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

 

Croftengea (Loch Lomond) 15 Year Old “Hart Brothers” Single Hogshead Cask Strength Peated Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) $119.99 View

Part of Croftengea’s claim to fame is making one of the peatiest whiskys in all of Loch Lomond. According to Hart Brothers’ site, the nose reveals “garden herbs, orange fruit, sweet (peat) smoke. It’s fat and rich, with hints of Eastern spice lychee. On the palate, it’s very spicy and peppery with burnt sweet notes, waxiness, and hints of mint and white pepper. This is when it feels bit mystical and really starts talking. On the aftertaste, expect lingering sweet peat, roasted spicy notes, mints and pepper, along with a sensation of fat and waxiness.”

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

Summer is fast approaching, the first day as a matter of fact is Saturday… Things will wind down a little, at least events-wise at KWM, though we do have some great tastings planned over the course of the summer.

But before we slow things down for the summer, we are kicking things up a notch Thursday night with our Spring Single Malt Festival… This is our last whisky festival at KWM until November, and it will feature around 100 single malts, including more than a few treats…

Were cracking some late teens Bruichladdichs, a 25 year old Millstone sherry bomb, and a 1990 Laphroaig amongst other things… (more teasers below). And there will be plenty of good eats from our neighbour Peasant Cheese too, including fine cheese, meats, sausage rolls, and as is now tradition, chocolate dipped bacon…

A dozen or so tickets are still available… so gather some friends, or maybe treat Dad to an experience for Father’s Day this year!

On the subject of Farther’s Day, looking for something to treat or toast your father with this year? We’ve got you covered… We have a bunch of other deals, and also some staff picks, from a few of KWM’s resident fathers.

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

PS-We may have another special announcement tomorrow morning!

In This Edition

1. The Spring Single Malt Festival New
2. Father’s Day Picks from 3 KWM Fathers!
3. A Few Selected Deals
4. Woodford Reserve Father’s Day Engraving Promo
5. Upcoming Tastings

The Spring Single Malt Festival

A Few Cheeky Reasons Why You Should

Our Spring Single Malt Festival returns after 4 years on Thursday, and it’s not too late to grab a ticket. We had to pause the event for 3 years initially due to Covid, and then because of restoration work… but it’s back baby.

We’ll have 100 whiskies (almost exclusively single malts) open for tasting, including old favourites, hot new releases, and more than a couple of curiosities.

We are always working on and adding to the pour list right up until game time, but with about a dozen tickets still up for grabs, we thought we’d offer a couple of teasers…

• Berry’s Tullibardine 1996
• Boutique-y 10th Annv. Millstone 25 Year
• Daftmill 15 Year
• Darkness Laphroaig 18 Year PX
• Glenfarclas Family Cask 2005 S22
• Glenfarclas Family Cask 2007 S22
• Nikka Miyagikyo Aromatic Yeast
• Nikka Yoichi Aromatic Yeast
• Rest & Be Bruichladdich 2002
• Rest & Be Port Charlotte 2005
• Signatory Benrinnes 1996
• Signatory Glenrothes 1996
• Signatory Unnamed Islay 1990

Spring Single Malt Festival Spectacular

Date: Thursday, June 15

Time:7 PM

Cost: $75

Buy a Ticket for You or Dad or Both

Father’s Day Selections…

From a Few of Our Fathers!

Evan, Curt, and I aren’t the only whisky-loving fathers at KWM, but we came up with the idea of adding this element on short notice, so we’ve kept it short and sweet.

Andrew’s Pick – G&M CC Balblair 1997 KWM Cask

My family never buys whisky for me, and why would they, I already have plenty, and there is no way they could ever be sure don’t already have a bottle of what they select…

But if they were to purchase a bottle of whisky for me this father’s day, I’d hope they pick our new Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice Balblair 1997 ($315+gst) It is a gorgeous old-school sherried whisky, and a great buy for its age quality and price. And there are less than a lot of them left…

Curt’s Pick – Compass Box Flaming Heart 2022

Father’s Day to me isn’t really about me. It’s actually more about the woman who made me a father in the first place, and the daughters who made ‘dad’ and ‘daddy’ two of my favourite words in the English language. Kinda cheesy, right? Yeah, I know.

But if I have to pick a Father’s Day whisky (and Andrew says I do), it’s a really easy choice this time ’round. Compass Box Flaming Heart 2022 ($205+gst) recently arrived in the shop, and I can’t lie, it absolutely bowled me over. Every individual component that went into making this blended whisky had to have been incredible in its own right, but when married together… Flaming Heart became something so much more than just the sum of its parts. It’s strong, beautiful, and elegant. In other words, all of the characteristics that define the women in my life who make being a dad the best thing I’ve ever known. A perfect dram for a lazy Father’s Day evening with the fam.

Evan’s Pick – Berry’s Tobermory 2008 KWM Cask

In the summer months, I find myself veering more into Bourbon than Scotch when it comes to picking something to have at home. However, I am going to follow Andrew’s lead this time around and pick a Sherried Single Malt Scotch. A Sherry cask-driven Scotch can be elegant and classy, but why don’t we stop with these half measures and turn the volume right up to 11?

That is exactly what this Berry’s Tobermory 2008 KWM Cask ($150+gst) does. We did not select this single cask for its subtle and delicate intricacies. This 13+ year-old Tobermory was filled from one Sherry Butt and is bottled at a whopping cask strength 64.8% ABV.

That all being said, this is a well-put-together beast of whisky. Think of it as a Gorilla doing ballet in a tutu, a group of dogs playing poker, or me having carefully shaved, actually combed my hair, and put on a sports jacket all in an attempt to look like a respectable father. Neither happens very often, but when it does it is a sight to behold!

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.

The SMOS Exploration Pack

Dad Would Love This

I’m a Dad, And I Want One!!

These sets are so cool you just know we’re going to have a series of tastings with them. 25 x 30ml samples of single malts from the Single Malts of Scotland range, aged 7-31 years of age including more than a few heavy hitters like Imperial, Ledaig, and much, much more. The full list is on our site if you want to browse!

We are toying with the idea of doing 3 virtual tastings with the whiskies from this set, for anyone who purchases a Single Malts of Scotland Exploration kit, and wants to take part. Likely Tuesdays in August and September. More info to come.

Producer Description

“From the rugged whisky of the northern Orkney islands to the gentle malts of the southern Lowlands, we have dug deep into our rich stocks of whisky to find some of the world’s most lauded malts – including Islay’s famous Laphroaig, acclaimed Highlander Clynelish and lost Speysider Imperial – while also shining a light on some of Scotland’s hidden gems, including Linkwood from Speyside and Ledaig from the Isle of Mull.

“Ranging in age from seven to 31 years, these whiskies have been matured in a variety of casks – ex-bourbon barrels, hogsheads, ex-sherry butts – and exhibit the variety in style and flavour to be found across the spectrum of single malt Scotch whisky. A remarkable, flavourful surprise is revealed behind each window.”

SMOS Exploration Pack 25x30ml – $350

Woodford Reserve Father’s Day Engraving Promo

Does your father or partner like Bourbon? Do you want to gift him a bottle engraved with a special message?

• #1 Dad
• Happy Father’s Day
• To one of my favourite parents!

We’ve teamed up with Brown Forman, and have a special offer. Order a bottle of our Woodford Double Oaked KWM Cask between now and noon Wednesday, June 12th, and we’ll have the bottle engraved with a special note for Dad at the store for you on Friday.

Please put a note in the memo field, requesting engraving. Please limit your message . The more text, the smaller the font will be

Woodford Double Oaked KWM Cask – 45.2% – Evan’s Tasting Note

Nose: A carpenter’s shop: set ablaze but quickly put out by the fire department. Dark chocolate mousse with a maple syrup glaze, lightly roasted coffee beans, and both apple and cherry strudel. Palate: Dark Rye toast with Nutella spread. Kahlua liqueur-filled dark chocolates, dates stuffed with blue cheese wrapped in prosciutto, a dash of Irish cream, black forest cake with cherry filling, poached peaches with a balsamic reduction, and a cafe mocha to wash it all down. Did I mention chocolate? Finish: The toast and char of the oak is there but it doesn’t manage to overwhelm the decadence of this dram. Roasted hazelnuts and almonds covered in chocolate. Comment: It can be a gamble when don’t get to pick the cask ourselves, but I love the richer, darker take on the regular Woodford Double Oak” – $100

We only have 25 bottles left… so don’t doddle on this offer!

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

BOWMORE® ISLAY SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY LAUNCHES THE ULTIMATE RARE COLLECTION IN THE U.S.

Featuring exquisitely rare and annual limited edition bottlings of Bowmore® 1969 50 Year Old, Bowmore® 40 Year Old and Bowmore® 30 Year Old

New York, NY (June 1, 2023) – Bowmore® Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky announces the introduction of a new collection of aged and rare vintages in the U.S., available now.  The Ultimate Rare Collection includes Bowmore® 1969 50 Year Old, Bowmore® 40 Year Old and Bowmore® 30 Year Old. While presented as a ‘Collection,’ the bottles will be sold individually. These exceptional bottles, perfect for collectors, drinkers and investors alike, showcase some of the rarest whiskies from the iconic Bowmore distillery and bring a totally new aged expression to the global portfolio.

For more than 240 years, Bowmore Distillery has been capturing the essence of Islay from the shores of its remote island home. Shaped by time, the single malts harness this in every single drop which tell a story of the past, savored in the present. Each vintage single malt is defined, shaped, and crafted by time. As a result, Bowmore is one of the most awarded single malt Scotch brands in the world.

David Turner, Bowmore Distillery Manager, comments: “These exquisite, aged and rare bottlings are a credit to the Bowmore portfolio and continue to drive our desire to produce highly revered products. We have been able to showcase how vital time is to each individual vintage, how time spent in casks shape and influences each spirit, making it even more characterful. Each release tells the rich stories of Bowmore, but importantly have their own unique style and character.” 

BOWMORE 1969 | 46.9% ABV | A RARITY OF THE 1960S

The final offering in the 50 Year Old Vaults Series, Bowmore 1969 follows in the footsteps of the successful 1965, 1966 and 1964 releases. An extremely rare single malt, Bowmore 1969 has been meticulously nurtured over five decades. During this lengthy union between spirit and oak, a defining character has emerged, becoming increasingly richer as fruit and smoke flavors remain constant. The taste is almost undefinable, with an enigma of flavors which have shaped Bowmore’s legacy, defining the most definitive of decades.

This exceptional limited edition, combining the finest American oak ex-bourbon barrels and hogsheads, unlocks several aromas — perfectly unifying fragrant and floral notes contrasting with citrus and sweetness to bring rich warmth to this Bowmore single malt whisky. 

The Bowmore 1969 50 Year Old suggested retail price is $42,000. This expression is available globally, with a mere 339 bottles produced for the world.   

BOWMORE 40 YEAR OLD | 48.7% ABV | ANNUAL LIMITED RELEASE

Inspired by the art of time and the sea front location of the Bowmore Distillery, the colors and textures of Islay’s ancient stone and bleached driftwood are encompassed within this limited release. Ideal for the collector and investor, this whisky is on a limited run of 160 bottles globally.

Bottled at a cask strength of 48.7%, Bowmore 40 Year Old offers up aromas of honey, treacle and exotic fruits combined with caramel. On the palate, pipe tobacco and chocolate unite with spices, leather, chestnuts and pralines giving the whisky a long, lingering, and luxurious finish. 

With only 160 bottles available globally, Bowmore 40 Year Old will have a suggested retail price of $9,000. 

BOWMORE 30 YEAR OLD | 45.3% ABV | ANNUAL LIMITED RELEASE

Distilled in the 1990’s, this rare single malt whisky has been carefully nurtured for three decades in the finest Sherry hogsheads and Bourbon barrels.

Bottled at a cask strength of 45.3%, this 30 Year Old is a celebration of Bowmore’s rich fruity and subtly smoky style. This whisky offers up aromas of ripe apricot, charred pineapple, mango and butterscotch.  On the palate, tropical fruits and honey sweetness unite with subtle peat smoke and hints of eucalyptus, ensuring a warming and lingering finish. 

With only 2,556 bottles available globally, Bowmore 30 Year Old will have a suggested retail price of $2,650.

ABOUT BOWMORE®

Founded in 1779, Bowmore® is the oldest distillery on Islay, one of the Scottish isles which make up the region known as the ‘Islands’ in the lexicon of Whisky.  The other regions are the Highlands, Speyside and the Lowlands.  Islay malts are famous for their characteristic smokiness and Bowmore® is no exception; the malt is carefully smoked in a peat-fired kiln, using skills honed over two centuries to craft a perfectly balanced Single Malt.

Time is savoured at Bowmore® and the distillery’s adherence to traditional production methods helps to shape the character of its Single Malts. Today, it prides itself as one of the rare distilleries which still produces its own floor malted barley, hand-turned by a traditional wooden malt shovel and hand drawn machinery.  Water for the whiskies is specially drawn from the Laggan River, with its rich peaty overtones – the same Islay peat that fires the malt-drying kiln.

Bowmore® Distillery’s close proximity to the sea is also vital in determining the final character of its spirit. The legendary Bowmore® No. 1 Vaults is where most of the whiskies spend their long lives resting quietly in the cool, dark, damp cellars below sea level, oblivious to the waves thrashing the vault’s sea-facing wall.

They mature in oak casks, previously used for bourbon, sherry or claret, gradually developing rich and mellow flavours until the expertise of our whisky makers deems them ready for bottling.  It is this combination of peat, barley, sea breeze, water, wood, people and tradition that together create the perfectly balanced warm and smoky character of Bowmore® Single Malt Scotch Whiskies. Through peerless maturation expertise and sense of timing, Bowmore® is “Time, Savoured®” – a rich reward for those that appreciate the value of time and an exquisite whisky coveted the world over.

www.bowmore.com

Facebook.com/ Twitter.com/ Instagram.com/BOWMORE

ABOUT BEAM SUNTORY

As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires the brilliance of life by delivering great consumer experiences through its world-class portfolio of brands.  Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam®, Maker’s Mark®, Basil Hayden® and Knob Creek® bourbons; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Teacher’s, Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Beam Suntory also produces leading brands such as Courvoisier® cognac, Tres Generaciones®, El Tesoro® and Hornitos® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, Canadian Club® whisky, and is a world leader in ready-to-drink cocktails, with brands like -196 and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails.

A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in more than 30 countries, one of Beam Suntory’s core values is Growing for Good and through its Proof Positive sustainability strategy, the company has committed to ambitious goals and investments to promote environmental sustainability in its operations, ensure the company has a positive impact on the communities where employees live and work, and programs to educate and inform consumers to make the right personal choices about drinking. Headquartered in New York City, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com

2010 Auchroisk 12 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Refill Sherry Butt Cask Strength Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) $59.99 View

The lovely Auchroisk distillery has been a favorite of blenders and independent bottlers alike since its founding in 1972. It offers consistently delicious creamy Speyside character, a wonderful base malt to build a blend around. The distillery in Mulben has also been used for vatting of the J&B Highland malts before blending at the main J&B facility to the south. We’ve had many wonderful Auchroisk over the years and we’ve managed to keep the prices unreasonably low on these lovely casks. This one was filled into an old sherry butt in 2010 and bottled at an impressive 60.3% without chillfiltration of coloring of any kind. It absolutely should not be consumed without the addition of a healthy dollop of high-quality spring water, which is crucial for releasing the supple fruit and sweet malty character. It offers a creamy rich texture and a rich chocolate-y character which is on full display once proper adornment has been achieved. It also loves air and needs plenty of time to open in the glass.

2014 Caol Ila 8 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Ex-Bourbon Barrel Cask Strength Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) $59.99 View

2009 Blair Athol 13 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single ex-Bourbon Barrel Cask Strength Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) $64.99 View

If you didn’t already know, we’re huge fans of the bucolic Blair Athol distillery just outside the highland resort town of Pitlochry. The stone walls covered in ivy at this, the spiritual home of the Bell’s Blended Scotch, are one reason we love this exceptional whisky. If you do manage to make it to this special distillery, you might notice giddy septegenarian fans of the UK only Bell’s Blend swarming the small distillery like it was vatican, but it is the VIP warehouse tour that keeps us going back. That’s because nothing beats Blair Athol straight from the bung of a big beautiful barrel. But the closest we can come is to bottle it for you straight out of the cask. This 13 year old ex-bourbon barrel is truly a special expression. With a bit of air, this youngster shows exceptional complexity. Unusually, it tastes absolutely divine right out of the bottle at a cool 111 proof -rich, buttery and malty, but has plenty of spice to keep it from feeling overly sweet. A stupendous example of this underappreciated distillery.

2007 Glengoyne 15 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Hogshead Cask Strength Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) $74.99 View

1996 Invergordon 26 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Hogshead Cask Strength Single Grain Scotch Whisky (700ml) $79.99 View

Grain Whisky has had a renaissance over the last decade. It turns out that despite all the clamoring for single malt, it’s hard not to love exceptionally well aged and delicious grain. Especially when you factor in price! While we have bottled quite a bit of grain over the years, we’ve had to get much much pickier on the single casks we purchase. The prices have climbed a lot in the last 5 years and as a result we only choose a couple of exemplary casks a year now. This 26 year old Invergordon is one such cask. Relatively young in the world of disitlleries, the Invergordon facility was built in 1960 and today is owned by Whyte and Mackay which took control of the distillery in the early 90’s. This would have been distilled shortly after their takeover and likely has been in the Laings warehouses since shortly after distillation.We strive to partner with long term holders of whisky whenever we can as the pricing is usually significantly better than what is available on the open broker’s market for Scotch. Here this quarter of a century+ year old cask can be had for a song.

2008 Orkney’s Finest 14 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Refill Hogshead Cask Strength Orkney Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) $79.99 View

While there seems to be no shortage of Orkney malt on the market, there is a serious dearth of it at screaming good prices. For just 80 bucks this famous Ornkey distillery at cask strength and a respectable 14 years is a heck of a deal. Aged in a refill hogshead this shows off that beautiful heathery peat that the distillery is famous for. Bottled at its natural cask strength of 51.7% and without coloring or chill filtration.

2012 Laphroaig 10 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Ex-Bourbon Barrel Cask Strength Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) $89.99 View

It’s comical to think Laphroaig is charging $350 for their official bottling single casks that are 7 years old! We obvioulsy passed on that because we are still finding exceptional gems like this. Here we have a 10 year old for just $90! All that big bombastic peat and iodine in a classic ex-Bourbon cask giving the balaced vanilla and creamy malt center stage. At 53.5% ABV and without coloring or chill filtration, this is surely one of the best ways to add more of Islay’s Southern shore to your life.

2008 Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Hogshead Cask Strength Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) $109.99 View

The old distillery just to the north of Port Askaig was founded in 1881. It’s become one of the best loved Islay malts, despite its normally gentle character. We’ve had several lovely casks of naked Bunnah over the last few years, but this one truly stands out. The great northern Islay distiller is renowned for capturing that ocean character without relying on heavy peat smoke. In fact, the distillery makes sure to note that their whisky contain less than 2 ppm of phenol, making it one of two regularly produced unpeated Islay malts, but this little whisky might fall outside the standard specs of their flagship malt. This beautiful refill hogshead was distilled in September of 2008 and bottled at cask strength of 54.2% abv in October of 2022. While it is by no means a big peat bomb, there does seem to be some seriously intense aromatic character that other bottlings have lacked. A big snappy salty nose, coupled with a rich caramelly sweetness. Rich upfront peat, which quickly subsides into a complex sweet earthiness. There’s no question that this whisky will confound some Bunnah lovers, perhaps this batch came right after one of the Moine batches, but for anyone but the most sensitive to peat, it will perfectly classic slightly more than lightly peated Islay in the best possible way.

1992 Cameronbridge 30 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Hogshead Cask Strength Single Grain Scotch Whisky (700ml) $139.99 View

There was once a time when old grain was completely under appreciated. That meant we could snag very old casks for next to nothing. But the market has changed, The days of 50 year old grain for $300 are long gone. We do occasionally see good old grain, but often the prices are not far off what you’ve expect to see on a single malt, and one thing we cannot stand for is overpriced single grain. So we wait and watch the market and eventually we come across a great cask like this that offers three full decades of maturation for what seems like last century’s pricing. The Cameronbridge distillery was the first in Scotland to adopt the new design of Robert Stein. Founded in 1824, the distillery is now important hub for Diageo’s spirit production of all kinds. This would have been distilled right after renovations of the facility were completed to allow for dual production. Distilled in September of 1992 and filled into an refill ex-bourbon barrel it spent just over 30 years aging and was bottled without chillfiltration or coloring in October of 2022 at a perfect 51.5% abv. Sweet and bourbon-y on the nose, we don’t often like to compare the two disperate styles of whisky, inspite of their technical similarities, but this one truly bridges the gap. Big, rich and bold, it doesn’t need more than a few minutes in the glass before it’s ready to enjoy!

1997 Ardmore (Unpeated) 25 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Cask Strength Single Refill Hogshead Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) $199.99 View

This unprecedented cask of Ardmore is as unusual as it is delicious. The famous Highland peater was built at Kennethmont, Aberdeenshire in 1898. The spiritual home of the once popular Teacher’s Highland Cream, its original owner was in fact the son of the founder of that brand, Adam Teacher. One of the last distillers to use coal to fire their stills, this barrel was distilled prior to their transition to gas in 2001. It boasts the ability to produce nearly 5.5 million liters of pure alcohol a year with 8 working stills. Nearly all of that is made with heavily peated barley. The distillery has remained relatively unknown, although the eastern Highlands is becoming a more significant corner of the single malt landscape, thanks to improvements over the last two decades of its two major neighbors – Glendronach & Glen Garioch. The enigmatic offering is one of the only we’ve ever seen from this special distillery to feature unpeated barley. That said the constant use of heavily peated barley remains in the system and so a very subtle smoke character remains in the whisky, but by no means is it the standard Ardmore. Add more than 2.5 decades and you’ve got an absolute gem. So, if you’re looking for great old school malt, but aren’t a fan of the smokey stuff or you’re just looking to expand your understanding of Scotch malt in a general sense, you’ll not want to miss this old Highlander. Exceptional in its own right, it represents a true oddity very unlikely to be seen again.

1997 Blair Athol 25 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Sherry Butt Cask Strength Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) $279.99 View

This beautiful cask of Blair Athol is truly the star of our 2023 campaign. We rarely get access to such exceptional old malt and if you’ve been following the K&L Exclusives, this will easily compare to the wonderful 25 year Cragganmore we sold last year. The Blair Athol malt is an absolute dream and when you put it into high quality casks, it can produce one of the Highland’s most complex and delicious whiskies. Founded in 1798 by John Steward and Robert Robertson, it changed hands many times until eventually being mothballed in 1932. IT was after that that Arthur Bell purchased the distillery to make it the home of his Bell’s Blend. Production start up again in 1949 and continues to produce the top dressing malt for blends. But a few special casks make it out of the system and we’re extremely lucky and proud to have procured this exceptional whisky. Fewer and fewer casks are able to offer this old malt experience for a relatively reasonable price. Any one looking for great old highland sherry should look no further. This is the best around.

2000 Laphroaig 22 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Hogshead Cask Strength Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) $349.99 View

It seems like forever since we’ve had 20+ year old blue chip distilleries on the docket for a reasonable price. It’s getting harder and harder to secure these casks, and this one is a veritable coup. Distilled in June of 2000 and bottled in October of 2022, this 22 year old beauty is finally on our shores. Aged in a refill Hogshead, this is all about the spirit and time. Elegant, leathery, briny, sweet barley, and chock full of that lovely peat that only really comes with long years in cask. Bottled without chill filtration or coloring at its natural cask strength of 48.5% ABV.

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

Discover something new, return to an old favourite or find inspiration for an impressive Father’s Day gift from our favourite bottles this month, selected by The Whisky Exchange head buyer Dawn Davies MW. We’ve selected ten whiskies we are sure will impress any whisky lover.

TOP 10 WHISKIES

With us turning up the heat this summer with outstanding sipping suggestions, we have just released FIVE fantastic bottlings that are cocktail inspired and sure to shake the senses. Enjoy diverse drams from different flavour profiles along with a NEW Single Cask Spirit and Vaults Collection bottling.

AND be sure not to miss our Vaults Collection classic pairing and cocktail for Cask No. 70.48: Espresso Romano. Inspired by The Tasting Panel notes, we decided to go for a literal interpretation pairing this new bottling with an Espresso Romano. Then we took it further, creating a delicious summer cocktail.

VAULTS COLLECTION FEATURE

VIEW NEW BOTTLINGS

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

‘Alter Ego’ release brings flavour twist to

Wire Works Whisky

-White Peak Distillery, Derbyshire-

This month will see an exciting, limited edition release from Derbyshire’s White Peak Distillery, revealing an alternative flavour expression of the Wire Works Whisky house style – ‘Alter Ego’.

Wire Works ‘Alter Ego’ has rich fruit flavours and a different take to its background light peat, extending the personality of Wire Works Whisky.

This limited edition single malt has been distilled with alternate cut points to previous Wire Works whiskies, bringing forward more fruit and allowing different elements of peat notes to shine through in the final spirit.  In addition to the change in the distillers’ cut points, the casks used for the selected vatting lean more on first fill ex-bourbon than in previous releases, bringing emphasis to the fruit notes, along with a bolder range of vanilla.

‘Alter Ego’ bottled at 51.5% ABV, maintains the balance of higher strength and approachability which has characterised previous releases of Wire Works Whisky.

Max Vaughan, founder of White Peak Distillery said: “We’re always keen to showcase the innovation and creativity we ourselves enjoy. ‘Alter Ego’ is an example of how we are exploring and developing different approaches during our whisky-making to reveal new personality in our spirit.”

“We’re still on a learning curve and it’s exciting to share this with customers and for the longer term we’re interested to get feedback on this release and hope that both our loyal Wire Works supporters and new whisky drinkers will enjoy the whisky for what it is – an approachable, fruit forward yet complex spirit with a wee bit more peat present in the glass.”

Earlier this year, White Peak released Caduro – its first ever permanent expression to the distillery’s stable of whiskies.

White Peak Distillery was founded seven years ago by husband-and-wife team Max & Claire Vaughan – both originally from Derbyshire – and continues to go from strength to strength. Last year saw the Distillery winning multiple awards not only for its whisky, but also for its Distillery visitor experiences and the much-celebrated Wire Works Whisky packaging.

‘Alter Ego’ will be available from 10^th June – via the Distillery shop and online, as well as from trade partners including Berry Bros. & Rudd, Master of Malt and select independents nationwide, RRP: £65 per 70cl.

(www.whitepeakdistillery.co.uk/where-to-buy-wire-works-whisky/)

The Distillery is open Monday – Saturday for shop visitors, with tours available every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. For availability, timings and to book, please visit: www.whitepeakdistillery.co.uk

About Wire Works Whisky Alter Ego:

51.5% ABV

100% natural colour and non-chill filtered.   

Tasting Notes:

Lemon meringue and fruit sweets on the nose, with tropical fruit and biscuits on the palate, with a buttery biscuit finish and light peat.

Nose: Lemon meringue, sherbet, fresh ginger, vanilla pastry, fruit salad sweets and caramel cream.

Palate: Cream soda, honey, light caramel, gingerbread, mango and malted milk biscuits.

Finish: Caramac, gooseberries, short bread and light peat.

About Wire Works Whisky:

Wire Works Whisky from White Peak Distillery is Derbyshire’s very first single malt.

Provenance, heritage and flavour are at the heart of the Distillery ethos and whisky-making process, and its home at the dramatic former Johnson & Nephew Wire Works is celebrated within the whisky brand. The Distillery’s woodland home on the banks of the River Derwent has a long history of innovation and forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Wire Works Whisky celebrates its rich homeland and the brewing heritage for which the region is so renowned. Every aspect of production and maturation is done onsite at the Distillery to ensure that the unique location and environment can play their part in the provenance of the final spirit.

The lightly-peated single malt whisky has been created using a combination of English un-peated and peated malted barley. A flavour-focused four to six day fermentation (varies across seasons) uses a unique yeast blend incorporating live yeast sourced from a local Peak District brewery.

The Distillery’s traditional, bespoke copper pot stills have been hand-built by McMillan and are run slowly to help produce the desired flavour profile. The final spirit is matured in a variety of carefully selected first fill oak casks, including ex-bourbon, virgin and STR (re-conditioned casks that have been shaved, toasted and re-charred), adding the final rich flavours to the whisky.

White Peak Distillery Awards:

2022 and 2023 has seen White Peak also win numerous awards for their whiskies and packaging, as below:

UK Packaging Awards 2022:

• Corrugated Pack of the Year
• Best Packaging of a New Product
• Glass Pack of the Year, Spirits, Perfumes and Cosmetics

The Global World Whisky Masters 2022:

• Necessary Evil: Gold
• Small Batch: Gold

International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) 2022:

• Best Contemporary Design: Wire Works Whisky

International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) 2023:

• Caduro: Gold

People’s Choice Awards 2023:

• Best Whisky: Wire Works Whisky Small Batch – World Whisky Category

English Whisky Guild:

White Peak Distillery is one of the 15 members of the English Whisky Guild, that was founded in 2022 by the English whisky industry to represent the interests of the increasing number of English whisky distilleries (currently there are 40) on the world stage of whisky.

For further information visit:  English Whisky Guild

Award-winning Tomatin whisky: the ideal gift for Father’s Day 2023

Highland distillery unveils its ‘must-have’ whiskies for father figures this June

There is no better way to celebrate a father figure than with a remarkable dram, shared together or gifted as a moment to savour.

Nestled in the heart of the Highlands and famous for its portfolio of spectacular single malts, Tomatin is a distillery full of history, heritage, and charm. Responsible for the award-winning collection is a loyal team, many of whom have worked at the distillery for much of their adult lives, with generations of their families before them.

Family is intrinsic to what makes Tomatin and its whisky so special, making it the ideal choice for a Father’s Day gift.

Tomatin – 12 Year Old single malt (70cl, 43% ABV, £47)

An award-winning flagship from Tomatin’s core range: a silky smooth single malt with a rich and fruity aroma. 

This remarkable 12 Year Old single malt is matured in a combination of ex-bourbon, ex-Spanish sherry and traditional Scotch whisky casks. Initial aromas of wild heather, pine and cedar soon reveal sweeter notes of crème caramel with apples, pears and mango, before a full-bodied and buttery finish.

The quality of this whisky was recognised at the world-renowned International Spirits Challenge receiving Gold in 2022 and 2021, and most recently, picking up a Gold at the San Fransisco World Spirits Competition in 2023.

Available at: https://tomatin.com/ and specialist whisky retailers.  

 

Tomatin – Legacy single malt (70cl, 43% ABV, £35) 

An exceptional single malt which celebrates the legacy of Tomatin and the enduring spirit of its people.

After being established in 1897 in the heart of the idyllic but isolated village of Tomatin, the distillery required a workforce to manage production. The company began a construction project to accommodate its workforce and since then, the distillery has been at the heart of the community. It is one of the few remaining distilleries which provides a home for its craftsmen and women on-site.

Legacy is a nod to that story.

This unpeated Scotch boasts aromas of vanilla bean, white chocolate, and cinnamon. Time spent in bourbon barrels and virgin oak casks brings a light sweetness to the whisky, which also offers a palate of gentle waves of fresh fruit peppered with ginger before a light, clean finish.

Available at: https://tomatin.com/ and specialist whisky retailers.   

Tomatin – 14 Year Old single malt (70cl, 46% ABV, £75)

A rare single malt from Tomatin’s core range: silky and sweet, benefiting from its time spent in Tawny Port casks

This distinctive 14 year old single malt whisky is matured in a combination of Bourbon barrels and Port casks which have previously held port for around 50 years.

A feather in the cap of Tomatin’s first class wood policy, a rich but balanced aromas of red berries are met with sweet honey and rich toffee which develop into aspects of light fruits and nuts to create an abiding finish of smooth fruit salad.

The quality of this whisky was recognised at the world-renowned International the San Fransisco World Spirits Competition in 2021 picking up Gold and Double Gold in 2019.

Available at: https://tomatin.com/ and specialist whisky retailers

Tomatin – Portuguese Collection 

Experience the magic of Tomatin’s craftsmanship in cask maturations with Tomatin’s Portuguese Collection. The limited-edition collection was launched last year to celebrate the relationship the distillery holds with its cask providers overseas.  

Distilled on 8th September 2006 and laid down in traditional oak casks for over eight years. On 23rd April 2015 the whisky was then moved into Tawny Port, Moscatel de Setúbal and Madeira Wine casks for a further seven years, resulting in a magnificent triad of single malt Scotch Whiskies.

#1 – The Port Edition single malt (70cl, 46% ABV, £90)

The first in the Collection is a unique edition matured in Tawny Port Casks, boasting aromas of Black Forest gateau that are met with warm spices and develop into fresh summer fruits. The taste is deep with forest fruits including blackberries, raspberries, and cherries, alongside sweeter notes of peach and apricot which return on the finish.

#2 – The Moscatel Edition single malt (70cl, 46%, £90)

Part two of the Portuguese Collection is the Moscatel Edition which is matured in Moscatel de Setúbal Casks. This distinctive single malt boasts sweet aromas of marmalade, honey and salted caramel that has a hint of citrus which balances perfectly with ginger and star anise on the palate. A sweet whisky with a long, dessert wine finish.

#3 – The Maderia Edition single malt (70cl, 46%, £90

Part three of the Portuguese Collection is the Maderia Edition which is matured in Maderia Wine casks. Initial aromas of honey and lemon take the lead, while flavours of butterscotch and stewed apples dance on the palate, before a treacly and fruity finish.

Available at: https://tomatin.com/ and specialist whisky retailers.

Tasting notes 

Tomatin 12 Year Old tasting notes

• Nose–Initially herbaceous with aromas of heather, wild mint, pinecones, and cedar soon sweetening to reveal notes of cookie dough, sultanas, caramelized sugar, and pine sap. There is a faint hint of leather and spice.
• Palate–Sweet and malty, reminiscent of a cheesecake base with dried apple, mango, and fresh pears. Crème caramel with raisin and Christmas spice.
• Finish –Buttery, full-bodied fruitiness gives way to tantalisingly dry notes of Oloroso. 

Tomatin Legacy tasting notes

• Nose – Opens with a burst of Bourbon barrel sweetness – aromas of custard cream biscuits, white chocolate, vanilla bean, white sugar, and golden syrup, before hints of sandalwood, desiccated coconut and cinnamon give a nod to the use of Virgin American Oak.
• Palate – Waves of sweet vanilla and fresh fruit with a gentle touch of white pepper and ginger. The quality of the Tomatin spirit is on full display here with pink lady apples, rhubarb, and candied orange peel.
• Finish – Fruit and oak combine to create a clean yet intriguing finish. 

Tomatin 14 Year Old tasting notes

• Nose– Top notes of fresh peach, mandarin, watermelon, and apple with deeper forest fruits like cherry and blackberry. There’s a touch of milk chocolate and a pop of honeycomb. Notes of clove and cardamom grow in intensity before another wave of fruit.
• Palate–The freshness on the nose has been preserved into a raspberry and strawberry jam, apricot compote, glace cherry, and crystallised ginger. Caramelised figs, prunes and nutty tones are indicative of the rich tawny port that once occupied these casks.
• Finish–A silky texture coats the mouth with jammy fruits and Byzantium spice. 

Tomatin Portuguese Collection tasting notes 

The Port Edition: The initial aroma is that of Black Forest gateau, with warm spices developing into fresh summer fruits. The taste is deep with forest fruits; blackberries, raspberries and cherries, but the sweeter notes of peach and apricot return on the finish.

The Moscatel Edition: Sweet aromas of marmalade, honey and salted caramel with a hint of citrus balance perfectly with ginger and star anise on the palate. A sweet whisky with a long, dessert wine finish.

The Madeira Edition: Pronounced aromas of honey and lemon take the lead, while flavours of butterscotch and stewed apples dance on the palate. The finish is treacly and fruity.

About Tomatin  

Tomatin is located in the Scottish Highlands (near Inverness) and is famous for its portfolio of soft and mellow whiskies, including a core range, a limited-edition range and a premium archive range (prices range from £35 – £17,500). Tomatin Single Malt is owned by Japanese company Takara Shuzo International

Tomatin has been dedicated to protecting its craft, its environment and particularly its community, which is at the very heart of the brand. Many of the craftspeople working on site have been doing so their entire working lives – all working towards producing a wide range of single malts, beloved across the world.

In 2022, Tomatin launched its new brand platform, ‘To What Matters’ – designed to remind people about the important things in life. ‘To What Matters’ is the latest chapter in the brand’s evolution; a positive call to arms that represents the spiritual DNA of Tomatin – a human belief in what’s truly important in life. The significant moments.

Recognition of the Highland distillery’s craftsmanship continues to grow globally.  In 2022, Tomatin was awarded ‘Scotch Whisky Producer of the Year’ and ‘Outstanding Spirits Producer of the Year’ at the International Wine & Spirit Competition. Later that year, it was recognised as ‘Sustainable Distillery of the Year’ at Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky 2023, in recognition of its continued contribution to sustainably at the distillery.

In 2023, Tomatin’s Legacy single malt, part of the core range, was awarded Gold at the International Wine & Spirit Competition. It also took home seven awards at the San Fransisco World Spirits Competition, while Cù Bòcan, which is produced at the distillery in limited batches every winter, took home three.

Hakata 16 Year Old Sherry Cask Aged Fukuoka 100% Barley Japanese Whisky (750ml) $149.99 View

96 points Whisky Advocate

 A spectacular drink that opens with aromas of Seville orange marmalade, milk chocolate, ground pepper, barley, and soft rounded oak, with an underlying dryness from the sherry. The umami notes are there, but are more integrated than other Hakata. An oily texture bursting with bitter plain chocolate, citrus oil, fresh walnut, black cherry, pepper, and ground ginger, develops an underlying creaminess and serves up a hazelnut finish. (JM, Summer 2023)  (9/2023)

K&L Notes

The Hikari Distillery on Fukuoka has been distilling since 1912. This wonderful product is produced from 100% barley using koji to break down the complex carbohydrates into simple sugars for the yeast to consume. The conversion using Koji is more efficient than malt enzymes and adds a distinct umami character to the spirit. The high quality barley spirit is aged in fresh sherry butts in traditional warehouses, some being open air and exposed to both the humid 95 °F summer weather and the cold winter temps. The exceptional 16 year version of Hakata achieved an incredible 96 points from Whisky Advocate!

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