BLUE RUN SPIRITS 13.5-YEAR-OLD SINGLE BARREL CASK STRENGTH BOURBON

– WINNER OF TOP CATEGORY PRIZE AT THE SAN FRANCISCO WORLD SPIRITS COMPETITION –

NOW AVAILABLE

Extremely Limited Double Gold Medal Bourbon, Approved by Whiskey Legend Jim Rutledge, is from Ten Exceptional Barrels

GEORGETOWN, KY (MAY 11, 2021) – A Bourbon treasure hunt is about to commence as Blue Run Spirits unveils its Spring release, which recently won Best in Class and a Double Gold Medal at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Blue Run 13.5-Year-Old Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon launches today as ten separate limited-edition bottlings from ten different barrels, each hand numbered to denote the proof, barrel number and bottling date, enticing whiskey sleuths to find the entire collection and whiskey enthusiasts around the country to discover their favorite flavor profile. Each bottle comes in a custom, handmade black lacquered wooden box, adding to the collectability.

The unveiling of Blue Run 13.5-Year-Old Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon comes on the heels of Blue Run’s inaugural release in October of 2020. Blue Run 13-Year-Old Bourbon received exceptional reviews and sold out quickly. With Jim Rutledge as the company’s Liquid Advisor, this new batch of Blue Run will delight Bourbon drinkers around the country. Rutledge is a 50+ year whiskey industry veteran and a managing partner of J.W. Rutledge Distillery.

Each of the ten barrels comes from the same mash bill, same yeast, same still and same warehouse, but how the liquid reacted to the wood and its position in the warehouse can delicately change the characteristics of the whiskey.

Blue Run 13.5-Year-Old Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon has the brand’s characteristic smooth and mellow flavor; a long, sweet and dry finish; little to no burn on the back end – even at cask strength – and a long tail.

Between 104 to 150 bottles will be available from each barrel, with the proofs varying from 124 to 132. The secret to which barrel the Bourbon came from can be found on the hand-numbered label, which gives a hint at that whiskey’s particular characteristics and flavor profile:

Barrel #1: Mellow sweet corn and brown sugar apple butter that develops into mellow oak tannins Barrel #2: Deep chocolate and honey-drenched s’more Barrel #3: Gorgeous crème brûlée with a burst of dark brown sugar and streaks of ginger Barrel #4: Creamy toffee with bites of cocoa and black pepper Barrel #5: Sultry black cherry and oak with clove honey Barrel #6: Decadent dark chocolate with a marshmallow frame and clove cascade Barrel #7: Layers of char smoke and rich vanilla wood sugar Barrel #8: Roasted pecan and nutty campfire smoke Barrel #9: Spice forward with bold black pepper and baking spices and an herbaceous wrap Barrel #10: Oak tannin and dark raisin combination with a whip of smoke on the finish

Though each barrel has its own subtle flavor differences, consumers can expect the liquid in each bottle to have a deep glow, streaked with bronze highlights; an alluring aroma of molasses and brown sugar with a toasted, nutty frame that reveals itself around baking spices and cocoa; and a long, sweet and dry finish wrapped in dark cherry highlights.

“This limited-edition, high-proof release offers a uniquely customized experience based upon each whiskey fan’s palate, pairings and passions,” said Mike Montgomery, CEO of Blue Run Spirits. “While a bottle of Blue Run Bourbon will definitely stand out on your bar, it’s the flavor we are most proud of and glad to see experts like the judges at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition agree.”

Blue Run 13.5-Year-Old Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon will be found in May initially in Kentucky, California, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Washington, DC, as well as online. But here’s the twist: No state will receive bottles from all ten barrels. Each will get up to nine, encouraging collectors to reach out to friends to help amass the entire collection. The product will also be available through Seelbachs.com, with bottles from a different barrel made available every few weeks (but again, with only nine available). Seelbach’s will also offer a very limited number of ten-bottle complete sets.

Blue Run’s latest release will stand out on store shelves due to the modern design by Devon McKinney, the creative mind behind some of the world’s most-sought-after sneakers. The brand’s signature butterfly medallion, a nod to the Commonwealth of Kentucky butterfly the Viceroy, will be matte black on the Blue Run 13.5-Year-Old Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon bottle. This new offering will come housed in a striking, handmade black lacquered display box made of sustainable birch and imprinted with gold leaf.

Blue Run Bourbon will be available at $229.99 SRP. The company’s next release, a 14-Year-Old Small Batch Bourbon that also won Best in Class and a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, will be launched this summer, followed by a Gold Medal-winning Rye Whiskey in late summer.

Blue Run Spirits’ distribution partners include Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) in Kentucky; Breakthru Beverage Group in Illinois and Colorado; Savannah Distributing Company in Georgia; Advintage Distributing in South Carolina and Tennessee; Prestige-Ledroit Distributing Co. in Washington D.C., Maryland and Delaware; American Spirits Exchange in California; and Evergreen Beverage Canada in Canada.

Find Blue Run Spirits online at www.bluerunspirits.com, and on social media: Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

ABOUT BLUE RUN SPIRITS

Blue Run Spirits is a new kind of spirits company, creating a unique luxury proposition by tapping into the deep heritage and craft that makes a truly great whiskey, then elevating it through a modern design and marketing lens to reach a younger, broader and more diverse whiskey drinker.  The company’s founders include a Nike designer, the first director-level employee at Facebook, a hospitality executive, a political advisor, and a philanthropist – all huge whiskey fans and individuals who acutely understand how to build demand and buzz for a contemporary consumer product. They are backed by a team of advisors including Nike marketing experts; the Campari communications veteran behind the US launch of Espolòn Tequila and the Aperol Spritz; a former vice president of innovation from Brown-Forman; a former spirits distributor; and others with deep industry experience. The Blue Run name is a nod to one of our founder’s upbringing in Georgetown, KY, where Bourbon began in the Bluegrass State.

Remarkable Values in Sherry Finished Scotch Exclusives
Limited Edition Expressions from Dailuaine, Blair Athol, and Mortlach

Our first Scotch container of 2021 is on its way and contains a trio of stunning sherry-aged malts that are ready to be added to your collection. First up is a 10 year old from Dailuaine, a property that has a loyal following among our customers, which also means this single malt has a limited window of availability. With body and character that stands up to the sherry influence, no wonder our customers are always clamoring for more. Next up is the “take no prisoners” 2009 Blair Athol 12 year old. With balance and weight in one sublime bottling, this is a Scotch that should make one sit up and take note. The last of our trio is known as the beast of Dufftown—Mortlach’s 12 year old is rich, meaty, and hearty, making it the perfect foil to a sherry finish. It’s a pronounced spirit that you just can’t ignore. Any or all of these malts will be prized by the Scotch lovers among us, and we recommend scooping them up before they inevitably sell out.

2010 Dailuaine 10 Year Old “Sovereign” K&L Exclusive Single Sherry Butt Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) (Pre-Arrival) ($54.99)

Sherried Dailuaine has been a fan favorite at K&L for years, and we’ve sold 16 different bottlings over the last decade. Given the long-standing relationship many of our customers have with these bottlings, we don’t foresee this being around long. A classic Diageo distillery, Dailuaine has a sizable capacity upwards of 5 million liters a year yet is rarely seen as an official release. Stylistically, it sits somewhere between Clynelish and Blair Athol—it shows both a waxy character associated with the former and an inherent sherry-ness associated with the later. This makes it a perfect candidate to stand up to a big ol’ sherry butt in just a matter of 10 years. The price-to-quality ratio makes it one of the best deals of the year.

2009 Blair Athol 12 Year Old “Sovereign” K&L Exclusive Single Sherry Butt Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) (Pre-Arrival) ($59.99)

We have bottled many casks of very old Blair Athol over the years as it is a staple in the independent bottling market and the spiritual heart of the famous Bell’s Blend. The whiskies in the 20+ year range are generally very, very good. It’s hard to mess up Blair Athol after decades in cask. We are, however, extremely picky when it comes to young whisky from this famous Pitlochry distillery. The young whiskies can easily overpower their barrels and leave a bit of a funky note that certainly isn’t for everyone. However, when appropriately casked in an active sherry barrel, 12 years is just about right to create pure magic. That funky weight of the spirit is balanced beautifully with the citrus zest, dark cocoa, and roasted nuts of the sherry butt. We don’t get too many shots at full-term sherry with extremely sharp pricing, but when we do, we rarely miss. At 59% ABV and taking no prisoners, this is a serious malt for sherry fans to stock up on.

2008 Mortlach 12 Year Old “Sovereign” K&L Exclusive Single Sherry Butt Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) (Pre-Arrival) ($59.99)

The beast of Dufftown returns. Part of our trio of young sherry cask whiskies and very famous for how well it takes to sherry, the rich and meaty Mortlach has long been appreciated by single malt aficionados for its unusually hearty character. The distillery is well known for its different approach to distillation, as well – a 2.81 times distilled regimen that sets it apart from the typical double distillation found all over Scotland. Loaded with tobacco, dark chocolate, espresso, black cherry, and honeyed raisins. Big, intense, and every bit Mortlach.

Signatory Vintage

Mortlach 11 Year Old

16 month sherry fresh sherry butt finish. Cask #6 bottled April 2021 at 57.8%.

Mortlach 11 Year Old 2010 vintage Speyside single malt Scotch whisky. Single first fill sherry butt #16 bottled April 2021 by Signatory Vintage for the Cask Strength Collection. 697 numbered bottles.

Mortlach Distillery was established in 1823 on the banks of the River Dullan in the Speyside whisky region. Mortlach is equipped with wooden worm tubs, six stills of assorted shapes and sizes and three spirit safes in order to run a unique two and a half times or partial triple distillation process. Official bottling of Mortlach single malt are few, however, independent bottlers recognise the great quality of Mortlach whisky particularly following long maturation in sherry casks. Gordon & MacPahil released a stunning bottling of 70 year old Mortlach single cask malt whisky distilled in 1938 and matured in a single sherry hogshead until bottling in 2009.

Shop – Mortlach 11 Year Old

Whisky Presentation Box Humidors by Dave

Humidors by Dave!

Have your favourite scotch whisky presentation box upgraded to a cigar humidor!

US$220

Contact Dave at daveswhiskyhumidors@gmail.com

Price does not include shipping or the presentation box. 

Further than anyone or anything in history

Voyager 1 Dalmunach

4.1 billion miles away from Earth, NASA has revealed Voyager 1 has picked up a ‘cosmic hum’… could this be a signal from bottle #1 of The Grant Tour series?

Selling fast… don’t miss out on this fascinating discovery!

Dalmunach 5 Year Old 2015 – Voyager 1

The Voyager space probes launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in 1977 and continue to communicate with earth today. Voyager 1 is 14.1 billion miles away has detected a new cosmic “hum” in interstellar space.

Dalmunach distillery is located on the site of the lost Imperial distillery and began distilling in 2014. Single Oloroso sherry hogshead. These are amongst the very first vintage bottlings from Scotland’s contemporary distilleries.

In the interest if fairness Voyager 1 is strictly 1 bottler per customer.

Shop – Dalmunach 5 Year Old – £99 / €95 / $115 / c$145*

Our favourite Scottish whisky festivals may have been postponed or cancelled this year, but the Society are still celebrating these iconic whisky regions with our unique festival bottlings. Today we’re bringing you three eclectic drams from Speyside which will transport you straight to the heart of whisky country.

If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on one of these special bottles, why not try it alongside Vic Galloway’s suggested music pairings, and truly bring the spirit of Speyside festival home?

SEE ALL NEW BOTTLINGS

 

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

Bimber Distillery unveils The Spirit of the Underground Collection  

in partnership with Transport for London 

London’s award-winning Bimber Distillery today announced the launch of “The Spirit of the Underground” – an ongoing collection of iconic single malt whiskies that celebrate the heritage and diversity of the distillery’s home city. With striking individual designs, each bottle in the new collection features a different station on the London Underground network – the oldest underground passenger railway service in the world. The deal was brokered by TSBA Group, Transport for London’s global licensing agency.

The launch expressions of The Spirit of the Underground Collection showcase four well-known Tube stations: Waterloo; Baker Street; Kings Cross St Pancras and Oxford Circus. Each release features stunning iconography presenting a unique piece of London’s history, and comes adorned with an eye-catching label and packaging design that observes the significance of each station’s location.

The four initial releases of the collection have been selected from the distillery’s finest ex-bourbon casks and are offered at full cask strength and without chill filtration. Each reveals a highly individual, but perfectly balanced merger of aroma and flavour that reflects the passion and craft of Bimber.

The cask selected for the Baker Street expression was chosen by the members of the 2020 Bimber Klub Tasting Panel – the distillery’s rapidly growing membership community.

Speaking of the launch, Bimber spokesperson Matt McKay said: “We’re delighted to unveil this exciting new partnership and the first expressions of The Spirit of the Underground Collection. As we approach the fifth anniversary of our spirit, this collaboration with Transport for London celebrates both one of the great engineering projects of the past 200 years and the ongoing development of our spirit. Bimber is very much a product of London and we’re thrilled to showcase our single malt whisky in this most incredible way.”

With 270 stations on the network to select from, The Spirit of the Underground Collection is intended to grow alongside Bimber. New expressions will be added in batches (four single casks at a time) populating each of the Underground’s 11 lines and reflecting the vibrancy and multiplicity of the stations and locations throughout the capital city.

Julie Dixon, Head of Customer Information Design and Partnerships at Transport for London said: “This imaginative collaboration really shows off the visual splendour of our historic and instantly recognisable Underground network. It’s been great to work with a London-based distillery to create this collection and we hope fans of whisky will enjoy this collection as it grows.”

Release 1 of The Spirit of the Underground Collection will be available later this month with an RRP of £125 per bottle. Release 2, which will feature four more iconic London Underground stations, is scheduled to be unveiled over the coming months.

All the expressions in The Spirit of the Underground Collection were crafted to Bimber’s exacting standards. The spirit was produced from the distillery’s single farm barley and malted on a dedicated floor at Warminster Maltings before being fermented for seven days in bespoke, on-site constructed American oak washbacks. Distillation took place in Bimber’s customised stills which possess an increased copper surface area, which results in a rich fruit-forward, layered spirit.

Notes 

The Spirit of the Underground Collection – Release 1 

The Spirit of the Underground – Waterloo 

American Oak Ex-bourbon Cask – Ref 99 

Nose: Bright, succulent pineapple juice supported by nougat, bourbon biscuits delectable toffee. Gentle char sits alongside split vanilla pods and lithe minerality.

Palate: A syrupy body packed full of tropical fruitiness, citrus sugar and freshly squeeze orange juice. Chocolate covered biscuits and burnt toffee provide a succulent core.

Finish: Earthy nutmeg and powdered ginger with fading fruitiness.

257 bottles

70cl

58.3% ABV

 

The Spirit of the Underground – Baker Street 

American Oak Ex-bourbon Cask – Ref 126

Selected by the Bimber Klub 2020 Tasting Panel  

(Tasting note produced by panel members)

Nose: Rich pineapple, minty apples, a bag of wine gums and dolly mixture sweets. Caramel sauce, Turkish delight with pistachios on top.  Trail mix, cocoa nibs, ginger powder and a handful of nuts. So fresh, and unbelievably interesting!

Palate: A good old banoffee pie topped with a hint of cinnamon. Blueberries, blackberries, probably all sorts of berries! Citrus fruit teas and spicy dark chocolate, vanilla, toffee and a touch of menthol. Well sanded/oily oak with honey cake completing the taste.

Finish: Lingers very long and warm in the mouth. Berries and plum jam with liquorice, aniseed, loads of chocolate and cinnamon oak. 

264 bottles

70cl

58.1% ABV

 

The Spirit of the Underground – Kings Cross St. Pancras 

American Oak Ex-bourbon Cask – Ref 129

Nose: Charred peaches, freshly sliced red apples and a side of pineapple cream is joined by luscious toffee and aromatic, charred, floral oakiness.

Palate: A silky arrival offering ripe apricots, pineapple cubes and whipped cream. Chocolate mousse and evolving pepperiness develop alongside toffee, vanilla and baking spices.

Finish: Exceptionally long with piquant spicing and metholated oak.

259 bottles

70cl

58.5% ABV

 

The Spirit of the Underground – Oxford Circus 

American Oak Ex-bourbon Cask – Ref 172

Nose: Expressive charred pineapple chunks and crunchy toffee-covered apples sit with shortbread, rolled pastry, condensed milk and wonderfully creamy caffé latte.

Palate: Full bodied and with immediate impactful flavour. Dried mango slices, lemon and ginger jelly and toffee-filled bon bons are livened by piquant wood spices.

Finish: Sustained sweet and sour tropical fruitiness alongside dusty nutmeg.

261 bottles

70cl

58.8% ABV

 

About Bimber  

Bimber Distillery produces world-class single malt whisky, handcrafted with passion in West London. As a leading distiller of English whisky, we combine generations of rich distilling heritage with the finest quality ingredients to create the ultimate craft whisky experience.

About Transport for London  

Transport for London (TfL) is the integrated transport authority responsible for delivering Mayor of London Sadiq Khan’s strategy and commitments on transport. It runs the day-to-day operation of the Capital’s public transport network, including London Underground, London Overground, Docklands Light Railway, London Buses and TfL Rail services, as well as managing London’s main roads. TfL does all it can to support the millions of journeys that are made every day and keep the city moving, working and growing. TfL reinvests all income generated through fares and commercial revenue to run and improve services and is committed to reducing costs. The licensing deal for this product was delivered through TSBA Group, TfL’s brand licensing partner.

New Release: The Singleton of Dufftown 54 Year Old

The Paragon of Time series showcases the oldest and rarest expressions ever released by The Singleton of Dufftown. The much anticipated second release of these expressions is this exceptional 54-year-old whisky – a harmonious collaboration between the skilled craftsmanship of the past and the current modern finishing processes of today. The resulting liquid is a layered, balanced and decadently rich single malt. This is a time capsule through the art of whisky making and one to be appreciated and savoured by any whisky lover.

The Singleton 54 Year Old has spent over half a decade in European oak barrels since its creation in 1966, before being treated to an extra maturation in a single Pedro Ximénez-seasoned cask to finish. Bottled at 44.1% ABV and limited to only 235 bottles, it is extremely rare to find any whisky of this age – a true collectors item.

Pre-order today to add this remarkable release to your collection!

Nose: There is a top-note of rich red wine, mellow and dry overall, leading to maraschino cherries and wax furniture polish beneath. A balanced light bitterness emerges through the sweet fruit, while a drop of water introduces aromas of mint toffee.

Palate: For its great age there is vibrancy with a delicate and dry texture. The flavour begins with a fruity sweetness that moves to warm spiced Christmas pudding, clove-studded oranges and a bittersweet hint of burnt sultanas.

Finish: Long-lasting with more of that elegant astringency, a light yet spicy sweetness, and a residual warming glow.

The Singleton of Dufftown
54 Year Old
Paragon of Time No.2

£28,850.00

Pre-Order

Compass Box “Flaming Heart” Sixth Limited Edition Blended Malt Whisky (700ml) ($129.99)

95 points Wine Enthusiast: “Inspired by a rock song by M. Ward, this is a blend of single malts, plus peated Islay whiskey. The original limited edition was released in 2006; this is the sixth release, debuting in the U.S. in September 2018. Overall, this is a soft sipper for those who love peat. Look for a straw hue and lightly smoky scent with a whiff of sea breeze. The velvety palate mingles peat smoke with lemon cream and vanilla, lingering into a gentle fade accented by black pepper. (KN)” (12/2019)

94 points Whisky Advocate: “Refined elegant smoke, quayside ropes, liniment oil, waxed lemon, cake mix, ripe peach, and a buoyant maltiness, as Flaming Heart roars back with a vengeance. After the controversy surrounding the 15th Anniversary edition, this time it’s all about the whisky. Sweet tangy orange, bitter peel oils, dark chocolate, clove, peppercorn, and nutmeg glide into menthol, spice, beeswax, and espresso on the finish. Solid gold: this is what they do best. *Editors’ Choice* (JM, Winter 2018)”

K&L Notes: This is the sixth release from 2018 but bottled in 700ml bottles consolidated from other markets outside the U.S. Compass Box’s well-loved, limited-edition peater is back in stock thanks to the change in U.S. law that allows us to sell 700ml bottles. The sixth edition has reintroduced a subtle sherry-cask character. First released in 2006, the Flaming Heart was the first whisky to combine the robust flavors of Islay peated malt with the complex spice of new French oak. Compass Box is the leading bespoke blender in the U.K. They’re refining and redefining the often-maligned category through innovative use of ultra-high-quality malt and thoughtful barrel selection and management. They’re also about as transparent as the law allows with their blends. In this case, we have: 39% refill bourbon barrels from Caol Ila, 29% refill hoggies from Deanston, 11% re-charred hoggies and 6% refill hoggies from Clynelish, and finally 15% Custom French/first-fill Sherry/refill American oak with a blend of Highland malts (these vattings consist of whiskies from Clynelish, Dailuaine, Teaninich, Benrinnes, Glen Ord, and Allt A Bhainne). It’s a complicated recipe that exemplifies the powerful yet balanced nature that has become so renowned with Flaming Heart.

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Kensington Wine Market’s Whisky E-Newsletter

MALT MESSENGER BULLETIN –

THE ONLINE ONLY 29TH BIRTHDAY SALE

STARTS NOW!

It’s that time of the year again, Kensington Wine Market is turning 29 years old this coming weekend, and we’re celebrating with our Annual Birthday Sale.

As mentioned in my last Malt Messenger, due to the current Covid-19 environment in Alberta, we have decided to close the store to walk-in traffic for the duration of the sale; Thursday, May 13, through Sunday, May 16.

The long and short of it is this: We didn’t want to postpone the sale as we did last year, but with the government asking everyone to stay home as much as possible, it is not appropriate for us to encourage in-store shopping and lineups at the door.

So after a lot of thought and deliberation our 29th Birthday Sale will be going ahead online, but not in-store!

If you are curious about our reasoning, I’ve attached an updated rationale at the end of this newsletter.

While we encourage everyone who can to order online, we will be accommodating phone and email orders from those of you who struggle with online ordering. We will also be taking cash and debit at the door for those who have ordered ahead, and don’t want to pay by credit card.

Please be patient with your phone, email, and online orders. We will work through all the requests as quickly as we can, and in the order that we receive them.

Patience is also requested from anyone requesting packing. We are expecting high volumes, and we won’t be starting on the packing list until Tuesday!

The sale deals and terms are below.

Before jumping to the sale pricing, we have a new tasting to announce. Scott Adamson and Scott Fraser of Tomatin Distillery will be joining us on Friday, May 28, for a Tomatin Vertical tasting to launch our new Tomatin 2006 KWM Cask. We will be showcasing an awesome range and a pair of special guests.

While we’ll miss seeing our regulars during this weekend’s Birthday Sale, we are hopeful this will be a one-time-only occurrence.

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

Happy bargain hunting!

Sincerely,

Andrew Ferguson

Kensington Wine Market

IN THIS EDITION

1. New Tomatin Cask Launch Virtual Tasting with Scott²

2. In Case You Missed It: Our New KWM Exclusive Tomatin 2006 Cask

3. Other Up-Coming Virtual Whisky Tastings

4. 29th Birthday Sale Deals & Rules

5. Why We Decided Not to Allow In-store Shopping During Our Birthday Sale (In Case You Were Note Aware)

NEW TOMATIN VIRTUAL CASK LAUNCH TASTING WITH SCOTT²

Tomatin Cask Release with Scott Fraser & Scott Adamson

·     Date: Friday, May 28

·     Time: 5 PM

·     Cost: $35

·     Pick-Up Date: Available Now!

We have just received our 2nd KWM exclusive cask of Tomatin, and to mark the occasion we will be joined for a special Tomatin vertical tasting with not one, but two Scotts… Scott Adamsom (Global Brands Ambassador) and Scott Fraser (Regional Sales Manager) will be joining us live from Scotland for a virtual tasting of 8 Tomatin single malts: 12 Year, 14 Year, 18 Year, Cask Strength, 1984, the KWM 2006 Cask and the Tomatin Contrasts. 8 whiskies, 15ml samples of each, 2 Scotts of Tomatin, and a Scotch Guy or two from KWM. Just $35 to taste arrange of more than $1500 worth of whisky in fine company! 5 PM, Friday, May 28. AVAILABLE FOR PICK-UP NOW!

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

OUR NEW KWM EXCLUSIVE TOMATIN CASK

When asked what “must visit distilleries” people should be sure to hit when in the Highlands and Speyside area, I almost always list Tomatin. Aside from the facts they are some of my favourite whisky-folk in Scotland, and also make some excellent whisky, Tomatin is also one of the most interesting distilleries in Scotland. It was at one time the largest malt whisky distillery in the country and its site high in the Cairngorm mountains is enormously outsized for its needs today. It is also unashamed of its rough edges, a proud working distillery, which contrasts nicely with the picturesque and carefully manicured visitor centers of the better-known distilleries.

We have just received our second KWM exclusive single cask of Tomatin. We picked it last August, and due to Covid, Brexit and shipping challenges it has only just arrived. There are just 297 bottles, at a very good price!

Tomatin 2006 KWM Cask 33283 – 57.1% – 14 Year – Recharred American Oak Hogshead – My Tasting Note: “Nose: soft, doughy and toasty; vanilla, white chocolate, almonds, and citrus: lemon, lime and orange rinds; wine gums; decadent and floral with chewy malt. Palate: thick, honeyed, and coating; it is warming with Demerara sugar, vanilla extract, and crisp decadent spices; more juicy malt and loads of citrus; more wine gums and strawberry Twizzlers. Finish: medium in length, soft, coating, and spicy; fading honey, vanilla, citrus, floral tones, and toasted oak. Comment: decadent, juicy, and refreshing, this is a lovely addition to our stable of KWM exclusive whiskies; it is also excellent value!: – $118*

*This new cask will not be on sale!

OTHER UP-COMING

VIRTUAL WHISKY TASTINGS

All of our virtual whisky tastings include a range of 15ml samples, sealed for your protection and labeled according to AGLC regulations. The estimated pick-up date is provided for each tasting. Our preference is for pick-up (either in-store or curbside), but they can be delivered within Calgary-city limits for a $10 fee, or shipped within Alberta (packaging and shipping extra). A zoom code will be emailed for each tasting a day or two prior to the event.

KWM Casks – The First Half of 2021

·     Date: Tuesday, June 8

·     Time: 8 PM

·     Cost: $35

·     Pick-Up Date: TBC (Target May 18)

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! 8 PM Tuesday, June 8.

Independents Day: Feis Isle 2021

·     Date: Tuesday, June 15

·     Time: 8 PM

·     Cost: $45

·     Pick-Up Date: TBC (Target May 25)

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.

Introducing: The Whisky Trail with Julie Hamilton & Celine Tetu

·     Date: Friday, June 25

·     Time: 5 PM

·     Cost: $45

·     Pick-Up Date: TBC (Taget 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.

29TH BIRTHDAY SALE DEALS & RULES

Now Through Sunday, May 16

Most In-Stock Whisky and Spirits are 10-50% off, excluding most Scotch Malt Whisky Society Whiskies, and a few other mostly newly arrived items. We do have a dozen or so SMWS whiskies on sale too!

Sale Rules

There are always conditions, but we believe ours are fair!

1. In the spirit of the current Covid-19 environment, there will be No In-Store Shopping!

2. Please place your order online, by email, or by phone.

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

4. Prices quoted do not include GST.

5. Sale pricing will not be applied retroactively or extended on orders placed beyond the end of the sale Sunday, May 16 at 11:59 PM.

6. The sale pricing applies only to in-stock inventory.

7. Sale pricing cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions.

8. Payment info is required at the time of purchase and or order.

BROWSE WHISKY DISCOUNTED 15-50%

WHY WE DECIDED NOT TO ALLOW IN-STORE SHOPPING DURING OUR BIRTHDAY SALE

In case you didn’t see the rationale for the online-only sale in one of our prior newsletters and were wondering why…

As some of you well know, we celebrate our Birthday Sale every year, in mid-May. This is our 29th, which means our 30th Anniversary is also looming…

As with last year, as the date approached, we were faced with a tough decision. Last year we decided to put off the Birthday Sale until June as we were all still feeling our way through the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic, and adjusting precautions almost daily.

Covid-19 numbers are currently at record levels in Alberta and especially Calgary. Even in the best-case scenario, the number of active cases will still be uncomfortably high in the weeks ahead. We want to push ahead with the sale, but don’t think it is responsible for us to encourage in-store shopping and lineups at this time.

In recent weeks, my staff has been confronted by members of the public not wanting to wear masks. These were not people with bonified exemptions, just folks who don’t like the restrictions. I understand as much as anyone how long the last year has been, and the disruption restrictions have had on people’s lives. Patrons of our store need only wear a mask while they are in the shop. My staff and I have to wear masks for our entire workday. We don’t set the rules, but we are expected to encourage customers to respect them. I know people are frustrated and tired, but it is neither fair nor appropriate to take out that frustration on the front line, retail, and service sector employees who are just trying to do their jobs. (we have had two additional incidents in the last few days)

In the spirit of the government’s request for Albertans to stay home as much as possible, and out of an abundance of precaution to protect the health and safety of our staff and customers, we decided not to allow any in-store shopping during our Birthday Sale.

If you come down to the shop over the next few days, you will find the door locked. If you just need some beer or a bottle of wine for the weekend, please order ahead. If you are looking to do a curbside pick-up, you can knock on the door, or call us at 403-283-8000 when you are parked out front.

If you would like to take advantage of the sale deals, we encourage you to order online at kensingtonwinemarket.com, or if online ordering is not your thing, you can call or email in your order.

For the month of May in general, we encourage everyone to strongly consider staying home as much as possible and shopping online or by phone. We also encourage you to take advantage of curbside pick-up and our offer of Free Delivery in Calgary for orders over $100 (flat rate of $10 for orders under).

So please stay home if you can, and don’t forget to support all the other small businesses and restaurants that are struggling right now!

Thank you in advance for your patience, support, and understanding.

Sincerely,

Andrew Ferguson

Owner

Kensington Wine Market

403-283-8000

888-283-9004

(Non-Sale) 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.