Top whiskies for Father’s Day 2023

Independent distiller Loch Lomond Group reveals its ultimate gift guide of whiskies including Glen Scotia, Loch Lomond Whiskies and Noble Rebel

Glen Scotia, Loch Lomond Whiskies and Noble Rebel have recommended a range of Father’s Day expressions, perfect for whisky-loving dads and father figures across the country.

With a range of expressions from light and floral to heavily peated, across a variety of budgets, there’s something to suit all dads’ tastes this Father’s Day.

GLEN SCOTIA

For dads who enjoy their history, Glen Scotia is the perfect choice. Once known as the Victorian Whisky Capital of the World, Campbeltown was previously home to more than 30 distilleries. Now, only three remain including the award-winning Glen Scotia, whose range of exceptional single malt whiskies perfectly encapsulates the essence of the area and reflects the centuries of craftsmanship and experience associated with Scotland’s smallest whisky-making region.

Glen Scotia 15 Years Old – £68 – 46% ABV 

An exceptional single malt whisky intended to deliver a true taste of Campbeltown in its most beautiful simplicity.

Unpeated and matured in first-fill bourbon and re-fill American Oak casks, this rich and smooth single malt scotch whisky boasts hints of vanilla, sea spray and spicy aromatic fruits including apricot and orange blossom. A short finish in Oloroso casks ensures the classic regional traits shine through, for a warm, spicy and dry finish. 

Available at www.glenscotia.com and specialist whisky retailers.

Glen Scotia 21 Years Old – £265 – 46% ABV 

An elegant addition to any whisky connoisseur’s collection, the Glen Scotia 21 Year Old single malt is a smooth and aromatic dram.

Aged in a combination of refill bourbon barrels and refill American oak hogsheads, before a six-month finish in first-fill Oloroso sherry casks which adds perfumed floral notes to the signature distillery character of rich fruits and Atlantic Sea spray.

The liquid has been matured to bridge the gap between Glen Scotia’s 18 Year Old and its 25 Year Old, which won the ‘Best in Class’ and therefore Best in the World, at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2021 out of 3,800 entrants.

An elegant metal coin of the Glen Scotia logo is set into the shoulder of the premium bottle, which is presented in a solid display box ideal for collectors or gifting to someone special this Father’s Day. 

Available at www.glenscotia.com and specialist whisky retailers.

Glen Scotia Harbour Whisky Gift Set with Glasses – £50 – 40% ABV

The Glen Scotia Harbour Whisky Gift set is the perfect introduction to a whisky region rich in heritage and the perfect gift for a whisky lover looking to delve into the world of Campbeltown whisky.

It features two beautifully presented branded Glencairn whisky glasses and a bottle of Glen Scotia Harbour, a classic Campbeltown single malt that pays tribute to the small harbour town that went onto become the Victorian Whisky Capital of the World.

Glen Scotia Harbour has a distinct as distinct coastal influence of sea salt and gentle smoke, balanced with soft peach and vanilla custard that leaves a tangy peat on the finish. A gift that truly keeps on giving.

Available at www.glenscotia.com and specialist whisky retailers.  

LOCH LOMOND WHISKIES

Those looking for innovation should look no further than Loch Lomond Whiskies. The award-winning independent distiller features expressions created by the distillery’s unique combination of straight neck and swan neck stills. This year’s collection includes one of the distillery’s most popular expressions, as well as two limited edition single malts created specially to mark the 151^st year of golf’s prestigious The Open Championship, of which Loch Lomond Whiskies is the official spirit partner.

Loch Lomond Open Course Edition 2023 – £240 – 48.2% ABV 

Loch Lomond The Open Course Edition is a celebration of The Open’s 151^st golf championship, a monumental and prestigious event that will bring together the best golfers in the world this July.

Recently awarded Double Gold at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Awards, the highly exclusive certified organic single malt is a rare expression which captures the distillery’s spirit of exploration and unique whisky-making style.  Having distilled for over 22 years, it delivers notes of tropical fruit, pineapple and vanilla with a hint of toasted oak, ginger and cinnamon on the finish.

The Open Course Edition 2023 is presented in a striking black case and boasts an elevated bottle design, making it the perfect Father’s Day gift which will stand out on any whisky cabinet.   

Available at www.lochlomondwhiskies.com and specialist whisky retailers.   

Loch Lomond Open Special Edition – £45 – 46% ABV 

The ideal gift for golf fans, Loch Lomond The Open Edition marks the 151^st year of golf’s most prestigious championship which will take place at Royal Liverpool this summer.

Recently awarded Double Gold at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Awards, it has been crafted in partnership with Loch Lomond Whiskies’ long term golf ambassador, Colin Montgomerie – one of Scotland’s most legendary golfing figures.

The whisky was aged in American Oak casks before finishing its maturation journey in the rich red wine Rioja Alta Reserva cask which brings out the whisky’s unique notes of red berry, orchard fruit and creamy vanilla with dark chocolate, which complement the soft smoke on the finish.

Montgomerie’s signature appears on each bottle, adding an extra special touch to this wonderful Father’s Day gift.  Available at www.lochlomondwhiskies.com and specialist whisky retailers.

NOBLE REBEL

Finally, for any dram-loving dads who like to experiment with new flavours, there’s no better time to introduce them to Noble Rebel. An innovative and bold new blended malt Scotch whisky brand from Loch Lomond Group, Noble Rebel creatively pushes boundaries in the pursuit of flavour creation, combining the nobility of single malt whisky with the rigour of craftmanship. The flavours of Noble Rebel are brought to life through a series of vivid illustrations that detail the intricate stories, layers and tasting notes of each blend.

Noble Rebel Whisky Orchard Burst – £40 – 46% ABV

Noble Rebel was created to bring new ideas to old ways and traditions, so to create modern masterpieces that welcome newcomers with open arms and delight old friends alike.

Matured in ex-bourbon casks, Orchard Outburst balances crisp, ripe orchard fruits with surprising flavours of crashing salty ocean waves, resulting in an explosion of zest with hints of zingy lemon and lime.

This intriguing malt contains whisky distilled with Chardonnay wine yeast, an unusual ingredient in whisky distillation which helps to intensify fruit and citrus flavours in the finished blend.

It’s a beautifully balanced blend that is ideally suited for the main man in your life this Father’s Day. 

Available at www.noblerebelmalts.com and specialist whisky retailers. 

Noble Rebel Whisky Smoke Symphony – £40 – 46% ABV 

Smoke Symphony weaves threads of peat and smoke with hits of chilli. Lightning bolts of rich red body married with subtle berry tartness create a truly intriguing dram. Finished in Rioja wine casks, Smoke Symphony conveys notes of smoke, spice and dark berries.

Like its Noble counterparts, Smoke Symphony is non-chill filtered which adds to its rustic and rugged charm and natural colour.

Far from your everyday dram, surprise your peat whisky-loving father with this excellent dram that’ll leave a lasting impression.

Available at www.noblerebelmalts.com and specialist whisky retailers.

Noble Rebel Whisky Hazelnut Harmony – £40 – 46% ABV 

Hazelnut Harmony is a sweet and inviting all-rounder which mingles nuts with a hint of sweet honeycomb, with subtle pear undertones meeting imprints of warm oak.

Completing the trio of expressions, Hazelnut Harmony is finished in toasted American oak casks, which adds a sweet flavour of honey, vanilla and hazelnut to the whisky.

The vivid illustrations on the premium embellished bottle detail the intricate stories, layers and tasting notes of the expression, making it the perfect gift which will stand out on any whisky cabinet.  

Available at www.noblerebelmalts.com and specialist whisky retailers.

Tasting Notes

Glen Scotia 15 Years Old

Nose: Citrus peels, ginger snap biscuits, and baked fruits

Taste: Plump fruits with a surprising dry finish, apricots, fruit salad, caramelised sugar and oak

Finish: Warm spicy, honey smoothness, oak and a dry finish

Glen Scotia 21 Years Old

Nose: Sweet perfumed oloroso, spiced red apple, peppercorns with a soft signature Campbeltown aroma

Taste: Baked red apples, plump raisins, a journey of cloves, star anise, cinnamon and spice. Soft creamy vanilla, toffee and sea spray

Finish: Long, complex and incredibly balanced, with a lingering touch of sea salt and sherry dryness

Glen Scotia Harbour

Nose: Briny sea spray, violet and lavender and vanilla

Taste: Soft peach, crisp green apple, chewy fudge and vanilla custard

Finish: Medium length, dry with gentle smoke, tangy peat and maritime sea spray

 Loch Lomond Open Course Edition

Nose: Honey, peach, melon, lemon, stem ginger

Taste: Grapefruit, vanilla, caramel, pineapple, mango

Finish: Long spicy finish with ginger, cinnamon and toasted oak

Loch Lomond Open Special Edition

Nose: Floral notes of rose, soft fruits, peach and pear

Taste: Red berry and orchard fruit. Raspberry and peach, creamy vanilla and dark chocolate

Finish: Medium length, a touch of smoke gives way to lasting fruit notes

Noble Rebel Whisky Orchard Outburst

Matured in ex-bourbon casks, Orchard Outburst balances crisp, ripe orchard fruits with surprising flavours of crashing salty ocean waves, resulting in an explosion of zest with hints of zingy lemon and lime.

Noble Rebel Whisky Smoke Symphony

Smoke Symphony weaves threads of peat and smoke with hits of chilli. Lightning bolts of rich red body married with subtle berry tartness create a truly intriguing dram. 

Noble Rebel Whisky Hazelnut Harmony

Hazelnut Harmony mingles nuts with a hint of sweet honeycomb, with subtle pear undertones meeting imprints of warm oak.

About Loch Lomond Group 

• Loch Lomond Group is an independent distiller based in Alexandria and is home to several award-winning brands that are sold in more than 125 countries worldwide.
• Loch Lomond Distillery has been producing the finest single malt whiskies since 1814.
• Images and interviews with key staff from the Group are available upon request.
• For further details, please visit: lochlomondgroup.com

About Loch Lomond Whiskies  

Loch Lomond Distillery has one of the oldest heritages in the industry. It was founded by American, Duncan Thomas, the owner of the Littlemill Distillery which was licensed in 1772. In the 1930s Duncan Thomas was at the forefront of innovation within the Scotch whisky industry and his innovative philosophy is ingrained into everything that is done at Loch Lomond to this day.

In 1814, the original site of the Loch Lomond Distillery was established near Tarbet, towards the north-west end of Loch Lomond; an area which has been at the heart of the whisky industry for centuries. With at least nine distilleries around the loch lost over the years, Loch Lomond Distillers has maintained a proud local tradition into the 21st century.

About Glen Scotia 

Distiller Glen Scotia has been producing single malt whisky in Campbeltown since 1832 and is one of three surviving distilleries in Campbeltown.

Producing peated and non-peated whiskies, the distillery still maintains much of its original design, including the fermenters, the stillroom, and the dunnage warehouse dating from the 1830s.To this day, the distillery team follow in the footsteps of their founders, using traditional methods, and carefully creating the subtly maritime Campbeltown style the brand has become world-famous for.

Recognition of Glen Scotia’s style and craftsmanship continues to be acknowledged globally.

• In 2021, Glen Scotia’s 25-Year-Old Single Malt whisky was awarded ‘Best In Show Whisky’ at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Over 3,800 entries across thirty-one categories were judged with Glen Scotia being awarded the overall winner across all countries and styles. Only seven months later, Glen Scotia was also named Scottish Whisky Distillery of the Year at the Scottish Whisky Awards 2021.
• In 2022, Glen Scotia’s Victoriana won Best In Class in the Distillers’ Single Malt Scotch – No Age Statement category at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
• In 2023, Glen Scotia won ‘Best Single Cask Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards 2023 for a single cask bottling distilled in 2009 and aged for 13 years exclusively in a first-fill bourbon barrel.

About Noble Rebel 

Shaped by expertise and expressivity, Noble Rebel is a blended malt Scotch whisky unlike any other.  Skillfully curating the finest malts, each with a history of their own, and artfully blending them into striking whisky masterpieces, Noble Rebel pushes the boundaries of flavour with courage, craftsmanship and creativity. Respectful of tradition and inquisitive about the future, Noble Rebel heralds a new dawn of whisky mastery.

Win an incredible VIP Tour with Glenfiddich

Buy any of the expressions within the Grand Series range from now until 18th June.

Discover Glenfiddich Grand Series →

Hamish’s Hidden Malt
WIN: Glen Scotia
25 Year Old

Buy selected expressions of Glen SCotia between now and 14th June 2023 to enter into our latest Hamish’s Hidden Malt. We’ll pick one winner at random to receive a 70cl bottle of the multi-award-winning Glen Scotia 25 Year Old!

Best of luck!

Shop Now →

A VISIT TO THE CAIRN DISTILLERY, SCOTLAND

by Paul Mclean

Kensington Wine Market’s E-Whisky ARDBEG DAY Newsletter

Peatheads! Rejoice! We’re taking over.

This edition of the Malt Messenger is being held hostage by Curt. Don’t worry, Andrew is safe. It was a peaceful coup, and no egos were hurt in the transition, but for now, RADIO KWM is all ours!

For those that don’t know me well, I should tell you that I celebrate two more holidays each year than most people: Ardbeg Day and Superbowl Sunday. The latter of which, Andrew has referred to as a religious holiday in my household. He’s not wrong. Hopefully, we can talk football later in the year, but folks… it’s Thursday, and we are on the eve of the eve of Ardbeg Day 2023! In ‘parentspeak’: “Two more sleeps, kids!”

If you don’t already have plans to join us devout Ardbeggians this coming Saturday, clear your schedule and read on.

Oh, and fear not, the big guy will be back at the keyboard for the next proper Malt Messenger, but for now… pour a dram of something smoky and settle in for a bit.

Hope this finds you well (and heavily peated)!

Curt

Kensington Wine Market

In This Edition

1. Ardbeg Day 2023

2. Ardbeg Single Malts

3. Upcoming Tastings

Ardbeg Day 2023

Have you freed up your Saturday afternoon yet? Well…what are you waiting for? I gave you notice several sentences ago.

Join the team from Ardbeg and a few of the KWM crew this Saturday, June 3rd at Hayden Block (just a few blocks east of KWM) for a couple hours of smoky revelry. There will be food, drink, games, prizes, and an opportunity to try this year’s limited edition Ardbeg Day release, Heavy Vapours. And all for the price of a tall coffee at S*****cks. 😉

It seems the day of the 3-litre bottle is behind us, so you won’t Andrew necking this stuff anymore, but we’ll always find ways to be a bit cheeky.

Here are the deets. See you there!

Ardbeg Day at Hayden Block

Registration is through a Third Party Site

·     Date: Saturday, June 3

·     Time: 2 PM

·     Cost: $15

·     HAYDEN BLOCK

For the first time ever at Ardbeg, its whisky has been distilled without a purifier – the apparatus on the still responsible for maintaining Ardbeg’s unrivaled balance between extreme peat and floral fruitiness.

Following the distillery’s Planet Ardbeg comic launch last year, a dramatic new storyline in the series will be revealed alongside the new expression that’s inspired by its unusual creation. And so this year, whisky lovers are invited to celebrate the theme of ‘Planet’ Ardbeg Day – where they can expect to be transported into Ardbeg’s mythical, graphic novel universe.

·     Location: Hayden Block Smoke & Whiskey

·     Time: 2-5 PM

·     Ticket: $15 includes two drink tickets and food.

·     & giveaways and games

Saturday, June 3rd from 2-5 PM

Ardbeg Single Malts

 

While we might wish for a couple more age-stated expressions in the Ardbeg portfolio, it’s impossible not to concede that this is undoubtedly one of the great core ranges in the modern whisky world. (Though I may be a wee bit biased, as most of you know. There’s probably more Ardbeg than blood flowing through my veins at this point. Humble brag or cry for help? You decide.)

The distillery recently doubled production, yet I can’t imagine they’re anywhere near keeping up with the level of demand there is for anything bearing that iconic stylized ‘A’.

At the risk of stirring up a hornet’s nest, can I just mention how bloody amazing an Ardbeg Ten Caesar is? Trust me.

1. Ardbeg Ten – 46% – One of Scotland’s most beloved whiskies, this 10-year-old highlights the distillery’s peaty provenance. Although technically the most heavily-peated full-time production whisky in Scotland, the distillery’s cinch-necked stills and spirit-purifier give this malt a softer edge than might be expected. Classic and iconic at this point. There are those that love it and those that are wrong. Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: A burst of intense smoky fruit escapes into the atmosphere. peat infused with zesty lemon and lime, wrapped in waxy dark chocolate. Bold menthol and black pepper slice through the sweet smoke followed by tarry ropes and graphite. Savour the aroma of smoked fish and crispy bacon alongside green bell peppers, baked pineapple and pear juice. Add water and an oceanic minerality brings a breath of cool, briny seaspray. Waxed lemon and lime follows with coal tar soap, beeswax and herby pine woodlands. Toasted vanilla and sizzling cinnamon simmer with warm hazelnut and almond toffee. Palate: An explosion of crackling peat sets off millions of flavour explosions: peat effervesces with tangy lemon and lime juice, black pepper pops with sizzling cinnamon-spiced toffee. Then comes a wave of brine infused with smooth buttermilk, ripe bananas and currants. Smoke gradually wells up on the palate bringing a mouthful of warm creamy cappuccino and toasted marshmallows. As the taste lengthens and deepens, dry espresso, liquorice root and tarry smoke develop coating the palate with chewy peat oils. Finish: The finish goes on and on – long and smoky with tarry espresso, aniseed, toasted almonds and traces of soft barley and fresh pear.” – $93.99 + GST

2. Ardbeg Wee Beastie – 47.4% – The latest addition to the core range, Wee Beastie is a 5-year-old Ardbeg that was created to be the rawest and most peaty Ardbeg ever bottled. We particularly love the ballsy nature of throwing a great big ‘5’ on the label. Not a lot of brands would have so much confidence in the swagger of their young spirit. Matured in a mix of ex-Bourbon and Oloroso Sherry casks. Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: The first sniff alerts you to a nearby presence… heightened senses are filled with very bright, fresh herbal notes, with creeping hints of vanilla and pear. Rich Turkish coffee mingles with sappy pine resin, with honey-glazed ham lurking in the background. With water, more herbal top notes like vetiver and fennel captivate and pull you in, while beguiling scents of aniseed, green apple and leather cause you to drop your guard. Out of nowhere, a sharp tang of smoke and a crack of fresh black pepper fire warning shots across the senses. Palate: Suddenly, a rich, explosive mouthfeel bursts forth with chocolate, creosote and tar. A powerful blast of eucalyptus thrashes about with antiseptic lozenges and aniseed. The raw, smoky intensity gathers pace, before smoked bacon and savoury meats sink into the palate. Finish: The long, salty mouthcoating finish retreats, with hints of cocoa and fudge slinking slowly away.” – $80.99 + GST

3. Ardbeg Corryvreckan – 57.1% – Corryvreckan was launched as a replacement for Airigh Nam Beist but has become a legend in its own right. It’s sweet, smoky, spicy, and unmistakably Ardbeg. Toasted French oak is the not-so-secret to this one. No shy Ardbeg, Corry is kinda like a peated meteor shower on the tongue. Expect a big un! But why wouldn’t you? This is Ardbeg, after all. Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Heady, intense and powerful. Swirl the glass and dip your nose into the torrents of tarry ropes, creosote and linseed oil rising from deep within the vortex. A collision of waxy dark chocolate, warm blackcurrants and muscovado sugar pulls you under its spell with a burst of plump cherries and earthy pine needles leaping from its depths. From salty seasoning comes a briny character with tangy crisp seaweed and smoky bacon swirling on the surface with hints of sweet vanilla, spicy cloves and blueberries. Surrender to its dangerous depths with the heady force of menthol, treacle and chilli sauce. Palate: Plunge into the whirlpool and torrents of taste well up on the palate; deep, peppery and chewy, bombarding the tongue. The first plunge brings forth chewy peppered steak soaked in pepper sauce with the tang of crispy seaweed. As you descend deeper, encounter a mouthful of black tarry espresso coffee that coats the palate with rich melted dark fruits (blackcurrants, blueberries and cherries) and bitter almonds. As the taste soaks in deeper, star anise and hickory dry out the palate before a surprise of chalky effervescent violets fizz to the surface. Finish: Long, deep and remaining powerful into the finish with black tarry coffee, chocolate coated cherries and hot pepper sauce, the lingering memories of your mysterious and daring journey into Corryvreckan.” – $147.99 + GST

4. Ardbeg Uigeadail – 54.2% – Uigeadail (pronounced ‘Oog-a-dal’) was launched in 2003 to pretty much universal acclaim. Its heady mixture of ex-Bourbon and ex-sherry casks was like nothing else available at the time and two decades later, the legend continues to grow. The most recent batch is particularly awesome. And for the Ardgeeks who may be curious, the whisky takes its name from the mysterious Loch that also happens to be Ardbeg Distillery’s water source. A game-changer for those that are lucky enough to try it for the first time. Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Rich and weighty with heady and smoky aromatics. At full strength, the initial aroma is a beguiling mix of warm Christmas cake, walnut oil and parma violets fused with fresh ocean spice, cedar and pine needles falling from the Christmas tree. A smouldering coal fire and the scent of well-oiled leather brings warmth. The sweetness of treacle toffees and chocolate-coated raisins emerge through the smoke. With water, the deep smokiness increases in intensity, reminiscent of a fired Christmas pudding. Rich flowering currants and warm baked banana and walnut bread are served with simmering mocha espresso. Palate: Full flavoured and rich with a deep mouth-coating texture, the taste is an intriguing balance between sweet, spicy and deep smoky flavours. The flavour is initially sweet. A burst of winter spices sets off a smoky-spicy explosion countered by a sumptuous mid-palate of honey glazed smoked food and chewy treacle. Waves of deep smoky tones and rich aromas build up on the palate like a fine Montecristo cigar. Finish: Amazingly long and chewy with lingering raisiny, deep mocha tones and rich aromatic smoke into the perfectly integrated finish.” – $132.99 + GST

 

Upcoming Tastings

Ardbeg Day at Hayden Block

Registration is through a Third Party Site

·     Date: Saturday, June 3

·     Time: 2 PM

·     Cost: $15

·     HAYDEN BLOCK

For the first time ever at Ardbeg, its whisky has been distilled without a purifier – the apparatus on the still responsible for maintaining Ardbeg’s unrivaled balance between extreme peat and floral fruitiness.

Following the distillery’s Planet Ardbeg comic launch last year, a dramatic new storyline in the series will be revealed alongside the new expression that’s inspired by its unusual creation. And so this year, whisky lovers are invited to celebrate the theme of ‘Planet’ Ardbeg Day – where they can expect to be transported into Ardbeg’s mythical, graphic novel universe.

·     Location: Hayden Block Smoke & Whiskey

·     Time: 2-5PM

·     Ticket: $15 includes two drink tickets and food.

·     & giveaways and games

Saturday, June 3, 2-5 PM

Rest & Bruichladdich

• Date: Tuesday, June 6
• Time:7 PM
• Cost: $55
• VIRTUAL TASTING

We recently received a quintet of curious new whiskies from the Rest & Be Thankful Co. Four are from Bruichladdich Distillery, 2 each of Port Charlotte and Bruichladdich. The provenance of these Bruichladdich casks is curious, as they are believed to be from Mark Reynier’s personal stash… The 5th whisky is a bottling of Finglassie, only the second time we have had a bottling from the new Inchdarnie Distillery. Those 5 malts make for the start of a tempting lineup, so we’ve added a couple of other Laddies to the range to round things out. Join us for a Rest & Bruichladdich kinda evening!

Tuesday, June 6, 2023, 7 PM

Spongeworthy Whiskies Round 2 with Angus MacRaild

• Date: Thursday, June 8
• Time:5 PM
• Cost: $120
• VIRTUAL TASTING

Angus MacRaild, aka The Whisky Sponge, is joining us for another round of Spongeworthy whiskies. We have selected 7 malts from a recent Decadent Drinks delivery, from the Whisky Sponge, Equinox & Solstice, and NAS (Notable Age Statement) ranges. Angus will guide us through whiskies from Ardmore, Ben Nevis, Glen Grant, Ledaig, Old Rhosdhu, and Springbank, as well as a very unusual 30 year old Blended Malt with a crazy back story.

Thursday, June 8, 5PM * Note the early start time… Angus is in the UK, and has a wee girl!

Gordon & MacPhail KWM Casks Launch with Richard Urquhart

• Date: Friday, June 9
• Time:5 PM
• Cost: $40
• VIRTUAL TASTING

We have a pair of gorgeous KWM-exclusive single casks on the way and they are expected any day now… So we have asked our friend Richard Urquhart, part of the 4th generation of Urquharts at Gordon & MacPhail, to host a virtual launch tasting for us. In addition to our sherried Balblair 1997 and tropical Glen Scotia 2000 KWM Casks, we will also be pouring whiskies from Dailuaine, Glen Elgin, Highland Park, Macallan, and Tomatin.

Friday, June 9, 5PM

Two Brewers Yukon Single Malt with Bob Baxter

• Date: Saturday, June 10
• Time:5 PM
• Cost: $25
• IN-STORE TASTING

Bob Baxter, one of the founders of Yukon Brewing & Distilling, will be joining us for a Two Brewers Yukon Single Malt vertical tasting. While the brewing started in 1997, Bob and his partner Alan started laying down casks of whisky in 2009. Some of their stocks are now more than 10 years old which is really exciting. We’ve been fans of Two Brewers for years, and truly believe they are making some of the best whisky in Canada. We’ll sample 7 releases of Two Brewers whisky, including the latest batches: 35, 36, 37, 38, and 39!

Saturday, June 10, 5PM

Spring Single Malt Festival Spectacular

• Date: Thursday, June 15
• Time:7 PM
• Cost: $75
• FESTIVAL

It is hard to believe, but the last Spring Single Malt Festival was way back in June of 2019… So this is our 9th annual (ish) spring festival of all things malt whisky, though it would have been the 12th, if… you know… so we’ve added the word Spectacular for no specific reason because… why not! It will feature at least 100 single malts from Scotland & around the world, and as always it includes a KWM logo tasting glass. This event sells out quickly, so don’t hesitate… when it is sold out, it is sold out!

Thursday, June 15, 7 PM

Sipping Signatory in the Summer – 140 Years

• Date: Tuesday, July 11
• Time:7 PM
• Cost: $70
• VIRTUAL TASTING

We’re suckers for Signatory, especially the older Cask Strength Collection bottlings, so we’ve put together a selection of recently arrived Signatory Vintage malts with a combined 140 years of maturation. On the younger side, we are diving head first into first-fill sherry with the Edradour 10 Year, Linkwood 2012, and Benrines 2010. On the Cask Strength side, we have Benrinnes 1996, Dailuaine 1997, Glenrothes 1996, and an Unnamed Islay 1990 bottling (*cough Laphroaig*).

Tuesday, July 11th, 2023 @ 7 PM

Compass Box New & Old with Scott Ellis

• Date: Tuesday, July 18
• Time:7 PM
• Cost: $60
• VIRTUAL TASTING

With the arrival of three new limited edition Compass Box whiskies, the time is right for a Compass Box range tasting. So we have recruited Compass Box’s Scott Ellis, and we’ve pulled together a range of 8 whiskies. We’ll sample 3 different bottlings of Flaming Heart, both releases of The Circle, Ultramarine, Vellichor and one other.

Tuesday, July 18, 7PM

Daftmill Vertical Tasting

• Date: Tuesday, July 25
• Time:7 PM
• Cost: $50
• VIRTUAL TASTING

It has taken us a while, almost 3 years to be precise, but we have finally cobbled together enough bottlings of Daftmill for a range tasting… true, it is only 6, but how many of you can say you’ve done a vertical of Daftmill whiskies? The tasting will consist of 2007, 2009, and a pair of 2008s, as well as our 2008 KWM Cask, and the newly arrived 15-Year Cask Strength. Andrew is visiting the distillery in the weeks before the tasting, and will no doubt have some photos to share.

Tuesday, July 25th, 2023 @ 7 PM

Nothing but North Star Whiskies

• Date: Tuesday, August 1
• Time:7 PM
• Cost: $90
• VIRTUAL TASTING

You had us at 31-year-old GlenDronach… We recently received some cool new releases from Iain Croucher at North Star Spirits, and we can’t resist the temptation to try them. On the young side of things, there is the new Tarot Blend, a Campbeltown Blended Malt, and only the second-ever bottling from Dalmunach. We love a good Blair Athol, and how often do you see an indie bottle of Dalwhinnie? But the icing on the cake of this tasting will be the GlenDronach 31 Year. You almost never see indie GlenDronach, and this one has some great reviews!

Tuesday, August 1st, 2023 @ 7 PM

FREE DELIVERY

We are proud to offer Free City Wide Delivery on all orders over $100 Monday-Friday!

Orders under $100 are subject to a flat rate $10 delivery fee.

We are expecting high demand for delivery after the sale so please be patient!

403-283-8000

Store Hours

Mon – Wed 10AM – 8PM

Thurs & Fri 10AM – 9PM

Sat 10AM – 8 PM

Sun 11PM to 6PM

*All Prices Quoted here are subject to change and do not include GST. In the case of pricing discrepancies, the price at our point of sale will be taken as correct.

The Kensington Wine Market | 1257 Kensington Road NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 3P8 Canada

Gordon & MacPhail to transform Elgin town centre shop into whisky tourist attraction

by Paul Mclean

HEAVY VAPOURS

ARDBEG DAY 2023

70cl | 46% ABV

This limited edition Islay single malt was launched to celebrate Ardbeg Day 2023. This experimental whisky was distilled without using Ardbeg’s copper purifier, ensuring that bolder, heavier compounds passed through the distillation process. This distorts the usual balance between fruit, sweetness and smoke, whilst accentuating the smoky and oily character of Ardbeg.

 NOSE​​

Smoke rises with a cloying sweetness. Intense, pungent and aromatic, a distinctive farmyard scent drifts, along with a crunchy aroma, like creosote or tarry rope. A splash of water disturbs the vapours and dark chocolate cream billows, laced with a ribbon of smoked artichoke.

PALATE​

A burst of bitter-sweetness surges, disturbing ashy coal dust and casting a haze of cardamom, peppermint and coffee grits. Clouds of dark chocolate and mentholic eucalyptus roll in, obscuring the fruit and floral notes usually found at the heart of Ardbeg. Wisps of aniseed twists, cinnamon balls and antiseptic lozenges float on the palate.

FINISH​

The aftertaste lingers long and bold, with an almost anaesthetising sensation.

£119.95

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THE TEAPOT TOUR AND TASTING

To celebrate the launch of Teapot Dram 009 join us for a tour of the distillery grounds where you’ll hear tales from Glengoyne’s rich past, and how this iconic whisky came to be. Then enjoy a tutored tasting to unlock the bold and complex flavours of two award-winning whiskies from the Glengoyne Collection. Finally, you’ll be taken to a special spot to enjoy a dram of the newly poured and much sought-after Teapot Dram 009.

After your tour, the distillery shop will be open if you’d like to take home your very own bottle of Teapot Dram 009 before it sells out.

VISIT US

All Good Things Must Come to an End…

It’s difficult to wrap up an event like Spirit of Toronto without feeling a bit of a letdown. After months of planning we don our glass slippers for a night of euphoric chatter and a sea of endless smiles, and crossing the finish line is always anticlimactic.

The guests leave, you pack up, and then the Inbox goes quiet with the exception of the bills that need to be paid and other mundane administrative tasks. No one likes to clean up after a party so suffice to say that these last few chores feel like drudgery.

For this reason we’re elated when our Photo Gallery is finally published, affording us the chance to relive the show digitally. As the kids say, pics or didn’t happen:

Spirit of Toronto 2023 Photo Gallery

While my heartfelt thanks goes out to everyone who attended, it was an extra pleasure to meet so many of you in person (with a shout-out to those who traveled to Toronto after participating in our Virtual Series over the past three years – more on this after the signature.)

I always enjoy the show vicariously through your highlights — according to you some of this year’s fan favourites include the Dunville’s Irish Whiskey masterclass, all things Kavalan, Yellowstone Bourbon, the Gonzalez Byass showcase in our Sketches of Spain lounge, Johnnie Walker Blue Label (you ballers!), our expanded Oyster Speakeasy & Raw Bar and those Whiskey Burgers washed down with Cavehill Bourbon Juleps. 😍

There are a few more recaps after the signature, otherwise I look forward to keeping in touch over the coming year as we plan for our 20th anniversary bash on Saturday May 4 — and yes, The Force will be strong with this one!

In the best of spirits,

Johanna Ngoh
Founder and Executive Producer

See you next year on Saturday May 4, 2024!

There’s still time to get involved this May BUT time is running out. Join us at a unique tasting at our Members’ Rooms, local venues, Partner Bars or ISLAY. There’s even a virtual tasting event so you can join from home – with festival mini packs available online now.

MAY EVENTS

VIRTUAL TASTING PACK

ISLAY EVENTS

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