Meet Waterford Distillery at Maltstock

Waterford’s own Ian O’Brien, who very graciously presented this great Irish whisky a couple of times now for our guests, will be present this year too! Your chance to meet with this great character, ask all about Waterford and share a relaxed dram! There are still tickets available for those who aren’t coming yet! www.maltstock.com/shop

We think Waterford Distillery is a specially relaxed distillery! Young at heart, combining old and new. Find out more below about what makes this whisky special and experience this during the Masterclass or Drink with… Ian session!

Bob, Klaas, Stan & Teun

Where does the natural flavour of single malt whisky come from?

From barley, of course. From its ingredient. Otherwise why drink whisky over, say, rum, from sugar cane, Cognac, from grapes, Calvados, from apples?

It is barley which imbues single malt with its singular complexity — with, astonishingly, over 2,000 individual flavour compounds.

But we believe there is more to it than that. There has to be, otherwise whisky would be easy. So barley — sure — but where was that barley grown? How was that barley grown? Is it a modern variety, or a more flavourful, if challenging to grow, heritage variety?

Then there is the matter of the care with which one’s ingredient is looked after through the malthouse and distillery. Not just in the eye-catching, brochure-friendly gleaming copper stills and cool, dusky cask warehouses, but in the more-important stages, when the flavours of one’s barley is truly unlocked. The milling and mashing to create one’s wort. Most importantly of all, the fermentation, where one’s palette of flavours is established.

Whisky for the curious drinker

 We are on a quest to unearth whisky’s most natural flavours. We are curious drinkers at heart; curious about every stage of whisky’s journey from barleyfield to bottle; curious to discover how much more flavour can be coaxed at each individual step.

Above all, we are interested in sharing our findings with other curious drinkers. Traceability. Transparency. Everything laid open for discussion and discovery. Which is why you’re reading this. A true whisky nerd’s guide to natural flavour.

107 Single Farm Origins

 For a long time, until it was conclusively proven, there were many who believed that terroir — the three dimensional effect of land, soil and microclimate, so fundamental to the world’s great wines — could not apply to whisky.

But barley is a plant, like any other. Nourished by the soils it grows in, the aspect of its land, the weather patterns to which it is subject. And its flavours deviate from those of the same barley planted elsewhere accordingly.

These differences are not subtle. One simply has to look at photographs taken in the extreme coastal barleyfields of Hook Head, and the lush, raised, inland barleyfields of Ballymorgan — photographs taken on the same day — to appreciate just how different barley, even the same variety of barley, planted in the same week and in the same county, can be.

Local barley

Which is why we choose to work with 107 individual Irish Single Farms, separately harvesting, storing, malting, fermenting, distilling and maturing their barley. Effectively creating 107 individual Waterford Single Malt Whiskies.

Ireland is perfectly suited to growing barley, and we believe the barley grown in south-east Ireland is the best in the world. Which is why we choose to distil here — it makes sense — go where the best ingredients are. We want total provenance and traceability; our bottles read ‘Irish Single Malt Whisky’ and we believe that our barley should be Irish, not imported in bulk from abroad in a bad harvest.

The old ways

But we have found that the character of barley can be further ameliorated by how it is grown. Which is why we have cultivated our Arcadian Barley series, revelling in the intensity to be found when returning to the old ways.

Organic farming. Eschewing liquid fertilisers, chemical treatments? Sure — we take all we can get. In fact we distil more Organic whisky than anyone else on the planet. Biodynamics, that iconoclastic series of esoteric preparations now championed by the world’s greatest winemakers? Yes, that too. All of Ireland’s biodynamic barley goes through our stills … and our blind sensory analysis has proven it to be more intense in flavour than conventionally-grown.

In the words of our Terroir Specialist, Angelita: “Biodynamic spirit seems to have much more depth of flavour going on – that’s what everyone keeps saying on the panel. There’s a lot of complexity. It’s almost like the attributes are speaking much louder. So a conventional farm on the very same soil, on the range of zero to fifteen on our sensory analysis scale, might have a score of seven for floral notes, maybe organic will fetch a nine, but the biodynamic would get an eleven. So it seems to be a stronger note than in the conventional.”

As for Heritage varieties, grains lost to time and the Irish landscape, we’ve worked with the Irish Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine to revive several of them. Beginning life as mere 50 gram packets in a seed bank, we’ve upscaled them to enough to sow a farm with, and distil at a commercial level. Lost flavours, born again. A taste of real rarity.

Ultimate flavour extraction

Every farm, every harvest, sends its barley to the purpose-built, state-of-the-art facility that we call the Cathedral of Barley. Our terroir enabler. It is a huge logistical undertaking. 36 bays, each holding 100 tonnes of green barley. Without the Cathedral we couldn’t possibly treat every farm separately. Terroir and traceability would be gone.

Once malted to precise, individual specifications, the barley arrives at our distillery, The Facilitator, to be processed through our Technological Trinity, unique in the distilling world. The hydromill, for anaerobic, underwater milling, preventing oxidation of the grist, preserving the purity of the barley’s flavour. The incremental mash converter, for optimised enzyme activity; precision of flavour in the conversion of starch to sugar. Finally the mash filter system; 54 in-line pneumatic presses which remove draff entirely, allowing the purest, clearest wort — total terroir extraction.

Week-long fermentations

Fermentation — now this is where the creation of real intensity of flavour comes in. Rather than a rushed, get-the-job-done, maximum output, short 50-hour-job approach, we’re talking a long, 120+ hour fermentation which, crucially, takes place in precisely temperature-controlled conditions between 30-32 degrees C. More sustained and consistent yeast activity, and the promotion of a flavour-enrichening secondary malolactic fermentation. More flavour compounds unlocked.

Low-and-slow distillation

Distillation may not be where flavours are created — that’s fermentation, and the barley itself — but it is where flavours can refined and full-bodied uncutousness of spirit is established. The former, by restricting oneself to the most miserly of middle cuts — we take a ‘floating’ 10% middle cut, unique to each Single Farm Origin, forgoing a potential 60,000 litres of spirit annually. The latter by running the stills at a low-and-slow trickle — 400 litres per hour, as opposed to the more standard 1,500. More rectification, more purity and gravitas, more weight, more flavour.

Good wood

Similarly, the wood most certainly does not ‘make’ the whisky — or what would be the point of all that effort before filling casks — but anything less than the most considered wood policy can certainly break it. All of our Single Farm Origins go into the same portfolio of good wood to be matured in the maritime conditions of our Ballygarran warehouses — a whopping third of our total production expense.

First fill and Virgin American oak for aromatic lactones; vanillas, creams, caramels, Premium French Oak and VDNs for depth and gravitas; spices, dark fruits, texture. But despite the expense, merely a supporting act to the dominant Waterford character of bakery-fresh bread and, most importantly of all, the individual flavours of the barley’s terroir.

Natural whisky

It ought to go without saying that the likes of chill-filtration, artificial colouring and other additives are absolute no-nos.

All are bottled at a strength of 50%, preserving the oils and structure, and every bottle comes with its own unique TÉIROIR code, verifying every detail of the whisky’s production — integrity and traceability baked in — so you don’t have to take our word for it.

An ongoing quest… an invitation to the curious

This really only scratches the surface of what we do at Waterford. We could go on to tell you about the vintage effect we are seeing in the barley from individual farms. About Cuvées, where individual farms are layered, after maturation, by Head Distiller Ned to create ultimate complexity and profundity. About cutting Irish peat — the first used to kiln Irish malt in generations. About crossing barley varieties to create our own, engineered for flavour over efficiency or yield.

There’s so much to share, and you can find most of it on our website. After all, the curious modern whisky drinker knows that one email, even a wordy one like this, could never fully sum up the whole of whisky’s complex parts.

So this is our invitation. To the curious whisky drinker. To the drinker who believes there is more to whisky than copper and oak. Waterford Whisky is on a quest to unearth whisky’s most natural flavours. We hope you’re curious enough to join us.

Tickets

Get relaxed while you can!!  Tickets are available from:

www.maltstock.com/shop

Looking forward to meeting you all!

I hope this finds you well, and that you enjoyed the last long weekend of summer. It is hard to believe that we are more than a week into September, that the kids are back in school, Fall is just two weeks away, and winter is coming…

Like many of you, I’m trying to soak up what’s left, but I also love winter. I love the snow, the crisp clean air, the dark skies at night, skiing, fat biking, and sitting by the fire with a dram or two.

It is easy to put the cart ahead of the horse, though, especially after the glorious largely smoke-free summer we’ve enjoyed. Besides, before we can start fretting about Winter, we have the Fall season to get through, and that means new whiskies, and whisky tastings to look forward to.

We are busily working away at pulling together our Fall Tasting Schedule. It wasn’t quite ready for inclusion in today’s Malt Messenger, so it will have to wait until next week’s edition, along with a number of other things. But in the meantime, keep an eye out on our tasting page, where you’ll start to see new events popping up in the days ahead.

In the meantime, we have a Malt Messenger that is positively bursting at the seams with new whisky news. It includes our second KWM exclusive single barrel Bourbon of 2022, from Kentucky Spirits Limited, aka KSL. The team is especially excited about it…

We also have a raft of new and returned whiskies from Gordon & MacPhail, as well as new whiskies from That Boutique-y Whisky Company, Hunter Laing, Two Brewers, Alberta Distillers, Bladnoch, Ardnamurchan, Edradour and New Zealand!

We also have a ballot on a rare old whisky, though we dare not speak its name…

As always there is a lot to digest in this Malt Messenger, so take your time. It takes a lot of time to pull together the descriptions and tasting notes for all these whiskies, and while we could just send out a list with photos and prices… but that really isn’t our style. So we’ve tried to keep the lid on many of these things until we were ready to tell everyone all at once. There is too much panic and pandemonium in whisky these days, so we are going to try to slow things down a little… Slow Whisky/Whiskey… that should be a thing!

As always, in the event of a discrepancy in price, the point of sale at KWM will be taken as correct. Online ordering and in-store purchasing are always our preferences, but if you must, feel free to send me an order by email.

Sincerely,

Andrew Ferguson

Kensington Wine Market

In This Edition

1. A Few Things To Look Out for Next Week!

2. New Exclusive Bourbon: Kentucky Spirits KWM Barrel Bourbon

3. New Whiskies from Gordon & MacPhail & Benromach

4. Returned Whiskies from Gordon & MacPhail

5. New Whiskies from That Boutique-y Whisky Company

6. New Whiskies from Hunter Laing

7. New Whiskies From Two Brewers

8. Introducing: Reifel Rye

9. Bladnoch is Back: New & Returned Whiskies

10. Other Assorted New Whiskies

11.Ardbeg 25 Ballot

12.Other Upcoming Tastings

A FEW THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR NEXT WEEK!

Today’s newsletter could have been a lot longer, and even though I know many of you will read this from start to finish anyway, the line still has to be drawn somewhere…

That said, here are a few teasers from the next Malt Messenger, which should be out early next week:

1. Glenfarclas – We are launching a 30th Anniversary single cask next week… that’s right, a Family Cask… feel free to search the website if you can’t wait to learn more!

2. KWM 2022 Whisky Calendar – We are going to start taking pre-orders… it has taken more time and effort than usual to pull it off this year, but we will!

3. Tastings – Our Fall Tasting Schedule will go online, though you may see a few tastings pop up over the coming days. It will include both in-person events and virtual tastings!

4. Ballot – There will be another ballot in the next MM… but we’ll keep tight-lipped on exactly what until then.

And of course much, much more!

NEW EXCLUSIVE BOURBON

KENTUCKY SPIRITS LTD. KWM BARREL BOURBON

That’s right, we have another KWM cask single barrel Bourbon!

Distilled in Paris, Kentucky by Kentucky Spirits Limited. Barrel #31 was picked by the KWM Whisky staff. Made from a mash bill of 75% Corn, 21% Rye, and 10% Malted Barley, it was filled into a standard charred virgin American White Oak 53-gallon barrel on November 25th, 2018. It was aged for 3 years and 6 months before being bottled exclusively for our shop at a cask strength of 60.4%. 228 bottles total.

Kentucky Spirits Ltd. KWM Barrel Bourbon #31 – 60.4% – 75% Corn, 21% Rye & 10%* (Bonus percent! All thanks to the generosity of KSL!) Malted Barley – Evan Tasting Note: “Nose: Toffee apple, Cracker Jacks mixed with kettle corn, sawdust from cutting up two by fours, cotton candy, dried pears, and a touch of Kirsch liqueur. Palate: Ever had a Fruit and Nut bar made with chili pepper-infused dark chocolate? Neither have I – but I am guessing it would taste like this. Big spice and chocolate notes up front lead into a creamy palate bursting with dried apples, peaches, and apricot notes. Buttered corn on the cob with a dash of chili powder and black pepper. Finish: Creamy and spicy and warming with Juicy Fruit gum on the fade. Comment: Enticing nose. Spicy and creamy palate. A deliciously fun Bourbon! It seems to be feast or famine when it comes to sourcing single-barrel Bourbon right now. We went an unacceptable amount of time bereft of a Bourbon bottle with our store name on it – and now we are lucky enough to have two delicious picks between this and our barrel of Woodford Double Oak!” – $105

NEW WHISKIES FROM

GORDON & MACPHAIL and BENROMACH

We have some exciting stuff from Benromach and Gordon & MacPhail, so don’t lock your eyes on the word Ledaig and just keep moving! There is a new release in the Benromach Contrasts range, highlighting Cara Gold barley.

1. Benromach Contrasts: Cara Gold Malt – 46% – 11 Year – First-Fill ex-Bourbon – Produced from lightly peated Cara Gold malt – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Perfumed and sweet with passionfruit, lychee and lime complemented by a hint of malted biscuit. Palate: Smooth and sweet flavours of pineapple, apricot and subtle pepper lead to toasted malt and a hint of butterscotch. Finish: Vibrant and fruity with sweet smoke.” – $95 – Limit 2 Per Customer!

2. G&M Connoisseurs Choice Dailuaine 2008 – 59.4% – 13 Year – First Fill Sherry Hogshead – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: festive spice aromas combine with hazelnut and stewed raisins. Taste: Black pepper gives way to rich forest fruit flavours and butterscotch. Finish: a full and long finish or lingering figs.” – $125

3. G&M Connoisseurs Choice Glenburgie 1995 – 53.6% – 25 Year -Refill Ex-Bourbon Barrel – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: aromas of ripe apple and butterscotch combine with zesty lime. Palate: creamy and smooth flavours of orange fresh mango and pineapple. Finish: A medium finish with lingering menthol.” – $375 – Limit 1 Per Customer!

4. G&M Connoisseurs Choice Glen Grant 1998 – 53.6% – 23 Year – Refill Sherry Hogshead – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: sherry aromas complement sultanas and dark chocolate. Fruitcake aromas develop alongside Seville orange peel and roasted coffee beans. Taste: Smooth flavours of stewed red berries and baked apples lead to subtle mint leaves. Citrus fruit comes to the fore accompanied by treacle toffee. Finish: A medium-bodied and long finish with lingering toasted almonds.” – $325 – Limit 1 Per Customer… there is only 1 bottle!

5. G&M Connoisseurs Choice Glentauchers 2006 – 57.6% – 15 Year – Refill Bourbon Barrel – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Orange and malted biscuit aromas are balanced by white pepper. Taste: Smooth lemon and lime zest gives way to flavours of toasted almond. Finish: A slightly dry finish with citrus fruits.” – $118

6. G&M Connoisseurs Choice Ledaig 2004 – 54.6% – 17 Year – Refill ex-Bourbon Barrel – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Cured meat gives way to vanilla, zesty lime and rich smoke aromas. Palate: Sweet apricot and tropical fruit flavours lead to chili spice. Finish: A citrus edge leads into intense smoky flavours on the finish.” – $220 – Limit 1 Per Customer!

7. G&M Connoisseurs Choice Miltonduff 1989 – 52.9% – 31 Year – Refill Sherry Butt – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Cloves and stewed fruit aromas give way to soft clementine zest. Subtle fruitcake notes complement treacle leading to a hint of beeswax polish. Taste: Smooth and sweet flavours of baked apples and medjool dates are followed by grapefruit orange marmalade develops, balanced by black pepper and subtle toffee notes. Finish: A full finish with lingering spice, fruit and mature oak.” – $1200 – Limit 1 Per Customer! 

8. G&M Distillery Label Ardmore 2000 – 46% – 21 Year – Refill Sherry Hogsheads – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Juicy blood orange and candied apple aromas combine with a subtle hint of vanilla. Smoke features prominently alongside tart grapefruit and lemon peel. Palate: Smoky bonfire embers complement baked apple and sweet orange zest. Light and spicy; black pepper develops alongside flavours of milk chocolate with an undertone of aniseed. Finish: A light and medium-bodied finish with lingering smoke and cocoa powder.” – $178

9. G&M Distillery Label Glentauchers 2007 – 46% – 14 Year – Refill Sherry Hogsheads – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Sherry notes complement rich milk chocolate and a subtle hint of vanilla pod. Fresh orange peel and fragrant cinnamon combine with sweet Medjool dates. Palate: Smooth on the palate with stewed apples accompanying nougat and roasted almonds. Treacle toffee notes come to the fore alongside a light touch of white pepper. Finish: The finish is sweet with lingering spice, dried banana and toasted oak.” – $105

10. G&M Private Collection Mortlach 1974 – 50.9% – 46 Year – Refill Sherry Butt – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Citrus aromas, lemon and lime compliment sweet desiccated coconut. White chocolate notes develop alongside soft dark honey and nougat. Taste: Sweet honeycomb flavours combine with soft apple crumble. Finish: Vibrant fruity pears and peaches give way to mature oak and lingering toasted hazelnuts.” – $3000

RETURNED  WHISKIES FROM

GORDON & MACPHAIL

We’ve seen the 3 below before, though in the case of the Glenburgie 21, the last edition was at 43%, and not 46%. The Convalmore is a closed distillery bottling, and we were lucky to score a handful of additional bottles. The Glen Grant 1953 Mr. George Legacy 1, was a special bonus surprise… All are limited 1 per customer and none are expected to last long.

1. G&M Distillery Label Glenburgie 21 Year – 46% – Refill Sherry Butts – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Notes of brown sugar covered stewed raisins mingle with hints of roasted hazelnuts. Delicate floral aromas are complemented by sweet vanilla and freshly cut dry hay. Taste: Full and fruity; stewed apple, cinnamon, and clove flavours come to the fore initially. Ripe summer berries emerge and combine with fresh mint highlights and refined toasted malt undertones. Finish: Long with lingering charred oak and a subtle herbal undertone.” – $200 – Limit 1 Per Customer!

2. G&M Private Collection Convalmore 1975 – 47.9% – 45 Year – Refill Sherry Butt – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Citrus aromas, lemon and lime compliment sweet desiccated coconut. White chocolate notes develop alongside soft dark honey and nougat. Taste: Sweet honeycomb flavours combine with soft apple crumble. Finish: Vibrant fruity pears and peaches give way to mature oak and lingering toasted hazelnuts.” – $3000 – 93.5ts Whiskybase – Limit 1 Per Customer!

3. G&M Glen Grant 1953 Mr. George Legacy 1 – 59.4% – First-Fill Sherry Butt – 67 Year – Producer Description: “Filled in 1953 this spirit from Glen Grant Distillery has been matured by Gordon MacPhail in a first fill Sherry butt made specifically to complement the liquid. ‘Mr George’, as he was fondly known by those who knew him best, was Mr George Urquhart, second generation of the family that owns Gordon & MacPhail. A true pioneer, Mr George was instrumental to the success of Scotch whisky, particularly single malts. “Mr George travelled widely, keen to showcase single malts from distilleries all over Scotland, matured in his own casks. This exceptional whisky is a fitting tribute to his pioneering spirit.” – Producer Tasting Note: “Aroma: Soft aromas of beeswax polish give way to stewed fruit and toasted hazelnuts. Subtle orange peel complements rich ginger notes. Taste: Autumnal spice and riple plum flavours combine with light blackcurrant undertones. Treacle comes to the fore alongside a light touch of fresh mint. Finish: A full bodied and long finish with lingering fruit, spice and a delicate hint of bonfire embers.” – $9,499.99 – Only 1 Bottle!

NEW WHISKIES FROM

THAT BOUTIQUE-Y WHISKY COMPANY

We have three tranches of cool stuff from our friends at That Boutique-y Whisky Company: whiskies from a range of North-West European Distilleries; some random single malts; and a quartet of cool blends!

North-West Euro Distilleries

“Welcome to our Norwest-Euro Express! This is a whistle stop journey of nine whiskies from across Scandinavia, and North West Europe!

There are five brand new whisky labels from the pen of Emily Chappell, and this collection includes our first ever whisky produced in Austria, and our first Buckwheat spirit too. We can’t label this whisky, because Buckwheat isn’t a grain, although it is known as a ‘pseudocereal’. It’s actually a grain-like seed, and not related to wheat at all. It’s actually related to sorrel and rhubarb!”

Only 12 bottles of each have come to KWM, and we will be pulling together a tasting soon!

1. Boutique-y Broger Batch 1 6 Year – 62.3% – Austrian Single Malt – Heavily Peated Malt – French Limousin Oak – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Big! Farmyard funk and peaty tar. Hints of dark pipe tobacco, Black rubber, and liquorice, Underneath though, caramel, BBQ sauce, and sandalwood. Palate: ​Oily and chewy. Woodsmoke and chimney soot, hard rubber, liquorice root, and an underlying sweet citrus note.” – $115 500ml

2. Boutique-y Eddu Batch 1 14 Year – 47.9% – French Single Malt Buckwheat Spirit (not a legal grain for whisky) – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Honey, charred lemon peel, and exotic spices. Lots of fresh ginger, with hints of fenugreek and some earthy cumin. Palate: Delicate, with a surprisingly light mouthfeel. Honeyed sweetness, with plenty of spices, candied ginger leading, oranges and a generous pinch of salt.” – $201.99 500ml

3. Boutique-y Fary Lochan Batch 1 6 Year – 60.2% – Danish Single Malt – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: A soft and fruity nose, with lots of dark chocolate and hazelnut, Dried fruits; raisins and dates, with hints of roasted coffee. Palate: Rich and luxurious with rich dark chocolate, Black Forest gateau, black cherry, and an underlying woody char.” – $168 500ml

4. Boutique-y Helsinki Rye Batch. 2 6 Year – 58.9% – Finish Rye – Virgin American Oak – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Deliciously complex! Aromas of coffee, light honey on toasted rye bread, dark chocolate, and hints of pine needles and linseed oil. Palate: Hints of liquorice, dried apricots, creamy vanilla caramel, coffee, and cocoa, alongside a charred wood smoke note. Love this!” – $112 500ml

5. Boutique-y Highglen Batch 1 3 Year – 46.4% – Swiss Single Malt – 100L hybrid Bourbon-Sherry casks – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Fruit and nut chocolate! The fruits get a little darker with time, plums and black cherry. Palate: Rich chocolate, dried peel, spices, caramel, with a slight herbal woodiness.” – $114 500ml

6. Boutique-y Kyro Rye Batch 1 4 Year – 53.1% – Finnish 100% Malted Rye Whisky – Virgin Oak Finished in First Fill ex-Bourbon – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Vanilla creams, caramel, chalk dust, dried apricot, rye bread dough earthiness, fresh rain on dry ground; petrichor. Palate: Sweet, malty, toasted rye bread, earthy honey, red berry fruit notes. Hints of coffee linger in the finish. Spectacular!” – $97 500ml

7. Boutique-y Slyrs Bt. 3 3 Year – 52.6% – German Single Malt – Crocodile toast Virgin American Oak – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Fruity, with crisp green apples and fresh peaches. Hints of pear drops, Demerara sugar and caramel. Palate: Medium bodied, with honey, sweet grains, and hints of roast peanuts. Spicy with nutmeg and white pepper. It’s another cracker!” – $123

8. Boutique-y Teerenpeli Batch 2 3 Year – 55.5% – Lightly Peated Finnish Single Malt – Recoopered American Oak – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Charred lemons, peated malt, fresh grain and dried husk. Baked apple, green leaves, fruity toffee and peppery touches. Palate: Light and clean, sweet muesli and pineapple cubes, charred wood smoke, and vanilla. Hint of grapefruit.” – $96

Curious Boutique-y Blends & Other Randos

About the Range: “(I didn’t feel like re-typing the full caps…)  ALONGSIDE OUR NORWEST-EURO EXPRESS RELEASES THERE IS OF COURSE A KICK-ASS SCOTCH WHISKY RELEASE OF BOTTLINGS THAT HAVE NO RELATIONSHIP AT ALL WITH THE NORWEST-EURO EXPRESS THEME, BUT THINK OF THEM AS BACKPACKERS, ENJOYING THE RIDE.

Malt First

Just because… or maybe to save the most curious for last! There is some very good value here, so don’t get hung up on the fact the whiskies are 500ml!

1. Boutique-y Allt-A-Bhainne Bt. 9 23 Year – 49.5% – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Baked orchard fruits, a sprinkle of brown sugar and a hint of creamy custard. Palate: Peppery spice fills the mouth, there’s oranges and cinnamon with an earthiness emerging, finishing with a fruity burst of apples and pears.” – $230 500ml

2. Boutique-y Ledaig Batch 11 21 Year – 48.7% – 1997 – Sherry Butt – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Bitumen, a touch of salt and a hint of underlying sweet fruit. Palate: Very smooth with tropical fruits and a dusting of icing sugar before more of that smokiness comes through.” – $263 500ml

3. Boutique-y Miltonduff Batch 5 10 Year – 50.3% – Sherry Cask – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Floral, fruity and honeyed with hints of fudge whilst lemon rind balances all the sweetness. Palate: Warm apple pie with a sugared flaky pastry, cinnamon and vanilla ice cream.” – $67 500ml

4. Boutique-y Macduff Batch 6 11 Year – 48% – 2007 – Sherry Puncheon – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Creamy, with malted milk biscuits, toasted marshmallows, syrupy peaches. Palate: The syrupy fruit continues and there’s more marshmallow too, but there’s also a dryness and lots of cereal notes.” – $68 500ml

5. Boutique-y Speyside #3 Batch 2 6 Year – 49.3% – Sherry Butts – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Salted caramel fudge, followed by a Light wood smokiness. Palate: More of those sweet and salty flavours intermingling. There’s also oranges and cranberries too.” – $47 500ml

Now The Blends…

We’ve put one hundred and forty eight years of blended scotch together in four different releases, at 22, 32, 42, and 52 years old. It’s the Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything…”

If you’re trying to figure out why the 52 year old isn’t more dear than the 42, it has everything to do with the word ‘whisky’… or the lack thereof. But, shelf price aside, it is also selling for up to $500 at auction, and we also don’t have very much of it… so what to do?! For the time being, we are only offering it as a part of a set including 1 bottle each of the below three blends. The sweetener is, if you purchase a bottle of each, which is $947+gst, we will shave $75 off the top, making the set $872+gst. Not bad for 148 years of whisky*!

1. Boutique-y Blended Scotch Whisky #2 Batch 3 22 – 41.8% – A glorious 22 Year Old release of blended Scotch Whisky. Outturn 000 bottles – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Sweet with Demerara sugar and heather honey, chocolate raisins follow. Palate: Very gentle. Velvety smooth, with rich chocolate and black cherry, with just a hint of wild fennel. There’s a whisper of wood smoke in the finish too.” – $112

2. Boutique-y St Thomas Blended Scotch Batch 1 32 Year – 40.1% – Taking visual cues from great old blended Scotch brands, St. Thomas references three of our team members on a single label. Outturn 398 bottles. – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Malty, fudgy, and delightfully inviting with no nose prickle and plenty of character. Palate: Luscious oak, mint chocolate and lasting finish of maturity and depth.” – $185 500ml

3. Boutique-y Cutler & Stubbs Blended Scotch Batch 1 42 Year – 44.1% – Inspired by classic, lost or collectible blended scotch whisky brands, Cutler & Stubbs is a true Boutique-y original. Outturn 440 bottles. – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Fruity, malty and rich, with just a wisp of perfumed smoke and salinity. Palate: Fresh, then dry fruits, caramel, treacle and toffee. Luscious with buttery oak, creamy coastal character and a long, toasty finish.” – $400 500ml

4. Boutique-y Auld Alfords Blended Spirit* Batch 1 52 Year – 35% – A ‘bottled too late’ spirit drink. Like its younger cousins in this range, the inspiration for this label came from a classic blended Scotch whisky of yesteryear. Outturn 140 bottles. – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Pure dunnage warehouse, ripe fruits, old oak, rich caramel and custard notes. Palate: Silky and mouth coating, mango and soft banana with soft oak and lingering spice.” – $250** 500ml – This whisky only available as a part of a set of 4 whiskies with one bottle each!

* The Auld Alford’s is not legally whisky, as it is below 40%.

NEW WHISKIES FROM HUNTER LAING

We have some new malts from our friends at Hunter Laing, including a Ben Nevis from that legendary year, 1996… There is also one of the oldest Royal Lochnagar bottlings we’ve ever seen, as well as lovely bottlings of Linkwood 18 Year and Glenburgie 21 Year.

Got a cool $8400 burning a hole in your pocket? There is also a magnum of 30 year old Ardbeg, distilled in 1991. $8400 sounds like a lot, but the same bottle has been seen on sale in Europe for up to $15K.

There is also a curious 14 year old mystery Orkney single malt. The tasting notes make no mention of peat, so could it be Scapa? That is unlikely, as the distillery closed for refurbishments in 2004 and 2005. But even when it did reopen, it didn’t exactly run at even half steam, let alone full, until late in the decade. So either way, we have a a bit of a curiosity here!

1. First Edition Miltonduff 1990 – 57.2% – Refill Hogshead – Producer Tasting Note: “A sweet nose with apples, vanilla and honey. Malted barley on the palate with vanilla, toffee and pears. The finish is long and sweet with gentle oak.” –$380 – 90pts Whiskybase

2. Old Malt Cask Ben Nevis 24 Year – 50% – 1996 – Refill Butt HL18761 – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: toffee, strawberries and vanilla. Palate: sweet, with licorice, apples and caramel. Finish: long, with lingering pepper and oak.” – $470

3. Old Malt Cask Glenburgie 21 Year – 50% – 2000 – Refill Hogshead – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: cherries, apples and toffee. Palate: chocolate, liquorice, and pepper notes. Finish: long, with lingering spice.” –$265

4. Old Malt Cask Linkwood 18 Year – 50% – 2002 – Refill Hogshead – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: sweet with soft fruits, meringue, and strawberries. Palate: vanilla, butter shortcake, and apples. Finish: long and satisfying with a pleasant fruity aftertaste.” –$195

5. Old Malt Cask Royal Lochnagar 21 Year – 50% – 2000 – Refill Hogshead – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: peaches, green ferns, and toffee. Palate: cherries, chocolate, and oak influence. Finish: long, with lingering spice and heat.” –$310

6. Old Malt Cask Orkney 14 Year – 50% – 2006 – Refill Hogshead – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: orange, caramel, heather honey. Palate: milk chocolate, orange, beeswax and toffee apple. Finish: long, sweet and fruity with more waxiness.” – $155

7. Old & Rare Ardbeg 30 Year – 53.2% – 1991 – Refill Hogshead – Producer Tasting Note: “This rich, dark golden-coloured whisky has a robust, well-rounded nose of sweet iodine, sea salt, and peat smoke. It is full bodied and initially sweet on the palate with vanilla followed by more iodine, sea salt, and peat, leaving a long, lingering finish with a hint of peat smoke.” – $8400 – Available by Request! 

NEW WHISKIES FROM TWO BREWERS

Our friends at Yukon Brewing & Distilling have dropped two new batches of their single malt. All of the geeky details are on our website. Release 35, a “Classic” release, is from ex-Bourbon & virgin oak casks. Release 34, an “Innovative” release, is another ex-Maple Syrup cask whisky.

1. Two Brewers Yukon Single Malt Release 34 – 40% – 6 Year (43% is 10+ years old) – Innovative (click on link for more detail) – Part Finished 27 Months in ex-Maple Syrup Casks – Producer Tasting Note: “Vibrant aromas reach out, meadow and hay with maple sweetness, touches of citrus, currants, raisins. Malt underpinnings are abrupt in the lush, rich entry, chewy across the palate as maple notes enter. Spicy oak dusts the whisky/maple marriage in a persistent finish.” – $105

2. Two Brewers Yukon Single Malt Release 35 – 46% – 8 Year (25% is 10+ years old) Classic Release – Ex-Bourbon & Virgin Oak – Producer Tasting Note: “The intricate nose is worth mulling, textures of baking spice, ripe fruit, umami and fresh hewn oak. The creamy entry is bright and assertive, spice wrapped sweetness flowing and growing across the palate. A tangle lingers, drying oak with fine sugars and sprinkled spice.” – $106

BLADNOCH IS BACK!

It has taken seemingly forever for these whiskies to get here. We actually ordered them in 2021, and were originally expecting the 2021 releases. Instead, we got the 2022s, but no matter, that may have been for the best anyway. Now to try and fit all of them into a vertical tasting…

For those who aren’t familiar, Bladnoch is a Lowland distillery, in picturesque Dumfries and Galloway. It was purchased by Australian David Prior in 2015, who set about bringing it back to life, after several seemingly rudderless decades. David recruited a Dr. Nick Savage from Macallan to be Bladnoch’s Master Distiller.

1. Bladnoch Alinta (Peated) – 47% – 1st Fill Bourbon & PX Sherry – Producer Description: “‘Alinta’, an indigenous Australian word from several Southeast Australian language groups means ‘fire’ and ‘flames’, and evokes the notes of Campfire Embers found in each sip. This expression utilises PX Sherry and ex-bourbon casks combined together with a sweet smoky peated spirit, sets Alinta apart from anything previously released by Bladnoch.” – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose:  Smoky ice cream, delicately floral with sweet oak. Palate: Campfire smoke, almonds, raisins with a white chocolate body. Finish: Long with a sweet smoke.” – $132

2. Bladnoch Vinaya – 46.7% – Ex Oloroso Sherry & ex-Bourbon Casks – Producer Description: “‘Vinaya’, a Sanskrit word meaning respect and gratitude, pays homage to the original founders of the distillery who paved the way, as Bladnoch looks forward to an exciting new era of production and innovation.” – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Sweet floral grass with boiled sweets. Palate: Fresh green apples and chocolate with a hint of pepper. Finish: Light and refreshing.” – $73

3. Bladnoch 11 Year 2022 – 46.7% – ex-Bourbon – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Delicate floral with notes of honey, refreshing citrus and cut grass. Palate: Floral Parma Violets with fresh cut apples and hints of wood spice. Finish: Sweet mouth coating leading to a refreshing finish.” – $112 – 88pts Whiskybase

4. Bladnoch 14 Year 2022 – 46.7% – Oloroso Sherry – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Wood spices, rich raisins and sultanas with a hint of orange peel and chocolate. Palate: Raisins, dried fruits, rich fruit cake with sweet cinnamon and chocolate. Finish: Rich and long with a slight dryness.” – $175

5. Bladnoch 19 Year 2022 – 46.7% – PX Sherry – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Dark liquorice sticks and aged oak with a floral background. Palate: Liquorice sticks with dried apricots, almonds and nutmeg. Finish: Long with a dry sweetness.” – $240 – 88pts Whiskybase

6. Bladnoch Talia Rare Release 2022 – 45.5% – Oloroso & Red Wine Cask – Producer Description: “Matured in Oloroso Sherry and Californian red wine casks. Our dew drops from heaven, Talia combines whiskies from the oldest casks in the Bladnoch archives. This rare release of our Talia collection delights with notes of Blackcurrants, toffee and root ginger. A tribute to rare, Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky.”  – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Fresh blackcurrants with floral grass and aged oak. Palate: Toffee with coffee crème and root ginger. Finish: Long, sweet and peppery.” – $565 – 91.5pts Whiskybase

INTRODUCING: REIFEL RYE

Reifel Rye is a new release from Alberta Distillers, which has gotten my team excited. The distillery, which celebrates its 75th Anniversary this year, has named the whisky in honour of George H. Reifel, it’s first Master Distiller.

We really ought to get one of our team to write up a tasting note!

Reifel Rye – 42% –  Producer Description: “Reifel Rye has been created in honour of George H. Reifel. The legendary master distiller who laid the foundations of Alberta Distillers 75 years ago, and whose standards, commitment to the craft, belief in local ingredients, obsession with extraordinary flavour, and adventurous spirit still characterize ADL’s distilling culture today. Reifel Rye is a masterpiece George would be proud of. This high rye spirit is aged in charred white oak and ex bourbon barrels. It is a feast of a whisky with notes of toffee, banana bread, chocolate, poached pear and crème brûlée. An unconventional whisky with unexpected depths. High Rye, Deep Character from the Distillery Of The Decade.” – $48

OTHER ASSORTED NEW WHISKIES

Some fun new whiskies we’ve lumped together because time is short…

The Ardnamurchan is the distillery’s first cask strength bottling, other than the odd single cask.

The Edradours are wine finished, but don’t let that scare you off, they have great reviews!

And the last one is a Kiwi whisky…

1. Ardnamurchan AD/02.22 Cask Strength – 58.7% – 84% Peated Spirit – 45 ex-Bourbon Barrels & 5 Sherry Hogsheads – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Pear and almond tart, sea salt, wet hessian, flapjacks, sea shells and peppermint tea. Palate: Fresh ginger, tobacco leaf, integrated peat, orange blossom, salted caramel with great texture. Finish: Citrus zest lingers with candied fruit and orange oil. Coastal peat and bold barley are balanced by buttery oak and more earthen vanilla.” – $102

2. Edradour 21 Year Bordeaux Finish – 55.7% – 1999 – 13 Years in ex-Bourbon / Finished 8 Years in Fresh Premier Grand Cru Bordeaux Hogsheads – Producer Tasting Note: “Burnt orange in colour, the whisky reveals notes of orange barley sugar, jelly beans, sugar coated cereals and candied orange peel. Water reveals Turkish delight, with a long spicy barley water in the finish.” – $435 – 88.17pts Whiskybase

3. Edradour 22 Year Barolo Finish – 55.2% – 1999 – 13 Years ex-Bourbon / Finished 9 Years in Fresh Barolo Hogsheads – Producer Tasting Note: “Mahogany in colour, the whisky is full bodied, with notes of redcurrant jelly, maple syrup and cranberries. Some water brings out spiced cinnamon apples and cloves. Long sweet finish fading to sugared almond puree.” –$440 – 89.57pts Whiskybase.

4. Thomson Two Tone News Zealand Single Malt – 40% – Two Tone refers to the two kinds of cask used for the maturation of this whisky; European oak which formerly held New Zealand red wine and American white oak used exclusively for whisky. – Producer Description & Tasting Note: “Thomson Whisky brings you an update from the barrel. Made from 100% New Zealand grown malted barley, smoked using Manuka wood, and distilled through a hand beaten copper pot still, it’s our Manuka Smoke release in its youth. This ‘work in progress’ bottling offers natural smoke, cinnamon, clove, and Manuka oils.” – $85 – “World Whisky Awards: Best New Zealand Single Malt”

ARDBEG 25 YEAR BALLOT

AKA THE ARDBALLOT

Before reading any further, or jumping headlong into the ballot, please note, we have fewer bottles available than I have fingers on one hand… and the thumb is not a finger!!!

Please do not enter this ballot if you have already acquired this or a prior release of Ardbeg 25 Year… let someone else have a bottle!

Ardbeg 25 Year 2022 Edition – 46% – Producer Description: “Bottled from incredibly rare casks filled during some of the Distillery’s darkest days, this is Ardbeg at its most intricate, balanced and beguiling. Majestic aromas of smoked cream and earthy bonfires are masterfully interwoven with layers of pine and fragrant candle wax. Hot pepper rises on the palate, twisting around lemon sherbet sweetness, while hints of carbolic soap and tar flow into a long aftertaste characterized by delicate aniseed entwined with lingering cream and fudge.” – Producer Tasting Note: “Aroma: A pungent burst of smoked cream, peppermint and toffee, with Ardbeg’s classic fennel and pine resin. Distant earthy bonfires mix with herbal and fruity (banana and tropical) notes, along with fragrant candle wax. Taste: An extremely vibrant, hot peppery mouthfeel leads into a burst of sherbet lemon sweetness (candied apples, pears and orange), hints of carbolic soap and tar, more creamy toffee, aniseed and chili pepper. Finish: A long, mellow, lingering aftertaste, with lots of cream, fudge and delicate antiseptic notes. An elegant, soothing style of Ardbeg.” – $1300 – Available for purchase by ballot! 

Enter The Ardbeg 25 Ballot Here

UP-COMING TASTINGS

Our Fall Tasting Schedule is coming soon, but in the meantime, here are a few events to entertain and delight you! This tasting includes a 1x15ml sample bottle of the Black Tot Master Blender’s Reserve plus The Black Tot Rum Tasting Pack that contains 5×30 samples from the Black Tot lineup. Note it is actually cheaper than buying the gift pack on its own…

WATERFORD WHISKY WITH MARK REYNIER 

·     Date: Friday, September 16

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $35

·     This is an in-person tasting!

Mark Reynier’s Waterford Distillery is one of the new generation of Irish distilleries and has been making waves in the whisk(e)y world even before its first few releases hit the market a few years ago. Thanks to Waterford’s terroir and single farm-driven approach, the distillery’s first whisky releases have received acclaim from critics and consumers alike. Mark Reynier is finally able to join us in Calgary for a tasting in-store, where we will taste our way through seven different bottlings from Waterford including the Organic Gaia and The Cuvée. Due to time constraints, this tasting is limited to one seating with only 20 spots available, so it is likely to see out quickly!

Friday, September 16th at 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.

CURBSIDE PICKUP

Physical distancing is made easy with curbside pickup. Order online or by phone, wait for confirmation your order is ready then call us when you are parked in the back or out front. Be sure to let us know what your vehicle looks like!

403-283-8000

888-283-9004

Regular Store Hours

Mon-Wed 10 AM – 8 PM

Thurs & Fri 10 AM – 9 PM

Sat 10 AM – 8 PM

Sun 11 AM to 6 PM

Mark Reynier is the founder and CEO of Waterford Distillery and will be here at The Kitchen on Sunday September 11 to host our first Whisky Pairing dinner since January 2020.

Mark grew up in the wine business and in 1996 he established Murray McDavid Independent Bottlers, we still have some of his bottles on the shelves and more in storage. The Murray McDavid team purchased the mothballed Bruichladdich distillery on Islay in 2000.

With Mark’s background in wine he learned much about terroir and the science behind wine making. He believed that terroir wasn’t just indicative to grape growing and the wine industry. Whilst at the helm of Bruichladdich he set out to prove that the soil where the barley was grown was as important as the soil for grape production. Bruichladdich still has terrior specific releases. In 2012 Remy Cointreau purchased Bruichladdich and Mark went searching for a new distillery location where he could grow the best barley. When the opportunity to purchase an old Guinness brewery in Southern Ireland presented itself, he jumped at the chance and Waterford was born.

Mark’s goal was to take his decades of expertise and “break the norms” by creating whisky with a focus on terroir. By using new technologies, avoiding shortcuts in the distillation process, and working directly with Irish farmers, Waterford is able to produce purer flavours. With their single farm origin whiskies, you can truly taste the flavours or Ireland in a unique way.

 Get your tickets here!

We couldn’t be more excited…the Gathering officially starts today, Thursday, 1 September with a special virtual pub session, followed by a unique tasting and events programme at our venues, Partner Bars, Members’ Rooms and online. It’s a great time to get involved and make the most of your membership.

The Gathering is our annual celebration of everything that makes the Society unique. The festival is for all members, no matter where you are in the world. It’s the time of year you’ll hear our rallying cry ALL TOGETHER NOW!

Keep on scrolling for more details on our Gathering virtual pub session OR click on over to our website to discover everything that’s happening throughout the month.

DISCOVER THE GATHERING

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

Saturday, September 3, 1 PM – 5 PM

Local Spirits: 10th St Distillery

 

Can peated single malt be made in the Bay Area? Yes, and it’s delicious! 10th St Distillery brings Islay tradition to California with their signature single malt, made from imported Scottish peated barley.

Located in San Jose, California, 10th St Distillery combines time honored Scottish traditions and American ingenuity to create award winning single malt. Their signature expression is made with peated barley imported exclusively from Scotland and mineral rich water from the Sierras, hand-crafted in custom copper pot stills and aged in bourbon barrels. It received ‘Best in Class’ at the 2018 Whiskies of the World. Come by for a taste and learn more about this up-and-coming local distillery.

Click Here to RSVP

(or email us at info@whiskyshopusa.com)

2022 Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame®

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the historic voice for Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. Its diverse and growing membership produces 90 percent of the world’s Bourbon, from legendary, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s timeless craft and treasured economic engine. Member benefits include media relations, international trade development, private sampling events, technical assistance, economic development support, networking, legal defense, marketing strategies, governmental and regulatory advocacy and innovative tourism experiences through the KDA’s world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® adventures. The KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.

Masterclass preferences

Meeting old and new friends, sharing relaxed drams. That’s what Maltstock is all about! But we know our guests are really keen on attending our masterclasses and Drink with… sessions as well! Last Monday we’ve sent an e-mail to all ticket holders to ask them which masterclass they want to attend, and 61 of them have already chosen! You have until the 3rd of September to let us know, and if you don’t have a ticket yet… now would be a great time! So get the most out of your relaxed whiskyweekend experience and join us for this relaxed edition!! Which masterclass and Drinks with… sessions would you attend?

Bob, Klaas, Stan & Teun

Tickets

Get relaxed while you can!!  Tickets are available from:

 www.maltstock.com/shop

Looking forward to meeting you all!

SEPTEMBER TASTINGS

Milk & Honey Distillery construction began in June 2014.

Within a year the first spirit flowed from its pot stills, located in a former bakery in an urban neighborhood of Tel Aviv. There’ve been a few highly limited releases, but now Milk & Honey is finally ready to conquer the world of whisky with the release of its first widely-available single malt. Among the original Israeli dreamers is Milk & Honey Head Distiller Tomer Goren. Partly self-educated, Goren also spent time honing his craft at distilleries in Scotland, as well as at the British Institute of Brewing & Distilling. He quickly discovered that distilling in the hot Israeli climate is a far cry from the mild weather in Scotland. Goren talked with us to discuss the advantages and challenges of producing whisky in Israel. Shilton Almeida the Area Sales Manger and Brand Ambassador for Milk & Honey Distillery will be talking us through the following line-up:

Milk & Honey Classic
Milk & Honey Elements Sherry
Milk & Honey Elements Red Wine cask
Milk & Honey Elements Peated
Milk & Honey Apex Pomegranate
Milk & Honey Apex Dead Sea

Buy Now

The distillery, originally named Scotia, was built in 1832 by Stewart, Galbraith & Co who ran it until 1895. In 1919, it was one of the founding members of West Highland Malt Distilleries which brought together six Campbeltown distilleries in an attempt to share costs and stave off potential closure. Five of the six failed, but in 1924 when the axe was falling across Campbeltown, Scotia was purchased by Duncan MacCallum who had founded Glen Nevis. He was forced to close it in 1928, but it reopened in 1930. That year however, MacCallum committed suicide after owing his life savings in a scam (his ghost is said to haunt the distillery) and it was bought by Bloch Bros [see Glengyle, Scapa] which added ‘Glen’ to the name.

In 1994, Gibson’s whisky interests were bought by Glen Catrine Bonded Warehouse Ltd which promptly mothballed Glen Scotia once more. It worked intermittently until 1999, when it returned to fully staffed production. Although a 12-year-old was available, it was more widely available through occasional bottlings by independent bottlers. In 2012 however a new range, with striking wrap-around packaging featuring Highland cows, was launched. With Glen Catrine’s subsequent purchase in 2014 by private equity firm Exponent, there are hopes that there will be further investment in plant and brands.

The Master Distiller Iain McAlister will be coming down for this evening, with an unique cask tasting, all from never released stock. Reveal of the special casks on the evening, a night to don’t miss!!

Buy Now

The Cotswolds Distillery was founded in 2014 by Dan Szor. A native New Yorker, Dan had been working in finance in London and was looking for a new direction that would let him move permanently to the countryside and do something he was passionate about. He began his production in September 2014, just a few months after the distillery was commissioned. Since then we have produced a number of different spirits and liqueurs, from absinthe to a rye whisky, whilst also steadily increasing production of our Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky.  Dan will be coming down to Soho for this evening, he will talk us through the line-up below:

Cotswolds Signature

Cotswolds Reserve 

Cotswolds Founder’s Choice

Cotswolds Sherry Cask

Cotswolds Bourbon Cask

Cotswolds Peated Cask

Buy Now

The origins of distilleries are often, as they should be, obscured by the clouds of half-truth and myth. Such is the case with Highland Park. Was it founded by famed priest turned smuggler Magnus Eunson, or by farmer David Robertson in 1798? The distillery’s ornate wrought ironwork gate certainly attests to the 1798 story. It first appeared as single malt in the late 1970s, as an eight-year-old, but the packaging was revamped in the 1980s (and repeatedly ever since) when the 12- and 18-year-old expressions were introduced. It soon built up a strong, even cult, following with the range expanding continually. As well as a core range with age statements, various series have been released themed around Orcadian history and Norse gods. In this particular evening David Miles will be coming down talking us through the line-up below:

Highland Park 12Years Old
Highland Park 15 Years Old
Highland Park 18Years old
Highland Park Cask Strength

Buy Now

Old & Rare 16 Year Old
Second Fill American Oak
TD0058

American Oak Refill Old & Rare: TD0058

TD0058 comes in bursting with fresh fruits and the qualities of beautiful, old oak. Apricot nectar and coconut cream usher in round and bright notes of pine-lime ice cream, mango salsa and watermelon granita. Impeccably layered, the palate provides cocoa, malted milkshakes and syrup-soaked sponge, resting atop a base of sandalwood and incense. 16 years old, matured in a 300L second fill American oak cask, TD0058 yielded 406 bottles of 49.8% Sullivans Cove.

Read the full tasting notes here

This whisky will be released via ballot. The ballot will open for 24 hours from 10am Hobart time on Monday 29th of August. Further details will be sent via email prior to the ballot opening.

A note on our ballot system. 

Our policy is one entry per person, per household, per ballot. Our fraud detection algorithm detects multiple entries and removes them to ensure our whisky lands in the hands of our genuine supporters, so to ensure your entry counts, please enter each ballot once only. If you have any questions around our ballot process, you can email us at info@sullivanscove.com Successful entries will be notified shortly after the ballot closes.

Ready, Set, Save…

Our Surprise Summer Sale is on now with almost everything in-stock on sale. The sale in itself shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise, we have one every year, but this one is a little on the late side.

We considered calling it the Back to School Sale this year, but on a number of levels that just didn’t feel right. We also considered calling in the Warehouse Sale, as our warehouse is full to bursting with inventory right now. After 3 lean months for new arrivals early in the year, we’ve received nearly a year’s worth of inventory in the last 3.

Logistically speaking we’ve gone from famine to feast, so to avoid indigestion, it’s time for a cleanse!

Friday, August 26, through midnight Sunday, August 28, you can save 5-50% of most in-stock bottles & in-store and online.

You get a great deal, and we’ll have a little more room in our warehouse… it’s a win, win, whisk(e)y… whatever you’re into!

Sincerely,

Andrew Ferguson

The Deets!

The sale is online and in-store only. No phone orders, please.

You can save:

10-50% on most in-stock Whisky

To make your browsing a little easier, we have linked PDF files below highlighting  for Whiskies Discounted 15%-50%.

The CSPC in the left-hand column on both lists can be used in addition to the product name to search for and order products on our website.

Browse Whiskies Discounted 15-50%

Shop in-store or online at: 

www.kensingtonwinemarket.com/ 

In-store pickup will be available throughout the sale and we will also offer Free Delivery for orders over $100. Customers wanting to pay by cash or debit are encouraged to shop in-store. 

The Sale Fine Print

·     No additional discounts or promotions can be applied to the sale price.

·     Prices do not include GST.

·     In the event of a discrepancy in price, the point of sale at KWM will be taken as correct.

·     Sale pricing will not be applied retroactively or carried forward past the end of our Surprise Summer Sale at midnight (11:59 PM), Sunday, August 28, 2022.

·     The sale is in-store and online only.

·     No phone orders, please!

·     If you order online, please wait for confirmation that your order is ready for pickup before heading down to the shop.

One Must Have Hot Tip

A good deal just got even better… The importers for Tomatin found another stash of the Tomatin Contrast, and while stocks last you can buy it for half price! Already bought a set, buy another, you’ll never see another deal like this again!

This is a very interesting 2x half bottle release from Tomatin Distillery which shows the difference between ex-bourbon and ex-sherry barrels and their influence on Scotch. The distillery vatted whiskies from 4 decades, and then further matured it in ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry before bottling at 46%. That in itself is very cool. The fact that some of the whisky is from the 70s takes things up a notch.

You need a set of this, or better yet two!

Tomatin Contrast – Regular $210 – Save 50% – $105

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.

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.*