. Doors open at 10:00 pm and capacity is limited to 35 guests. Cost is $10 per person, or free admission with the purchase of the Sarasota Whiskey Society’s new Elijah Craig Single Barrel bottling ($35).

Friday, April 13, 2018

Pre-show Premium Master Class, @ Michael’s Wine Cellar, 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

This exclusive tasting features whiskies from Aberlour Single Malt Scotch, presented by Ann Miller,

International Brand Ambassador, and Gemma Cole, U.S. Brand Ambassador. The pre-show master class will

be held in Michael’s Wine Cellar prior to the Grand Tasting. Limited to 30 guests. $60 per person.

Grand Tasting and Master Classes, Michael’s on East (See times below)

With hundreds of whiskies and cocktails available to sample, the Grand Tasting features dozens of the world’s premium global brands as well as emerging craft distillers. Taught by industry professionals, our six seminar-style master classes present an opportunity for in-depth learning at interactive tastings with distillers and brand ambassadors.

• 6:30 p.m. VIP Admission
• 7:30 p.m. General Admission
• 8:00 p.m. Class I, II, and III ($10 for VIP; $20 for GA guests)
• 9:15 p.m. Class IV, V, VI ($10 for VIP; $20 for GA guests)
• 10:30 p.m. Last Pour
• 10:30 p.m. After Party at Made Restaurant sponsored by Angel’s Envy (Free Event!)

Class I Byron Banks, Four Roses Bourbon

Class II   Raj Sabharwal, Glass Revolution Imports

Class III  Ben Potter, Glengoyne Single Malt Scotch

Class IV  Jenny Bartels, Breckenridge Bourbon

Class V Ian Forteath, Glencadam Single Malt Scotch

Class VI  Rolando Reyes, Covandonga Cigars and Andy Hannah, anCnoc and Old Pulteney

Three ticket levels are available:

VIP $195: SOLD OUT

General Admission $95:

• Limited to 500 guests includes one commemorative Glencairn glass; entrance at 7:30 pm
• Unlimited tasting of several hundred whiskies and cocktails.
• Access to evening master classes (first come first served).
• Wine, soft drinks, buffet and hors d’ oeuvres.

Companion $45:

• Limited to 75 guests includes entrance with VIP or general admission ticket holders.
• Wine, soft drinks, buffet and hors d’ oeuvres

Angel’s Envy After Party, 10:30 pm to 1:00 am @ M.A.D.E. Restaurant

Wrap up the evening with some music, food, and Angel’s Envy Bourbon at M.A.D.E. Restaurant. This event is always a hit with consumers and industry professionals. Free admission!

Saturday, April 14, 2018

Women of Whiskey Brunch @ Sarasota Yacht Club, 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

New event for 2018! We are thrilled to present the Women of Whiskey Brunch in partnership with Bourbon Women, featuring a panel of three prominent women making contributions to the whiskey industry. Two whiskies from each panelist will be paired with a special menu created by SYC Executive Chef Anthony Puccio. Selections include Aberlour A’bunadh and 18 Year, Old Pulteney Navigator and 25 Year, Lot 40, and Jp Wiser 18 Year Rye. Tickets are $35 per person. Open to the public; SYC membership not required.

Gina Fossitt, National Ambassador, Lot 40 Canadian Whisky

Ann Miller, International Brand Ambassador, Aberlour Single Malt Scotch

Steph Ridgway, Manager of Brand Education, Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch

Peggy Noe Stevens, Moderator, Founder of Bourbon Women

Jennifer Wells, Emcee, Sarasota Whiskey Society

Sips, Suds, and Smokes presents Beer, Bourbon, and Cigars @ The Gator Club, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Just added! Join Bob Howell, Maury Jayson, and Mike Woods from Sips, Suds and Smokes radio show for a multi-faceted pairing of selections from JDub’s Brewing and Tap Room, whiskies from Widow Jane, and FEW Spirits, and cigars from Maduro’s. This fun, casual event will be held in the lounge upstairs at The Gator Club and is limited to 35 guests. Cost is $25 and includes two cigars, beer, and whiskey samples. Tickets at the door.

Whiskey Rocks Live Music Street Party, @ Lemon and Main Downtown, 6:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

The Sarasota Downtown Merchants Association presents Whiskey Rocks in partnership with JDub’s Brewing Company and Tap Room, with headliner the All Rise Revival featuring Berry Oakley and the music of the Allman Brothers Band; Thomas Wynn and the Believers; Alex Di Leo; and Physical Plant. Free and open to all ages!

Tickets and information are available at whiskeyobsessionfestival.com.

For more information contact Turner C. Moore, 941.400.9889

Email: Turner@WhiskeyObsessionFestival.com

Website: www.whiskeyobsessionfestival.com

High res photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B49IZoKW9ykoOVZGSi03Rm4xX1U?usp=sharing

Video: https://youtu.be/5yeO5p3Vfl0

Whiskey Obsession Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhiskeyObsessionFestival

Saturday, April 21st  11AM – 6 PM

Scotch Tasting: 

Edradour & Signatory Vintage 

Treat yourself to a traditional single malt at our all-day scotch tasting! Traditional Scotch distillery Edradour and legendary independent bottlers Signatory Vintage will be featured, with new and rare releases presented by scotch experts throughout. Click the RSVP link for more information about both distilleries, plus pourlist as it’s revealed.

Click Here to RSVP

A day of global whisky celebration

World Whisky Day invites everyone to try a dram and celebrate the water of life. Events are taking place all over the globe. If you can’t find an event happening near you why not host your own World Whisky Day event? All you need is a bottle of whisky/whiskey to share with your friends.

Head over to www.worldwhiskyday.com where you can register as a user and then register your own event.

Saturday, April 7, 2:30 – 5:30 PM

Local Bourbon: Wright and Brown

Anyone curious about craft Bourbon is sure to enjoy this tasting!

Distilled in American-made copper whisky stills, each Wright and Brown release is truly handcrafted. First, the distillers seek out the most flavorful non-GMO grains, working with local organic farms to get the best ingredients. Every step of the whisky process is then done in-house, from milling the grain to mashing, fermenting, distilling, aging, and finally bottling. The result is a decadently flavorful small-batch whiskey, made right here in the Bay Area.

Click Here to RSVP

The Strath Ale, Wine & Spirit Merchants is doing a bit of spring cleaning and they’re putting select SMWS bottles on sale over the Easter weekend.

Shop in person or by phone from Friday, March 30th to Sunday, April 1st to take advantage of these great deals.  Please note no holds and your membership must be in good standing.

Browse the list of sale bottles and be sure to act fast on Easter weekend to secure your fave:

Cask No. 35.172  ALPACA FLEECE  $22 OFF

Was $217.90 Now $195.90

20 years old; 1st fill barrel; 52.9%; Light & delicate

We imagined a tiled floor in a vestibule with new Barbour jackets and waxed leather boots. We were invited in for toast with clover honey. A drop of water and it turned very delicate, almost fragile; candied angelica and alpaca fleece.

Cask No. 48.83  “…AND THE LIVING’S EASY”  $20 OFF

Was $184.90 Now $164.90

13 years old; 1st fill barrel; 56.1%; Light & delicate

A melon medley salad, poached pears in honey and French apple tart were followed on the palate by a pear Calvados liqueur served over refreshing sorbet ice cream. Water added a mango and lime smoothie and to finish, a Pineapple Fluff cocktail.

Cask No. 7.165  DANCE OF THE BUMBLEBEE    $20 OFF

Was $179.90 Now $159.90

13 years old; 1st fill barrel; 60.7%; Juicy, oak & vanilla

Rosewater, peach, mango, dried papaya and white chocolate with little pirouettes of hazelnuts, bakewell tarts and strawberry jam before revolving into marmalade, orange blossom honey, raw chocolate and sticky figs before spiced red apple chutney, salted caramel, candied fennel seeds and long lasting spice.

Cask No. 48.84  SEIZE THE MOMENT    $15 OFF

Was $154.90 Now $139.90

12 years old; 1st fill barrel; 57.7%; Juicy, oak & vanilla

A bouquet of flowers and a bottle of Gewürztraminer to start. After an espresso and crumpets with strawberry jam, enjoy a Mai Tai in a conservatory.

Cask No. 64.91  PORRIDGE OATS ON A TROPICAL BEACH   $15 OFF

Was $154.90 Now $139.90

10 years old; 1st fill barrel; 58.8%; Juicy, oak & vanilla

The sun was beating down on the upholstery as we sat down to honey nut cereal and porridge oats with lingonberry jam and banana. Honeydew melon was thrown in with pear drops, blackcurrant tea and malted milk as we admired the tropical scene of pineapple trees.

Cask No. 48.87  FRISKY WHISKY    $15 OFF

Was $154.90 Now $139.90

11 years old; 1st fill barrel; 58.4%; Sweet, fruity & mellow

The nose is fruity (mango, pineapple, tutti-frutti) and sweet (honey, chocolate, crème caramel, rice pudding) – all surrounded by a fuchsia hedge. The palate is lively, playful and frisky – citrus, dark chocolate, caramel wafer, ginger cake, nutmeg and chili; mouth-watering and tongue-numbing.

Cask No. 7.163  THE INDIAN SPICE TRAIN   $19 OFF

Was $171.90 Now $152.90

12 years old; 1st fill barrel; 60.7%; Spicy & sweet

Hot and spicy Bloody Marys, pickled ginger, lime and blood orange. Then blueberry muffin, nuts and pancake with lemon, chocolate and vanilla ice cream.

Cask No. 55.44  HONEY ON A STRADIVARIUS    $21 OFF

Was $198.90 Now $177.90

16 years old; 1st fill French oak hogshead; 57.1%; Spicy & sweet

The nose – imagine Baklava in cigar boxes, treacle tarts in spice cupboards, honey on a Stradivarius, weavers glugging Calvados. The palate – syrup, toffee and chocolate sweetness combined with coy, wood-derived spices (nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, clove). This was previously in ex-bourbon wood.

Cask No. 64.81  FLAMBE CREPE SUZETTE    $20 OFF

Was $179.90 Now $159.90

13 years old; 1st fill barrel; 62.5%; Spicy & sweet

A fragrant, heady, sultry summer’s day, and we enjoyed the moment with lavender honey ice cream and a caramel cinnamon latte. Diluted, we imagined a delicate ornament made out of spun sugar, and we finished with a spiced blood orange Champagne punch.

Cask No. 44.78  PEEK-A-BOO    $21 OFF

Was $194.90 Now $173.90

14 years old; virgin oak hogshead; 57.6%; Spicy & dry

Fruit notes of apple, pear and sultana loaf with peanuts and custard powder concealing an explosive palate of liquorice, raisons and burnt custard tart with coffee cake, maple syrup, parsnips and soot sweetly finishing with old leather and tobacco. Previously matured in an ex-bourbon hogshead.

Sale runs from Fri. March 30th – Sun. April 1st

The Strath Ale, Wine & Spirit Merchants

919 Douglas Street, Victoria  250-370-9463

Malt Messenger Bulletin – Spring 2018 Tasting Schedule

Dear Malt Messenger Subscribers,

Our Spring 2018 Tasting Schedule opens for registration today, and it is an exciting one. Our team has put together a fine range of whisky and other spirits tastings to see us through to the end of June. That is not to mention some great wine and beer tastings too! In addition to the usual fare, we have a couple of marque events, including the Ardbeg 1815 Grand Tasting, which will see us open the 200th Anniversary Ardbeg 1815 bottling ($8000), only 3 of which have come to Alberta. The event will be hosted by Brendan McCarron, head of maturing whisky stocks at Glenmorangie and Ardbeg. The event includes the 1815, a range of other Ardbegs and dinner.

We will also be holding the first incarnation of Ancient Malts at KWM in more than a year. This edition of Ancient Malts will feature 7 very old and rare single malts, including a pair of 1968s, a pair of Broras, the Convalmore 32 Year and more. The Ancient Malts tastings will be taking place over the course of two nights in June (your choice of June 15 or 21), one of which is the day after our Spring Single Malt Festival, June 14. We have planned this intentionally as both events tend to draw out of town visitors, and we want to make your trek worthwhile. Speaking for the Spring Single Malt Festival, you won’t want to drag your feet too long getting tickets for it, as it always sells out early.

Other notable events include the Compass Box Hedonism Muse Launch on Monday May 14, which will see the first tasting of Compass Box Hedonism Muse in Alberta. There will also be a very special Two Brewers Yukon Single Malt Vertical Tasting with founder Bob Baxter on Thursday May 24. And don’t forget to save the date for Ardbeg Day 2018 on Saturday June 2nd. More details on this very fun and groovy event will be announced soon.

The full listing of whisky and spirits tastings in the 2018 Spring Schedule are detailed below. You can  view the full Kensington Wine Market Spring Tasting Schedule and register for the tastings online.

To round out this Malt Messenger Bulletin, I thought I would highlight a couple of KWM Casks which are getting close to selling out. If you are a fan of our Old Malt Cask Bowmore 1996 KWM Cask, Duncan Taylor Octaves Bunnahabhain 2008 KWM Cask, Millstone 100 Rye KWM Cask or the Arran 1996 KWM Cask 964, and you want another bottle, time is running out… details on all of these whiskies can be found below.

I hope you enjoy this Malt Messenger Bulletin, and that it finds you well! If you have any comments, questions or requests don’t hesitate to send me an email.

Slàinte!

Andrew

In This Edition

1. Spring 2018 Tasting Schedule
2. Only 13 Bottles Left: Old Malt Cask Bowmore KWM Cask
3. Only 15 Bottles Left: Duncan Taylor Octaves Bunnahabhain KWM Cask
4. Only 20 Bottles Left: Millstone 100 Rye KWM Cask
5. Only 23 Bottles Left: Arran 1996 KWM Cask 964

Andrew Ferguson

Kensington Wine Market

PS – Don’t forget you can follow me on Twitter:

@scotch_guy, Instagram: @thescotch_guy/

or @kwmwhisky and Facebook: facebook.com/scotch.guy.1

KWM’s Spring 2018 Tasting Schedule 

One of our most exciting schedules ever

There is a lot to be excited about in our Spring Tasting Schedule. Spaces are limited, so if there is something you are interested in, don’t wait too long to register… As always you can register in-store, by phone at 403-283-8000 or online: kensingtonwinemarket.com

1. Classic Malts – Wednesday April 18 – Our introduction to the world of single malt Scotch whisky. Highlands, Lowlands, Speyside and Islay… all almost meaningless terms in the modern day! Don’t believe us? We’ll show and taste! – $35
2. NAS Whisky Wars – Wednesday April 25 – Nothing in recent years has stirred up as much controversy in the world of whisky as the re-emergence of NAS (no age statement) Whisky… but is it all bad? We’ll present the facts, and you’ll have to take a side! – $40
3. Going with the Grain: Very Old Edition – Tuesday May 8 – When they are good, they can be stunning. Scotch Whisky’s least understood and appreciated incarnation is also one of its best value propositions. Especially when it comes to very old ones! – $75
4. Compass Box Muse Launch – Monday May 14 – Andrew and Compass Box’s Canadian Brand Ambassador James Bornn will mark the launch of “Compass Box Hedonism The Muse” with a special Master Class highlighting Compass Box blended grains! – $30
5. KWM’s 26th Birthday Mini-Whisky Festival – Thursday May 17 – Consider this the “Sneak a Peek” for the whisky deals during our birthday sale weekend. Includes a Glencairn glass and the opportunity to sample from a range of more than 80 different whiskies! – $50
6. Two Brewers Single Malt Release Vertical with Bob Baxter – Thursday May 24 – We will sample our way through the Two Brewers Releases 04-09, and another treat, with co-founder/owner Bob Baxter. He’ll highlight the broad range of single malt whisky styles coming from this award winning Yukon distillery! – $25
7. Ardbeg 1815 Grand Tasting with Brendan McCarron – Tuesday June 29 – Special guest Brendan McCarron, head of maturing whisky stocks at Glenmorangie and Ardbeg will take you on a very special tasting including the extremely rare 200th Anniversary bottling, Ardbeg 1815 ($8000.00). You’ll also indulge in dinner and a range of other Ardbeg whiskies. – $200
8. !!!!SAVE THE DATE!!! Ardbeg Day – Saturday June 2 – Ardbeg Day 2018 will be a celebration of Peat & Love all over the world. More details to follow. So SAVE THE DATE for a Groovy Day of fun, whisky and flower power! – Location & $TBA
9. Spring Single Malt Festival – Thursday June 14 – Our annual spring festival of all things malt whisky will feature at least 100 single malts from Scotland and around the world. It sells out quickly, so don’t hesitate. 25th Anniversary tasting glass included. – $65
10. Ancient Malts – !!!Choice of Two Nights!!!: Friday June 15 or Thursday June 21 – It’s been over a year since we’ve put on an Ancient Malts tasting, and frankly, we’re overdue! We have some very special bottles selected for this one, including a pair of Broras, two 1968 vintage single malts and three other treats. Includes a special cut crystal Glencairn glass! – $250
11. The Spirit of Canada – Wednesday June 27 – Canadian whisky has caught the world’s attention in the last few years, just as a surge of craft Canadian whiskies are about to hit the market. We’ll feature some of the best new releases! – $35

Register in-store, by phone at 403-283-8000 or online: kensingtonwinemarket.com

Only 13 Bottles Left – Old Malt Cask 1996 Bowmore KWM Cask 

A Whisky That Took us Over 10 Years to Find…

This was one of the most exciting whisky launches we’ve had in recent years. Firstly, because I had been wanting to bottle a single cask of Bowmore for more than a decade. Secondly, because by pure serendipitous coincidence, Jim McEwan, who had been distillery manager at Bowmore when this whisky was distiller, just happened to be in Calgary the day the first bottles arrived in store. He was kind enough to pop in and sign the first 90 bottles, which sold out in mere hours.

Our first KWM Single Cask Bowmore is from Old Malt Cask and bottled after 21 years at 50%. Normally we prefer all of our casks to be bottled at cask strength, which would have been around 53% for this whisky. But to bottle it at cask strength, in the “First Editions” packaging, would have added nearly $75 to the price. So we were willing to compromise. Bottled at 21 years old from a Refill Hogshead, distilled March 1996 and Bottled June 2017.

Old Malt Cask Bowmore 1996 KWM Cask – 50% – Refill Hogshead – 21 Year – My Tasting Note: “Nose: creamy, floral and sweet; a touch of Parma Violets (sweet lavender candies) clotted cream, Crème Brule and salted caramel ice-cream; light-savoury-smoke, lemon and pear drops, vanilla bean Jelly Bellies and wine gums. Palate: creamy, buttery, oily and fruity; silky layers of honey and vanilla are rolled out with lots of soft fruits: guava, Midori melon, green banana and lots of citrus; more wine gums; the smoke is delicate, floral and decadent, with more lavender and peppermint; the clotted cream caries through on a dry Brittish scone; more ice-cream too: a double scoop of salted caramel and Earl Grey tea. Finish: long, silky and creamy with layers of fruit, floral tones, elegant smoke and gentle toasted oak. Comment: this was worth the wait; a beautiful malt; my kind of Bowmore! Comment: this whisky was worth the wait, when we cracked the sample from Hunter Laing, we knew we had a winner. – $200

Only 15 Bottles Left – Duncan Taylor Octaves Bunnahabhain 2008 KWM Cask 

Young, but with a Profile Mature Well Beyond It’s Years…

It seems like it only just got here, but sadly it is nearly gone. Our most limited KWM exclusive single cask in a while, just 66 bottles were produced and just 15 remain. Matured 9 years in oak casks and finished for 4 months in a bespoke Duncan Taylor Sherry Octave. Bottled at 52.6%.

 Duncan Taylor Octaves Bunnahabhain 2008 KWM Cask – 52.6% – 9 Year – Finished 4 Months in a Sherry Octave – My Tasting Note: “Nose: jujubes and a leather barber’s strap; old-fashioned shaving soap in a polished wooden bowl; a touch of chocolate, raisins and figs dipped in honey. Palate: big, heavy and malty with bold sherry notes over a base of honey-vanilla; a thick chocolate base with orange, raisins figs and decadent spices; more polished wood and old-fashioned shaving soap; still leathery, musty and oaky, soft nutty tones and more jujubes; spices transition into candied fennel and a touch of clove. Finish: long, drying and bold; the palate is coating and leathery with more chocolate, citrus, dried dark fruits and spices. Comment: if this was an SMWS malt, I would call it “Eating chocolate & jujubes in a barber’s chair.” – $100

Only 20 Bottles Left – Millstone 100 Rye KWM Cask 

Our First Single Cask of 100% Rye…

This is our first single cask of Millstone whisky, and it will not be our last! It is also our first exclusive single cask of 100% rye whisky, and our first ever exclusive cask of whisky from the Netherlands. This 100% whisky is distilled in pot stills from a mash of 50% malted and 50% unmalted rye grain milled in Dutch windmills. The only way it could be more Dutch is if the distillers were wearing clogs. It was matured in a single virgin American oak cask, bottled at 53.2%. Only 144 bottles were produced, and just 20 remain!

Millstone 100 Rye KWM Cask – 53.2% – Matured in Virgin American Oak – Andrew’s Tasting Note: “Nose: sweet, creamy and honeyed with fresh Jujubes and dill pickle juice; some orange sherbet and vanilla icing sugars; toasted oak and firm spices; doughy and fresh with a hint of liquorice. Palate: big, round and earthy; perfumed and oily; more liquorice and assorted fresh Jujubes; tangy citrus meets spicy-oily rye tones; juicy and toasty with Demerara sugars.

Finish: big, rich, bold and lasting; fruits, liquorice and spices linger through a long creamy finish. Comment: the virgin oak has leant this whisky and maturity and richness beyond its years, also a silky backbone which tames the bold 100 rye spirit.” – $88

Only 23 Bottles Left – Arran 1996 KWM Cask 964 

My Favourite of the Two 20 Year Old KWM Arran Casks…

Although this is a Sherry Hogshead matured whisky, we believe it to be an American oak hoggie based on its colour and profile. One of two single cask, cask strength, 20 year old Arrans, bottled exclusively for KWM in 2017. It is my favourite of the two and a classic elegant old single malt. The whiskies are the oldest Arrans yet to come to Canada…, until our 21 year olds arrive this Spring. Bottled at a cask strength of 52.5% after maturing in a sherry hogshead filled on 12/08/1996 and bottled 05/04/2017.

Arran 1996 KWM Cask 964 – 52.5% – Sherry Hogshead – 20 Year – Andrew’s Tasting Note

Nose: bright, floral and citrussy; lemon slices, peeled orange and tangerines; cinnamon spiced honey butter and soft leather leads to apricots and dried dark fruits; all along there is a creamy base with bright floral top notes. Palate: very honeyed: liquid, honey butter and honey sticks; more orange and tangerines, big juicy citrus tones and a base of creamy, floral vanilla bean (American oak?); chewy with sweet waxy Starburst fruit candies and a touch of darker dried fruits; more dried apricot and soft silky leather; some gentle earthy tones and soft leather hinting at sherry seasoning and dunnage warehouse maturation. Finish: long, sweet, coating and citrussy with more bright floral tones and all kinds of honey. Comment: despite its age which has given it a silky backbone, this malt is still bright, fresh and layered; it is to borrow a phrase, eminently quaffable; perhaps dangerously so!” – $150

Thank You for Reading the Malt Messenger! 

Contact & Disclaimers 

If you have any whisky questions or comments concerning The Malt Messenger please contact me by e-mail, phone, or drop by the store.

All of the products mentioned in THE MALT MESSENGER can be purchased in store, over the phone or from our website at www.kensingtonwinemarket.com. All prices quoted in the Malt Messenger are subject to change and don’t include GST. In the case of discrepancies in pricing, the price in our in-store point of sale will be taken as correct.

Thanks for reading the Malt Messenger.

Slainte!

Andrew Ferguson

Owner & Scotchguy

Kensington Wine Market

403-283-8000

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

www.kensingtonwinemarket.com

Kensington Wine Market

403-283-8000

Friday, April 6, 5 – 7 PM

Scotch Tasting: Benromach

Join us for an evening of traditional Speyside single malt! Founded in 1898, Benromach is the smallest distillery in Speyside – only three distillers passionately handcraft every release.The result is a dram reminiscent of ancient Speyside – beautifully balanced, with a light touch of smoke.

This in-store tasting features new and rare scotches by Benromach distillery, presented by whisky experts.

Click Here to RSVP