Douglas Laing Unveils Old Particular “Cheers to Better Days” Series 

Leading independent bottler, Douglas Laing & Co, today reveals their Old Particular “Cheers to Better Days” mini-series; comprising of a Jura 12 Years Old Single Malt, Port Dundas 16 Years Old Single Grain, Linkwood 12 Years Old Single Malt and a Bunnahabhain 12 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky; each from just one Single Cask.

The family firm says its Cheers to Better Days Series has been bottled in “celebration of a brighter future ahead.” All four of the limited edition bottlings are noted to be “bursting with summer time character”. The bottles are visually-led by a “striking” orange label that features a bespoke, hand-drawn illustration which is intended to signify “joy, warmth, health and success.” The set is described as having “distinct, different and divine” flavour profiles; the Jura release with notes of “sea-salt, rich toffee and charred oak”, the Port Dundas revealing a palate of “freshly baked pancakes, toasted nuts and juiced pineapples”, the Linkwood with hints of “tangy green fruits, thick cream and buttery oat biscuits”, and the Bunnahabhain balancing a “melody of zesty citrus juices and sweet spices.”

Bottled at a punchy alcohol strength of 48.4% and proudly offered without colouring or chill-filtration, the collection is said to represent Scotch Whisky “as natural as it gets”.

Cara Laing, Douglas Laing’s Director of Whisky, commented: “The light at the end of the tunnel, that we are all so desperately craving, has been truly and beautifully represented by this mini-series. The vivid orange label design is intended to stand on consumer’s shelves at home as a promising reminder that brighter days are just around the corner. The unique flavours that are encapsulated inside each and every one of these bottlings represent warmth, comfort and vibrancy – a taste of what’s to come.”

All four of these limited editions will be packaged in a premium gift tube. The Old Particular “Cheers to Better Days” Jura 12 Years Old Single Malt and Port Dundas 16 Years Old Single Grain releases are expected to retail at £65/€75.50 and £85/€99 respectively, from good specialist retailers. The Linkwood 12 Years Old Single Malt bottling will retail at £75/€87.50 exclusively on douglaslaing.com and the Bunnahabhain 12 Years Old Single Malt edition is expected to retail at £70/CN¥640 exclusively in Asia.

About Douglas Laing:

www.douglaslaing.com
Facebook: @douglaslaingwhisky
Instagram: @dlaingwhisky

Twitter: @DLaingWhisky

Douglas Laing & Co. is a leading independent Scotch Whisky distiller, blender and bottler specialising in the selection and release of Single Cask Single and Small Batch Malt Scotch Whiskies.

The company was founded by Fred Douglas Laing in 1948 and is still owned and run by the Laing family – Fred Laing Jr and his daughter Cara Laing.

The company philosophy is to bottle the way the distiller intended – at a high strength and without chill-filtration to preserve the robust and unique character of the Whisky. Douglas Laing’s industry reputation and many awards is testament to this ethos.

Douglas Laing’s Remarkable Regional Malts, the Ultimate Distillation of Scotland’s Malt Whisky Regions, encompasses The Epicurean Lowland Malt Scotch Whisky, Timorous Beastie (Highlands), Scallywag (Speyside), The Gauldrons (Campbeltown), Rock Islands (Islands) and Big Peat (Islay). Beyond its Blended Malts expertise, the award-winning Douglas Laing portfolio also includes Provenance, Premier Barrel, Old Particular and Xtra Old Particular, collectively known as the firm’s “Exceptional Single Casks”.

Malt Messenger No. 122

Ending Our Spring Tastings with a Bang

And Loads of Whisky Arrivals

We needed a bit of a breather after our online-only birthday sale a few weeks back. It was busy, and it took us a while to catch up. If you missed the sale, or are the kind of tactile shopper who just has to shop in-store, I’ve got some good news… we still have a ton of deals!

There are currently about 35 Whiskies ON SALE, with savings between 20 and 35%. You’ll find a PDF linked at the bottom of this email, highlighting a bunch of current deals at KWM… but you can always browse the latest deals  Whisky online!

We have some good news on a number of fronts, including some long-awaited whisky arrivals. Our Elixir Distillers shipment including Single Malts of Scotland, Elements of Islay, Port Askaig, and Islay Violets, has arrived. Not only does this mean we have some cool new whiskies in stock, but also that we can go ahead with some tastings reliant on many of these bottlings…

We are ending the Spring Season with a bang, and have a load of upcoming Virtual Whisky Tastings. The four new ones are:

1. glenFarclas Family Cask Faceoff – June 12

2. Ardbeg D’Eh 2021 – June 24

3. Canada D’Eh: Shelter Point Distillery – June 29

4. Canada D’Eh: Two Brewers Whisky – June 30

In addition, there are five other upcoming tastings that still have spaces available. Two of them were actually sold out, but we have increased capacity to accommodate demand. More details on all nine tastings can be found below and on our KWM Tastings Page.

We have also seen some whiskies return in recent days from Ardbeg, Glenfarclas, and Lismore, most of which we’ve been out of for months. Some of them since January… Once again this is owing to all the complications around shipping. Hopefully, a sign things are catching up.

Finally, everything in this email can be purchased or ordered online. Please place any orders or requests online, as I will be out of the store for the next 36 hours. You’ll be served more quickly, and be less likely to miss out on something…

As always, in the event of a price discrepancy, the point of sale at KWM will be taken as correct.

Sincerely,

Andrew Ferguson

Kensington Wine Market

IN THIS EDITION

1. New KWM Virtual Whisky Tastings

2. Other Up-coming Virtual Whisky Tastings

3. Ardbeg Whiskies Are Back, Just in Time for Ardbeg Day

4. Glenfarclas Core Range Whiskies Are Back in Stock

5. Lismore 18 & 21 Year Are Back In-stock

6. Glenfarclas Family Cask Arrivals!

7. Whiskies Currently on Sale!

NEW KWM VIRTUAL WHISKY TASTINGS

We’ve added a few new events to our KWM virtual tasting schedule…

GlenFarclas Family Cask Face Off

·     Date: Saturday, June 12

·     Time: 5 PM

·     Cost: $100

·     Pick-Up Date: Available Now

We’ve just received a shipment of Glenfarclas Family Casks. Due to Covid-19 and international shipping challenges we’ve been waiting on some of these whiskies for close to 9 months. There are some really cool single casks here, so we’re putting on a tasting with six of them. The NHL playoffs are on, so we’re facing off Family Casks from 2004, 2003, 2001, 1994, and a pair of different casks from 1992. To round things out we’ll also be tasting our lovely Glenfarclas 25 Year KWM “Ferg in Homage to George Grant.” There will be plenty of jokes about the Leafs and Oilers, and we’ve held back a few bottles of the 2004 Family Cask, just for participants in the tasting, as we know it will be sought after! 7x15ml samples. 5 PM Saturday, June 12.

*SAMPLES READY FOR PICK-UP NOW!

Ardbeg D’Eh 2021 with Bry Simpson & KWM’s Own Andrew & Curt

·     Date: Thursday, June 24

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $35

·     Pick-Up Date: Friday June 4

We’re celebrating Ardbeg Day 2021 with our friend Bry Simpson on Thursday, June 24th. Bry will join KWM’s own Andrew Ferguson and Curt Robinson for a very peaty virtual tasting including 7 Ardbegs: 10 Year, An Oa, Corryvreckan, Uigeadail, Wee Beastie, Blaaack Committee, and the soon-to-be-released Scorch Committee. Samples are 15ml, and will be ready for pick-up on Friday, June 4. Participants in the tasting will be able to put their name in a draw for an opportunity to purchase a bottle of Ardbeg Scorch Committee. We are saving a portion of the bottles as a reward for those who take part in the tasting.

*Please note you must be a valid Ardbeg Committee Member, to put your name in the draw for the Scorch Committee. If you are not an Ardbeg Committee Member, you can join the Ardbeg Committee in 5 minutes, at no cost, on their website!

**SAMPLES WILL BE READY FOR PICK-UP FRIDAY JUNE 4!

Canada D’Eh: Shelter Point Distillery

·     Date: Tuesday, June 29

·     Time: 8 PM

·     Cost: $25

·     Pick-Up Date: ETA June 10

With Canada Day approaching, we thought we’d shine a little extra light on some of our favourite Canadian Distilleries. We’re teaming up with our friends Jacob and Leon at Shelter Point to put on a virtual tasting of some of the finest whisky made in Canada. Our range will include 7 15ml samples of Shelter Point Whisky: The Collective, Smoke Point Batch 2, Double Barrel Batch 5, and The Forbidden, as well as some soon to arrive releases: Smoke and Oak, Ripple Rock & the 3rd and final KWM Rye (Alberta Distillers) Cask!

*SAMPLES READY FOR PICK-JUNE 10! – !!!Estimate!!!

Canada D’Eh: Two Brewers Distillery

·     Date: Wednesday, June 30

·     Time: 8 PM

·     Cost: $25

·     Pick-Up Date: Available June 8

With Canada Day approaching, we thought we’d shine a little extra light on a few of our favourite Canadian Distilleries. We’re teaming up with our friends at Yukon Brewing & Distilling, aka Two Brewers Yukon Single Malt to put on a virtual tasting of some of the finest whisky made in Canada. We’ll be joined by distillery co-founder Bob Baxter for a 7 whisky vertical Two Brewers tasting featuring Releases 16, 19, 20, 21, 23, and 25, as well as the stunning, recently arrived KWM Cask.

*SAMPLES READY FOR PICK-JUNE 8!

UP-COMING VIRTUAL WHISKY TASTINGS

SMWS Canada June 2021 Outturn Tasting

·     Date: Thursday, June 3

·     Time: 8 PM

·     Cost: $45

·     Pick-Up Date: Available Now

Join the KWM whisky team for a virtual tasting of the June 2021 Scotch Malt Whisky Society Canada Outturn. Registration is open to both members and non-members. The tasting will consist of 7 15ml samples from the June 2021 Outturn. The tasting will be hosted on Zoom at 8 PM on Thursday, June 3 at 8 PM. Samples will be available for pickup at KWM on Tuesday, May 25. They can be delivered in Calgary, subject to availability for a $10 fee, but we suggest picking them up in person or at the curbside. A Zoom code will be emailed out approximately 24 hours before the tasting…

*SAMPLES READY FOR PICK-UP NOW!

**Only 6 spots left!

KWM Casks – The First Half of 2021

·     Date: Tuesday, June 8

·     Time: 8 PM

·     Cost: $35

·     Pick-Up Date: Available Now.

We’ve received some very cool single casks this year. Normally we’d offer samples for interested parties in-store, but sadly circumstances have not allowed for that this year. What to do? One of our staff suggested we hold a virtual tasting, highlighting our new KWM exclusive casks. So we’ll be pouring our new casks from Benromach, Old Pulteney, Two Brewers, Tomatin, Teeling (if it gets here in time), Kilchoman and our 25 Year Glenfarclas Cask Strength. In all, we will sample 8 KWM exclusive single casks, carefully selected by your friends at KWM!

*SAMPLES READY FOR PICK-UP NOW!

**Only 6 spots left!

Bourbon Bonanza

·     Date: Tuesday, June 22

·     Time: 8 PM

·     Cost: $40

·     Pick-Up Date: TBC (Target June 1)

Evan is thirsty for good Bourbon and American Whiskey, so it is time for another tasting. Tune out Evan if you must, but sign up for this selection of mostly Bourbon – and perhaps a special Barrel Strength Rye as well! 7 samples in all will be there for you to enjoy trying.

*SAMPLES READY FOR PICK-UP NOW!

**Only 13 spots left!

!!!More Space Has Been Added!!!

Introducing: The Whisky Trail with Julie Hamilton & Celine Tetu

·     Date: Friday, June 25

·     Time: 5 PM

·     Cost: $45

·     Pick-Up Date: TBC (Target June 7)

We will be joined by Elixir Distillers Brand Ambassador Julie Hamilton, and International Sales Manager Celine Tetu, as we introduce a new range of independent bottlings with really cool labels, The Whisky Trail. We are starting out with 7 whiskies from the Retro Cars and Video Games labels. Our range will include single cask bottlings of Ben Nevis 1996, Cambus 1990, Glen Elgin 2007, Glenrothes 1989, Invergordon 1987, and a pair of Ardmores’ from 2009 and 1998. Participants in the tasting will not only be the first people in Canada to sample these whiskies, but they will also have the first opportunity to purchase the bottles. Friday, June 25, 5 PM.

*We will be donating $15 per ticket to the Brenda Stafford Center, a local women’s shelter.

**Only 23 spots left, out of 85!!!

***SAMPLES READY FOR PICK-UP NOW!

!!!NEW DATE & More Spaces Have Been Added!!!!!!

Independents Day: Feis Isle 2021

·     Date: Tuesday, July 27

·     Time: 8 PM

·     Cost: $45

·     Pick-Up Date: TBC (Target July 8)

DATE CHANGE – Please note we have had to postpone this tasting due to the Montreal Port Strike. The items we were counting on are delayed. So we are pushing the tasting from June 15 to July 27!

We have some very cool Islay whiskies arriving soon, which got us thinking, we’re long overdue for a KWM Feis Isle (Islay Festival) Tasting. It will have to be virtual this year, but the range won’t disappoint, including the Port Askaig 12 Year Autumn Release, Elements of Islay Bn8, Cl13 & LP11 as well as the Peats Beast PX Finish & 27 Year. In all we’ll sample 7 whiskies (15ml samples of each) from the Queen of the Hebrides, none of them ever before featured in a KWM tasting! 8PM Thursday, June 15.

ARDBEG WHISKIES AR BACK

JUST IN TIME FOR ARDBEG DAY!

Ardbeg continues to be a hot commodity, and for good reason. The entire core range has been restocked. Grab a bottle or three before they go out of stock once more!

1. Ardbeg Wee Beastie $77 + GST

2. Ardbeg 10 Year $90 + GST

3. Ardbeg An Oa $100 + GST

4. Ardbeg Uigeadail $120 + GST

5. Ardbeg Corryvreckan $130 + GST

 

GLENFARCLAS CORE RANGE WHISKIES

ARE BACK IN-STOCK

Speaking of hot commodities, the Glenfarclas core range is also back in stock. Given the issues we have been seeing with shipping over the past year it might be worth grabbing a bottle or four of these as well if they are among your go-to bottles.

1. Glenfarclas 105 Cask Strength $97 + GST

2. Glenfarclas 12 Year $70 + GST

3. Glenfarclas 15 Year $100 + GST

4. Glenfarclas 17 Year $115 + GST

5. Glenfarclas 21 Year $170 + GST

6. Glenfarclas 25 Year $275 + GST

7. Glenfarclas 25 Year KWM Ferg GG Homage $275 + GST

8. Glenfarclas 30 Year $700 + GST

9. Glenfarclas 40 Year $1300 + GST

LISMORE 18 & 21 YEARS ARE BACK!

Also back in stock are bottles of The Lismore. This company is a bottler of Speyside Single Malt Scotch from unknown/mystery distillery(ies?). The owners of the William Lundie and the Lismore brand are the Grant family of Glenfarclas fame. Perhaps we could call these bottles Glenfarclesque? Or perhaps not…

1. Lismore 18 Year $100 + GST

2. Lismore 21 Year $150 + GST

We have both single cask and small batch bottlings from the single malts of Scotland range arriving soon. Let’s start with the single casks, which are very well priced for the age and quality of the whiskies. We’ve never been let down by the SMOS range!

ELIXIR DISTILLERS 2021

PT.1A – OLD & RARE

HAS FINALLY ARRIVED

We recently receive a boatload of new whiskies from Elixir Distillers. Some have come and gone, but we still have good stock of a great selection! The forty-something Bunnahabhains are cool, but the Islay Violets is the one speaking the most loudly to me!

SMOS Director’s Special Bunnhabhain 43 Year – 41.4% – 1975 – Refill Bourbon Hogshead – Whisky Exchange Note: “A single-cask release of Bunnahabhain from the Single Malts of Scotland, bottled as part of the Director’s Special range. This was distilled back in 1975 and aged for 43 years in a single refill-bourbon hogshead. Over the years, its strength has naturally dropped, concentrating its flavour. The result is a soft and fruity whisky that shows the delicacy of Bunnahabhain’s normally boisterous spirit.” – 89pts Angus @ Whisky Fun & 89.5pts Whisky Base – Limit 1 Per Customer

SMOS Director’s Special Bunnahabhain 44 Year – 42.4% – Whisky Exchange Note: “A 44 Year Old Bunnahabhain single malt from indie bottler Elixir Distillers, matured in a single cask for more than four decades before being bottled as part of its Director’s Special range. Aromas of plum wine, caramel sauce, quince, marshmallows and gingerbread mingle with wildflowers and sweet tea on the nose. The palate offers notes of fresh peppermint, damp oak, tangerine, heather honey, mango and tobacco that linger in the finish.” – $2000 – 91.67pts Whisky Base – Limit 1 Per Customer

Islay Violets 33 Year Islay Single Malt Whisky – 46.2% – Matured in American Oak / Finished in ex-Cognac Casks – Tasting Note by Billy Abbott, The Whisky Exchange: “Nose: Waxy with the expected violet notes, both floral petals and green leaves. Sweet barley sugar and parma violet notes develop, with chamois leather, candied lemon and lavender syrup to follow. Zestiness builds, with singed orange peel joining the lemon, along with burning rosemary twigs. Palate: The classic floral notes lead on the palate, with lavender and sweet violet joined by Love Heart candy, sultanas and a hint of mint. Waxy petal notes develop, along with vanilla toffee, soft spice and a touch of damp earth hiding at the back. Finish: A final burst of violet fades to leave candied lemon, green grass and toffee. Comment: A famously divisive style of Bowmore, and an example that might turn more people to the distillery’s floral side. If you’re on the fence, this is the dram to turn you, with excellent floral and citrus balance, and a gentle undertone of smokiness. It tastes exactly how you’d expect from reading the label…” – $625 – 89.85pts Whisky Base

COMING SOON: NEW WHISKIES FROM ELIXIR DISTILLERS PT.1B –

THE SINGLE MALTS OF SCOTLAND

We have both single cask and small batch bottlings from the single malts of Scotland range arriving soon. Let’s start with the single casks, which are very well priced for the age and quality of the whiskies. We’ve never been let down by the SMOS range!

Single Malts of Scotland (SMOS ) Single Casks:

1. SMOS Glen Elgin 13 Year Cask 9800010 – 56.3% – 2006 – ex-Bourbon Barrel – Whisky Exchange Note: “A 2006 Glen Elgin single malt from indie bottler Elixir Distillers, matured in a single barrel for 13 years before being bottled in October 2019 as part of its Single Malts of Scotland series. Aromas of crunchy apples, Amalfi lemons, tarragon and paprika fill the nose. The palate offers notes of custard cream biscuits, stewed pears, cinnamon swirls and vanilla ice cream that linger in the finish.” – $100 – 87pts Whisky Fun – Limit 1 Per Customer!

2. SMOS Linkwood 12 Year Cask 804457 – 54.5% – 2007 – Hogshead – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Orchard-fruit notes of pears, crabapples and peach eau-de-vie. The cask has allowed plenty of aromatic new-make character to remain, overlaid with elderflower blossoms and churned butter. Palate: Follows nicely from the nose – extraordinarily bright, with tarragon, garden mint, rocket and a glass of crisp white wine. The fruit has transformed into lemon and lime peel, contrasting with fresh malted barley. Finish: Slightly chalky with a vanilla sweetness. Pink grapefruit sorbet and white pepper allow this lively dram to finish on a high note.” – $96 – Limit 1 Per Customer!

3. SMOS Teaninich 12 Year Cask 301262 – 57.5% – 2007 – Refill Sherry Butt – Whisky Exchange Note: “A 2007 Teaninich single malt from indie bottler Elixir Distillers, matured in a single refill butt for 12 years before being bottled in November 2019 as part of its Single Malts of Scotland series. Aromas of magnolia blossoms, dandelion, wild grains and buttermilk pancakes fill the nose. The palate offers notes of homemade vanilla custard, lime zest, green tea and orange.” – $110 – 86.5pts Whisky Base – Limit 1 Per Customer!

COMING SOON: NEW WHISKIES FROM ELIXIR DISTILLERS PT.1C – ISLAY WHISKIES

Elixir Distillers seems to have better access to peated malts than anyone, especially Islay whiskies. They have two ranges of independent bottlings just for Islay whiskies, Elements of Islay and Port Askaig. We have 5 new releases on the way from these brands:

1. Elements Of Islay Bn8 – 58.4% – American Oak & Ex-Sherry Casks – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Dark orange chocolate, under-sugared peach jam and shredded lemon verbena. Rounded out by nutty, mature cheddar. Palate: Smoked paprika and cumin spice marries with tart sweetness: apple drops and slightly burnt pear upside-down-cake. More pepperiness with crunchy ginger-nut biscuits and a drop of star anise oil. Finish: Weathered leather, raw cacao nibs and the prickle of Pimento pepper, toned down with Danish butter cookies.” – $74

2. Elements Of Islay Bw8 – 51.2% – 16 Year – Bourbon Barrels & Sherry Butts – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Grapefruit mixed with brown sugar. A hint of charcoal smoke with baked lemons developing into richer, more pronounced tropical notes of under-ripe mango drizzled with lime juice. Palate: Old-fashioned chocolate limes. Citrus and salt blend together and further richness is delivered by papaya and kiwi. Buttered samphire lends a coastal feel. Finish: A dry, herbaceous finish lingers with wave after wave of kiln smoke.” – $210 – 1 Per Customer

3. Elements Of Islay Cl13 – 54.6% – 9 Year – Hogsheads & Sherry Butts – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Spicy pork on the BBQ with notes of smoked paprika, cracked black pepper and lime juice. Hot chocolate with chilli powder and caramelised hazelnuts, accented by sea-spray freshness. Palate: Slightly oily with spices, green pepper and rustic salt-and-pepper crisps. A sweetness develops, with dusty chocolate and freeze-dried raspberries wrapped in wood smoke. Finish: The spice lingers, accompanied by a dry, salty tang.” – $75 – 1 Per Customer

4. Elements Of Islay Lp11 – 52.2% – 15 Year – ex-Bourbon Barrels – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Tamarind, dates and molasses. Sausages sizzling in the frying pan. Coal smoke with classic medicinal notes – carbolic soap and bandages. Palate: Barbecued coastal notes married with Cox apples, celeriac and chilli spice. Salty maritime brine and homemade tomato sauce on a juicy burger straight from the grill. Finish: Charcoal, charred toast from a farmer’s loaf and stewed orchard fruits.” – $240 – 1 Per Customer

5. Port Askaig 12 Yr Old Autumn Edition 2020 – 45.8% – Refill Bourbon Hogsheads & Sherry Butts – Producer Description & Tasting Note: “This limited edition Port Askaig bottling (9,000 bottles produced) is a tribute to the wonderful flavours of Islay, from a distillery on the north-east coast of Islay, close to the village of Port Askaig. A blend nine refill American oak hogsheads, five Oloroso sherry butts and three solera sherry butts has been used to create this flavourful single malt with a medley of smoky, fruity and coastal notes. To fully showcase its distinct Islay character, this whisky is non chill-filtered and bottled at 45.8%.” – $100

GLENFARCLAS FAMILY CASK ARRIVALS

There is at least 1 bottle of each of the whiskies below, some of them are in a bit bigger quantities, but for most, there are just a handful available. ETA is sometime in May, or early June!

A quick reminder, when Glenfarclas says the cask is a 4th Fill Butt, they don’t necessarily mean 4th fill, rather that they may not know how many times it has been filled. Could be 2nd, 3rd, or 4th Fill! Also, the photos are not all shot by the same source, so the actual colour may vary somewhat.

Also, don’t forget to check out our glenFarclas Family Cask Face Off tasting…

1. Glenfarclas Family Cask 1986 – 47.7% – 32 Year – Summer 2018 – Cask 4775 – Refill Sherry Butt – $1100 – 91.8pts Whisky Base – Only 1 Left

2. Glenfarclas Family Cask 1990 – 55.2% – 29 Year – Summer 2020 – Cask 5122 – Sherry Butt – $1150 – 92.33pts Whisky Base – Only 1 Left

3. Glenfarclas Family Cask 1991 – 56.3% – 29 Year – Summer 2020 – Cask 211 – Sherry Butt – $1050 – 89.67pts Whisky Base

4. Glenfarclas Family Cask 1992 – 55.9% – 27 Year – Summer 2020 – Cask 2904 – Sherry Butt – $650 – 89.67pts Whisky Base

5. Glenfarclas Family Cask 1992 – 53.5% – 26 Year – Winter 2018 – Cask 5984 – 4th Fill Butt – $635 – 89.86pts Whisky Base

6. Glenfarclas Family Cask 1998 – 57.9% – 21 Year – Summer 2020 – Cask 7635 – Sherry Butt – $470 – 89.22pts Whisky Base – Only 1 Left!

7. Glenfarclas Family Cask 2001 – 56.5% – 18 Year – Summer 2020 – Cask 3384 – 4th Fill Butt – $435 – 85.71pts Whisky Base

8. Glenfarclas Family Cask 2003 – 58.3% – 17 Year – Summer 2020 – Cask 102 – Sherry Butt – $415 – 90.66pts Whisky Base

WHISKIES ON SALE

You might notice a pattern emerging here. Certain importers keep putting things on sale, presumably to shift slow-moving inventory. Who are we to turn up a great deal? And you can be sure that we will pass on the savings…

There is a PDF linked below highlighting a few of the best deals. The full sale list of Whiskies on Sale can be browsed online. You can find the highlighted items in the PDF below by searching

BROWSE ITEMS SALE

403-283-8000
888-283-9004

Store Hours
Sunday: 11am – 6pm
Mon – Wed: 10am – 8pm
Thu – Fri: 10am – 9pm
Sat: 10am – 8pm

*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.*

BLANTON’S ORIGINAL SINGLE BARREL

It’s the beginning of a new month and we have some fresh bottles on the shelves here at Loch Fyne. A highlight that a lot of you might be interested in is a restock of Blanton’s – a whisky so popular that it’s limited to one bottle per customer! We have more of the Original Single Barrel or the Gold Edition for you to choose from: be quick to grab one before they go.

Whisky enthusiasts will want to home in on two new K&L Exclusive Sherry Casks from Gordon & MacPhail. These extremely limited bottlings from Clynelish and Scapa will be collector favorites for a long time to come. They are striking examples from two cherished distilleries, selected by one of the region’s preeminent bottlers, and delivered at cask strength.

2006 Clynelish 14 Year Old “Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseur’s Choice” K&L Exclusive Cask #310540 Single Refill Sherry Hogshead Nonchillfiltered Cask Strength Highlands Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $139.99 View

The Connoisseur’s Choice collection is an exceptional single cask perspective on the distillery’s own bottlings but offered at cask strength and unfiltered and with the added allure of that single cask selection made by Gordon & MacPhail—Scotland’s preeminent bottler. In this case, we have Clynelish at 14 years old—Diageo’s OB age statement. This single cask is a refill sherry hogshead, distilled Sunday, June 18th 2006 and bottled on Monday, November 30th, 2020. Yielding just 241 bottles at 55.5% ABV the color is dark gold, with aromas of fruitcake, citrus zest, and molasses that develop into cinnamon and ginger on the palate. A long finish hints at dark chocolate and candied nuts.

2000 Scapa 20 Year Old “Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseur’s Choice” K&L Exclusive Cask #1098 Single Refill Sherry Hogshead Nonchillfiltered Cask Strength Orkney Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $179.99 View

Distilled May 2nd, 2000 and bottled on November 30th, 2020 at 56.2% ABV. Scapa is Orkney’s “other distillery,” sitting just half a mile south of its famous neighbor, but it deserves to be recognized in its own right as one of Scotland’s great malts. An unusual still setup, water source, and island environs lend Scapa its unique character. The wash still is a Lomond still—one of only a handful of functional Lomond stills in Scotland. The spirit still is a more traditional onion bulb still. Unpeated and laden with Scapa’s signature honey flavors, this choice cask from Gordon & MacPhail is a treasure to behold. Aged in a refill sherry hogshead the whisky is rich with warm spices, chocolate, cooked fruits and salted nuts. Sweet marzipan, piquant black pepper, citrus peel and cherry compote dance across the palate. A finish of honey, apple pie, and sweet oak round out the whisky.

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

SLÀINTE! NEW LIMITED-EDITION WHISKY CELEBRATES SCOTLAND’S TOURNAMENT RETURN AFTER 23 YEARS

Whisky lovers will soon be raising a glass to a new limited-edition single malt that has been specially ageing for nearly 23 years – and has only been released to mark Scotland’s reappearance at a major men’s football tournament.

Released by the Gleann Mòr Spirits Company, the Rare Find whisky has been produced in a unique partnership with the Scotland National Team.

The dram was first poured into its cask on 24 June 1998 – the day after Scotland went out of the World Cup to Morocco, losing 3-0 in St Etienne, France.

After decades of hurt, it will now be bottled the day before Scotland’s opening fixture of Euro 2020 against the Czech Republic on 14 June 2021 at Hampden Park, Glasgow.

Karin Mair of Gleann Mòr Spirits said: “We are delighted to finally be able to share this special edition with Scotland’s long-suffering football fans.

“During the almost 23 years that it’s been ageing, Scotland may have endured football heartache, but this sublime single malt has been waiting patiently, developing its distinctively divine character.

“Along with the rest of the nation, we’ve also waited patiently, but the time has finally come to crack open this whisky and toast Scotland’s return to the major football stage.”

Only 280 individually numbered bottles will be made available, giving aficionados an unrivalled opportunity to own a unique piece of Scottish footballing history.

Karin added: “This whisky is a truly historic collector’s item that no fan of football or fine malt will want to miss.

“Its creation has been a long time coming and we know there will be plenty to celebrate on and off the pitch when it’s finally poured.”

Tasting notes

Big, bold and salty on the nose with a hint of sweet autumnal peat and baked apples in the mouth, the sweet peat develops into a sugary cereal layer with a softly spice, gentle ash and a dulcet phenolic finish.

How to buy

The limited-edition Rare Find, which originated from Cask 353892 at the Bowmore distillery, is the star player in a glittering line-up of Scottish National Team whiskies.

Only available to pre-order online, its team-mates in the Gleann Mòr squad are:

• Glen Elgin 20-year-old single malt – a smooth and classy dram combining sweetly satisfying Scottish honey, warm spice and butter toffee.
• Scottish National Team Blended Malt Whisky – a mix of select Speyside single malts, rich in lemon shortbread, dried fruit and toasted oak flavours.
• Scottish National Team Blended Whisky – a winning combination of strength and style, with warming tones of toffee, vanilla, pears and spiced oak.

To find out more and order, please go to http://rarefindwhisky.co.uk/scottishnt.

NOTES:

The Gleann Mòr Spirits Company was founded in 2013 by Derek and Karin Mair. Born from a passion for rare find whiskies and single cask editions, it has quickly become known as the place to go for a unique and hard-to-find dram. For further details about Rare Find, or to explore any of its other premium spirits, please contact:

E: hello@gmspirits.com

W: http://rarefindwhisky.co.uk/scottishnt

New whisky

DEWAR’S CASK SERIES

Innovation has been at the heart of Dewar’s whisky for more than 150 years, and the new Dewar’s Cask Series stands testament to that. Launching with two brand-new expressions – Dewar’s Caribbean Smooth, aged in ex-rum casks and Dewar’s Ilegal Smooth, the first Scotch whisky to be aged in ex-mezcal casks – Dewar’s prove once again that they’re still at the forefront of cask maturation.

Established by John Dewar in 1846, Dewar’s is one of Scotland’s best-known and most-awarded blending houses, and it is innovation that has driven the company’s reputation for more than 150 years.

CARIBBEAN SMOOTH

AGED 8 YEARS

70cl / 40%

£25.75

(£36.79 per litre)

Blended from up to 40 different single malt and grain whiskies, each aged individually and again once married together, all before being finished in the finest Caribbean ex-rum casks, Dewar’s Caribbean Smooth is an easy-drinking and impressively flavourful whisky.

BUY NOW

ILEGAL SMOOTH

AGED 8 YEARS

70cl / 40%

£25.75

(£36.79 per litre)

BUY NOW

Crisp, refreshing and unexpectedly smoky, Dewar’s Ilegal Smooth combines the defining flavours of two very different cultures to create something altogether more exciting. The first ever Scotch to be finished in ex-mezcal casks, this sweet and smoky dram is whisky as you’ve never tasted it before.

Ageing has always been at the heart of the Dewar’s philosophy, and the people behind the whisky pride themselves on the fact that every expression that bears the Dewar’s name also bears an age statement. In the new Cask Series, Dewar’s enthusiasm for age statements meets its passion for innovation, as the team behind more than a century of great whisky meticulously matures spirit from its extensive stocks in carefully-selected and often unusual cask types – with surprising, exciting and delicious results.

ABOUT DEWAR’S

Dewar’s blended Scotch whisky has amassed more than a thousand awards in its century-and-a-half, and it’s easy to see why. From its inception, Dewar’s whisky was focused on considered ageing, careful blending and a quality product – and those philosophies remain at the heart of Dewar’s to this day. As the rules and regulations around Scotch whisky production and maturation continue to shift and change, we can’t wait to see what this true heritage producer and inspirational innovator does next.

  SHOP NOW  

 

Balcones K&L Exclusive Cask Strength Single Barrel #16584 Texas Single Malt Whisky (750ml) $79.99 View

Clocking in at a monsterous 130.8 proof, this K&L Exclusive barrel from Balcones is also among their oldest bottlings. Aged for 4 long Texas years in new European oak it packs an extraordinary amount of flavor. The huge and rapid temperature swings common to Waco, TX have penetrated that new oak in a way that feels a lot like Kentucky bourbon, but it is the 100% Scottish Golden Promise single malt barley distilled on Balcones’ Scottish Forsyth stills that make this barrel a truly unique specimen.

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

Liquid History of Islay

Port Ellen 36 Year Old

1983 vintage Eidolon 1st release from Hunter Laing

Receiving a huge 93 point score from the eminent Serge @ Whisky Fun, this is a another example of the quality whisky that was produced from this (currently) lost distillery. Only 638 bottles were yielded  at 53.5%. With a resurrected Port Ellen distillery on the way, this is pure, old style PE. Port Ellen 36 Year Old 1983 vintage Islay single malt Scotch whisky. Eidolon is the first in a three-part series of Port Ellen limited-edition bottlings from Hunter Laing & Co. Limited release of 638 bottles.

Port Ellen Distillery was established by Alexander K. Mackay on the southern coast of the Isle of Islay at Port Ellen in 1825. Port Ellen was a malt whisky distillery but closed in 1983 and whilst some of the distillery buildings remain Port Ellen drum maltings occupy part of the site. During the winter of 1823-24 James Fox tested his newly designed spirit safe at Port Ellen Distillery prior to its introduction in all Scottish licenced distilleries by 1825 in order to comply with enactment of the Excise Act of 1823. Thus Port Ellen Distillery was the first Scottish distillery to install a spirit safe and James Fox was paid £428 for his work. Official bottlings of Port Ellen single malt whisky include the Port Ellen Annual Release and independent release from Hunter Laing & Co. are highly prized.

BUY NOW – Port Ellen 36 Year Old

Last Chance at Retail for a Groundbreaking American Whiskey Icon
High West “Campfire” American Whiskey ($54.99)
“…the sheer boldness of mixing high quality American whisky with heavily peated Scotch… truly put these guys on the map.” — David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

A blend of bourbon, rye, and peated Scotch, High West’s now-iconic “Campfire” American Whiskey started as an idea that no other blender had the fortitude to take on, as it was yet unproven in the market. Over the years, though, the “Campfire” has more than vindicated the wisdom of High West’s gambit, as it’s found immense favor with whiskey lovers everywhere. The fine, seamless expression of all the best qualities of each of its component whiskies “offers something that few else can,” as spirits buyer David Othenin-Girard puts it. When the brand recently announced that the whiskey would no longer be sold in the retail market but only through the distillery in Utah, we knew what we had to do. We secured as much of it as we could get our hands on, and we’re letting High West fans everywhere know that this is your last chance to pick some up, unless of course you have a road trip to Park City on your schedule. There’s no telling how long it’ll be available in California (hint: not long), so stock up while you can.

High West “Campfire” American Whiskey (750ml) ($54.99)

91 points Whisky Advocate: “An oddball that crosses the divide between American whiskey and scotch by literally mixing the two, Campfire combines straight Indiana rye, straight Indiana bourbon, and peated blended malt scotch, marrying them together in heavily toasted French and Hungarian oak wine barrels. The scotch adds hearty, meaty flavors to the dry, spicy, and rich bourbon and rye. This is a robust and beefy whiskey, with smoke reminiscent of Southern barbecue. Earlier releases of this ambitious whiskey didnt quite hit the mark. Now, its right on target. *Top 20 Whiskies of 2017* (AP)” (12/2017)

91 points Wine Enthusiast: “An unexpectedly wonderful pairing with a sweet chocolate or a sticky caramel dessert, Campfire blends straight rye whiskey, straight Bourbon and blended Scotch. Altogether, its big and smoky, with lots of iodine, but doesnt completely overwhelm, settling into a pleasing mix of toffee and peat. Gift a bottle to a Scotch lover to introduce the joys of American whiskeys. (KN)” (07/2013)

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: May 26, 2021

To say this is the end of an era is an understatement. High West “Campfire” has long stood as a symbol of the risks that the special Utah distiller was willing to take as well as their prowess as blenders. It is indeed their ability to acquire and expertly blend whiskies that made High West the exceptional property that it is today. But the sheer boldness of mixing high-quality American whisky with heavily peated Scotch to create a new category of whisky truly put these guys on the map. Many were skeptical at first, writing off their efforts as a gimmick or a novelty, but ultimately this product has been embraced by so many in the whisky community who appreciate its balance and versatility. Now, with word that they’ll be transitioning this product to a distillery-only release, there’s been a renewed sense of urgency from many of those who have come to rely on this bottle when they found themselves craving something, shall we say, “in between” categories. Still now, years after its initial release, the “Campfire” offers something few else can. The nose is a luxurious amalgam of sweet new oak, tangy rye spice, and deep, sooty smoke. On the palate, the wood does a lot of the talking and falls distinctly in the texture range of a good straight bourbon or rye. The sweetness is tempered perfectly by the top note of clean Islay peat, while twinges of ash and iodine don’t distract at all from the gorgeous caramel and spice. Altogether an idiosyncratic expression that won’t necessarily make everyone happy all the time, but for times when you’re in the mood and there’s nothing else that can quite scratch that itch, it’s probably a good move to grab one or two just in case, since you’ll have to head to Utah to get this one in the future.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: May 26, 2021

Word on the street is that High West is transitioning “Campfire” to be a Utah-only product. They’re not going so far as to yank product from other markets but will just naturally let it run dry and no longer replenish it after March 2021. This means unless you’ve got a post pandemic trip to Park City in the works, you’ll have to stock the bar now. It’s what we did. There’s no telling when it’ll be sold out in CA for good, but the end is near. It’s a tragedy for whisk(e)y lovers without ties to Utah, as “Campfire” has been one of the more creative and interesting whiskies available for quite some time. It’s a beautiful mélange of bourbon’s classic highlights of sweet corn, vanilla, caramel, and butterscotch mixed with an impossibly complex rye profile. Cracked pepper, sweet cinnamon, nutmeg, spicy black pepper, and cut grass all work harmoniously with the bourbon. The kicker, though, is the peated Scotch. This component really ties it all together in an unexpected way that just works. The slightly salty and robustly smoky elixir makes its presence known from nosing through to finish, but it never overwhelms. The “Campfire” name really is perfect. If you’re dying to get outside and have a drink around the fire with friends, this is a great place to start.

WATERFORD DISTILLERY ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH ARTIST LEAH HEWSON FOR THE LAUNCH OF ITS FLAGSHIP WHISKY: THE CUVÉE

Leading Irish visual artist, Leah Hewson, has released her latest work, but you won’t find it in a gallery or exhibition.

Partnering with Waterford Distillery, Hewson has created Binary Assimilation – an original artwork for the bottle label of the distillery’s flagship single malt whisky coming this autumn: The Cuvéee.

Hewson’s aim was to celebrate the ‘many layers and complexities within Waterford’s distillation process and the immense sensory experience of consumption’.

Waterford’s unique methodology is terroir-driven. The concept, which is commonly practised by the world’s greatest winemakers, is based on the principle that factors such as weather, soil, and microclimate influence the flavours found in barley and the whisky made from it.

To make its multiple award-winning Single Farm Origin whiskies, Waterford Distillery maintains the integrity of each crop of barley by harvesting, storing, malting and distilling it separately. Each Single Farm Origin has been produced separately using barley grown only on individual terroirs throughout the South of Ireland.

This individuality can be celebrated in its own right, but the ultimate aim is to layer these component spirits together – in precisely the same manner as a Grand Vin in Burgundy, or Grand Cuvée in Champagne – for ultimate complexity. The whole, greater than simply the sum of its parts.

This means – for the first time in whisky production anywhere – Waterford Distillery is assembling 23 different Single Farm Origin component single malts to create the definitive Waterford Whisky: The Cuvéee. It is a lodestar for the brand and a milestone bottling.

Leah Hewson’s original artwork reflects the intricate nature of such a milestone product. Two computer-generated images that are depicted in paint have been divided into strips and overlaid with opaque and transparent red and green stripes, and a neon squiggle in to create ’ambiguity and illusion’.

Leah Hewson said: ”Binary Assimilation celebrates the many layers and complexities of Waterford’s approach to whisky production. The brand’s scientific and methodical approach reflects my own and this provided an inspiration to sync art, flavour and character into something visually striking. By building the piece in layers through colour, I was able to create new dimensional effects to match the concept of The Cuvéee.”

Mark Reynier, Founder and CEO of Waterford Distillery said: “This is no ordinary whisky – it’s our lodestar, a key milestone on our terroir-driven journey – our raison d’etre. Its vision, evolution derived from unprecedented logistics, merits an equally outstanding label. We commissioned one of Ireland’s leading artists, Leah Hewson, to create a contemporary image that was unlike another whisky label. One that shared the elemental construct, evoking vibrancy, a bold statement and a multi-layered feel. A label unlike any other, for a whisky unlike any other.”

ABOUT WATERFORD DISTILLERY 

Influenced by the world’s greatest winemakers, Waterford Distillery obsessively brings the same intellectual drive, methodology and rigour to single malt whisky.

Using 100% Irish barley, widely considered to be the world’s finest, its Single Farm Origin series is an uber-provenance range of limited-edition natural whiskies that explore Irish terroir one farm, one place, at a time. They are expressions of precision and rarity, showcasing barley flavours derived from individual Irish farms and harvests. The distillery’s aim is that these component single malts come together to create the world’s most unique, complex and profound whisky.

ABOUT LEAH HEWSON

Hewson has a First-Class BA (Hons) degree in Fine Art from IADT. She has accomplished four solo exhibitions, the most notable of which were ‘Ammo Veil’ at The Hillsboro Fine Art gallery in July 2018 and ‘Scintilla’ at The Royal Hibernian Academy, Dublin in February 2017. This was the culmination of work produced during a six-month residency at The Royal Hibernian Academy School.

Other residencies include a six month residency at the NARS Foundation in Brooklyn New York in 2018, SIM Residency in Berlin in 2019 and Wilton Park Studios Residency, Dublin in 2019/2020.

Hewson won the Whyte’s Award for painting at the 190th RHA Annual Exhibition, was shortlisted for the Hennessy Craig Biennial Award in 2019, is accredited with the Elizabeth Fitzpatrick Travel Bursary Award 2018 and won the ‘Special Prize for Contemporary Art’ at the ‘Biennial of Humour and Satire in Art’, Bulgaria in 2017.

Her work continues to be internationally collected by private collectors in New York, Australia, Germany, France, Norway, and Spain. Public collections include The Trinity College Dublin History of Art collection, The Office of Public Works, Dublin, The Law Society of Ireland, and the Microsoft Collection. Other recent activity includes the commissioning of ‘Abiding Traces’, by IPut. This 8 x 27 metres piece was exhibited on Sir John Rogersons Quay from May 2019 to August 2020. Hewson was also in the group exhibition ‘Assemble’ at Atelier Maser in August 2020.