Malt Messenger Bulletin – New Glenmorangie, Whisky Festivals, Birthday Sale, Ardbeg Day & More!

We are in the midst of a busy and exciting week at Kensington Wine Market. Last night we hosted a launch tasting for the lovely new Compass Box Hedonism: The Muse. It is a beautiful dram, composed of whiskies 23-43 years of age. More details on the whisky and my tasting note below! What a great way to kick off the week!

This coming weekend is our 26th Birthday Sale. There will be amazing deals in-store and online. All in-stock wine will be 15% off, all in-stock whisky (with a few exceptions, details below) will be 10-30% off, all in-stock beer will be at least 5% off and there will also be deals on rum, gin and other spirits. To kick off the sale weekend we are hosting a whisky festival on Thursday night. The 26th Birthday Mini-Whisky Festival will not be so mini, it will feature 80+ single malts, including many of the sale weekends best deals. More details on the sale and whisky festival can be found below.

We also have details to share on Ardbeg Day 2018, a festival of Peat & Love! Ardbegians from all over Southern Alberta will gather at Central Memorial Park on Saturday June 2 to mark the release of the 2018 Ardbeg Day bottling, Ardbeg Grooves. There will be a Master Class hosted by yours truly, followed by a festival event at Provision. More details below.

Ardbeg’s sister distillery, Glenmorangie, has just launched the 9th Private Edition bottling. The Glenmorangie Spios arrived in-store at Kesington Wine Market last week. I’ve written up my own tasting note on the first Glenmorangie matured entirely in ex-Rye Whiskey barrels. You can find it and further details below!

I also have details on three new Gordon MacPhail Cask Strength bottlings. These will likely be the last we see before the roll out of Gordon Macphail’s new ranges. Two of them are matured in Ex-Sherry, including a 1998 20 Year old Ardmore, which is exclusive to KWM.

I hope you enjoy this Malt Messenger Bulletin. Stay tuned for the Malt Messenger Bulletin with the Sale details on Friday!

Sincerely

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

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Thursday’s Not-So-Mini 26th Birthday Whisky Festival

We Will Have 80+ Whiskies Open for Sampling, 10-35% Off!

You won’t want to miss the 26th Birthday Mini Whisky Festival on Thursday. The event will feature over 80 whiskies, and because it is the night before our biggest sale of the year, there are going to be some amazing deals. All in-stock whiskies* will be discounted 10-30% during our 26th Birthday Sale Weekend, and many of these will be open for tasting on Thursday night. Peasant Cheese is doing the food, and registration includes a Glencairn Glass. You won’t want to miss this event, only $50!

Register in-store, by phone 403-283-8000, or online! 

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SAVE THE DATE: 26th Birthday Sale 

Friday May 18 through Sunday May 20, 2018 – In-store & Online

Our biggest sale of the year is nearly upon us. All in-stock whiskies, with a few exceptions*, will be discounted between 10 and 35%. A special Malt Messenger Bulletin will come out on Friday morning highlighting the deals. Until then, save the date, and your pennies!

* Excludes Scotch Malt Whisky Society Whiskies, Membership Kits and a dozen other selected whiskies!

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My Tasting Note: Compass Box Hedonism The Muse 

That and a few other details!

We launched the new Compass Box Hedonism The Muse, at a special tasting last night. The whisky was very well received, and is lovely limited edition release. Less than 150 bottles are coming to Alberta. KWM is getting about a third of that, and nearly half of our allocation has already sold. Here are some further details on the whisky, including the age of the components, and my tasting note.

The latest limited release from Compass Box is Hedonism Muse, a Blended Grain Scotch Whisky built around an “exceptional” mysterious old grain whisky. The whisky has been bottled at 53.3% with a label designed by Compass Box as a tribute to the roll women play in the industry, especially at Compass Box. Just a dribble over 3,000 bottles were produced with only a tiny fraction of this coming to Canada. KWM is getting 48 bottles, half of which as pre-sold!

Compass Box Hedonism: The Muse – 53.3% – My Tasting Note: “Nose: very honeyed, floral and decadent; silky, toasty and fruity; candy apple, poached pear and lemon drops; premium white chocolate, dried apricot and ripe figs. Palate: big, silky, honeyed and sweet; decadent toasty oak, molten white chocolate, vanilla bean ice cream and Manuka honey; warm with decadent spice, more white fruits, apricot and figs. Finish: sweet, silky, honeyed and drying; elegant toasted oak, bright white fruits and fading decadent spice. Comment: very pretty (no surprise there), decadent and layered; dangerously drinkable.” – $375

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Introducing the Glenmorangie Private Edition No. 9 Spios 

The 1st Glenmorangie Matured Entirely in Ex-Rye Whiskey Barrels

The 9th annual release in Glenmorangie’s Private Edition series is the Spios, Scots Gaelic for ‘spice’. It is the first Glenmorangie to be matured entirely in casks that once contained American rye whiskey. It was bottled at 46%. I have included my tasting note and that of the distillery below!

Glenmorangie Spios – 46% – Matured in Ex-Rye Whiskey Barrels – Andrew’ Tasting Note:  “Nose: creamy and spicy, stone fruits, clotted cream and Old English Butterscotch; thick and oily with juicy malt, cool mint and lemon oil wood polish. Palate: juicy, fruity and very malty with a minty-herbal backbone; more clotted cream and Old English Butterscotch; dried apricots and peaches in cream with building-oily-spicy rye tones; German rye bread, clove and fennel; a sweet maple syrup on buckwheat pancakes note; assorted Jujubes. Finish: medium, and light given the weight of the palate and spicy with fading spices and sugars. Comment: there are lots of layers to this malt, which has picked up distinct oily-spicy rye tones from the casks; fruity and balanced, the finish is short-ish, but the palate is very drinkable!” – $122

Distiller’s Tasting Note

Aroma: Fresh and herbal, with hints of cherry, clove, mint toffee and scents of green grass. With water, more perfumed notes emerge, crisp and clean, alongside an inviting herbal complexity.

Taste: Rye’s spice bursts forth on the palate, bringing tastes of toffee, clove, cinnamon and nutmeg, alongside buttery vanilla.

Finish: Rich, sweet and lingering with more toffee, Brazil nut and a suggestion of citrus.

Distiller’s Description

“The ninth annual release in our acclaimed Private Edition series, Glenmorangie Spìos is the first Glenmorangie ever to be fully matured in American ex-rye whiskey casks. Full-bodied and savoury, its innovative character was inspired by the bygone elegance of America’s golden whiskey era, when American rye whiskey was fêted in the country’s most prestigious saloons. Glenmorangie Spìos (Scots Gaelic for ‘spice’ and pronounced ‘spee-oss’) recalls the spirit’s elegant past, inviting rye’s rare notes of cinnamon and clove to shine through in the Highland Distillery’s uniquely smooth spirit, for a single malt whisky of sophistication and subtle spice.”

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Three New Gordon Macphail Cask Strength Bottlings 

Including a KWM Exclusive Ardmore

We have three new Gordon Macphail Cask Strength release due in-store tomorrow including an exclusive 1998, probably 20 year old, Ardmore. Two of them matured in Ex-Sherry casks.

1. Cask Strength Ardmore 1998 – 53.5% – Refill Sherry Hogshead – Bottled 2018 – Producer’s Tasting Note: “Aroma Rich fruitcake aromas mingle with charred oak and hints of smoke. Cherry conserve, dark chocolate, and toffee notes all combine with a touch of citrus. Taste Sweet and creamy initally with chocolate, cinnamon, and blackberry flavours develop alongside cracked pepper. Aroma with Water Sweet vanilla aromas lead to ripe figs and spices. A candied citrus peel undertone mingles with hints of chocolate and smoke. Taste with Water Baked fruits followed by cinnamon and clove. Seville orange and dark chocolate flavours give way to charred oak. Body Medium. Finish Long and spicy with lingering charred oak.” – $225
2. Cask Strength Miltonduff 1997 – 58.8% – First Fill Sherry Butt – Producer’s Tasting Note: “Aroma Vibrant festive spices mingle with toasted oak and cocoa powder. Hints of grapefruit develop and lead to delicate chamomile floral notes. Taste Intense spice initially followed by toasted oak, chocolate, and orange marmalade flavours. Underlying liquorice comes to the fore on the finish. Aroma with Water Rich vanilla and fruitcake aromas lead to dried cherry and stewed raisin notes. Underlying spices accompany milk chocolate and toasted oak. Taste with Water Creamy and sweet followed by chilli chocolate flavours. Cinnamon and clove mingle with fresh citrus peel and muted liquorice. A subtle menthol edge. Body Medium. Finish Long and creamy with lingering spice.” – $220
3. Cask Strength Mortlach 1999 – 57.2% – 18 Year – Bottled 2018 – First Fill Bourbon – More details to come! – $195

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

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Ardbeg Day 2018 – Peat & Love 

The Annual Festival of All Things Ardbeg is Open for Registration

The Ardbeg Day theme this year is “Peat & Love”, marking the release of Ardbeg Grooves. There will be a Master Class hosted by yours truly, followed by a 60s themed party including a live band. More details on the event can be found here!

Register for the Ardbeg Day Master Class – Saturday June 2 – 11:30-12:30 – $20

“An Ardbeg Master Class hosted by Andrew Ferguson of Kensington Wine Market, featuring this year’s Ardbeg Limited Release, the Ardbeg Grooves, along with select Ardbeg expressions.”

Register for the Ardbeg Day Main Event – Saturday June 2 – 13:00-15:30 – $20

“Come and be transported back to the 60’s era, expressed in a uniquely Ardbeggian way…with Peat and Love!! Tickets include one Ardbeg cocktail, a sampling of this year’s Limited Release, the Ardbeg Grooves and 60’s themed snacks provided by Provision at Central Memorial Park.”

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KWM’s Spring 2018 Tasting Schedule 

With 6 Weeks Left in the Schedule, There Are More Than a Few Great Events Still to Come…

There 5 Spring Whisky Tastings Remaining Before Summer!

1. 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
2. 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
3. Ardbeg Day 2018 Peat & Love – Saturday June 2 – Ardbeg Day 2018 will be a celebration of Peat & Love all over the world. See the section above for more details. – $20 Master Class – $20 Main Event
4. Ancient Malts – !!!Choice of Two Nights!!!: Friday June 15 (3 Spots) or Thursday June 21 (SOLD OUT) – 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
5. 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

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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

Kensington Wine Market

403-283-8000

Friday May 25th, 5-7PM 

Whiskey Tasting:  Westland 

Malted barley is the most complex and flavorful grain used to make whiskey. For centuries, single malt whiskies have been considered solely the domain of Scotland. But a new category of single malt is taking root, made in the heart of the Pacific Northwest.

Made from natural and local ingredients, each Westland expression honors the traditions of distilling and adds something new and distinctly American. Every whiskey is underscored by Westland Distillery’s signature house style – a sweetness and ease on the palate accompanied by a fruity and complex but ultimately grain-focused finish worthy of distinction among single malt whiskey.

Whiskey Ambassador Trent Simpson will present a variety of Westland’s award-winning releases. Pourlist to be announced as event approaches – RSVP to be notified.

Click Here for More Details and RSVP

Single Malt Scotch Tasting

Highland Park & Macallan

With Sammy Karachi

Thursday, May 24th

4:30 PM OR 6:00 PM

In a couple weeks we will have Sammy Karachi join us in the store to share with us some of his vast knowledge of the Scotch industry and pour for us a sampling of malts from Macallan and Highland Park. This will be a very nice tasting and we will try some excellent whiskies. We are still working on the final list of bottles to be tasted and will, of course, follow up with another email. Mark your calendar, pick a time that works best for you and invite a friend or a co-worker. It should be a memorable evening!

Joe Howell

Federal Wine & Spirits | 29 State Street, Boston, MA 02109

The Victoria Highland Games Association is once again pleased to present “The Whisky Tasting School” on May 19th, 20th, & 21st 2018 at the 155th Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival at Topaz Park.

All sessions will feature single malt whiskies presented by ambassadors representing a variety of Scotch & American whiskies.

The registration fee is $35 (Monday Food and Whisky pairing sessions $45) and includes a one-day field entry (value $15). Whisky School guests are also able to purchase an engraved Victoria Highland Games Glencairn whisky nosing glass for $15 (one per guest per class).

Guests must be aged 19 years or older to attend!

Each session has limited seating; in previous years all sessions have sold out prior to the Games so don’t be late in registering!

Details of the 9 sessions are as follows:

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(WS1)
Saturday May 19th 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Whisky and Chocolate I
Price $35 – 45 attendees. SOLD OUT
with Adam Bradshaw and David Mincey

Sample a range of excellent Ardbeg whiskies paired with outstanding bean to bar chocolate ethically sourced from around the world. Hosted by Adam Bradshaw of The Strath, and David Mincey of the Chocolate Project.

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(WS2)
Saturday May 19th 1:45 – 2:45 PM
Brands of Fountana
Price $35 – 45 attendees. Buy Now!
with Adam Bradshaw

Only the best whiskies get out of the cask, regardless how old they might be. Come and try single malts from some of best independent bottlers of Scotland.

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(WS3)
Saturday May 19th 3:30 – 4:30 PM
The Douglas Laing Scottish Regional Malt Collection I
Price $35 – 45 attendees. Buy Now!
with Stacy Kyle of Rare Drams

Do you drink only single malts? Are you ready for a fantastic new whisky journey? Get ready to enjoy! Many blended scotches are just as delicious and take even more artistry to make. Judge a whisky on the liquid in your glass, not by the title on the label. And whatever your preference, bow down to the mastery of blenders behind them.

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(WS4)
Sunday May 20th 12:00 – 1:00 PM
The Douglas Laing Scottish Regional Malt Collection II
Price $35 – 45 attendees. Buy Now!
with Stacy Kyle of Rare Drams

Do you drink only single malts? Are you ready for a fantastic new whisky journey? Get ready to enjoy! Many blended scotches are just as delicious and take even more artistry to make. Judge a whisky on the liquid in your glass, not by the title on the label. And whatever your preference, bow down to the mastery of blenders behind them.

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(WS5)
Sunday May 20th 1:45 – 2:45 PM

NIKKA Japanese Whisky
Price $35 – 45 attendees. Buy Now!
with Rick Sousa

Enjoy world renowned whiskies from the Nikka Whisky Distilling Co. while Rick Sousa informs you of the history of whisky in Japan and the story of Nikka’s founder, Masataka Taketsuru, whose travel to Scotland and back shaped the history of whisky production in Japan.

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(WS6)
Sunday May 20th 3:30 – 4:30 PM
STR, the Legacy cask
Price $35 – 45 attendees. Buy Now!
with Andrew Campbell Walls & Macaloney Distillers

In a career that spanned 40 years, ‘the Einstein of whisky’ Dr. Jim Swan revolutionized the industry. With a beer to start, this class discusses 4 brand-new-released malts matured in his proprietary bespoke STR casks and a 5th from the last distillery he ever worked with.

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(WS7)
Monday May 21st 11:30 – 12:45 PM (NEW TIME!)
Whisky and Local Food Pairing
Price: $45.00 – 45 attendees. SOLD OUT
with Bill Jones

Join Deerholme Farm owner, Cookbook Author and Celebrity Chef, Bill Jones and Kensington Wine Market owner Andrew Ferguson, as they guide you through a sensory journey pairing single malt whiskies with delectable local food choices. Bill will lead you through a variety of local food choices paired with outstanding whiskies from the Beam Suntory portfolio including Highland Park and Macallan. For more information on Bill, visit www.deerholme.com.

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(WS8)
Monday May 21st 1:30PM – 2:45 PM (NEW TIME!)
Whisky and Local Charcuterie Pairing
Price: $45.00 – 45 attendees. SOLD OUT
with Corey Pelan.

Join the Whole Beast Owner Corey Pelan and Kensington Wine Market owner Andrew Ferguson as they lead you through a selection of local made charcuterie paired with outstanding single malt whiskies from the Beam Suntory portfolio, including Auchentoshan and Bowmore. For more information on Corey and The Whole Beast, visit www.thewholebeast.ca.

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(WS9)
Monday May 21st 3:30PM – 4:30 PM (NEW TIME!)
Whisky and Chocolate II
Price $35 – 45 attendees. Buy Now!
with Adam Bradshaw and David Mincey</>

Sample a range of excellent Ardbeg whiskies paired with outstanding bean to bar chocolate ethically sourced from around the world. Hosted by Adam Bradshaw of The Strath, and David Mincey of the Chocolate Project.

Friday, June 15, 2:30 – 5:30 PM

Single Malt Tasting:

 Glen Grant with Robin Coupar 

Join us for a tasting of Glen Grant single malt scotch, presented by global brand ambassador and whisky expert Robin Coupar!  Established in 1840, this centuries-old Speyside malt remains one of the biggest selling single malts in the world. Whisky ambassador Robin Coupar will present a guided tasting of Glen Grant’s new and rare releases, providing insider knowledge of what goes into making these incredible drams and the stories behind them. Pourlist to be revealed as event approaches- RSVP to keep up-to-date.

Click Here to RSVP

Saturday, June 2, 2:30 – 5:30PM 

Bourbon Tasting: Balcones 

From humble beginnings an old welding shop under a bridge in Waco, Texas, Balcones distillery is now recognized worldwide for their bold and intense flavors. From blue corn grown in New Mexico to the first Texas-grown malted barley, they’ve taken pains to create a truly Texas spirit – which is then distilled in magnificent copper pot whisky stills designed by Forsyths of Scotland. The result is a decadent and densely flavorful whiskey.

Click Here to RSVP

BENRIACH, GLENDRONACH AND GLENGLASSAUGH WHISKY TASTING – THURSDAY 7TH JUNE

Matt Chambers will be coming along to present our next whisky tasting on Thursday 7th June and as a special treat the tasting will feature not one, not two but three distilleries!  Matt is the UK Brand Ambassador for Benriach (from Speyside), Glendronach and Glenglassaugh (both from the Highlands) – each of which have a distinctly different style and were acquired by Brown-Forman in 2016 when they bought the group from Billy Walker and his partners.

The main focus of the tasting will be whisky from Glenglassaugh distillery but there will also be guest appearances of a luscious, sherried Glendronach and an aged Benriach that is the first Benriach to have been developed by talented Master Blender Rachel Barrie, who was brought in by Brown-Forman in 2017 to further develop the profile of the three distilleries.  The Glenglassaugh whiskies will include the fruity and smooth Evolution, a peated expression and some limited editions that have been garnering great reviews recently so, all in all, this promises to be a tasty and interesting line up.

Tickets are £15 per person and will be available to buy online from 1.30pm on Tuesday 8th May.  Please note, no bookings will be taken before this time and because of the high demand for these tickets the maximum number per booking is 4.

N.B. These events get booked out very quickly so make sure you go online to book yours as soon as they are released.  If you do miss out then please contact us to register your interest and we will add you to the reserves list for any returned tickets.

See below for all the details and if you have any queries just contact us.

Sláinte!
Fran and Ken
Arkwrights Whisky and Wines
www.whiskyandwines.com

Saturday, May 12th  12-3PM 

Scotch Tasting:

Ledaig, Bunnahabhain, & Tobermory 

Treat yourself to a traditional scotch tasting! We’ll be showcasing a variety of Scotland’s whisky regions with three very different distilleries – Ledaig, Bunnahabhain, and Tobermory. Distillery representatives and whisky experts will present for questions throughout. If you’ve ever wanted to know more about the home of whisky, this is the tasting for you.

Click Here to RSVP

Fèis Ìle 2018 – Boutique-y Tall Ship Quayside Tasting

This is a very special evening of tasting and fun with ‘Captain’ Dave Worthington and The Whisky Lounge team… Aside from an exclusive tasting, your surroundings will be very conducive too, among the sails and boons aboard the Tall Ship Irene! We welcome to the Irene, and to Islay for the first time, Mr. Dave Worthington, legendary ex-blogger of Whisky Discovery fame and now ploughing his furrow as erstwhile UK Brand Ambassador for That Boutique-y Whisky Company! Dave has assured us he is putting together a tasting par excellence, a tour de force – or just some damn fine drams to you and me!

Currently the whiskies you will be tasting are…

A Bowmore 15 Year Old

A Bunnahabhain 35 Year Old

A Caol Ila 6 Year Old

The Williamson 6 Year Old

An Octomore 6 Year Old

The Islay #2 25 Year Old

This is not only a great chance to try some fantastic whiskies, but also an un-missable opportunity to drill down into the inner workings of independent bottlers and find out what really makes this historic part of the whisky industry tick. We’ll be boarding the Irene at Port Ellen Pier at 7pm sharp. You won’t need your sea legs for this one as we will be safely moored at the Port Ellen Ferry pier but you may want waterproofs (if it rains) and grippy shoes for the deck!

Fèis Ìle 2018 – Boutique-y Tall Ship Quayside Tasting

Mon, 28 May 2018 19:00 – 21:00 BST

 

Fèis Ìle 2018 – Elements Tall Ship Sailing & Tasting

What’s that you say? You can’t drink cask strength whisky at 9am? Well we’re on Islay time people and during the Fèis Ìle, settling into a tasting of cask strength treasures in the morning is very much the norm – we wouldn’t have it any other way. However, this is slightly different in that the added incentive is that you will actually get to sail on the Tall Ship Irene! This is an incredile opportunity to sail the high seas (well around the south of Islay) whilst tasting some incredible whiskies. We haven’t been able to do this for a couple of years but we have secured just two sailings for this year, but for only 9 people so don’t hang about! The tasting itself will be of the latest and yet to be released whiskies from the Elements of Islay, Port Askaig and Single Malts of Scotland range, with the very man who puts them together, Mr Oliver Chilton – Whisky Creator for Speciality Drinks.

Currently, this is what you’ll be tasting.

Port Askaig 8 Year Old
Port Askaig 14 Year Old
Elements of Islay Lg8
Elements of Islay Ar10
Single Malts of Scotland Bowmore 1994 / 22 Year Old
Single Malts of Scotland Laphroaig 1998 / 17 Year Old

This is not only a great chance to try some fantastic pre-releases but also an un-missable opportunity to drill down into the inner workings of independent bottlers and find out what really makes this historic part of the whisky industry tick. We’ll be boarding the Irene at Port Ellen Pier at 9am sharp. Bring your sea legs, waterproofs and anything else you think you’ll need for this voyage. Life jackets will be provided!

Fèis Ìle 2018 – Elements Tall Ship Sailing & Tasting
Tue, 29 May 2018 09:00 – 12:00 BST

Fèis Ìle 2018 – Eddie Tall Ship Sailing & Tasting

A very special one-off event this year… Eddie Ludlow considers himself a friend of Islay. He has been coming to the island for many years and championing its cause and whiskies for many more. For this special event, Eddie has agreed to bring some of his personal stash and if you know him, this is a BIG deal! So prepare yourself for a chilled out tasting of epic proportions… In addition, this experience will be made that much more special by the fact that you will actually get to sail on the Tall Ship Irene! This is an incredile opportunity to sail the high seas (well around the south of Islay) whilst tasting some incredible whiskies. We haven’t been able to do this for a couple of years but we have secured just two sailings for this year, but for only 9 people so don’t hang about!
We’ll be boarding the Irene at Port Ellen Pier at 2pm sharp. Bring your sea legs, waterproofs and anything else you think you’ll need for this voyage. Life jackets will be provided!

Fèis Ìle 2018 – Eddie Tall Ship Sailing & Tasting
Tue, 29 May 2018 14:00 – 17:00 BST

Fèis Ìle 2018 – Elements Tall Ship Tasting

What’s that you say? You can’t drink cask strength whisky at 10am? Well we’re on Islay time people and during the Fèis Ìle 2018, settling into a tasting of cask strength treasures in the morning is very much the norm – we wouldn’t have it any other way. Aside from a very special tasting, your surroundings will be very conducive too, among the sails and boons aboard the Tall Ship Irene! The tasting itself will be of the latest and yet to be released whiskies from the Elements of Islay, Port Askaig and Single Malts of Scotland range, with the very man who puts them together, Mr Oliver Chilton– Whisky Creator for Speciality Drinks.

Currently, this is what you’ll be tasting.

Port Askaig 8 Year Old
Port Askaig 14 Year Old
Elements of Islay Lg8
Elements of Islay Ar10
Single Malts of Scotland Bowmore 1994 / 22 Year Old
Single Malts of Scotland Laphroaig 1998 / 17 Year Old

This is not only a great chance to try some fantastic pre-releases but also an un-misssbale opportunity to drill down into the inner workings of independent bottlers and find out what really makes this historic part of the whisky industry tick. We’ll be boarding the Irene at Port Ellen Pier at 10am sharp. You won’t need your sea legs for this one as we will be safely moored at the Port Ellen Ferry pier but you may want waterproofs (if it rains) and grippy shoes for the deck! Fèis Ìle 2018 – Elements Tall Ship Tasting

Date: Wed May 30 2018
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Fèis Ìle 2018 – Elements Tall Ship Tasting

Fèis Ìle 2018 – Boutique-y Tall Ship Quayside Tasting

This is a very special afternoon of tasting and fun with ‘Captain’ Dave Worthington and The Whisky Lounge team… Aside from an exclusive tasting, your surroundings will be very conducive too, among the sails and boons aboard the Tall Ship Irene! We welcome to the Irene, and to Islay for the first time, Mr. Dave Worthington, legendary ex-blogger of Whisky Discovery fame and now ploughing his furrow as erstwhile UK Brand Ambassador for That Boutique-y Whisky Company! Dave has assured us he is putting together a tasting par excellence, a tour de force – or just some damn fine drams to you and me!

Currently the whiskies you will be tasting are…

A Bowmore 15 Year Old
A Bunnahabhain 35 Year Old
A Caol Ila 6 Year Old
The Williamson 6 Year Old
An Octomore 6 Year Old
The Islay #2 25 Year Old

This is not only a great chance to try some fantastic whiskies, but also an un-missable opportunity to drill down into the inner workings of independent bottlers and find out what really makes this historic part of the whisky industry tick. We’ll be boarding the Irene at Port Ellen Pier at 7pm sharp. You won’t need your sea legs for this one as we will be safely moored at the Port Ellen Ferry pier but you may want waterproofs (if it rains) and grippy shoes for the deck!

Wed, 30 May 2018 15:00 – 17:00 BST

Fèis Ìle 2018 – Boutique-y Tall Ship Quayside Tasting

Friday, May 11th  5-7PM 

Local Whiskey: Do Good Distillery 

Located in Modesto, California, Do Good Distillery produces uniquely wonderful craft spirits, with an emphasis on whiskey. They strive to use local ingredients as much as possible, and give back to their local community in true “Do Good” fashion. Their whiskies have won numerous awards since their release, including Gold medal wins at the 2016 World Whisky Awards.

Click Here to RSVP