Introducing: Ardray

An incredibly smooth and elegant blended whisky, crafted to perfection by the Japanese team behind the much-revered Hibiki and Yamazaki, Ardray is a harmonious blend of older single malts representing every terroir of Scotland. With a name meaning ‘towards the light’, Ardray is a fresh take on blended Scotch uniting the craftsmanship of Japan and Scotland to craft an exquisite new whisky.

Exclusive to The Whisky Shop for a limited time.

Discover Ardray→

WHISKY FOR SUMMER SIPPING

INTRODUCING THE BERRY BROS. & RUDD 2023 SUMMER RELEASE

From the creation of Cutty Sark whisky at the start of the 20th century to the launch of their limited-edition seasonal releases in more recent years, Berry Bros. & Rudd remains at the forefront of spirit innovation. This is encapsulated in the 2023 Summer Release which features six Single Malt Whiskies and an Exceptional Cask Blended Malt, displaying innovative spirits and flavour profiles from around the world.

To celebrate the 325th anniversary of Britain’s oldest spirits merchant, each of the seasonal releases in 2023 feature a whisky from the flourishing English whisky scene. Following the success of its first English whisky bottling earlier this year – which sold out within five minutes –  the collection includes Masthouse 2017, from Copper Rivet Distillery in Kent, which is one of the most fruit-forward liquids the Berry Bros. & Rudd experts have tried, despite its young age.

Jonny McMillan, Reserve Whisky Manager at Berry Bros. & Rudd, commented:

“In our very special anniversary year we wanted to feature some of the English distillers who are increasingly making waves in the industry, proffering an unparalleled sense of passion and expertise. The second of four English whiskies to be released this year, Masthouse 2017 is a triumph representing the promise of Copper Rivet distillery and their production of one of the best distillates in the UK, perhaps the world.”

Stephen Russell, Founder at Copper Rivet Distillery, added:

“This single cask bottling series is very special indeed. It marks a coming of age for both English Whisky and for Masthouse Whisky. Knowing the expertise, diligence and passion for quality with which Berry Bros. & Rudd selects the whisky it bottles, we are very proud to see Masthouse Single Malt Whisky in this collaborative bottling – and the cask the team has chosen is spectacular. Our approach brings together the magic and artistry of whisky-making, with the hard science of distilling. It is an intersection of tradition and innovation; it seems fitting that, as a first-generation family distillery, our first independent bottling collaboration would be with another family endeavour, with many generations of rich tradition.”

The remainder of the release includes a wonderfully old-style Exceptional Blended Malt 1979 which demonstrates Berry Bros. & Rudd’s long-standing expertise in blended whiskies, along with five Single Malt Scotch Whiskies; covering a whole spectrum of flavour.

The 2023 Summer Release, comprising of the Masthouse 2017 Cask #16 (£125.00), Exceptional Blended Malt 1979 Cask #5 (£450.00), Small Batch Benrinnes 2010 (£70.00), Glen Moray 2008 Cask #5710 (£90.00), Dufftown 2008 Pineau Finish Cask #96 (£100.00), Caol Ila 2010 Oloroso Finish Cask #311751 (£108.00) and Orkney 2006 Oloroso Finish Cask #5051 (£120.00), will be available from 15th June 2023 at bbrspirits.com.

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TASTING NOTES

Masthouse 2017 Cask #16

The nose displays a harmonious balance of fresh tropical fruits and American oak, with the two integrating seamlessly. Aromas of fresh melon, tinned pineapple and buttered popcorn build in intensity. This balanced theme continues on the palate, producing more tropicality and oak-driven coconut with a luxurious mouthfeel. There are further fresh fruits on the palate before some light spices appear. Considering this whisky’s youthful age, it isn’t far short of a masterpiece – one of the best distillates being produced in the UK and even the world.

RRP: £125.00

Exceptional Blended Malt 1979 Cask #5

This sublime blend dances out of the glass: aromas of coconut and warm gorse flowers interweave with melting butter and honeyed toast – truly mouth-watering. The palate is at once vibrant and vast, with notes of mango, delicate hemp, wood polish, beeswax and spiced fruit, all rolling around the mouth. The finish offers more fruit, orange and lychee. An exceptionally complex and ever-evolving glass of whisky; if Tolstoy made whisky, it would taste like this.

RRP: £450.00

Small Batch Benrinnes 2010

The aromas of this Speyside heavyweight somehow convey the texture of the liquid itself; honey, fresh hay and warm floral notes all build with citrus and fresh Granny Smiths, emerging with time in the glass. The palate is wonderfully quaffable, showing rounded notes of fruit and golden syrup with the meaty character that Benrinnes is known for. This bottle will disappear quickly when placed at the centre of the card table with a group of good friends.

RRP £70.00

Glen Moray 2008 Cask #5710
The nose immediately offers notes of banana milkshake, praline ice cream, and marzipan with cherry and apricot emerging with time. Dried banana and sweet wheat both show on the palate with waves of vanilla pods, sweet oak and cereals. The finish is long giving cocoa, rice pudding and fruit salad.

RRP: £90.00

Dufftown 2008 Cask #96 Pineau Finish
Enticing aromas of stewed apricot, orange marmalade and lemon curd lure one in. The addition of a little water brings out for gentle baking spice and vibrant green fruity distillate notes. The palate is wonderfully fat and chewy, throwing off more apricot, plums and tobacco leaf. There’s a whiff of wood smoke on the finish, along with a touch of wood spice and a mouthwatering, lingering note of fruit jams.

RRP: £100.00

Caol Ila 2010 Cask #311751 Oloroso Finish
The interplay of peat and Sherry commences immediately with aromas of tarry peat smoke, rich Oloroso Sherry, iodine and prunes, with a suggestion of fireworks and beef jerky. The palate is equally robust and complex with Caol Ila’s sooty peat smoke wrapped in layers of dried fruit and citrus, with notes of vanilla pods, spice markets and salty coastal breeze building with time. Waves of full, oily Sherry wood roll across the finish, with lasting peat smoke. A robust and vigorous dram, best enjoyed with robust friends over vigorous conversation.

RRP: £75.00

Orkney 2006 Cask #5051 Oloroso Finish

This hefty Orcadian gives a huge puff of turfy peat smoke initially, much more so than one expects from this distillery. Soon, further aromas of heather bells, leather and charcoal emerge. The palate brings the Sherry wood influence, with rich dried fruits and soft spices balancing thick smoke, heather, honey and grilled lime. This dram has huge texture, which seems to integrate with its turfy character. More sooty peat comes through on the finish, with waves of fruit and honey. A wonderful, chewy masterclass in Orcadian turf.

RRP: £120.00

Berry Bros. & Rudd
Tracing its history back to 1698, when an enterprising woman called the Widow Bourne started an “Italian grocers” at No. 3 St James’s Street in London, selling tea, snuff, spices and the most fashionable drink of the day, coffee. In due course, the focus shifted to something a little bit stronger. As wine became important to the business, so too did spirits, and Berry Bros. & Rudd started bottling casks under its label in the early 19th century, making it Britain’s oldest independent spirits bottler.

bbrspirits.com

Doc Swinson’s Launches New Whiskeys for Summer 2023

Ferndale, Washington – Doc Swinson’s, a leading producer of award-winning blended and finished whiskeys, is excited to announce the release of several new whiskeys in Summer of 2023. Included in this release are 3 notable finishes that explore the use of casks made from different species of oak and their effect on the flavor profiles on the bourbons and ryes used. These include:

– French Toasted – Straight bourbon whiskey finished in French Oak casks that exhibit a tight grain oak

– Garryana – Straight bourbon whiskey finished in Garryana oak casks native to the Pacific Northwest, where Doc Swinson’s calls home

– Bossa Nova – Straight bourbon whiskey finished in Amburana casks, a legume tree native to Brazil

These new whiskeys are the result of Doc Swinson’s commitment to innovation and excellence in crafting the finest spirits. The company’s Master Blender, Jesse Parker, has worked tirelessly to create unique and delicious blends that will satisfy even the most discerning whiskey enthusiasts.

In addition to the Double Wood finished products, the company is also releasing new batches of several previously released products, all finished in European fortified wine and other spirits casks. These include a Pineau des Charentes barrel finish and a Moscatel barrel finish, as well as their Tres Amigos finish which is a unique blend of rye whiskey finished in rum and añejo tequila casks. Rounding out this Spring’s releases are new batches of El Cuerpo and La Mente, two component pieces of their highly-awarded Alter Ego Triple Cask whiskey.

“We’re thrilled to introduce our new whiskeys for Summer 2023,” said Jesse Parker. “These blends represent the exceptional balance of tradition and innovation, and we’re confident that they will exceed our customers’ expectations.”

The new whiskeys will be made available for distribution to retailers starting in May in the 26 states they currently serve, as well as in Canada. Customers can also purchase the products directly from Doc Swinson’s website, where they will be able to learn more about the history of the company and the processes they use. “We’re excited to share our passion for whiskey with the world,” said Jesse Parker. “Our new whiskeys embody the craftsmanship and dedication that have made Doc Swinson’s a leader in the industry, and we can’t wait for our fans to try them.”

About Doc Swinson’s:

 Doc Swinson’s is a Ferndale, Washington-based whiskey producer that has been crafting premium spirits since 2017. The company has won dozens of awards for its products, as well as Independent Bottler of the Year and Washington State Distiller of the Year in 2022. They are known for their commitment to quality and innovation with products currently sold in 26 states and Canada. For more information, please visit Doc Swinson’s website at www.docswhiskey.com

New Pricing on a Pair of Benchmark Tropical Whiskeys
“If you miss big, tropically aged whiskey at super-sharp prices, you’ll find a new favorite in Omar.” — Andrew Whiteley, K&L Spirits Buyer

For spirits aficionados who can’t or don’t want to pay an arm and a leg for the finest Taiwanese whiskey (ahem, Kavalan), we’ve just secured a pair of stunning examples from the equally prodigious Nantou distillery at an exceptional discount. Omar’s outstanding single malts boast all the intensity, depth, and character of proper tropically aged whiskey. Not only is our new pricing a small fraction of what you’d pay for the luxury icons from Kavalan, but it’s nearly half off what you’ll find them for elsewhere in the market, thanks to some savvy negotiating on the part of our spirits team.

Omar Bourbon Cask Taiwanese Single Malt Whisky (700ml) (Elsewhere $70) ($39.99)

K&L Notes: Most whiskey drinkers these days have Taiwanese whiskey on their radar. Kavalan is undoubtedly the biggest name in Taiwan and has won some major awards over the last decade. They really put Taiwan on the whiskey map for American consumers. Meanwhile, Omar has been making excellent whiskey on the same island but flying under the radar in the United States due to a lack of distribution. That has finally changed! Produced at the Nantou distillery in the mountainous central interior of Taiwan, Omar’s whiskies undergo that intense tropical aging that produces an incredibly deep and concentrated flavor profile in just a few short years. Their long ferments (72 hours in steel washbacks) produce a clear, vibrant, fruity distillate before aging for four to five harsh and humid years for their standard bottlings.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: June 08, 2023

A gobsmacking amount of fruit and vanilla hit you right off the bat. This is like a classic Glenlivet or ‘Fiddich turned up way past eleven, plus even more mouthfeel and weight. If you love that classic ex-bourbon cask influence on high-quality, fruity, and sweet barley malt, do not miss this exceptional deal. At 46% and without color or chill-filtration, the intensity of citrus and sweet spice is huge. There is a gentle floral component that adds intrigue, complexity, and depth. On the palate, it is rich and round with just the right amount of kick thanks to the higher-than-average proof. The finish shows off lots of malt and just a hint of sweet herbs with another reprise of citrus peel.

Omar Sherry Cask Taiwanese Single Malt Whisky (700ml) (Elsewhere $83) ($44.99)

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: June 01, 2023

The Nantou/Omar distillery has been producing some of the most compelling whiskeys on the island at super-reasonable prices that show that same signature intensity of fruit and wood that Kavalan fans love. While we have yet to see their famed cask-strength bottlings, we do finally have access to their exceptional 46% ABV, non-chill-filtered, and uncolored Bourbon Cask and Sherry Cask bottles. The Sherry Cask begins with an intense bang but is packed together so tight it is closed off. After 15-20 minutes in the glass, it opens up dramatically. The fruit unfolds in stunning fashion. Ripe succulent peaches, pineapple, papaya, plums, blackberries, Medjool dates, burnt orange peel, dried cherries, and more mash together with marzipan, candied almonds, Sadaf pomegranate molasses, hookah tobacco, and of course, sweet malted barley. The piquant nose of the first pour has moved into a great background of old-school sherry funkiness. The finish is long, sweet, and oxidative. If you miss big, tropically aged whiskey at super-sharp prices, you’ll find a new favorite in Omar.

Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

With Father’s Day approaching, we are proud to celebrate all the dads and inspiring men in our lives with a stunning selection of Society whisky! Like our dads, each Society whisky embodies a unique character and personality and deserves to be truly appreciated.

Why not check out our JUNE Outturn, which is bursting with fresh flavours and inspiration just in time for the celebration.

Whether you choose to enjoy these new selections yourself or offer them as special gifts, we hope you do so in good health and good company.

Slàinte Mhath!

JUNE OUTTURN

VIEW ALL THE BOTTLES

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

Malt of the Moment

Our latest Malt of the Moment is the stunning and award winning Abbey Whisky single cask exclusive from Lindores Abbey Distillery. For a limited time only (or whilst stocks last), we’re offering this tremendous Lowland malt along with branded tasting glass and a 3cl sample to share the whisky love with someone special.

With a certain day imminent, we’re also including free UK shipping when you purchase this bottle. This shipping offer will only be available for the next few days, so don’t delay.

Free UK Shipping on orders over £95

Fast EU & Worldwide, Tax Free Shopping

Slàinte

*whilst stocks last*

SHOP NOW

Introducing Unlimited

Boundless Next Day delivery on all purchases for an entire year – all for just £14.95 annually! Shop on The Whisky Shop website now and select the Unlimited option at checkout. This service is currently for our mainland UK customers (excluding Highlands & Islands + NI for the time being). If you are currently in The W Club then this will be added as part of your membership and included with any new sign-ups to our club.

Discover all about Unlimited →

High West “Double Rye” K&L Exclusive Barrel #25206 Cognac Barrel Finished Cask Strength Rye Whiskey (750ml) $59.99 View

What if you take High West’s fan favorite Double Rye and turn everything up to 11? You get this exceptional barrel select. Finished for an additional fifteen months in an ex-Cognac barrel and left at its robust cask strength of 105.6 proof, this spicy rye is in perfect balance. Notes of orange peel, butterscotch, and cracked pepper mix with delicate fruit and florals from the Cognac and added nuance of well used French oak.

Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

Kensington Wine Market’s E-Whisky Newsletter

As North America’s first Ardbeg Embassy, we are thrilled to have the privilege of launching the 2023 Ardbeg Day release Heavy Vapours. The KWM whisky team helped kick off this year’s celebrations in-store on June 3 with some Master Classes and the main event at Hayden Block. And we are now excited to announce that the Ardbeg Heavy Vapours is available for sale in-store and online now while supplies last. More on that below… but please read on before jumping ahead.

Before we get to the Ardbeg Heavy Vapours, and the handful of other tidbits in today’s Malt Messenger Bulletin, please be aware of the following. To be the first to hear about future Ardbeg Embassy releases available from Kensington Wine Market, you will need to be a registered Ardbeg Committee member. Future release emails may come direct from Ardbeg and will direct you to an Ardbeg Alberta website for your respective embassy.

If you aren’t already an Ardbeg Committee Member, you can join in just a couple of minutes online

As we are already talking Ardbeg, we’ve highlighted the rest of the Ardbeg core range too, as well as one other limited (online only) release we have a few bottles of…

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. You can email your requests in… but they won’t be dealt with as quickly as the web orders!

Sincerely,

Andrew Ferguson

Kensington Wine Market – Ardbeg Embassy

Ardbeg Heavy Vapours Is Here!

The 2023 Ardbeg Day special release, Heavy Vapours, is bottled at 46%, from a parcel of spirit made without Ardbeg’s spirit purifier.

Producer Description

“A missing purifier. A dram forsaken. Who will restore the balance? Something weird has been going down at the Distillery. The legendary purifier on the still – responsible for Ardbeg’s exalted balance – is nowhere to be seen. And this whisky – Ardbeg Heavy Vapours – is the consequence. The familiar harmony between peat and floral fruitiness has been disrupted. What have risen are the untamed darker flavours and notes, gathering and filling the senses. It is an ominous dram of dramatic, aromatic pungency. Heavy Vapours will rise. Non chill-filtered at 46% ABV.”

Ardbeg Heavy Vapours – 46% – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: smoke rises with a cloying sweetness. Intense, pungent and aromatic, a distinctive farmyard scent drifts, along with a crunchy aroma, like creosote or tarry rope. A splash of water disturbs the vapours and dark chocolate cream billows, laced with a ribbon of smoked artichoke. Palate: Ardbeg’s untamed darker flavours and notes have risen. A burst of bittersweetness surges, disturbing ashy coal dust and casting a haze of cardamom, peppermint and coffee grits. Clouds of dark chocolate and mentholic eucalyptus roll in, obscuring the fruit and floral notes usually found at the heart of Ardbeg. Wisps of aniseed twists, cinnamon balls and antiseptic lozenges float on the palate. Finish: The aftertaste lingers long and bold, with an almost anaesthetising sensation.” – $175+gst (no discounts) – Limit 1 Per Customer!

Other Ardbegs Available

Details on all these glorious malts can be found on our website by clicking the links.

The Ardbeg 8 Years old For Discussion is limited to 1 per customer and is available online only on a first come first serve basis.

The core range of Ardbeg Single Malts is on sale, at 15-25% off, but today only…

1. Ardbeg 8 Years Old For Discussion – $108+gst – Limit 1 Per Customer / Online purchases only!
2. Ardbeg 10 Year – Retail: $94 – Save 15% – Today Only: $79.89+gst
3. Ardbeg Corryvreckan – Retail: $148 – Save 15% – Today Only: $125.79+gst
4. Ardbeg Uigeadail – Retail: $133 – Save 15% – Today Only: $113.04+gst

Ardbeg Wee Beastie – Retail: $81 – Save 25% – Today Only: $60.74+gst

A Few Selected Deals

Something Like A Father’s Day Sale…

Want to impress Dad, but looking for a deal? Here are just some of the whiskies we currently have on sale, in no particular order, you can browse the full list online.

Spring Single Malt Festival Spectacular

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

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

Thursday, June 15, 7 PM

SMWS July 2023 Virtual Outturn Tasting

• Date: Wednesday, July 5
• Time:7 PM
• Cost: $55VIRTUAL TASTING

Log in, pour your drams and join us from home, the cottage, another country, or work… for the July 2023 Scotch Malt Whisky Society Canada Virtual Outturn Tasting. The KWM team will be your guide as you sample through an exciting range of 7 SMWS bottlings.

Wednesday, July 5 @ 7 PM

SMWS July 2023 In-Person Outturn Tasting 6PM

• Date: Thursday, July 6
• Time:6 PM
• Cost: $60
• IN-STORE TASTING

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Canada’s July 2023 Outturn tasting will feature new, never before featured bottlings. The range will be the same as the virtual tasting the night before but will also include nibbles from our friends at Peasant Cheese, and the comradery that can only come from 20 SMWS Members in our tasting room. Please note we will not be holding back stock of the Outturn bottles specifically to purchase for this in-person tasting, though there will likely be bottles of most whiskies still available.

Thursday, July 6 @ 6 PM.

Sipping Signatory in the Summer – 140 Years

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

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

Tuesday, July 11th, 2023 @ 7 PM

Compass Box New & Old with Scott Ellis

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

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

Tuesday, July 18, 7PM

Daftmill Vertical Tasting

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

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

Tuesday, July 25th, 2023 @ 7 PM

Nothing but North Star Whiskies

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

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

Tuesday, August 1st, 2023 @ 7 PM

FREE DELIVERY

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

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

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

403-283-8000

Store Hours

Mon – Wed 10AM – 8PM

Thurs & Fri 10AM – 9PM

Sat 10AM – 8 PM

Sun 11PM to 6PM

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

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

THE 1.9.8.3 COLLECTION

Today marks the launch of our special bottling release, 1.9.8.3, in celebration of the Society’s 40th anniversary.

SET YOUR ALARM: Available Wednesday, 14 Jun (9am UK Time).

VIEW THE COLLECTION

WATCH THE VIDEO

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