New Products

Evan Williams 12 Year Old “Red Label” Kentucky Straight Bourbon (Japanese Import) – American Whiskey News

Evan Williams 12 Year Old “Red Label” Kentucky Straight Bourbon

(750ml) (Japanese Import)

$199.99 View

Here we have it! Bourbon aficionados will know that it’s extremely rare to find an age-stated whiskey from Heaven Hill, and that’s what makes the Evan Williams 12 Year Old “Red Label” such a discovery. Bottled at 101 proof, it’s an amped up version of everything the EW devotees love about this brand. The nose is dominated by classic tones of maple and brown sugar with a little bit of praline and toffee to take things even further into opulence. The rich palate conveys honeyed almonds, butterscotch, candied orange peel, and hints of fresh tobacco leaf. At this proof, there is heat to this dram, but the overall intensity of the profile more than stands up to the heat. This is a bottling that any fan of Heaven Hill should have behind their bar, in their cabinet, or stashed away for special friends or special occasions.

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

DALMUNACH DISTILLERY 5 Year Old 2015 Voyager 1 Cask #TWB1018 at The Whisky Barrel – Scotch Whisky News

Dalmunach 5 Years

Grand Tour release #1. Final bottles from the Oloroso cask matured new Speyside distillery.

Shop Dalmunach 5yo »

Dalmunach 5 Year Old 2015 vintage Speyside single malt Scotch whisky. The first release of The Grant Tour series. Voyager 1 space probe launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on September 5th 1977. The spacecraft is the most distant human made object from Earth and continues to transmit data to Earth over 43 years later. On 25th August 2012 the space probe entered interstellar space, the first spacecraft to do so having completed flybys of Jupiter, Saturn and its moon Titan. Matured in a 1st fill Oloroso Hogshead bottled March 2021. 290 numbered bottles.

Interstellar sweet sherry detonation, metrioric brown butter, clusters of roasted pecan and walnuts. Explore strawberries and cream, solar blood orange peel, cinnamon winds and a rich fruit basket nebular finish.

Dalmunach distillery was built by Pernod Ricard (Chivas) in 2014, on the site of the former Imperial Distillery which was demolished in 2013. Dalmunach whisky is mainly produced for suplying the companies blended whiskies such as Chivas Regal and Ballantine’s. A small number of independently bottles casks have been release such TheWhiskyBarrel.com exclusive.

W.B. Saffell Limited Edition Batch #1 107 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon ~ American Whiskey News

W.B. Saffell Limited Edition Batch #1 107 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (375ml)

$49.99

View

W.B. Saffell is the newest in the Whiskey Baron’s lineup from Campari. It pays tribute to William Butler Saffell, who began distilling as a teenager and built his first distillery in 1889. This bourbon is inspired by the delicate spirit he produced at the time and is the first in the collection to have legendary Master Distiller Eddie Russell working on the spirit. A blend of 6, 8, 10, and 12-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon, it’s non-chill filtered and bottled at 107 proof. The distillate is all made at Wild Turkey in Lawrenceberg, KY with their 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley mashbill.

Malt Messenger No. 133 by Andrew Ferguson – New Whiskies, New KWM Casks & New Tastings… & Happy New Year! – Whisky News

Kensington Wine Market’s E-Whisky Newsletter

Happy New Year!!!

Last year, on one hand, felt like one of the longest years of our lives. On the other, it is also hard to believe it is already over.

We have a lot to be thankful for here at Kensington Wine Market. Through the last 21 months, we’ve kept our team healthy, and we’ve avoided an outbreak-induced closure. Business and work have been challenging but it has remained steady, and we know how fortunate we are for that!

We are very grateful for the continued support of our friends, customers, suppliers, and neighbours. Thank you for your kindness to my team, and your patience as we continue to navigate the ups and downs of the Covid era. It is safe to say we have at least a few more months to go…

Over the last year, we have continued to support community organizations and other worthy causes such as the Calgary Foodbank, The Brenda Strafford Center, The MS Society of Canada, and the Veterans Foodbank of Calgary to name just a few. In all things, we can rightly be proud of the fact that we may be small, but we are also mighty!

There is also much to look forward to in 2022, as it will be our 30th birthday in May. We have some new exclusives in the works to mark the anniversary, and if the climate permits, we may even be able to celebrate in person with you!

Wishing you all health, happiness, and prosperity in 2022, Happy New Year!

And now, out with the old and in with the new, because we have some cool new stuff… like two new KWM exclusive casks! Our friends at Hunter Laing offered us a pair of casks we couldn’t turn down in the Spring of 2021, and they have finally arrived. We have a very malty and creamy Old Malt Cask Benrinnes 11 Year, and meaty and fruit-driven Mortlach from First Editions which is also 11 years old.

We also have interesting new whiskies from Two Brewers, Milk & Honey, Kavalan, Whisky Fassle and The Whisky Agency. The Bladnoch 25 Year is back and we also have some new rums from The Whisky Agency.

Lastly, we have just put 9 new tastings up online, one in February, and 8 in March. With the exception of one or two events, where we are still finalizing details, the schedule through the end of March is now all up. The tastings take a lot of time to prepare, each of them takes one of our employees a full day to complete, but we are working hard to get them finished and ready for pick up as quickly as possible.

As always, in the event of a discrepancy in price, the point of sale at KWM will be taken as correct. Please don’t hesitate to email me with any questions, comments, or requests (but online ordering works too, in fact, it might be faster…).

Sincerely,

Andrew Ferguson

Kensington Wine Market

In This Edition…

1. Introducing: the Old Malt Cask Benrinnes 11 Year KWM Cask

2. Introducing: the First Edition Mortlach 2009 KWM Cask

3. Introducing: Two Brewers Yukon Single Malt Release 29

4. Introducing: The Milk & Honey Apex Range

5. New Whiskies from Whisky Fassle

6. New Whiskies from The Whisky Agency

7. New Rums from The Whisky Agency

8. Introducing: Kavalan Triple Sherry Cask

9. The Bladnoch 25 Year Talia is Back!

10.  Up-Coming Tastings: We Have Added Some New March Events!

Introducing: the Old Malt Cask

Benrinnes 11 Year KWM Cask

This new KWM exclusive cask, our first ever from Benrinnes Distillery, is arriving in-store on Thursday. Only 199 total bottles, from an ex-Bourbon Barrel filled in 2010, and bottled after 11 years at a natural cask strength of 56%! This is great value and a wonderful example of a young Benrinnes.

Old Malt Cask Benrinnes 11 Year KWM Cask – 56.1% – 2010 – ex-Bourbon Barrel – My Tasting Note: “Nose: soft, decadent, creamy, and floral; spiced crab apple jelly, quince paste, and marzipan; dusty malt, a touch of musty oak and woody spices; rooibos tea dregs and fennel seeds. Palate: still creamy, decadent, and floral with a soft approach and a firm malty base; shelled peanuts, fennel seeds, and more woody spices: licorice root, dried ginger, and cedar saunas; on the fruit side of things, baked apple, orange Starbursts, and zesty lime; creamy vanilla throughout. Finish: medium long, warm, and coating with more juicy malt, gentle spice, creamy vanilla, and a tinge of citrus. Comment: you don’t see a lot of cask strength single casks, even young ones, at this price point anymore, and that was half of the attraction; the other half was the whisky itself… this is a beautiful example of a young Benrinnes without a trace of any rough edges!” – $118

Introducing: the First Edition

Mortlach 2009 KWM Cask

Full disclosure, we are not generally thrilled with wine cask whiskies, but after sampling this Mortlach, we knew we had to have it… Distilled in 2009, this 11 year old whisky was finished in a California cabernet wine cask before bottling at 52.1%. There is a trace of wine cask on the meaty nose, but the rich elegant palate could be easily mistaken for a sherry cask.

First Editiion Mortlach 2009 KWM Cask – 52.1% – 11 Year – California Cabernet Finish – My Tasting Note: “Nose: teriyaki beef jerky and bbq pork ribs with a side of brisket… this is so beefy; firm leather and earthy tobacco; as that element pulls back Jujubes, Strawberry Twizzlers, cooked raisins, and red berry fruits emerge; chocolate and a faint touch of gunpowder… but this is a Mortlach after all! Palate: not what I was expecting, there is still a twinge of meatiness but the fruits are firmly in charge; strawberries dipped in chocolate, pureed raspberries, and dark fruits too: more cooked raisins, grilled dates, and Fig Newtons (before they ruined them by removing the trans fats); dark chocolate-coated marshmallows, Russian caramel, soft leather, and cigar tobacco; the Strawberry Twizzlers are still there, as are the Jujubes; subtle spices, a trace of gunpowder and more beef brisket. Finish: medium in length, it is warming, coating, and smooth with fading dark fruits, caramel, chocolate, and a pleasant meatiness. Comment: the nose suggest wine cask, but the palate could easily be mistaken for that of a sherry cask matured whisky; this is rich, complex, and elegant; this whisky will please both Mortlach fans and anyone who likes sherry forward malts; and if you are one of those Anoraks who think wine cask whiskies are always rubbish, this will change your mind!” – $120

Introducing: Two Brewers

Yukon Single Malt Release 29


This 12 year old Two Brewers Single Malt, release #29, is the oldest Two Brewers bottling ever released. Only 255 bottles were released, and there are not many coming to Alberta. The whisky was distilled from the distillery’s 3rd ever mash in December of 2009, and bottled in December of 2021.

We are only getting 6 bottles, and accordingly, and to be fair, we will draw names for a chance to purchase a bottle. Simply email me if you are interested, by replying to this email.

Producer Description

Now 12 years from when malt was mashed, with assorted barrels in its maturating path, this burnished dram is drawn from its final cask direct to your glass.

Two Brewers Yukon Single Malt Release 29 – – Producer Tasting Note: “Complexity developed from cask & malt is apparent on the nose; vibrant, ginger, earthy hay and dill. A sweet heart quickly follows the crisp cask strength entry, dark toffee, mango and papaya, broadening to oaky cinnamon edges. Sugar and spice dust the intricate drying linger.” – $185 – Limit 1 Per Customer – Email me if you are interested, and we will draw names!<

Introducing: The Milk & Honey Apex Range

Israel’s Milk & Honey Distillery caught our attention with their solid core range. The curiosities from their Apex range take things to an altogether different level! We have a Peated STR release, as well as two firsts: one matured in Pomegranate Wine Casks, and another matured next to the Dead Sea, the lowest and one of the hottest places on earth!

Milk & Honey Apex Pomegranate Wine Cask – 60.3% – Producer Description: “This small batch, single malt whisky was aged in ex-Bourbon casks and finished in fortified style pomegranate wine casks for a period of six months. The unique pomegranate fruit offers this whisky Its exceptional flavors. Non chilled filter. Natural color.” – Producer Tasting Note: “Aroma: Ripe pomegranate, followed by a swirl of rich vanilla, roasted coffee and butterscotch. Strong earthiness, accompanied by notes of orris root, spearmint and freshly baked sour apple. Palate: Juicy, with crushed pomegranate grains, dried figs and a bouquet of spicy-sour herbs. Finish: Long and dry, with a hint of toasted oak, followed by sourdough pretzels with a side of red fruits.” – $165

Milk & Honey Apex Peated STR Cask – 58.9% – Producer Description: “This single malt whisky was crafted in ex-red wine casks that have been Shaved, Toasted and Re-charred and filled with our peated new make spirit. The STR technique was developed by the late Dr. Jim Swan, who was our consultant and friend. This process enables the casks to release rich flavors and red fruit notes. Non chilled filter. Natural color.” – Producer Tasting Note: “Aroma: Sea breeze, gentle saltiness, stroke of varnish, gingerbread rich in cloves and allspice, hints of freshly cut hay. Palate: French vanilla cream, crushed white peppercorns, sweet mint, toasted dry leaves. Finish: Cinnamon, roasted chestnuts, buttery popcorn.” – $165

Milk & Honey Apex Dead Sea Matured – 56.2% – Producer Description: “This single malt is the first ever whisky aged in the lowest place on earth, the Dead Sea. With temperatures climbing as high as 50°C, this whisky is as strong and intense as the conditions under which it was matured in. Non chilled filter. Natural color.” – Producer Tasting Note: “Aroma: Sweet with French vanilla and mocha, notes of cigar box and a refreshing hint of spearmint, pleasant oakiness in the background. Palate: A gentle beginning with black tea leaves followed by a powerful wave of warm spices such as cinnamon and coriander seeds, dark cocoa powder and a pinch of crushed white pepper. Finish: Long and satisfying with candied ginger and cloves, joined by a bouquet of toasted herbs and coarse sea salt.” – $165

New Whiskies from Whisky Fassle

Get those bills out, because Jens from Whisky-Fässle has got some interesting ducks in a row this time around. Has he finally quacked? No – he is still selecting great whisky to bottle! For starters, one of the oldest Aberlours we’ve ever seen, and we love twenty and thirty-something malts from Glen Keith and Tormore. A number of curiosities here!

1. Whisky Fassle Aberlour 1990 – We rarely see independent bottlings of Aberlour, cheers to our friend Jens at Whisky Fässle for scoring a 30 year old Barrel. Bottled at 44.8% with ducks on the label… no surprise there! – $705 – 90.62pts Whisky Base

2. Whisky Fassle Glen Keith 1992 – Distilled in 1992 at the Glen Keith Distillery, this 28 year old single malt was selected by and bottled at 44.5% – $560 – 89.16pts Whisky Base

3. Whisky Fassle Tormore 1988 – Selected by our friend Jens at Whisky Fässle, this 32-year-old Tormore was bottled at 44.1% after maturing in a Hogshead cask. – $575 – 87.75pts Whisky Base

New Whiskies from The Whisky Agency

Despite having no ducks on the label there are also some cool new offerings from the Whisky Agency, including a new mystery Blended Malt, a Ledaig, a well-priced old grain, and a trio of whiskies we love seeing in their 20s and 30s: Glentauchers, Teaninich and Tormore. We don’t have a lot of info on these whiskies, but more than a few will end up in tastings, and they rarely if ever disappoint!

1. The Whisky Agency Blended Malt 2001 H&T – 46.1% – 19 Year – Sherry Butt – $192

2. The Whisky Agency Cameronbridge 1974 – 40.1% – 46 Year – Hogshead – $530

3. The Whisky Agency Glentauchers 1989 3 Rivers – 44.1% – 31 Year – Hogshead – $825

4. The Whisky Agency Ledaig 1995 H&T – 45.9% – 25 Year Hogshead – $430

5. The Whisky Agency Secret Islay 3 Rivers – 52.1% – 7 Year – PX Sherry Hogshead – $162

6. The Whisky Agency Teaninich 1999 H&T – 47.1% – 20 Year – Sherry Butt – $275

7. The Whisky Agency Tormore 1995 3 Rivers – 47.7% – 25 Year – Hogshead – $425

Introducing: Kavalan Triple Sherry Cask

This is not a surprising release to see from Kavalan. We know they have great sherry matured whiskies, though I am little surprised they chose to bottle it at 40%. Chasing the Dalmore crowd, I suppose… 😉 Regardless, I am sure it will be excellent, Kavalan whiskies rarely disappoint!

Producer Description

“This is the first time we’ve combined our whisky in three different sherry casks. It’s all about multiplying and enriching the sherry flavours to make a distinct whisky that has dried fruits, rich caramel, sweet maltose and tropical fruits as its profile. During this process, the flavours collide through a myriad combination of the three sherry cask whiskies, creating up to 9 distinct sherry dimensions. With its main character the dried fruits of the Oloroso cask, Triple Sherry is embellished with the sweetness of PX and Moscatel casks.”

Kavalan Triple Sherry Cask Single Malt – 40% – Matured in Oloroso, PX & Moscatel Sherry Casks – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Ripe, mature berries and dried fruits fill the nose, with fresh scents of grapes and citrus interlaced with chocolate brownie and toffee sweetness. Hints of cinnamon, clover and spiciness, blending into pleasant oakiness and fragrant rosemary. Palate: Lingering flavours of sherry dried fruits. Warm and smooth with a mellow texture. A lively dance of candied fruit, caramel, and honey sweetness.” – $140<

The Bladnoch 25 Year Tailia is Back!

We’ve been out of this for a while, but another store seems to have bit off a bit more than they could chew, so we are happy to get it back… but not a lot!

Bladnoch 25 Year Talia – 43.2% – Finished in Virgin French Oak – My Tasting Note: “Nose: raspberry coulee, and fruit compote; sour cherries and Earl Grey creme brulee; soft leather, creme caramel and dulce de leche; very decadent; frozen yogurt and doughy fruit flan. Palate: round, rich and coating; silky, floral and decadent vanilla; more creme brulee, dulce de leche, frozen yogurt and creme caramel; toasted almonds and creamed heather honey; warm pie crust right from the oven with a raspberry filling; delicate tropical fruits slowly start to emerge from behind dark milk chocolate, leather and building spices; waxy Strawberry Twizzlers. Finish: layered, coating and rich; still decadent, creamy and fruity with warming spices and soft tropical fruits. Comment: it took me a while to figure out what is going on here, I could quite pin down the Strawberry Twizzlers note, but it finally hit me; this was finished in virgin oak, and the effect is velvety, creamy and floral; packed with bright berry fruits and decadence; curious to have finished this in virgin oak, but I think it worked; I should probably pour another measure to be sure… quality control!” – $565<

We started rolling out our Winter tastings in December, and many of them have already sold out, others have but a dozen spots left. We added space to the FOMO and Bruichladdich tastings, and the former is now completely sold out. This morning we took most of our March tastings, 8 new events, live online too. We are working hard to get these set up and poured as quickly as possible.

For all tastings, we will notify you when they are ready for pickup. Each tasting takes one of our employees a full day to pour, label and box up.

Evan’s Untitled Bourbon Tasting

·     Date: Tuesday, January 11

·     Time: 8PM

·     Cost: $40

·     Pick-Up Date: Ready Now!

·     Only 8 spots left!

This space was intentionally left blank. Will it be a blind tasting? Will it focus on craft Bourbon, the big distillers, or both? Evan isn’t saying, and we think that is because he is not sure himself yet! Regardless, Bourbon will be the name of the game and there will be 8 samples to be explored.

Haggis Not Included: A Virtual Burns Night Tasting

·     Date: Tuesday, January 25

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $40

·     Pick-Up Date: To Be Confirmed (early-mid January)

It won’t be in person, and there won’t be haggis (unless you procure some of your own) but there will be whisky. Curt & Harmony will be toasting Scotland’s favourite son with a range of whiskies either inspired by The Bard, his life and works, or which we feel he’d approve. 7 drams will be enjoyed in memory of Robert Burns, and it might just include a toast or two! Tuesday January 25, 7PM

An Introduction to Scotch Whisky

·     Date: Thursday, February 1

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $45

·     Pick-Up Date: To Be Confirmed (early-mid January)

This is an introductory tasting, but far from an entry-level range of whiskies. Curt & Harmony will induct you into the mysterious cult of Scotch Whisky. You’ll learn about the different styles while sampling Single Grain, Single Malt, and Blended Scotch Whiskies. You’ll learn about cask types, peat, the importance of abv, and much more. This tasting is appropriate for beginners, those wanting a refresher, and anyone wanting to sample a cool range at a great price. Tuesday February 1, 7PM.

The Rye-naissance – Exploring the Rye Whisk(e)y Boom

·     Date: Tuesday, February 8

·     Time: 8 PM

·     Cost: $40

·     Pick-Up Date: To Be Confirmed (early-mid January)

Bourbon is the name of the game in the United States. Canadian Whisky has been getting renewed attention. What has been not-so-quietly winning over whisk(e)y lovers both North and South of the border is Rye. Join Evan for an exploration of Rye whisky from both countries – and possibly from the other side of the pond as well! Tuesday February 8, 8 PM

Into the Boutique-y Whiskyverse with ‘Boutique-y’ Dave Worthington

·     Date: Thursday, February 12

·     Time: 5 PM

·     Cost: $50

·     Pick-Up Date: To Be Confirmed (early-mid January)

Our friend Dave Worthington from That Boutique-y Whisky Company will be joining us again for an irreverent tasting of Boutique-y Whiskies. We have a cool lineup planned, including whiskies from Finland, New Zealand, Texas, and a few stalwart Scottish distilleries like Blair Athol, Glenrothes, and Glen Scotia. We will also be featuring our new exclusive single cask of 20-year-old Clynelish… 5PM, Saturday, February 12.

That Laddie Tasting

·     Date: Thursday, February 17

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $60

·     Pick-Up Date: To Be Confirmed (mid-January)

·     This tasting sold out, BUT WE HAVE ADDED MORE SPACES!

With the latest annual releases of Bruichladdich, Port Charlotte, and Octomore having recently arrived, it is high time for another Laddie tasting. We will sample the Black Art 9.1, Port Charlotte PAC:01, and Octomores 12.1, 12.2 & 12.3, as well as a couple of other releases just to round things out. 7PM, Thursday February 17.

Wine vs. Whisky: Lovers Quarrel

·     Date: Friday, February 18

·     Time: 8 PM

·     Cost: $55

·     Pick-Up Date: The Day of the Tasting, February 18.

Who emerged victorious in Round One of Wine vs. Whisky? Although it was close call, it’s Abi that took the win back in October of 2021. Like the sore loser he is – Evan called shenanigans and took it personally. Join us for Round Two on February 18 where Evan will have to step up his game if he wants to take the crown from Abi. It is National Drink Wine Day on February 18th. Did Evan plan that with the hopes of unfairly persuading the judges? Join us and watch the sparks fly from the comfort of your own home.

• Tasting kits will be ready for pick up, day of- on February 18, 2022

• This tasting cannot be delivered.

What’s included:

3 x 50ml samples of wine

3 x 15ml samples of whisky

A few snacks for pairing fun!

Classic Kilchoman Whiskies with Anthony Wills

·     Date: Saturday, February 19

·     Time: 5 PM

·     Cost: $40

·     Pick-Up Date: To Be Confirmed (mid-late January)

We’ve had a love affair with Kilchoman, ever since the launch of their first whisky, a 3 year old in 2009. Over the last 13 years, we’ve had the privilege of bottling 13 exclusive casks. We will sample 4 of them including the new 2013 Mezcal Cask, the 12 Year KWM, and the 14 Year bottled for the MS Society. We will also be featuring a very limited bottling of Kilchoman, which is not available for sale… so you won’t want to miss this very peaty affair! Saturday, February 19, 5 PM.

!NEW! Anohka Distillery with Dave Scott

·     Date: Tuesday February 22

·     Time: 8 PM

·     Cost: $25

·     Pick-Up Date: To Be Confirmed

·     Only 13 spots left!

Big things are happening at Anohka Distillery, which resides just outside of Edmonton. Their Gin is available now and they have plans for whisky in the future as well. Join us for a special tasting hosted by Dave Scott, who is the distillery manager at Anohka – you might also recognize him from years being the go-to whisky person at Keg n’ Cork as well as being one of the Canadian Brand Ambassadors for the Scotch Malt Whisky Society. What happens when a true whisky geek gets his hands on a distillery? What are Dave and Anokha up to? Join us to find out! Tuesday, February 22, 8 PM.

Lost in Translation: 100% Japanese Whisky Edition

·     Date: Thursday, February 24

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $40

·     Pick-Up Date: To Be Confirmed (mid-late January)

·     Only 12 spots left!

The regulations for Japanese whisky have changed, and for the first time we can now more easily distinguish between true 100% made in Japan, and what we like to call Japanese-ish whiskies. We will sample two releases each from Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries, as well two different versions of the Taketsuru Pure Malt, one bottled before and the other after the rule change. Plus, one other 100% Japanese whisky just to round things out. Thursday, February 24, 7 PM.

!NEW! KWM Casks – The Latest & Greatest

·     Date: Tuesday, March 1

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $50

·     Pick-Up Date: To Be Confirmed (late January)

We have some really exciting single casks right now, including a 20 year old Clynelish with a cheeky label, which dare not speak its name; a pair of Mortlachs 11 and 22 years of age; a lovely 17 year old Highland Park; a very tropical 25 year old Tormore; a funky Mezcal finished Kilchoman; and a lovely new Benrinnes, our first-ever bottling from the distillery. We’ll romance you on some of the best whiskies in-store right now, while you taste along with us! Tuesday, March 1, 7 PM.

!NEW! Release the Beast… Peat’s Beast!

·     Date: Friday, March 4

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $50

·     Pick-Up Date: To Be Confirmed

An Islay single malt by any other name would smell as peaty… and are usually better value! True, the Peat’s Beast range is not exclusively Islay single malts, we have come to believe that the NAS range are actually Ledaig, from the Tobermory Distillery… even if the bottler won’t confirm our suspicions. But the 27, 30, and 34 are thoroughbred 100% Islay single malts, and IMHO (Andrew’s) likely Laphroaig, Caol Ila and Bowmore. I’m very confident about that last one. We’ll sample the 6 whiskies in the Peat’s Beast range, and a surprise 7th malt, as we release the beast! Friday, March 4, 7 PM.

!NEW! Women in Whisk(e)y

·     Date: Tuesday March 8

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $40

·     Pick-Up Date: To Be Confirmed

Behind many of our favourite whiskies, there is a woman, or many… This is not a new trend, many women have made their mark on whisky. From Helen Cumming, the woman responsible for the rise of Cardhu, and the legendary Bessie Williamson of Laphroaig, to the BenRiach Distillery Co.’s Rachel Barrie, and Caitlin Quinn of Turner Valley’s Eau Claire Distillery, women have helped shape the whisky industry. We’re highlighting Women in Whisk(e)y to mark International Women’s Day, and hosts Harmony and Chelsey have a lot to choose from. A portion of the sales from this tasting will be donated to Calgary’s Brenda Strafford Centre. Tuesday, March 8, 7PM.

!NEW! Evan’s Contractually Obligated Bourbon Tasting

·     Date: Tuesday, March 15th

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $40

·     Pick-Up Date: To Be Confirmed

What is the best way to get ready for St Patrick’s Day? To drink Bourbon, of course! Evan hasn’t put together a lineup for a Bourbon tasting since January, and he is itching to get back in the saddle again. What new bottles and old friends will make the cut for this Blind Bourbon tasting? Only time will tell because Evan hasn’t even decided yet! Tuesday, March 15, 7 PM.

!NEW! Shamrocks & Shenanigans: St. Paddy’s Day 2022

·     Date: Thursday March 17

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $40

·     Pick-Up Date: To Be Confirmed

The approach of St. Paddy’s Day means everyone’s feeling a little more Irish, and it is high time for a focused Irish Whiskey tasting. We’ll take you on a wander across the Emerald Isle, tasting our way through some of the finest whiskey the island has to offer. We’ll sample single malts and single pot still whiskies aged up to 21 years from Bushmills, Redbreast, Teeling, Tullamore D.E.W., Tyrconnell, Waterford and more. Thursday, March 17, 7 PM.

!NEW! Wild Life

·     Date: Tuesday March 22

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $ 0

·     Pick-Up Date: To Be Confirmed

The great folks at Wild Life Distillery are well known in Alberta for their sense of adventure, producing authentic rocky mountain spirits and GIN! Join Harmony Pollick from Kensington Wine Market and Wild Life Distillery for a night of Gin sipping and discovery. From Classic Juniper, coriander, and citrus to the world of barrel-aged gin and fruit gins. Co-founder Keith Robinson will walk through the spirit production process and educate on general gin production. Oh, and you like cocktails? Great, we’ll make one of those too! Tuesday, March 22, 7 PM.

!NEW! More Rare & Old Whiskies Andrew Wants to Taste

·     Date: Thursday March 24

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $165

·     Pick-Up Date: To Be Confirmed

The concept here is pretty simple, even if the price tag appears eye-watering… there are a lot of rare and old things Andrew wants to try, and if he’s interested in them, there’s a good chance you might be interested too! For this round, we have selected a range of 8 single malts aged 25 to 31 years of age, 231 years of whisky, all of them very limited, and getting great reviews. When was the last time you had 30 year old Aberlour, 27 year old Clynelish or 25 year old Ledaig? Our selection also includes old bottlings of Glentauchers, Bunnahabhahain, Blair Athol, Craigellachie and Tormore. It is a fine range, and one Andrew’s dying to taste… we don’t think he’s alone! (Note the bottles pictured are not the ones we are tasting!) Thursday, March 24, 7 PM.

!NEW! Great Maltspectations: Under and Over Achievers

·     Date: Tuesday March 29

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $80

·     Pick-Up Date: To Be Confirmed

Do you ever look up at a wall of whisky and wonder if the $400 or $500 bottles are actually that much better than the $150 to $200 ones? Whisky lovers and aficionados are constantly debating the point. Stand around our whisky wall and you’ll hear people ask how good that new release is, while others lament that their old favourites just aren’t as good as they used to be. Are there bottles that deserve more attention than they get? Is there a connection between price and quality? So many questions and considerations, but the reality is this, there are plenty of over and underachieving whiskies out there, and in this tasting, YOU get to decide which bottles meet, exceed or fail to meet our great expectations. There is just one catch, the tasting will be blind!  Tuesday, March 29, 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. Note we likely cannot offer delivery before Christmas at this point!

CURBSIDE PICKUP

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

403-283-8000

888-283-9004

Regular Store Hours

Mon – Wed 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.*

Malt Messenger No. 133 by Andrew Ferguson coming tomorrow! – Whisky News

A new ever popular Malt Messenger Bulletin will be published tomorrow!

NORTH BRITISH DISTILLERY 30 Year Old 1991 The Golden Cask Exclusive #CG001 at The Whisky Barrel – Scotch Whisky News

NORTH BRITISH DISTILLERY

30 Year Old 1991 The Golden Cask Exclusive #CG001

Cask #CG001

1991 vintage bourbon barrel #CG001. Only 115 bottles for The Golden Cask exclusively for TWB.

Shop North British 30yo »

North British 30 Year Old 1991 vintage Lowland single grain Scotch whisky. Single Bourbon barrel #CG001 distilled May 1991 and bottled September 2021 by House of Macduff for the Golden Cask series. 115 numbered bottles exclusive to The Whisky Barrel.

North British Distillery was established on farmland to the west of Edinburgh in 1885 by Andrew Usher, John M. Crabbie and William Sanderson. Since then the city has expanded ever outwards and now the distillery resides in the Gorgie area of Edinburgh. North British opened in 1887 to guarantee supplies of grain whisky for its owner’s cordials and scotch whisky blending businesses. It is equipped with four Coffey stills to produce grain spirit at 94.5% alcohol and multi-million litres of spirit annually. Whilst most of its whisky matures in racked warehouses in the central Lowlands, a small number of casks spend at least eight years at the distillery in dunnage Warehouse No.1. Official releases are very few but excellent independent ones are available from Hart Brothers and Hunter Laing.

Coveted New Bourbon Release: Bardstown’s Discovery Series #6 at K&L California – American Whiskey News

A Highly Coveted New Release from a Rising Star Distillery
Bardstown Bourbon Company “Discovery Series #6” Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) ($135.00)
“We ALWAYS have people coming back asking for more, but usually we only get a handful of cases. Now, we can actually spend some time talking about this outstanding whiskey …”
— David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

For a few years now, we’ve enjoyed tremendous success with the line-up of highly unique, expertly crafted whiskeys from Bardstown Bourbon Company. Eponymously named for the town at the epicenter of the Kentucky bourbon tradition, this distiller maintains a healthy respect for its roots while also pushing the innovative envelope in its blending practices and collaborative ventures. This latest release, the sixth in their much-coveted Discovery Series, shows the blending team in its finest form. A marriage of three exceptional whiskeys from Kentucky (probably Barton), Tennessee (Dickel from Cascade Hollow), and Indiana (MGP), this rendition is once again a flat-out stunning piece of work. Each of the components announces itself in turn, giving us a wonderful tour through three American whiskey traditions with three different age profiles. Spirits buyer David Othenin-Girard declares, “I’m certain anyone who cracks a bottle will be coming back for more,” which incidentally speaks to the best feature of today’s offer—there’s no allocation this time around. With past releases, demand always far outstripped supply, so we were forced to parcel out what we received. Not now. We’ve secured a sizeable stash in the warehouse, so fans and aficionados of this one-of-a-kind bottling can go big and load up to their hearts’ content.

Bardstown Bourbon Company “Discovery Series #6” Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) ($135.00)

K&L Notes: The exceptional Discovery Series from Bardstown Bourbon Company has consistently brought us some of the highest quality releases each year. This fabulous, new, gleaming distillery isn’t shying away from the details when it releases these sourced products, and they spend an inordinate amount of time and energy making sure these small batches deliver an incredible drink from the first nosing to the final sip. This batch is a meticulous marriage of whiskeys from three states. The primary component, at 68% of the blend, is an 11-year-old Kentucky bourbon with a classic 75% corn, 13% rye mashbill. This is presumed to be distilled at Barton Distillery just miles from Bardstown’s facility, but the producer has never confirmed that fact. The rest of the blend is made up of equal parts Tennessee 17-year-old at 8% rye and an Indiana 7-Year-old at 21% rye. The sources of these are pretty obvious considering no other distillery in either state sells to other parties, so we assume Cascade Hollow and MGP for these components, respectively. Despite the very distinctive profiles of each distillery, none dominate in the blend, and the resulting bourbon is a perfect balance of the rich, dusty, old Tennessee bourbon, the deep, fruit-forward Kentucky, and the zesty, youthful Indiana. Very few products at this price point, or any other, offer such a high-quality drinking experience, and with no allocation, you’re free to load up the bunker.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: December 21, 2021

For those who haven’t had Bardstown’s Discovery Series, it is really the product that’s setting them apart from many other young distilleries. Of course, they didn’t distill it, but they’ve managed to acquire some exceptional stocks, and they’ve got a great group of blenders who are putting together these lovely whiskeys. We ALWAYS have people coming back after finally opening their bottles asking for more, but usually we only get a handful of cases. Now, we can actually spend some time talking about this outstanding whiskey, and I’m certain anyone who cracks a bottle will be coming back for more. Let’s have a taste. The nose is a pungent medley of toasted pecan, butterscotch, wild honey, dried citrus peel, dark charred wood, dried stone fruit, and the most subtle mineral character—not at all vitamin-y, which is a flavor I’m very sensitive to. It feels very old on the nose, but on the palate it shows a more medium age. Medium-bodied and full of vanilla, white pepper, charred oak, baking spices, and candied citrus. The finish is rather long, and the tiniest earthy twinge reminds us it has some very old Dickel in there, while the spicy fruit takes top billing as it lingers on the palate. A truly fun drink and an exciting example of the power of blending.

Scotch Malt Whisky Society JANUARY 2022 NEW BOTTLE RELEASES – Scotch Whisky News

JANUARY NEW BOTTLE RELEASES

This First Friday brings our first new bottle release of the year, with 10 new whiskies that are sure to keep those January blues at bay.

Ahead of the release on Friday, 7 January (9am) – click over to our website to browse the bottlings, read Euan’s recommendations and find your favourite flavours for Burns Night.

NEW OUTTURN

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

SMWS LOGO 2017 NEW

Impex Beverages New Arrivals – Scotch Whisky News

Check out all of the new expressions from our friends at Elixir Distillers, Single Cask Nation & Adelphi Selections.

*All releases have arrived to our warehouses and have begun making their way to establishments across the USA.

New from Single Malts Of Scotland by Elixir Distillers

Director’s Special – 31 Year Old Imperial

Only 154 bottles were produced from a single barrel of Imperial Single Malt Scotch whisky, which was aged for more than 31 years.

Bottled at 44.1% alc.

Director’s Special – 22 Year Old Laphroaig

Only 421 bottles were produced from a single ex-Sherry Butt of Laphroaig Single Malt Scotch whisky, which was aged for more than 22 years.

Bottled at 52.6% alc

 

24 Year Old Ben Nevis – Cask #1730

This Single Malt was distilled at Ben Nevis distillery in 1996 and aged for more than 24 years in a single Hogshead, yielding a total of 177 bottles. Full of creamy, fruity and zesty flavors, this Ben Nevis presents an array of taste experiences in just one sip.

Bottled at 48.8% alc.

25 Year Old Bowmore – Cask #1367

This Single Malt was distilled at Bowmore distillery in 1996 and aged for more than 25 years in a single Hogshead, yielding a total of 162 bottles. This Bowmore treats you to abundant sweet smoke, saline intensity, and a pleasant freshness.

Bottled at 54.3% alc.

We can’t keep our eyes off of these new releases from Adelphi Selections

Springbank 21 Year Old

Now isn’t this a beauty! Definitely a delicious representation of the classic Campbeltown distillery.

Year of distillation: 1999
Type of cask: Refill Rum Cask
Cask number: 308
Alcohol strength: 53.4% ABV
Number of bottles: 181 bottles

Ben Nevis 5 Year Old

Year of distillation: 2015
Region: Highland
Type of cask: First Fill Oloroso Sherry
Puncheon
Cask number: 10712
Alcohol strength: 59.5% alc.
Number of bottles: 645 bottles

Caol Ila 12 Year Old

Year of distillation: 2008
Region: Islay
Type of cask: First Fill Oloroso Sherry
Hogshead
Cask number: 309451
Alcohol strength: 53% alc.
Number of bottles: 645 bottles

Mortlach 18 year Old

This one from Dufftown has ‘yes please!’ written all over it!

Year of distillation: 2003
Region: Speyside
Type of cask: First Fill Bourbon Barrel
Cask number: 800265
Alcohol strength: 57.4% alc.
Number of bottles: 225 bottles

Welcome the remaining expressions
from Single Cask Nation’s #USA Retail Release No.8!

9 Year Old Dailuaine

2nd fill bourbon, 198 bottles
On the label: Benrinnes’ house style is incredibly approachable and resonates with such a sunny disposition. An everyday drinker that the late, great Michael Jackson (the whisky writer!) described as, “restorative,” and couldn’t we all use a little bit of that!

Cask # 312978 – 55.6% ABV

10 Year Old Benrinnes

1st fill bourbon, 320 bottles
On the label: You love Dailuaine as much as us, right? Right!? Malty, nutty, rich, spicy, oaky…it’s like one of our Flavometers™ came to life. If they ever make a peated Dailuaine we might die and go to whisky heaven!

Cask # 309608 – 55.6% ABV

10 Year Old Epris

1st fill Bourbon, 260 bottles
On the label: A rum for sipping next to a roaring fire. The fruit notes are warm and inviting while salted licorice and pipe tobacco frame the full experience. Maybe get those chestnuts roasting…

Cask #113 – 52.6% ABV

12 Year Old Linkwood

Refill Bourbon, finished 1 year in Ruby Port, 337 bottles

On the label: Such fun! The Linkwood spirit takes to the port finishing like the proverbial duck to water. Bright, warm malt cereal from the spirit marries perfectly with red fruits and even a little tartness from the port cask. Don’t miss the dark chocolate! Share with friends and turn heads.

Cask #33904 – 54.4% ABV

15 Year Old Inchfad

15 years Refill bourbon, finished 8 months in Grand Cru Bordeaux

On the label: [We might be (a little) biased but this is what independently bottled single casks are all about!] While wood smoke, granola, green olives in brine, toasted coconut, and ripe red berries might seem like awkward bedfellows they absolutely work here. What a wee cracker!

Cask #417 – 56.6% ABV

14 Year Old Girvan

Refill Bourbon, finished 4 years in 1st fill bourbon, 150 bottles

On the label: A very fun example from the Girvan grain distillery that delivers a zingy and effervescent experience that teases the tongue with tart citrus, spicy ginger, and a sugary sweetness.

Cask #525 – 56.1% ABV

NORTH BRITISH DISTILLERY 30 Year Old 1991 The Golden Cask #CG002 at The Whisky Barrel – Scotch Whisky News

NORTH BRITISH DISTILLERY

30 Year Old 1991 The Golden Cask Exclusive #CG002

Cask #CG002

1991 vintage bourbon barrel #CG001. Just 46 bottles for The Golden Cask exclusively for TWB.

Shop North British 30yo »

North British 30 Year Old 1991 vintage Lowland single grain Scotch whisky. Single Bourbon barrel #CG002 distilled May 1991 and bottled September 2021 by House of Macduff for the Golden Cask series. Only 46 numbered bottles exclusive to The Whisky Barrel.

North British Distillery was established on farmland to the west of Edinburgh in 1885 by Andrew Usher, John M. Crabbie and William Sanderson. Since then the city has expanded ever outwards and now the distillery resides in the Gorgie area of Edinburgh. North British opened in 1887 to guarantee supplies of grain whisky for its owner’s cordials and scotch whisky blending businesses. It is equipped with four Coffey stills to produce grain spirit at 94.5% alcohol and multi-million litres of spirit annually. Whilst most of its whisky matures in racked warehouses in the central Lowlands, a small number of casks spend at least eight years at the distillery in dunnage Warehouse No.1. Official releases are very few but excellent independent ones are available from Hart Brothers and Hunter Laing.


Powered by WordPress