Ardbeg Day 2023
Released for Ardbeg Day – the last Saturday of Islay’s annual whisky festival, Fèis Ìle – Heavy Vapours is an experimental limited edition single malt distilled without a copper purifier, resulting in less of the Islay distillery’s typical floral fruitiness and more of its pungent and aromatic peat.
Mac-Talla PX Editon, Feis Ile 2023
Sumptious PX Sherry Wood, rich with the flavours of luxurious grape of Southern Spain, picked at the peak of sweetness and natural acidity. Creating a complex whisky with the perfect balance of jammy sweetness and peat. A sweet, smoky symphony of burnt toffee, stewed berries and maritime smoke. The influence of PX sherry casks bring a rich, fruity sweetness, as well as structure and depth to this smoky Islay malt.
Single Bourbon Hogshead from the Secret Easter Elchies Distillery
Secret Speyside 14 Year Old 2009 for TWB
Distilled at a Speyside distillery that is now so revered it is only to be spoken of as its entire region.
Matured in a single ex-bourbon hogshead #163 and bottled May 2023 by Signatory Vintage for the Un-Chillfiltered series at cask strength 64% abv.
Expect a soft and creamy palate, with oak spices and a basket of tropical fruits.
373 bottles… WHILE STOCKS LAST!
Shop – Speyside 14 Year Old 2009 – £79.99 / u$81* / €76*
MYSTERY MALT SINGLE MALT WHISKY
Mystery single malt that don’t want to reveal their true identity. Rummage around and with a bit of investigation you are sure to find a rare unspecified bottling from independent bottler.
Our signature core range have been downsized…
Our core range – The Hive, Peat Chimney and Spice King – have been tapped off into miniature 5cl portions just for you. Now you can buy and try all three, at the same time if you really wanted to (though we wouldn’t advise it). These vivid expressions in whisky were crafted by our Production Director Isabella Wemyss to showcase the three main avenues of scotch: Sweet, Spicy and Smokey.
£5.00
£5.00
£5.00
We have dropped yet another incredible single cask dram, if we do say so ourselves! But the real work was done by our friends up at Ben Nevis, and an incredible refill hogshead cask for a quarter of a century. Secure a bottle to add to your collection today.
Aged for a whole 25 years in a refill hogshead, this Highland whisky has been bottled at 47.03% abv. With just 289 bottles in existence, it’s a limited-edition beauty. Discover some tasty notes on the palate of exotic fruits, vanilla and dark chocolate, with gentle peaty undertones. Another belter!
🔥 Free delivery over £99 🔥
European Novelty. Full Maturation in a Mizunara Cask
The German Distillery St. Kilian in Rüdenau, Lower Frankonia, launched an exclusive whisky rarity: a single malt whisky fully matured in a single virgin Mizunara oak cask.
Common in several regions of Japan, Mizunara oak is among the rarest and most expensive wood used to mature whisky. The Japanese oak for this 225-litre medium toasted single cask is about 250 years old. It was harvested in the forests of the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido.
“Mizunara or Japanese oak (Quercus mongolica) is growing across Japan, but in the North of Japan (Hokkaido) the tree grows slower results with a tighter annual ring which is suitable for producing a barrel.
The wood delivers some particular taste on the spirits characterized as sandalwood and a much stronger coconut aroma than any oak especially when it interacts with whisky after a long time aging.” Source Ariake Sangyo
Experienced coopers of Ariake Sangyo carefully set up the casks. The treatment of the wood, especially of the staves, is very difficult to handle and only a few coopers are able to bind the casks together. The cask staves and the heads were completely made of Mizunara oak.
St Kilian Distillers imported four medium toasted virgin casks directly by plane from Japan in August 2019.
CTO and Master Blender Mario Rudolf: “The Mizunara oak is known for its unique aromas of sandalwood, oriental spices and exotic fruits, which give the whisky distinctive characterful aromas. This masterpiece of whisky craftsmanship reflects the synergy of Japanese finesse with German distilling art in Scottish pot stills. The exceptional Single Malt promises an incomparable taste as well as an exquisite enjoyment experience for discerning connoisseurs.”
A more than delighted Managing Director Philipp Trützler says: “We are very proud to be able to present this exclusive whisky rarity made from Mizunara oak…According to our research, this is the first non-Japanese single malt whisky to be matured in a single, fresh, unoccupied Mizunara oak cask. A true treasure for whisky lovers and collectors alike.”
The result of the maturation provides a unique taste of ripe fruit and exotic melon paired with warming oak notes, oriental spices and fragrant sandalwood aromas.
The Angels’ Share of cask no.3886 was 4.7% of the initial content which is much higher than normal (2 to 3%). The age of the single malt is three years old plus a few months.
“The cask filling strength was lower than regular…at 55.2 % abv as we intended to generate more sweetness in the whisky,” Mario Rudolf reports.
St Kilian’s EXCEPTIONAL MIZUNARA
The exceptional Mizunara single cask bottling at natural cask strength of 55.1% abv was limited to 300 bottles.
The Exceptional Bottling of Mizunara is the first of a new St Kilian range which will present further exceptional casks to the customer. The series will only be open for thematic exclusive Single Malts which have matured in one of the 371 different cask types in the nearby St Kilian Bunker City.
The Mizunara specialty whisky is presented in a printed 0.5 litre pot-still shaped glass bottle with noble packaging which will make for the uniqueness of the St Kilian product.
“After numerous tastings of bottlings with Mizunara finish, we wanted to find out what a St Kilian whisky with Mizunara full maturation would taste like,” Master Blender Mario Rudolf explains, “…Inspired by our trip to Japan in 2017, we filled the Mizunara oak barrels with our mild as well as our peaty new make spirits. By doing so, the present result exceeds by far our expectation and confirms the magic that this extraordinary wood ignites in our whisky.”
Please note: At St. Kilian they intend to do only full maturation in casks and no double maturation or finishings. However, a revatting has to be done when casks accidentally are leaking.
Official Taste Notes
COLOUR. Warm amber
NOSE. A beguiling fruit sweetness, carried by ripe pear, apricot and exotic melon, underpinned by buttery cream toffee, aromatic sandalwood and oriental spices.
PALATE. Fruity sweet start with ripe pears, apples and apricots, at the same time warming with spicy oak and sandalwood notes as well as some pepper, before the creamy fruit melange takes over again.
FINISH. Long lasting with creamy fruit jam, accompanied by dry sandalwood aromas as well as a hint of buttery toffee.
ALCOHOL STRENGTH
55.1% abv “
The St Kilian Exceptional Mizunara is a well balanced harmonious young single malt with some rather pleasing sweetness and a basket full of fruity notions of ripe fruit like apples, pears and some melon along with some lingering spiciness. The soft mouthfeel is long lingering with toffee notes and surprisingly the strong alcohol of 55.1% abv is well embedded and makes for the enforcement of the fruity notes.
St Kilian Honorary Brand Ambassador Udo Sonntag said:
„This whisky is the opposite of ordinary.
That’s quite a cracker…“
There are only a few Exceptional Mizunara St Kilian bottles left at the distillery for direct sale. No wonder most of the 300 bottles were sold within five minutes after the web presentation show on Saturday 6th May 2023 for €249.00 (0.5l).
NB: There will be further Mizunara St Kilian releases in future. Whisky geeks loving peated whiskies will certainly be pleased when the next Exceptional Mizunara cask will be released.
Website: www.stkiliandistillers.com
This is an exciting time here at Shelter Point, the 2023 release of our 10 Year Old is getting underway. This release is kicking off with our 10 Year Old as a part of the BC Liquor Summer Spirit release. This is the first time that any of our products have featured in this prestigious event and it is fantastic to be a part of. The release is on 17th June but our 10 Year Old is available for online pre-order from June 1st to 3rd. If you are interested in acquiring a bottle then we would recommend pre-ordering if possible as this is only a limited release. Be aware there is a 1 bottle limit through the BCL pre-order process.
The 10YO can be found here on the BCL website and their tasting notes do this delicious whisky justice: “Sweet, with a hint of brine and smoke, this special whisky is rich in fruit, baking spices and subtle tannins, finishing long and smooth.” The 10 Year Old is one of the few Shelter Point whiskies to come in a presentation box so it is definitely one to get hold of.
There is also a chance to try the 10 Year Old at the BC Liquor Store in Langley, a tasting event is running there from 10am – 2 pm. More details can be found here.
It might not be a coincidence that the date of the Summer Spirits release, June 17th, coincides with Fathers Day Weekend. We think that a bottle of whisky or a tour and a tasting at the distillery is a great way to give a treat to the Dad or father figure in your life. We’ll be offering free tastings for Dad and in-store discounts on Saturday June 17th. Come on down and give them a gift to remember.
Also we are extending our opening hours for the summer. We will still be open from 10-5 from Wednesday to Saturday but we are now open from 12-5 on Sundays too. If you are in the area, stop in and say hi and take the chance to try a whisky before you buy. We will be making tours available on Sunday soon, so keep an eye on our booking page.
Recent Events
We had a great time at the Victoria Highland Games Whisky School. The masterclass was great fun and the atmosphere of the Highland Games was excellent as always.
The evening masterclass at Artemis in Victoria was a great opportunity to showcase not just our products but how well they work as a part of a cocktail too.
The Vancouver Island Porsche Club gathered in Comox last weekend. We were on hand to provide a tasting at one of their evening gatherings and were also the final stop of one of their organised drives. It was great to see a range of Porsches, from classics to top of the range new models parked up out front of the distillery while their owners were inside learning more about how we make our whiskies.
Upcoming Events
If you are in the Tofino area this weekend come and visit the Tofino Wine and Dine event on June 3rd. We’ll be there showcasing our products alongside some of the areas best producers, it will be a great event for sure.
June 17th Fathers Day weekend – join us here at the distillery for the usual tours and tastings and instore discounts. Dads get a free tasting!
June 24th – we’ll have a booth at the Storey Creek Golf Club for the Brind’Amour / Nugent Hopkins Cystic Fibrosis Golf Classic – one of the highlights of the year in Campbell River this golf tournament is a great fundraiser to help people with Cystic Fibrosis. After being postponed since 2019 due to Covid this year the event will be back with a bang for sure.
We hope you’ve been able to enjoy the sunshine we’ve been blessed with for the last few weeks and here’s hoping there’ll be more to come over summer!
Cheers
Chris
An Unbelievable Buy in Mature Collectible Scotch
Cadenhead’s 30 Year Old “7 Star” Cask Strength
Blended Scotch Whisky (700ml) ($149.99)
“This spectacular expression from the historic bottler Cadenhead’s is simply unlike anything else on the shelf. If this same whisky said Chivas or Johnnie Walker on the label, it would come in a crystal decanter and cost $2,000.” — David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer
Our spirits team forges ahead undaunted in their mission to combat the skyrocketing prices in the collectible Scotch market, and this latest find from a historic bottler is a master stroke for savvy buyers everywhere. There’s simply no reason why an unadulterated, 30-year-old, cask-strength Scotch whisky should be selling for less than four figures these days, let alone for just over $100. But Cadenhead’s is a rare light in the Scotch world, and their unparalleled stocks of fully mature barrels give them raw materials against which other bottlers simply can’t compete. The quality is unimpeachable, the price is unbelievable, and the supply is limited, so don’t think twice about stocking up.
Cadenhead’s 30 Year Old “7 Star” Cask Strength Blended Scotch Whisky (700ml) ($149.99)
Andrew Whiteley | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: May 20, 2023
Tough to argue with this one—it’s a fool-proof whisky with incredible specs from a legendary bottler with impeccable pricing, and it tastes amazing. The nose is old-school cool. Deep sherry that leans heavy on the chocolate and orange zest along with candied nuts and raisins. It’s basically trail mix in a glass! A little dusty, a lot sweet, a touch savory, and so well balanced. Crunchy malt and sweet nougat hit the palate, and a blend of milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and tobacco leaf rounds out a complex array of fruit cake spices and fresh bread. In today’s whisky landscape with sky high prices, it is easy to forget that for the folks who’ve been in the game for decades, the cost of raw goods and long-term storage of those casks is actually shockingly low. Cadenhead is basically flexing its muscle and long-term cred by selling this whisky at such a low price. Surely by auctioning off the component whiskies of this blend to the highest bidder they would have made more money, but they are and have always been about the whisky and the drinker, and that is why they are so well loved by Scotch enthusiasts.
David Othenin-Girard | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: May 16, 2023
This spectacular expression from the historic bottler Cadenhead’s is simply unlike anything else on the shelf. If this same whisky said Chivas or Johnnie Walker on the label, it would come in a crystal decanter and cost $2,000. But what this has that the big blends don’t is real soul and not junk. It checks every geek box and then some. No chill-filtration, no coloring, cask-strength, 30-year-old Scotch finished in oloroso sherry casks for $150? Come on man. Cadenhead’s still has something up their sleeve. Rumor has it that they control a huge stock of old barrels, but no one knows for sure except the man himself, Hedley Wright. The enigmatic owner of Cadenhead’s and Springbank is rarely seen in public, but he allows his blending team access to an incredible array of old and rare barrels for projects like this one. No telling what’s in the blend, but we can’t get malt or grain of this quality at cask strength from any normal channels at this price point, so this really is one of the best values in the category today. It’s not a closeout or some screw up, just really good, limited-edition Scotch whisky at an amazing price. Let’s have a go. The color is a beautiful deep copper. After 30 minutes in the glass, there’s a gorgeous, nutty oloroso character up front. Behind that stewed stone fruits, maple syrup, candied walnut, and sticky caramel. On the palate, it has great weight, with all the sweetness front-loaded. Striking nougat, creamy roasted almonds, sweet herbs, and a tiny spicy backbone poking up at the end. It’s so incredibly balanced I can’t imagine adding water, but a tiny drop opens the fruit and the sweetness. This is just damned good whisky on any scale. Perhaps if you’re looking for a hammer like a Kavalan Cask Strength then you’d reach somewhere else, but most lovers of Scotch will likely find themselves polishing this bottle off in just a few sittings. It’s truly lovely and arguably one of the most affordable whiskies on the shelf for the quality.
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
Glen Elgin 2010
We are excited to have partnered with Berry Bros. Rudd on our latest Aberdeen Whisky Shop Exclusive. Amongst the numerous distilleries in Speyside, Glen Elgin distillery quietly ambles along within the pines and flitting house martins confidently producing a rich, fruity spirit. This particular cask began life in an ex-bourbon barrel before ending its journey in a fresh oloroso butt for three years. Bright red fruit and gingerbread spices let you know it has spent some time in sherry. Fresh white peaches, dried apricots and lashings of honey and cream on the finish remind us of its quiet but generous home.
£89.99
Peatheads! Rejoice! We’re taking over.
This edition of the Malt Messenger is being held hostage by Curt. Don’t worry, Andrew is safe. It was a peaceful coup, and no egos were hurt in the transition, but for now, RADIO KWM is all ours!
For those that don’t know me well, I should tell you that I celebrate two more holidays each year than most people: Ardbeg Day and Superbowl Sunday. The latter of which, Andrew has referred to as a religious holiday in my household. He’s not wrong. Hopefully, we can talk football later in the year, but folks… it’s Thursday, and we are on the eve of the eve of Ardbeg Day 2023! In ‘parentspeak’: “Two more sleeps, kids!”
If you don’t already have plans to join us devout Ardbeggians this coming Saturday, clear your schedule and read on.
Oh, and fear not, the big guy will be back at the keyboard for the next proper Malt Messenger, but for now… pour a dram of something smoky and settle in for a bit.
Hope this finds you well (and heavily peated)!
Curt
Kensington Wine Market
1. Ardbeg Day 2023
2. Ardbeg Single Malts
3. Upcoming Tastings
Have you freed up your Saturday afternoon yet? Well…what are you waiting for? I gave you notice several sentences ago.
Join the team from Ardbeg and a few of the KWM crew this Saturday, June 3rd at Hayden Block (just a few blocks east of KWM) for a couple hours of smoky revelry. There will be food, drink, games, prizes, and an opportunity to try this year’s limited edition Ardbeg Day release, Heavy Vapours. And all for the price of a tall coffee at S*****cks. 😉
It seems the day of the 3-litre bottle is behind us, so you won’t Andrew necking this stuff anymore, but we’ll always find ways to be a bit cheeky.
Here are the deets. See you there!
Registration is through a Third Party Site
· Date: Saturday, June 3
· Time: 2 PM
· Cost: $15
· HAYDEN BLOCK
For the first time ever at Ardbeg, its whisky has been distilled without a purifier – the apparatus on the still responsible for maintaining Ardbeg’s unrivaled balance between extreme peat and floral fruitiness.
Following the distillery’s Planet Ardbeg comic launch last year, a dramatic new storyline in the series will be revealed alongside the new expression that’s inspired by its unusual creation. And so this year, whisky lovers are invited to celebrate the theme of ‘Planet’ Ardbeg Day – where they can expect to be transported into Ardbeg’s mythical, graphic novel universe.
· Location: Hayden Block Smoke & Whiskey
· Time: 2-5 PM
· Ticket: $15 includes two drink tickets and food.
· & giveaways and games
Saturday, June 3rd from 2-5 PM
While we might wish for a couple more age-stated expressions in the Ardbeg portfolio, it’s impossible not to concede that this is undoubtedly one of the great core ranges in the modern whisky world. (Though I may be a wee bit biased, as most of you know. There’s probably more Ardbeg than blood flowing through my veins at this point. Humble brag or cry for help? You decide.)
The distillery recently doubled production, yet I can’t imagine they’re anywhere near keeping up with the level of demand there is for anything bearing that iconic stylized ‘A’.
At the risk of stirring up a hornet’s nest, can I just mention how bloody amazing an Ardbeg Ten Caesar is? Trust me.
1. Ardbeg Ten – 46% – One of Scotland’s most beloved whiskies, this 10-year-old highlights the distillery’s peaty provenance. Although technically the most heavily-peated full-time production whisky in Scotland, the distillery’s cinch-necked stills and spirit-purifier give this malt a softer edge than might be expected. Classic and iconic at this point. There are those that love it and those that are wrong. Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: A burst of intense smoky fruit escapes into the atmosphere. peat infused with zesty lemon and lime, wrapped in waxy dark chocolate. Bold menthol and black pepper slice through the sweet smoke followed by tarry ropes and graphite. Savour the aroma of smoked fish and crispy bacon alongside green bell peppers, baked pineapple and pear juice. Add water and an oceanic minerality brings a breath of cool, briny seaspray. Waxed lemon and lime follows with coal tar soap, beeswax and herby pine woodlands. Toasted vanilla and sizzling cinnamon simmer with warm hazelnut and almond toffee. Palate: An explosion of crackling peat sets off millions of flavour explosions: peat effervesces with tangy lemon and lime juice, black pepper pops with sizzling cinnamon-spiced toffee. Then comes a wave of brine infused with smooth buttermilk, ripe bananas and currants. Smoke gradually wells up on the palate bringing a mouthful of warm creamy cappuccino and toasted marshmallows. As the taste lengthens and deepens, dry espresso, liquorice root and tarry smoke develop coating the palate with chewy peat oils. Finish: The finish goes on and on – long and smoky with tarry espresso, aniseed, toasted almonds and traces of soft barley and fresh pear.” – $93.99 + GST
2. Ardbeg Wee Beastie – 47.4% – The latest addition to the core range, Wee Beastie is a 5-year-old Ardbeg that was created to be the rawest and most peaty Ardbeg ever bottled. We particularly love the ballsy nature of throwing a great big ‘5’ on the label. Not a lot of brands would have so much confidence in the swagger of their young spirit. Matured in a mix of ex-Bourbon and Oloroso Sherry casks. Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: The first sniff alerts you to a nearby presence… heightened senses are filled with very bright, fresh herbal notes, with creeping hints of vanilla and pear. Rich Turkish coffee mingles with sappy pine resin, with honey-glazed ham lurking in the background. With water, more herbal top notes like vetiver and fennel captivate and pull you in, while beguiling scents of aniseed, green apple and leather cause you to drop your guard. Out of nowhere, a sharp tang of smoke and a crack of fresh black pepper fire warning shots across the senses. Palate: Suddenly, a rich, explosive mouthfeel bursts forth with chocolate, creosote and tar. A powerful blast of eucalyptus thrashes about with antiseptic lozenges and aniseed. The raw, smoky intensity gathers pace, before smoked bacon and savoury meats sink into the palate. Finish: The long, salty mouthcoating finish retreats, with hints of cocoa and fudge slinking slowly away.” – $80.99 + GST
3. Ardbeg Corryvreckan – 57.1% – Corryvreckan was launched as a replacement for Airigh Nam Beist but has become a legend in its own right. It’s sweet, smoky, spicy, and unmistakably Ardbeg. Toasted French oak is the not-so-secret to this one. No shy Ardbeg, Corry is kinda like a peated meteor shower on the tongue. Expect a big un! But why wouldn’t you? This is Ardbeg, after all. Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Heady, intense and powerful. Swirl the glass and dip your nose into the torrents of tarry ropes, creosote and linseed oil rising from deep within the vortex. A collision of waxy dark chocolate, warm blackcurrants and muscovado sugar pulls you under its spell with a burst of plump cherries and earthy pine needles leaping from its depths. From salty seasoning comes a briny character with tangy crisp seaweed and smoky bacon swirling on the surface with hints of sweet vanilla, spicy cloves and blueberries. Surrender to its dangerous depths with the heady force of menthol, treacle and chilli sauce. Palate: Plunge into the whirlpool and torrents of taste well up on the palate; deep, peppery and chewy, bombarding the tongue. The first plunge brings forth chewy peppered steak soaked in pepper sauce with the tang of crispy seaweed. As you descend deeper, encounter a mouthful of black tarry espresso coffee that coats the palate with rich melted dark fruits (blackcurrants, blueberries and cherries) and bitter almonds. As the taste soaks in deeper, star anise and hickory dry out the palate before a surprise of chalky effervescent violets fizz to the surface. Finish: Long, deep and remaining powerful into the finish with black tarry coffee, chocolate coated cherries and hot pepper sauce, the lingering memories of your mysterious and daring journey into Corryvreckan.” – $147.99 + GST
4. Ardbeg Uigeadail – 54.2% – Uigeadail (pronounced ‘Oog-a-dal’) was launched in 2003 to pretty much universal acclaim. Its heady mixture of ex-Bourbon and ex-sherry casks was like nothing else available at the time and two decades later, the legend continues to grow. The most recent batch is particularly awesome. And for the Ardgeeks who may be curious, the whisky takes its name from the mysterious Loch that also happens to be Ardbeg Distillery’s water source. A game-changer for those that are lucky enough to try it for the first time. Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Rich and weighty with heady and smoky aromatics. At full strength, the initial aroma is a beguiling mix of warm Christmas cake, walnut oil and parma violets fused with fresh ocean spice, cedar and pine needles falling from the Christmas tree. A smouldering coal fire and the scent of well-oiled leather brings warmth. The sweetness of treacle toffees and chocolate-coated raisins emerge through the smoke. With water, the deep smokiness increases in intensity, reminiscent of a fired Christmas pudding. Rich flowering currants and warm baked banana and walnut bread are served with simmering mocha espresso. Palate: Full flavoured and rich with a deep mouth-coating texture, the taste is an intriguing balance between sweet, spicy and deep smoky flavours. The flavour is initially sweet. A burst of winter spices sets off a smoky-spicy explosion countered by a sumptuous mid-palate of honey glazed smoked food and chewy treacle. Waves of deep smoky tones and rich aromas build up on the palate like a fine Montecristo cigar. Finish: Amazingly long and chewy with lingering raisiny, deep mocha tones and rich aromatic smoke into the perfectly integrated finish.” – $132.99 + GST
· Date: Saturday, June 3
· Time: 2 PM
· Cost: $15
· HAYDEN BLOCK
For the first time ever at Ardbeg, its whisky has been distilled without a purifier – the apparatus on the still responsible for maintaining Ardbeg’s unrivaled balance between extreme peat and floral fruitiness.
Following the distillery’s Planet Ardbeg comic launch last year, a dramatic new storyline in the series will be revealed alongside the new expression that’s inspired by its unusual creation. And so this year, whisky lovers are invited to celebrate the theme of ‘Planet’ Ardbeg Day – where they can expect to be transported into Ardbeg’s mythical, graphic novel universe.
· Location: Hayden Block Smoke & Whiskey
· Time: 2-5PM
· Ticket: $15 includes two drink tickets and food.
· & giveaways and games
Saturday, June 3, 2-5 PM
We recently received a quintet of curious new whiskies from the Rest & Be Thankful Co. Four are from Bruichladdich Distillery, 2 each of Port Charlotte and Bruichladdich. The provenance of these Bruichladdich casks is curious, as they are believed to be from Mark Reynier’s personal stash… The 5th whisky is a bottling of Finglassie, only the second time we have had a bottling from the new Inchdarnie Distillery. Those 5 malts make for the start of a tempting lineup, so we’ve added a couple of other Laddies to the range to round things out. Join us for a Rest & Bruichladdich kinda evening!
Tuesday, June 6, 2023, 7 PM
Angus MacRaild, aka The Whisky Sponge, is joining us for another round of Spongeworthy whiskies. We have selected 7 malts from a recent Decadent Drinks delivery, from the Whisky Sponge, Equinox & Solstice, and NAS (Notable Age Statement) ranges. Angus will guide us through whiskies from Ardmore, Ben Nevis, Glen Grant, Ledaig, Old Rhosdhu, and Springbank, as well as a very unusual 30 year old Blended Malt with a crazy back story.
Thursday, June 8, 5PM * Note the early start time… Angus is in the UK, and has a wee girl!
We have a pair of gorgeous KWM-exclusive single casks on the way and they are expected any day now… So we have asked our friend Richard Urquhart, part of the 4th generation of Urquharts at Gordon & MacPhail, to host a virtual launch tasting for us. In addition to our sherried Balblair 1997 and tropical Glen Scotia 2000 KWM Casks, we will also be pouring whiskies from Dailuaine, Glen Elgin, Highland Park, Macallan, and Tomatin.
Friday, June 9, 5PM
Bob Baxter, one of the founders of Yukon Brewing & Distilling, will be joining us for a Two Brewers Yukon Single Malt vertical tasting. While the brewing started in 1997, Bob and his partner Alan started laying down casks of whisky in 2009. Some of their stocks are now more than 10 years old which is really exciting. We’ve been fans of Two Brewers for years, and truly believe they are making some of the best whisky in Canada. We’ll sample 7 releases of Two Brewers whisky, including the latest batches: 35, 36, 37, 38, and 39!
Saturday, June 10, 5PM
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
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
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
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
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
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403-283-8000
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Thurs & Fri 10AM – 9PM
Sat 10AM – 8 PM
Sun 11PM to 6PM
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The Kensington Wine Market | 1257 Kensington Road NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 3P8 Canada
