I hope this email finds you well, in a comfortable seat, and with a few minutes to spare… because this is a big one. Fall is always a busy time in retail, as holiday demand and a bottleneck of new products converge in a perfect storm. I have been working on this newsletter for the better part of 10 days now, admittedly with a few days off to nip some sort of bug in the bud…
There are a few typical seasonal offerings, like the once-annual deluge of new whiskies from Bruichladdich, including Port Charlotte, a trio of Octomores and the 10th edition of Black Art. There is also the new annual limited release from Glenmorangie, a Tale of the Forrest. We also have a bunch of new and returned whiskies from Benromach, Gordon & MacPhail, Valinch & Mallet, That Boutique-y Whisky Company, Wemyss Malts, SMWS Canada, and more. There is truly a lot packed into this Malt Messenger!
But before we get to that, I want to quickly comment on a couple of charities we support annually at this time of year. The first is the CBC Calgary Food Bank Drive, which we have been supporting with both auction items and cash donations for close to a decade. We have two great items this year, which are open for bidding until December 16th at 7PM:
1. Private “Rare Single Malts” Scotch Tasting – Value $2500
2. Holiday Beverage Survival Crate – Value $600
I will be on the CBC Homestretch in Calgary after 5:20PM today, talking about these auction items.
Secondly, there is the MS Society. As I am sure most of you are well aware, we have been a driving force behind the MS Calgary Whisky Festival, which is returning for its 10th year (We had to pause for a couple years due to you-know-what!) on Thursday, January 19. At the time of writing the event is more than 80%, with just over 100 tickets left!
As we have for the last couple of years, we are also taking part in the MS Society’s “Savour: A Culinary Festival.“ We have selected two whiskies and two Champagnes for this fundraising campaign, and we will donate 10% of all sales on these products between November 25 and December 24:
1. Teeling 15 Year KWM Armagnac Cask 16570 – $149.99
2. Tomatin 2006 KWM Cask 33306 – $154.99
You get a great product, and a portion of the proceeds go to supporting a great cause.
That’s all for this edition of the Malt Messenger. Keep an eye out later this week for the first of our 2023 Tastings to pop up online, and next week for another Malt Messenger with everything we couldn’t include in this one, including our Annual Last Minute Christmas Gift Guide!
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.
Andrew Ferguson
Kensington Wine Market
IN THIS EDITION
1. Introducing: Glenmorangie A Tale of the Forrest
2. The Octomore 13s & Some Other New Bruichladdichs
3. New Whiskies from Gordon & MacPhail and Benromach
4. New & Returned Boutique-y Stuff
5. New Rum & Whisky from Valinch & Mallet
6. New Whiskies from Wemyss Malts
7. Assorted New American Whiskies
8. Assorted New Canadian Whiskies
9. Assorted New Scotch Whiskies
10. Evan’s SMWS Corner
11. Another Round of Ballot Bottles (…Deep Breath…)
12. Up-Coming Tastings
13.On Sale
Introducing:
The Glenmorangie A Tale of the Forrst
The latest limited annual release of Glenmorangie, “A Tale of the Forrest” is here. The whisky is produced from barley kilned with woodland botanicals.
Glenmorangie A Tale of the Forrest – 46% – Producer Tasting Note: “Aroma: Forest-like depth of taste and aroma, commencing with a bouquet of pine, juniper and coriander, along with roasted chestnut and an intriguing whisper of smoke. Taste: Flavour explodes in the mouth. Whirls of peppermint. Bursts of eucalyptus. Rustles of bitter orange. All floating on clouds of vanilla with intriguing hints of black liquorice. Finish: It concludes with a slow and luscious finish featuring lemon, orange and a soft hint of oak.” – $132
The Octomore 13s Have Arrived…
And Other New Laddies Too!
We have 8 new Laddies, in what is becoming something of an annual fall release trend. One Port Charlotte, three Octomores and four Bruichladdichs!
1. Bruichladdich The Organic 2011 – 50% – 11 Year – First Fill ex-American Oak – $125
2. Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2013 – 50% – 8 Year – American & European Oak – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: The freshness and purity of the spirit is striking. A kaleidoscope of vibrant aromas pour from the glass. First, citrus and honey notes emerge before stoned fruit, dried apricot, and the perfume of ripe peaches. Sweet notes of marzipan, yellow flowers and vanilla pods are followed by zephyrs of spice, cereal, and marine breeze. Over time the oak notes elevate as the vanilla, Crème-Brulee, caramel and wood spices come to the fore. Then gentle hints of cinnamon and ginger cake and syrup add to the anticipation of tasting. Palate: Oak cradles the soft fruit distillation beautifully. The delicate sweetness and luscious texture are like velvet on the palate. The balance of those sweet ripe stoned fruit flavours with the vanilla, caramel and brown sugar notes of the oak is perfect. This vintage of Islay barley is bottled at just the right moment to capture the essence of our island. Add a touch of water and watch as the natural oils react in the glass releasing wonderful floral notes of hawthorn and heather to add to the complexity and depth of this remarkable single malt. Finish: The finish is a testament to the quality of distillation. The subtle marine tang paired with the sweet citrus and honeyed oaked notes tells the story of our whisky and where it comes from. Natural whisky with no chill filtration means you will experience a long and gentle a finish, and in this case – unforgettable.” – $102
3. Bruichladdich Bere Barley 2012 – 50% – 10 Year – First Fill ex-Bourbon – 100% Bere Barley – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Complex and alluring, there is a wonderful combination of fruity and floral notes on the nose. Oak comes through with zesty lime and green apple, followed by fragrant honeysuckle and creamy vanilla. The Bere barley provides a tart robustness with hints of hay and barley sugar sweetness, with a peach note growing as the dram opens further. Palate: Firm and well rounded, Bere barley and stoned fruit glide across the palate bringing waves of apricot, ripe peach and stewed apple. Chocolate lime hints at the zesty richness of the spirit before barley sugar and warm scones bring a remarkable depth of flavour from the malt. Marine notes of sun kissed sand and seashells follow, moving to marzipan, mellow oak and coconut. Finish: Long and delicate, the finish has notes of gingerbread, milk chocolate, marzipan, creamy vanilla and apricot jam. A subtle marine note lingers along with a hint of barley sugar.” – $125
4. Bruichladdich Black Art 10.1 – 45.1% – 29 Year – Top Secret Selection of Casks – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Warm and inviting, a bright fruity note welcomes you. The fragrant toasted oak brings chocolate praline, cedar, leather and subtle hints of clove and nutmeg, before moving to fruit notes of sweet apricot jam, ripe melon, dark cherries and blackcurrants. There is a light touch of citrus with lemon zest and gooseberries dipped in honey, with delicate floral notes of geranium and honeysuckle balanced with a hint of iodine and leather. Palate: Orange barley sugars, ginger nut biscuits and lemon meringue pie are followed by sweet apricot jam and marzipan. The toasted oak brings smooth chocolate and vanilla notes, beautifully complemented with syrupy fruit, raisins, plum and melon. Over time, iodine and a hint of coconut come through, with delicate oak spices of warming ginger and cinnamon. A velvet texture, the depth and balance of this single malt glides across the palate. Finish: Tablet and smooth fudge bring a softness to the finish, while ripe soft fruits, subtle tobacco and a hint of ginger linger.” – $780 – 91.67pts Whiskybase
5. Port Charlotte SC:01 2012 – 55.2% – 9 Year – Sherry & Refill Bourbon / Finished in Sauternes Casks – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Sweet, stone fruit and a delicate floral perfume on the nose with hints of peaches in syrup, dried apricots, honeyed melon and ripe pineapple. Brown sugar, vanilla-fudge, caramel and marzipan are followed by heady notes of honeysuckle and heather. Peat smoke and warm toasted oak come through with a little time to bring depth and complexity to the dram. Palate: The warmth and supple texture of this dram elegantly coats the palate and brings a balance of light peat smoke and ripe fruit. Another sip confirms both the beautiful viscosity and depth of flavour, as beneath the delicate smoke comes earthy notes of leather and boot polish. The oak brings strength and sweet vanilla, chocolate and citrus to complement the waves of fruit. Finish: A dram you wish would last forever, the wonderful marine notes and earthy peat smoke linger on the palate with a citrus tang.” – $145
6. Octomore 13.1 – 59.2% – 5 Year – 137.3ppm – First Fill ex-Bourbon – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Initial impressions are of sweet nutty smoke, loaded with barley sugar and ripe fruit. Syrupy apricot and ripe pear along with malty vanilla notes of barley flour and Crème Brulee, honey and tablet. The American oak brings coconut, almonds and charred oak. The peat smoke is delicate but powerful and, along with the charred oak, brings out boot polish, leather and earthy notes. Palate: A viscous texture across the palate, the feeling is of densely smoked grain which comes through like smoked granola with honeyed fruit. A second sip brings the opportunity to decipher the complexity on the palate, with smoked apricot jam, barley flour, peat embers and burnt heather balanced with gooseberry citrus and sweet Turkish delight. Oak chips, sugared almonds and chocolate-limes with spicy aniseed comes toward the finish. A drop of water intensifies the smoke and brings out the minerality of the whisky. Finish: On the finish the sweetness fades and an earthy, mossy note remains on the palate wrapped in dry heathery peat smoke. Salty-citrus and floral notes of geranium and rose come through calmly to round off another wonderful expression of the Octomore paradox.” – $275
7. Octomore 13.2 – 58.3% – 5 Year – 137.3ppm – Oloroso Sherry – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Highly aromatic, this dram opens with a nutty, salty smoke with milk chocolate and leathery tobacco. The Oloroso casks have shaped this whisky with a rich syrupy orange and grapefruit citrus, along with hints of clove and cinnamon with walnut and praline. As it opens further, brown sugar, raisins, dried apple, melon and ripe pears come to the fore, with gentle peat smoke beautifully interwoven. Palate: There is a wonderful viscosity and presence on the palate. Notes of smoked nuts and leather, warm orange marmalade on fresh scones. Dried apricot and hints of peppery spice toward the finish. Finish: Earthy peat smoke comes to the fore with a little time, along with the fruit and nutty aromatics of the oloroso casks. A salty tang of sea breeze creates a lively combination of flavours to finish.” – $280
8. Octomore 13.3 Islay Barley – 61.1% – 5 Year – Refill European Oak and First Fill American Oak – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Aromas of malt sugar and gentle peat smoke lead you into the dram. Layers of fresh green fruit come next followed by rose, geranium, apricot, and eucalyptus. Marzipan, ginger nut biscuits, and honeyed melon can also come through, with the malty fruity character coming to the fore with a little time. Adding a drop of water will bring out the peat smoke beautifully. Palate: A soft and delicate on the palate, sweet honey and brown sugar give way to a whisper of peat smoke. The second sip brings lemon rind and seashells, a delicate marine hint along with malty biscuit notes and marzipan and coconut. The peat smoke has hints of boot polish and ash but is gentle enough to allow the subtle floral malty notes to shine. Finish: The marine character develops and the smoke increases on the palate, honey and lemon with warm sand and marzipan. Final fruity traces of peach and stewed pears bring a little sweetness to the finish.” – $350
New Whiskies from
Gordon & MacPhail and Benromach
The Benromach is a return, but an in-demand one, and the Gordon & MacPhail’s are all new!
1. Benromach Contrasts Peat Smoke Sherry Matured 2012 – 46% – 55PPM – First Fill Sherry Hogsheads – Producer Tasting Note: “Aromas: Appealing cinnamon and ginger aromas with rich dark chocolate giving way to soft demerara sugar. Seville orange peel with sweet smoke. Palate: Cocoa powder and sweet, creamy honeycomb accompany stewed red berries. Subtle vanilla and cracked black pepper lead to toasted almonds. Finish: A full finish with Morello cherry, peat smoke and sweetness.” – $96
2. G&M Discovery GlenAllachie 14 Year – 43% – ex-Bourbon Casks – Producer Tasting Note: “Aromas: Perfumed green apples with dried banana and lime zest. Soft milk chocolate gives way to salted almonds and vanilla pod. Taste: Smooth and creamy custard combines with lemon posset and malted biscuit. Blossom honey undertones develop alongside subtle white pepper. Finish: Medium bodied with spice.” – $92
3. G&M CC Wood Finish Glendullan 2009 – 45% – 12 Year – Finished 3 Years in Cote Rotie Casks – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Sweet dried strawberry pieces give way to aromas of roasted peanuts. Crystalized violet notes develop alongside subtle honey and a faint herbal edge. Taste: Smooth raspberry compote combines with subtle liquorice and red apple. Demerara sugar comes to the fore, balanced by soft white pepper. Finish: Medium-bodied with sweet citrus and lingering red berries.” – $148
4. G&M Connoisseurs Choice Glencadam 1991 – 41% – 28 Year – Refill Sherry Puncheon – Producer Tasting Note: “Aromas: Sweet sherry aromas complement fresh ginger and treacle toffee. Raspberry and milk chocolate notes develop alongside a subtle hint of citrus zest. Taste: Smooth flavours of toasted almonds and creamy baked apples give way to soft black pepper. Blackcurrant undertones lead to mature oak. Finish: A medium-bodied finish of lingering spice and cocoa powder.” – $890
5. G&M Connoisseurs Choice Tormore 1991 – 51.5% – 29 Year – Refill Sherry Butt – Producer Tasting Note: “Aromas: Rich sherry aromas combine with stewed raisins and toffee apples. Notes of fruitcake come to the fore alongside baked apples and subtle tobacco notes. Taste: Sweet and smooth flavours of festive spice and milk chocolate. Undertones of dried banana develop with orange marmalade and butterscotch. Finish: A medium finish with toasted almonds and lingering cinnamon.” – $885
6. G&M Private Collection Mortlach 1978 – 47.4%- 42 Year – Refill American Oak Hogshead – Producer Tasting Note: “Aromas: Sweet Seville orange aromas compliment fragrant pineapple alongside a hint of pickled quince. Crystallised violet notes develop alongside lime, hazelnuts and black pepper. Taste: Ripe red apples intertwine with dark honey and subtle ginger. Rich exotic fruit flavours give way to a faint herbal edge.
7. Finish: Full and lightly spiced with lasting citrus and aniseed.” – $3100
New & Returned Boutique-y Stuff
We got an unexpected kitchen sink delivery of some Boutique-y… so let’s avoid any tempting sarcastic references to that twit Elon and just dive straight in!
Boutique-y Blair Athol Batch 12 21 Year – 60.2% – Producer Description: “Our twelfth batch from the Blair Athol distillery is a 21 Year Old,and comes from a marriage of two ex-Bourbon Hogsheads, distilled in February 1997. It’s been bottled at batch strength with an outturn of just 266 bottles. “Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Apricots, blossom honey, Jamaican ginger cake, Brazil nut shells, subtle oak with hints of cinnamon and pepper. Palate: Oily, mouth coating and warming, a weighty spirit with baked apple and dried fruit; apricot and pineapple. Delish! Finish: Those hints of pineapple and apricot lingering in the finish. – $195
Boutique-y Bourbon Whiskey 1 24 Year – 48% – Producer Description: “Our first ever batch from this US distillery is a 24-Year-Old Bourbon, a release of 8,376 bottles at 48% abv and our largest release to date! Sadly, we’re not able to name this distillery, but it is a Bourbon, and so we’ll have to do some homework to establish which distilleries it could have come from.” – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: High notes of dried peel and vanilla, flaming Christmas pudding gives way to pear drops and a light dusting of cocoa powder. Palate: Insistent, buttery mouthfeel carrying a lorry load of vanilla, caramel and beurre noisette. Finish: Punchy, warm finish with great balance of the flavours.” – $300
Boutique-y Cambus Batch 9 28 Year – 50.9% – Producer Description: “Our ninth batch from the long closed Cambus grain distillery is a 28-Year-Old, a release of just 443 bottles at 50.9% abv. – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Sticky toffee pudding and crunchy brandy snaps with a touch of hazelnut too. Palate: Complex flavours with gingerbread, sweet vanilla cream, brandy snaps, a touch of pepper. Finish: More ginger, salted caramel and a prickle of pepper at the end.” – $190
Boutique-y Caperdonich Batch 6 – 23 Year – 48.6% – Producer Description: “Our fifth batch from the long closed Caperdonich distillery is a 22-Year-Old, a release of just 250 bottles at 48.6% abv. Caperdonich means ‘secret well’ or ‘Sunday well’ in Scots Gaelic and is one of the springs that feed into the Glen Grant Burn. There’s an old legend that says it would never run dry, but it did once, in the long hot summer of 1976” – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Apple turnovers, rose water, a touch of barrel char and ground ginger. Palate: Herbaceous at first with thyme and mint, followed by toasted oak and burnt sugar. Finish: Lemon peel, resinous oak, icing sugar and turmeric.” – $550
Boutique-y Tennessee Rye Whisky Batch 3 4 Year – 45% – Producer Description: “Our fourth batch from this unnamed Tennessee distillery is a 4-Year-Old Straight Rye Whisky, a release of just 331 bottles at 45% abv.” – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Ripe Papaya with a splash of lime, and blackboard chalk dust/rubber. Creamy vanilla notes follow with hints of clove and anise. Palate: Sweet and oily initially. A short spicey build up follows while delicate fruit flavours; papaya and apricot interplay with wood spices. Finish: Peppery, sweet, and the apricot lingers.” – $64
New Whisky from Valinch & Mallet
Five new single malts from Valinch & Mallet.
Whisky
1. Valinch & Mallet Ben Nevis 9 Year – 52.4% – ex-Bourbon Hogshead – $148
2. Valinch & Mallet Benrinnes 14 Year – 52.1% – ex-Bourbon Hogshead – $155
3. Valinch & Mallet Bunnhabhain 9 Year – 52.8% – Sherry Cask – $165
4. Valinch & Mallet Knockdhu 9 Year – 52.6% – Bourbon Hogshead – $140
5. Valinch & Mallet Miltonduff 10 Year – 53.4% – Bourbon Hogshead – $116
New Whiskies from Wemyss Malts
It has been a long time since we’ve seen this many products from Wemyss Malts who, amongst other things, are the owners of Kingsbarns Distillery!
We have both single malts and blended malts, the latter of which showed really well at our Whisky Festivals last month!
1. Wemyss Allt-A-Bhainne 29 Year – 46% – Hogshead – “After Derby Day” – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Oodles of vanilla, woody with a comforting waxy aroma and moreish caramel. Palate: Indulgently sweet crème brûlée. Silkened milk chocolate with a gentle finish of almonds and hazelnuts.” – $384.99
2. Wemyss Caol Ila 15 Year – 57.2% – Hogshead – “Apothecary’s Notebook.” – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Lapsang Souchong tea, smoked ham, and rubbed peppermint leaves. Palate: Through wood smoke comes liquorice, dried herbs, and some zesty citrus.” – $194.99
3. Wemyss GlenAllachie 14 Year – 46% – Hogshead – “A Moment Savoured” – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Oily, leathered horse saddles, chicken stock and freshly made noodle soup. Palate: Pleasantly thick body, almost syrupy. A strong dark chocolate fudge note upfront. Bitter charcoal, buttery oak, and just a smear of gooseberry jam.” – $187.99
4. Wemyss Glen Spey 27 Year – 46% – Hogshead – “Bough to the Breeze” – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Delicate notes of meadow blossom and floral barley, with herbal honey, creamy vanilla, and soft stonefruits. Palate: Jammy apricot and zesty orange peels tangle, with buttery pastry and toasted oak in tow. The floral malt continues, with a kick of green apple softened by creamy milk chocolate.” – $384.99
5. Wemyss Peat Chimney Blended Malt Scotch – 46% – Producer Description: “Peat Chimney is a small batch, hand-crafted Scotch whisky that captures the allure of smoke in a balanced expression rich in smoky maritime and citrus notes.” – Producer Tasting Note: “Aromas of heather smoke drift alongside stone fruits and orange zest. On the palate, warm peat puffs over rich espresso and muscovado sugar. To finish, flinty minerality sizzles out to a soft, sweet finale.” – $72
6. Wemyss Spice King Blended Malt Scotch – 46% – Producer Description: “Spice King is a small batch, hand-crafted Scotch whisky expression, intriguing and beautifully complex with spice and subtle smoke, maritime and citrus notes.” – Producer Tasting Note: “On the nose, rich with spiced orange and lively blossom. On the palate, deep ginger syrup with a blast of salty sea spray, pepper and aromatic spice. The finish lingers with warm smoke and tingling black pepper.” – $72
7. Wemyss The Hive Blended Malt Scotch – 46% – Producer Description: “The Hive is a small batch, hand-crafted Scotch whisky that captures the sweetness of Speyside in a smooth, honey-like expression.” – Producer Tasting Note: “On the nose, a bouquet of florals and sticky blossom honey. On the palate, zesty orange and ginger tingle on the tongue. The finish is warm and zesty, with clove spiked grapefruit.” – $72
Assorted New American Whiskies
This is a motley crew of whiskey, if ever I’ve seen one. Some recent arrivals from the last week or two… or three!
Angel’s Envy Rye Whiskey – 50% – Finished 18 Months in Caribbean Rum Casks – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Aromas of citrus, caramel candy, maple sugar, vanilla, oak, hazelnut, spice and sherry wood. Palate: Sweet rum, sherry wood, and soft oak. Finish: Both sweet and dry, as well as quick and easy.” – $135
Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel – 47% – Producer Tasting Note: “Aroma: Lots of toasted oak with rich caramel. Taste: Big, rich, and complex. Delightful spice and pepper notes fade to milk chocolate with just a hint of smoke.” – $68
George Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey – 47% – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Sweet, with notes of maple and vanilla. Palate: Hint of vanilla and a sweet-yet-characteristic rye flavor. Finish: Smooth, long finish, giving way to the subtle vanilla sweetness.” – $95
Leopold Bros Bonded Bourbon – 50% – Mashbill: 64% Corn, 21% Malted Barley, 15% Abruzzi Heritage Rye. Open fermentation in wooden tanks with both house-cultured and indigenous yeast strains. Pot distilled and unfiltered. Aged five years in new American white oak charred barrels on earthen floors in the distillery’s unheated dunnage-style bonded warehouse. – $117
Old Forester Whiskey Row Gift Pack – 50%, 46.5%, and 57.5% – Includes one 375 ml bottle of each of the following: 1897 Bourbon Bottled in Bond This 100-proof expression is the second release in their Old Forester Whiskey Row Series and was specially crafted to honour the U.S. Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897. After the U.S. Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897 to be labelled as Bottled-in-Bond, the whisky must be the product of one distillation season, one distiller and from one distillery. The concept behind the Act, the idea of “sealed-in quality” was something that Old Forester, America’s First Bottled Bourbon introduced in 1870. 1910 Old Fine Whisky 1910 Old Fine Whisky, Old Forester’s fourth and final expression in the Whiskey Row Series, is a double-barreled Bourbon creating a smooth mingling of sweet oatmeal raisin cookie and milk chocolate, caramel corn, and evolving spice that lead into a refined, charred oak finish. 1920 Prohibition-Style Bourbon This 115-proof expression is the third release in their Old Forester Whiskey Row series and celebrates the brand’s continued distillation during Prohibition. For 13 years, the production, transport and sale of alcohol were strictly prohibited, however, Old Forester was granted a permit to continue distilling on Louisville’s Whiskey Row. The 115-proof expression represents a barrel sample that company president Owsley Brown would have batched at the beginning of Prohibition. – $110
Redwood Empire Grizzly Bourbon – 50% – Mash Bill: 66% Corn 23% Rye 4% Barly 7% Wheat – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Charred sugar, cherry cola, reduced red currant. Palate: Molasses, almond brittle, lemon bar.” – $122
Redwood Empire Rocket Top Rye – 50% – Mash Bill: 87% Rye 5% Barley 5% Wheat 3% corn – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: bergamot, sage, dates. Palate: fig jam, caramel corn, cracked pink peppercorn.” – $122
Rossville Union Master Crafted Whiskey – 47% – Producer Descriiption: “Aged for 5 years, Rossville Union’s Master Crafted Straight Rye Whiskey delivers a smooth, slightly smoky taste – and a robust, spicy finish with a hint of cherry.” – $106
Assorted New Canadian Whiskies
Two From Alberta!
A trio of Canadian Craft offerings! One of them being the first ever whisky release from the Wild Life Distillery in Canmore!
1. Eau Claire Single Malt Whisky Batch 006 – 43% – New European Oak, Ex-Bourbon & Ex-Sherry barrels – Producer Description: “Our first 6 year batch release, aged separately in New European (Hungarian Oak), Ex-Sherry (French Oak) and Ex-Bourbon (American Oak) barrels, then blended together to create a new, exceptional blend. With sweetness up front, lots of fruit flavours apparent on the palate and a spicy, long lingering finish, our Eau Claire spirit truly comes into it’s own with this release.” – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: caramel, raspberry, green apple, saline finish. Taste: butterscotch, spice – cloves, white pepper. Finish: sweet, moreish and spicy lingering finish.” – $120
2. Two Brewers Yukon Single Malt – 58% – 7 Year – Refill Virgin Oak Cask – Producer Description: “A single cask of complex character, singing at once of tropical waves and rich oaken forests. A harmonious dichotomy like the Two Brewers themselves” – Producer Tasting Note: “A timid aroma teases the tropics, mango and papaya, coconut and ginger. The golden concoction awakens across the palate, rich molasses and confectioner’s sugar, kissed by fresh oak and allspice. A welcome commotion, expertly weighted and worthy of a revisit.” – $195
3. Wild Life Wheat Whisky – 45.3% – Producer Description:“Batch 001 Wild Life Wheat Whisky is made 100% from locally grown grains. It was milled, mashed, fermented, distilled and aged by Wild Life Distillery. This release can be considered the headwaters of our whisky program, with many more exciting expressions coming down the road; but for now, please enjoy WLD’s first dram.” Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Brown sugar, Shreddies, Caramel Graham Cracker. Palate: Marmalade, Cinnamon, Toasted American Oak. Finish: Soft Tannin, Lingering Cereal & Light Spice.” – $80 (750ml) / $42 (375ml)
Assorted New Scotch Whiskies
Six new Scotch whiskies from a range of producers:
1. Big Peat Christmas 2022 – 52.4% – Islay Blended Malt – Producer Tasting Note: Nose: Anticipate burnt caramel, wafts of Hebridean sea air and notes of enticing peat smoke. Palate: Delivers the ultimate distillation of Islay: reminiscent of bonfire ashes and rich earthy notes balanced by a toasted marshmallow sweetness. Finish: Whilst these winter days may be short, the finish is satisfyingly long, with more of what went before.” – $110
2. Carn Mor Mortlach 12 Year Barbados Rum Finish – 46% – Producer Tasting Note: Pineapple, papaya and overripe bananas, finishing with notes of dusty dunnage warehousing.” – $140
3. First Edition Mortlach 2010 – 57.5% – Refill Hogshead – Producer Tasting Note: “A sweet nose of vanilla, orchard fruits, and butter shortbread. On the palate it is sweet with vanilla custard, apples, and honey leaving a long, pleasant finish with a fruity aftertaste.” – $115
4. Old Particular Glen Elgin 2009 12 Year – 48.4% – Refill Hogshead – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Opens intriguingly spiced, wafting sweet tobacco, cereals, and citrus notes. Palate: Shows early dulcet sugary qualities, warming to more spices, vanilla and barley. Finish: Mid-length, with some subtle cough-drop warmth and (buttered malt loaf.” – $105
Evan’s Corner:
The SMWS Canada November 2022 Outturn
We’ll save the December Outturn for the next newsletter. 7 new single malts, six of which are still available!
115.26 – UNDERGROUND BAKERY – This AnCnoc/Knockdhu is an explosion of bakery meets wood shop, with plenty of pastry and wood notes caught in the crossfire. – $148
5.77 – A REAL SWEETIE – Another solid Auchentoshan from the SMWS. Lots of cotton candy and Twizzler notes with a dash of spice thrown in for fun. – $227
48.146 – THE YOUTH OF TODAY – This is a youthful and zingy Balmenach, full of promise and exuberance as the name suggests. – $126
108.47 – ‘I DREAM OF GENIE…’ – A lovely peated dram from Speyside distillery Allt-A-Bhainne. If you haven’t tried the sweet and spicy, cereal driven peated style from these guys, you should. This almost tastes like a peated Scotch whisky version of a Mulled Apple Cider. – $140
112.102 – EFFORTLESSLY EXOTIC – This slightly peated Inchmurrin-styled Loch Lomond has the musty and funky notes you would expect from a Sauternes cask finish along with the lemon and honey notes of a Sauternes itself, with Inchmurrin’s fruit salad spirit mixing in, to great effect. – $260
53.401 – OYSTER KARATE – This salt-and-brine-heavy-to-the-point-of vinegar-esque tones Caol Ila threw Andrew off the Islay hype train, but I managed to stay on board. Sure, it is a slightly sour and farmy Caol Ila, but that is part of its charm. – $170
68.78 – SMOKING BANANAS IN A FRANKINCENSE DEN – Cask finished whisky so big and full of burnt and charred notes that it could only go at the end of the lineup. I wasn’t personally a big fan of this one, but there were many in the tastings who picked it as their number one for the night. Sadly, it is not just divisive, it is also sold out!
Another Round of Ballot Bottles
You should all know the deal on most of these, but in case not, a brief description of each, with one exception is provided below.
This ballot is only open to individuals who have made a purchase at KWM since January 1, 2021. We have received only 6 bottles of most items below, and only slightly more for a couple of them, so set your expectations accordingly!
1. Ardbeg Traigh Bahn 19 Year Batch 4 – 46.2% – Producer Description: “Matured in a slightly higher proportion of Oloroso Sherry casks, this sublime 19-year-old whisky is the epitome of an aged Ardbeg. Part of a highly sought-after and collectable Ardbeg series, Batch 4 is the latest expression. This sublime Traigh Bhan, like the bottles before it, inspired by Islay’s Traigh Bhan beach (pronounced tri-van).” – $375
2. Kilkerran 16 Year – 46% – 70% Bourbon & 30% Sherry Casks – $130
3. Nikka Miyagikyo Aromatic Yeast – 47% – Producer Description: “This special edition whisky displays distinctive aromas emanating from the “cultured yeast collection,” giving freshness and beautiful fruit aromas of yellow fruits, peaches and apricots. The elegance and fruity flavours dance on the palate as the yellow fruits dominate on initial contact and move into secondary and tertiary flavours, supported by malt, cereal flavours and dried papaya. Elegant, fresh and fruity flows throughout the taste journey into fantasy.” – $255
4. Nikka Yoichi Aromatic Yeast – 47% – Producer Description: “Distinctive, generous aromas generated from the vast “cultured yeast collection” give springlike, fresh, esters aromas of melon, raisins and sweet malt, intertwined with the Yoichi signature smoky, coastal whiffs. Bold, structured flavours flow over the palate with silkiness and balance, as the fruit weighs in pushing its way through the Yoichi smoky and peaty character. The finish puts you on a windswept ship deck where there is comfort finishing the day with serenity and power.” – $255
5. Springbank 18 Year 2022 – 46% – 65% Bourbon, 35% Sherry – Producer Description: “Our 18-year-old is full of authority and is a classic, full-bodied dram. With a delicious nose, this whisky will tempt you in and hold your attention as you uncover its unique palate and finish.” – $235
6. Springbank 21 Year 2022 – 46% – 55% Sherry, 45% Port – Producer Description: “With its warm, golden glow, our 21-year-old is inviting, creamy and offers unbelievable complexity. The maritime influence uncovered in this single malt will take you on a journey to its Campbeltown home.” – $435
7. Springbank Longrow 18 Year 2022 – 46% – 100% Sherry – Producer Description: “This fully Sherry matured release of the Longrow 18-Year-Old combines sweet, honey notes with an earthy peat influence reminiscent of dunnage warehouses.” – $235
Calendars & Gift Packs
You know we are getting close to winter when the shop gets inundated with Advent Calendars and gift packs! We have a ton of new giftpacks and advent calendars from our friends at Drinks by the Dram and That Boutique-y Whisky Company, not to mention our own bespoke offering!
KWM 2022 Whisky Calendar – 24x50ml + 1x100ml – “The KWM Whisky Calendar, aka “25 Days of Dram Fine Whisky”, is back for the 9th straight year. Once again, the calendar will have a fresh new look. This year’s calendar includes 24x50ml premium whiskies, a custom logo Glencairn glass, and a 100ml Scotch Malt Whisky Society whisky for Christmas Day. You can follow along on the KWM Blog starting December 1, or on one of our various social media channels as we introduce and discuss each day’s whisky.” – $460 – Only about 30 left!
Gift Packs
1. Drinks by the Dram Japanese Whisky Set – 5x30ml Japanese Whiskies – $70
2. Drinks by the Dram Regions of Scotland – 5x30ml One single malt from each of Scotland’s Regions. – $55
4. That Boutique-y Whisky Scotch Set – 4x50ml Scotch Whiskies – $55
5. That Boutique-y Whisky Premium Scotch Set – 4x50ml – $92
6. Drinks by the Dram Whisky Collection Set 2022 – 12x50ml Primarily Scotch whiskies. – $126
7. Drinks by the Dram Irish Whiskey Series 2022 – 12x50ml Irish Whiskies – $90
Holiday (Dare We Say “Advent”?) Calendars…
In addition to our own KWM 2022 Whisky Calendar, we also have 6 different Holiday “Advent” Calendars from Drinks by the Dram and That Boutique-y Whisky Co. Rather than clog this email with descriptions, you can find all the info on our site, including the full product lists. But we suggest you don’t look at that… there are too few surprises left in this world.
2. That Boutique-y Whisky Holiday Calendar – 24x30ml Whiskies – $259.99
3. DBTD Peated Whisky Holiday Calendar – 24x30ml Peated Whiskies – $279.99
5. DBTD Scotch Whisky Holiday Calendar – 24x30ml Scotch Whiskies – $279.99
6. DBTD Whisky Holiday Calendar – 24x30ml Whiskies – $280
Our Fall Tasting Schedule is coming soon, but in the meantime, here are a few events to entertain and delight you!
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
Kensington Wine Market | 1257 Kensington Road NW, Calgary, T2N 3P8 Canada
