Kentucky Senator BOURBON Releases Second Small Batch 

LEXINGTON, KY— Building on the success of its first release, Kentucky Senator Spirits, LLC is preparing a second Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey for release in June and July this year. The limited-edition, William J. DeBoe Release has been aged six years and is named in honor of Senator William J. DeBoe – a Kentucky native who served exactly six years in the U.S. Senate. This small batch Bourbon whiskey will be available at liquor stores, bars and restaurants throughout Kentucky, with single barrel private selections at Liquor Barn, Party Mart and DEP’s retail outlets. The William J. DeBoe Release will also be available online at www.BourbonOutfitter.com and will be featured at Jack Rose Dining Saloon in Washington, D.C. 

With approximately 1,300 bottles, this very small batch whiskey is 107 proof with a mash bill of 75% corn, 21% rye and 4% malted barley. Like the first release, this Bourbon whiskey has been distilled and aged in Kentucky, bottled at Bluegrass Distillers in Lexington and will be distributed by Kentucky Eagle Wine and Spirits. MSRP is $109 per bottle. 

 “It’s been a real pleasure to see our first release enjoyed by so many enthusiasts in the Bourbon community,” said co-manager Damon Thayer. “We are excited to build on that success and debut our second, small batch this summer. As always, we continue our commitment to the finest Kentucky Bourbon whiskey and hope consumers enjoy the history that accompanies each bottle.” 

“Only four months after our first batch and here we are sending our second release to market,” said co-manager Andre Regard. “What an honor this has been, to support Kentucky’s home spirit and connect with our fellow Bourbon aficionados. Kentucky Senator will keep working to deliver superior taste and experience.”  

Kentucky Senator Bourbon’s second release is named for William J. DeBoe of Crittenden County, the very first Kentucky Republican to serve in the U.S. Senate. He completed one, six-year term from 1897 to 1903. William J. DeBoe was also a physician and lawyer, having attended medical school at the University of Louisville. To learn more about William J. DeBoe, visit the company website at www.KySenatorBourbon.com. 

About Kentucky Senator Bourbon: The vintage Kentucky Senator Straight Bourbon Whiskey was originally produced by one of the state’s leading distilling families, Crigler & Crigler, in Covington, and later by Double Springs Distillers, Inc. in Bardstown. Since 2019, this brand revival has been led by Andre Regard and Damon Thayer under Kentucky Senator Spirits, LLC. Kentucky Senator Bourbon is distinguished by its offering of great Bourbon whiskey with a side of Kentucky history. Each batch will carry the name of an esteemed U.S. Senator from the Bluegrass State. The Alben W. Barkley Release was the first Bourbon in Kentucky Senator’s portfolio, named for the U.S. Senator and Vice President under Harry S Truman. The second release is named for one-term Senator William J. DeBoe, the first Republican to represent Kentucky in the U.S. Senate. For more information, visit www.KySenatorBourbon.com. 

Reviews for Alben W. Barkley Release #1:  

Kentucky Senator 15 Year Bourbon Release # 1 is a fantastic whiskey and a bottle I’d recommend picking up should you have the opportunity! – WhiskeyConsensus.com 

Kentucky Senator’s inaugural release is a 15-year-old Kentucky bourbon that is like the best of our politicians – nicely balanced, straightforward, and to the point. – BreakingBourbon.com 

That color is absolutely gorgeous…it’s got a very active nose. This is a really delicious whiskey from a tasting perspective. – Fred Minnick, Forbes Contributor and best-selling whiskey author

Kensginton Wine Market’s Whisky E-Newsletter

I hope this finds you well! Before we get to the meat of this article, I hope you won’t mind a heads up about a big transition we are in the midst of.

As you know, there is always a lot going on at KWM. People visiting us for the first time are almost always shocked by how small the store is because our virtual footprint is so much larger than the actual one. To borrow from an advertising campaign lodged somewhere in my brain, I’ve long thought of Kensington Wine Market as being “smallnormous.” Our ambition, ideas, and presence often exceed our limitations.

The month of June has proven to be an exceptional case of this. Even though we currently have more staff than we have ever had, and things have slowed a little, especially compared to last year. It has been more than a little crazy over the last while. While continuing to serve customers and host virtual tastings we are upgrading our phone systems, migrating our email hosting and trying to get a new website ready to launch in July.

We are especially excited about the new website. In addition to being even more secure, and far less likely to crash, it will also be more visually appealing. It will also give us the opportunity to geek out and share more information about our favourite partners and suppliers. It will also be easier to use, especially on your cell phone, with a simplified purchase and checkout process.

Getting it ready to launch though is an enormous undertaking. The text for each product needs to be reformatted, and we have to start from scratch with our pictures, which will be higher resolution. You may be better able to appreciate the scale of this project when you consider we have 3000+ products in-store at any given time, and more than 6000 over the course of the year.

In order to get the new site ready to launch, we will be no longer updating the old one with product information after this week. It will still list all the products we have in stock, and you will still be able to purchase bottles and tastings from it without issue. But photos and descriptions will no longer be updated, so that energy can be directed to getting the new site over the finish line.

As with any transition this monumental, there are bound to be hiccups along the way. So I am preemptively asking for your patience and understanding!

As with many events in the last 15 months, the 10th Annual MS Calgary Whisky Festival was not able to take place this past January. We wanted to do something to help the MS Society raise a little money, and our good friend Andy Dunn of Gold Medal Marketing suggested we offer a special single cask bottling.

He approached another good friend of ours, Anthony Wills of Kilchoman, who in turn came up with something very special for us. Kilchoman Distillery opened in 2005, with the first spirit flowing from the stills in June. Amongst others, KWM has been fortunate to bottle a pair of 10 year old casks, and in 2020 a 12 year old from Kilchoman. For the fundraiser Anthony Wills offered one of the distillery’s oldest casks, from their first full year of production. The Kilchoman 14 Year MS Society YYC Cask is the oldest whisky from this distillery ever to come to Canada, and it has arrived! $25 from every bottle sold will be going to the MS Society. More details below.

We have also just opened up a slew of new virtual whisky tastings, which will take us through the end of July. We are going to slow things down a little in August, so we can plan for the fall, including our ongoing virtual tastings. More about that in the next full Malt Messenger.

But for now, we have some really cool additions to the virtual tasting schedule, including Kilchoman with Anthony Wills on July 24, which will feature the new 14-Year-old cask. There is also, Highland Park: We’re Not in Scotland Anymore!? on July 15, which will feature a range of whiskies to appeal to the inner Viking in all of us. And then there is Really Rare & Old: Things Andrew Wants to Try, which will feature a 35-year-old Port Ellen, the official Rosebank 30 Year, a 45-year-old Teaninich and the Arran 25 Year amongst others. This tasting isn’t inexpensive, but for what you have the opportunity to try, a range worth more than $13K, it is in another sense priceless.

We also have room in a couple of other upcoming tastings, like Canada D’Eh: Shelter Point, Canada D’Eh: Two Brewers and Introducing: The Whisky Trail with Julie Hamilton & Celine Tetu. Details on these can be found below too.

Lastly, we have also added some more whiskies to our ongoing sale list. As long as certain importers keeping tempting us with deals, we continue to pass them on!

Everything in this newsletter can be purchased online, so please do so if you can! 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 or comments. But be patient, I may be head down working on the new site.

Sincerely,

Andrew Ferguson

Kensington Wine Market

IN THIS EDITION

1. Introducing: The Kilchoman 14 Year MS Society Calgary Cask

2. New Virtual Whisky Tastings

3. Other Up-Coming Virtual Tastings

4. New Additions to the Whisky Bin Ends Sale List!

INTRODUCING:

THE KILCHOMAN 14 YEAR MS SOCIETY YYC CASK

As many of you know, the Kensington Wine Market is the title sponsor of the MS Calgary Whisky Festival. January 2021 would have been our 10th Annual event, but for obvious reasons, we had to pull the plug. Over the last few months, we hatched an idea with our good friend Andy Dunn of Gold Medal Marketing, to select and bottle a cask of whisky, as a fundraiser for the the MS Society of Canada’s Calgary chapter.

Another good friend of KWM, Kilchoman Distillery’s Anthony Wills offered something incredibly special… a 14 year old Kilchoman. This is by 2 years, the oldest Kilchoman ever to come to Canada. The next being our Kilchoman 12 Year KWM Bourbon Cask 338. The Kilchoman 14 Year MS Society YYC Cask has arrived in-store, and is selling for $225+gst, with $25 from every bottle sold going to support the MS Society of Canada.

Kilchoman 14 Year MS Society YYC Cask – 53.4% – Bourbon Cask 78/2006 – Distilled: May 5 2006 – Bottled March 15, 2021 – My Tasting Note: “Nose: soft, doughy and fruity with hints of spruce and beach bonfires; butter poached scallops drizzled in butter and salty lime-mezcalritas; coconut icing on vanilla cupcakes; seaspray on a warm summer day. Palate: big, bold and earthy with a teetering ballance of chewy malt, tarry peat, salty maritime tones and juicy citrus; more lime mezcalritas, lemon drizzled scallops and coconut icing; Dutch licorice, spruce tips and distant beach bonfires to round things out. Finish: long and warming with mildly medicinal tarry peat, loads of citrus, scallops and clean smoke. Comment: compared to our current 12 Year KWM Cask this 14 year old is both bolder with respect to peat and tar, and brighter with respect to its citrus fruits; both are lovely, but completely different animals.” – $225 – $25 per bottle to the MS Society!

NEW VIRTUAL TASTINGS

We have a lot of fun with our virtual tastings, which is partly why they are so successful. We’re a business, and obviously we like to sell things. But we also like trying things we are curious about, and

Highland Park: We’re Not in Scotland Anymore… Are We?!

·     Date: Thursday, July 15

·     Time: 8 PM

·     Cost: $65

·     Pick-Up Date: June 21

While looking for tasting ideas we were surprised to discover that a couple of the Highland Park themed whisky pairs were still kicking around. Highland Park went heavy on the Viking themes about a decade ago, the pinnacle of which was Light & Dark, Fire & Ice. We thought it might be fun to revisit these curiosities, along with a couple of friends. Join us for a dissection of Highland Park whiskies including: Ice Edition 17 Year, Fire Edition 15 Year, The Dark 17 Year, The Light 17 Year, Valknut, Valfather, 18 Year and an 18 Year IB single cask. 8x 15ml samples. 8P M, Thursday July 15.

*Samples available for pick-up Monday June 21.

Really Rare & Old: Things Andrew Wants to Try

·     Date: Thursday, July 22

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $300

·     Pick-Up Date: June 25

If you think Andrew looks excited in the photo above, imagine him with the range below in front of him!

We’re back with another baller range of whiskies the big guy is dying to try. The Covid-19 pandemic hit just days before we were supposed to host our first-ever Rare & Old Whisky Festival. We were gutted to have to pull the plug, but it was the right decision, and it will likely be next winter before we return to sit-down in-store, let alone festival-style tasting… but we’ve still had some fun, and will continue to. There are more than a few old and rare whiskies we want to taste, and we know we are not alone in this. The first “Rare & Old: Things Andrew Wants to Try” tasting was a hit. So we are following it up by taking things to a whole other level, with “Really Rare & Old: Things Andrew Wants to Try”. This time our range includes: XOP Port Ellen 35 Year, XOP Blacks Glenrothes 30 Year, North of Scotland 50 Year & Teaninich 45 Year, as well as the official Rosebank 30 Year, Johnnie Walker Bicentenary Blend & Arran 25 Year. In all nearly 250 years of whisky worth north of $13K+gst, including 2 closed-ish distillery drams. 7 PM Thursday, July 22. Includes 7x15ml samples.

*Samples available for pick-up June 25th (Estimate).

Kilchoman Virtual Tasting with Anthony Wills

·     Date: Saturday, July 24

·     Time: 5 PM

·     Cost: $35

·     Pick-Up Date: June 21

We are usually fortunate to welcome Anthony Wills of Kilchoman at least once a year for a tasting in-store. But due to Covid-19, it’s been a wee while. Since he last visited our shores, we’ve launched a 12 Year Kilchoman KWM Cask, and we’ve just received a Kilchoman 14-Year-old cask, bottled for the MS Society. So we are long overdue for a tasting and thrilled that Anthony has agreed to join us live from Scotland for a virtual Kilchoman tasting. In all, we have set aside a range of 8 Kichoman whiskies for the tasting: Machir Bay, Machir Bay Cask Strength (sold out), Sanaig 2021, Loch Gorm 2021, Fino Sherry Matured (sold out), 100% Islay 2020 (sold out) and the two casks: 12 Year KWM Cask and 14 Year MS Society YYC Cask. 5 PM, Saturday, July 24. 8x 15ml samples.

*Samples will be ready for pick-up Monday June 21 (Estimate).

NEW WHISKIES FROM CADENHEAD

Introducing: The Whisky Trail with Julie & Celine

·     Date: Friday, June 25

·     Time: 8 PM

·     Cost: $45

·     Pick-Up Date: Available Now

·     Only 7 spots left!

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 NOW!

Canada D’Eh: Shelter Point Distillery

·     Date: Tuesday, June 29

·     Time: 8 PM

·     Cost: $25

·     Pick-Up Date: Available Now

·     Only 14 spots left!

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 NOW!

Canada D’Eh: Two Brewers Whisky

·     Date: Wednesday, June 30

·     Time: 8 PM

·     Cost: $25

·     Pick-Up Date: Available Now

·     Only 6 spots left!

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 ADDITIONS TO THE SALE LIST

When we get a deal, we pass it along. The full whisky sale list can be viewed in the PDF below, or by browsing All Sale Items on our website! Here are some of the latest and greatest new deals, to be added to our seemingly permanent “sale” list:

1. Auchentoshan 12 Year – Regular $61.99 – Save 20% – Sale $49.59

2. Auchentoshan Three Wood – Regular $82.99 – Save 20% – Sale $66.39

3. Bowmore 18 Year – Regular $124.99 – Save 20% – Sale $99.99

4. Bruichladdich Laddie Classic – Regular $74.99 – Save 25% – Sale $59.99

5. Bunnahabhain 12 Year – Regular $74.99 – Save 15% – Sale $63.74

6. Craigellachie 13 Year – Regular $75.99 – Save 30% – Sale $53.19

7. Dalmore Port Wood – Regular $129.99 – Save 20% – Sale $103.99

8. Glenfarclas 12 Year – Regular $69.99 – Save 20% – Sale $55.99

9. Jura Seven Wood – Regular $121.99 – Save 35% – Sale $79.29

10.   Mortlach 16 Year – Regular $139.99 – Save 25% – Sale $104.99

11. Port Askaig 100 Proof – Regular $79.99 – Save 20% – Sale $63.99

12.  Port Askaig 8 Year – Regular $67.99 – Save 20% – Sale $54.39

13. Redemption Bourbon – Regular $54.99 – Save 25% – Sale $41.24

14. Redemption Rye – Regular $49.99 – Save 25% – Sale $37.49

15. Teeling Single Malt – Regular $95.99 – Save 25% – Sale $71.99

BROWSE ALL WHISKIES ON 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.*

Make your gift extra special…

Perfect as a gift for Father’s Day or to mark any special occasion – this is your opportunity to personalise a bottle of whisky with a thoughtful, hand-engraved message, ensuring the bottle lasts much longer than the whisky…

Engrave a bottle →

Michel Couvreur “Peaty Overaged” K&L Exclusive Malt Whisky (750ml)

$79.99 View

The chance to work with Michel Couvreur on a special K&L whisky project was something that David and I had been dreaming of for years. We had heard the stories. This crazy Belgian had moved to Burgundy in the ’60s, carved out a wine cellar inside a mountain, only to fill it with Scottish single malt whisky instead of Pinot Noir. He set up camp in Beaune, ordered new-make spirit to be delivered by tanker, and drove down to Jerez himself, selecting his own sherry butts to ensure the finest quality casks for his contracted spirit. Unfortunately, Michel Couvreur passed away in 2013 from pancreatic cancer, thus ending the career of one of the industry’s most courageous pioneers. Luckily for us, however, apprentice Jean-Arnaud has carried on after studying under Michel for more than a decade. When we visited the underground cave, we were all in total awe. The tunnels of dripping stone go on forever, and the amount of whisky stored in this secret lair is jawdropping. We put our trust completely in Jean-Arnaud and are happy we did. Our peated version of the incredible sherry expression is a seamless creation that drinks like the best version of Johnnie Black ever, mixed with the most supple and soft expressions of Macallan. It’s a lush, unfiltered, creamy, caramel-laden dream of a whisky composed only of malts 12 years and older. There’s a bit of peat on the finish, but the soft sherry is the star. (NOTE: do NOT cut the hard wax seal, use a wine opener to go through it).

SPIRIT OF YORKSHIRE DISTILLERY RELEASES FILEY BAY PEATED FINISH

The light and subtly smoky whisky comes after the success of the ambitious distillery’s ‘finished’ releases last year

Filey Bay, Yorkshire’s first single malt whisky, made by the ambitious Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery, is releasing a brand new expression – Filey Bay Peated Finish. After the success of its ‘finished’ releases in 2020, the Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery decided to go one step further and finish its light and fruity house style whisky in peated casks to deliver a subtle note of peat smoke. Balanced and delicate, Filey Bay Peated Finish is soft and sweet with a gentle twist of smoke making this release perfect for any whisky fan whatever their preference.

This exciting new cask type not only adds dimension to the distinctive, creamy and light whisky, but also brings together the forward thinking distillery’s ethos of respecting tradition with a progressive approach. Filey Bay Peated Finish uses a combination of two of the distillery’s distillate styles from a small selection of stunning bourbon casks laid down in the spring and summer of 2017, which undergoes a secondary maturation in peated casks. Light, sweet and coastal, expect flavours of soft vanilla, caramel, subtle peat smoke and bright citrus.

Co-founded by Tom Mellor and David Thompson, the Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery began making whisky in 2016. The distillery is located a stone’s throw from co-founder Tom Mellor’s working arable farm in Hunmanby on the Yorkshire coast, which has been in Mellor’s family since World War II.

“After the success of our ‘finished’ releases last year, we’re really excited to announce our next step, Filey Bay Peated Finish. This bottling is a much anticipated first, as we give our light and fruity signature whisky a subtle sweet smokiness by finishing in peated casks.” said Spirit of Yorkshire Director and Co-Founder, David Thompson.

The distillery’s Whisky Director, Joe Clark added: “Opinions can sometimes be divided on peated whisky, and this release strikes very much at the middle ground for those who love peated whisky and those who are not so sure. Our Peated Finish is all about balance – it’s the perfect dram for any whisky fan.”

The distillery’s traditional yet progressive approach results in a distinctive whisky which is creamy, light and fruity with flavours of citrus, honey, caramel and vanilla, whilst it gets its complex and refined character from maturation in a range of ex-bourbon and sherry barrels. Named after the pristine beach in North Yorkshire visible from the distillery, the gannets that gather on nearby Bempton Cliffs have become an emblem of the brand and appear on its vibrant label.

Alongside Filey Bay Peated Finish, the Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery’s initial ‘finished’ range includes the Filey Bay STR Finish, aged partly in former red wine barriques; the Filey Bay Moscatel Finish, aged in Spanish Moscatel wine barrels; and various other limited-run releases using a range of maturation techniques. Filey Bay Flagship is the distillery’s first widely available bottling, following the limited-run First Release and Second Release.

Filey Bay Peated Finish will be available to purchase from June from the distillery’s website here, RRP £60.

Notes 

Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery Hunmanby Industrial Estate, The Distillery, Unit 1, Hunmanby, Filey, YO14 0PH. www.spiritofyorkshire.com @SpiritOfYorkshire

About Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery

Spirit of Yorkshire distillery was set up in 2016 by Tom Mellor and David Thompson in Hunmanby, North Yorkshire, UK. A sister operation to the Wold Top Brewery, it is located close to the owners’ arable farm, which specialises in growing malting barley, and uses progressive, sustainable farming practices and unique distillation methods in its range of single malt whiskies.

The distillery’s operations are underpinned by a long-standing passion for sustainable agriculture and careful environmental stewardship: all of the barley used in its production is grown on the farm, making it one of the only genuinely field to bottle distilleries in the UK, while chalk aquifers directly underneath the farm provide a consistent water supply that’s ideal for whisky distilling.

Both Mellor and Thompson have worked in farming and agriculture in the local area for decades. Passionate about low-impact farming techniques being used wherever possible, issues like soil health and biodiversity are also front-of-mind when it comes to the farm’s operations. The distillery will continue its regular tours for locals and visitors looking to find out more about the distilling process from 21st June, while the resident Pot Still Café will continue to offer speciality coffee alongside breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea menus made from produce sourced from local artisans

GlenDronach

Friday, June 18th, 4-6PM

Saturday, June 19th, 12-4PM

Join us this Friday, June 18th from 4-6PM and Saturday, June 19th from 12-4PM for our GlenDronach scotch tastings, presented by whisky expert and ambassador Rory Glasgow. We’ll have a variety of award-winning whiskies to try, with Rory and our whisky experts present for all your whisky questions.

Established in 1826, Highland distillery GlenDronach was one of the very first licensed distilleries in Scotland. The award-winning GlenDronach range marries the best of Highland and Spanish skill and heritage to offer whiskies of elegant, complex character and tremendous depth of taste. Masters of Sherry Maturation, GlenDronach scotches are recognized for their deep color and rich flavor profiles, ranging from sweet fruity Pedro Ximenez sourced single malts, to the dry and nutty Olorosso expressions.

RSVPs are appreciated! Click below to RSVP through facebook.

Friday, June 18th, 4-6PM

Saturday, June 19th, 12-4PM

Current Store Hours at The Whisky Shop:

Open 10AM – 6PM, every day

We respect and enforce California’s Covid Lockdown guidelines, including reduced capacity, mask-wearing, and social distancing.

 

Gordon & MacPhail introduces The World’s Oldest Single Malt Scotch Whisky: Generations 80YO From Glenlivet Distillery presented in partnership with Sir David Adjaye OBE

ELGIN, SCOTLAND, 15 June 2021: Whisky creator Gordon & MacPhail is set to release the world’s oldest single malt Scotch whisky this September – an 80-Years-Old from Glenlivet Distillery – in partnership with Sir David Adjaye OBE.

Download Video HERE

On 3rd February 1940 in a quiet corner in the north of Scotland, George Urquhart and his father, John, had the extraordinary foresight and vision to lay down spirit from Glenlivet Distillery in a bespoke Gordon & MacPhail cask to be enjoyed by future generations.

To celebrate John and George Urquhart’s vision, Gordon & MacPhail has collaborated with internationally acclaimed architect and designer, Sir David Adjaye OBE, to create a unique decanter and oak case to house the world’s most precious whisky to date. Described as ‘an architect with an artist’s sensibilities and vision’, Adjaye was a natural choice as a creative partner; a man who shares the company’s values of artistry, legacy, and craftsmanship.

“When collaborating, I am looking for like-minded partners in terms of their craft, beliefs and traditions. I loved Gordon & MacPhail’s rigour and obsession with their products and their craft – a romantic commitment that enables one to do exceptional things. Our partnership felt so organic,” expresses Adjaye.

Referred to by renowned whisky writer Charlie MacLean as ‘the father of single malt’, George Urquhart passionately believed that each whisky should be left to mature until the cask and spirit had combined to create the desired quality, and it was ready to be shared. The time for Cask 340 was to be 80 years – longer than any other Scotch whisky in history.

On 5th February 2020, leaning on the unique skill and experience acquired over more than 125 years, the decision was taken to finally bottle the cask’s precious out-turn, yielding a total of 250 decanters.

“That this whisky – the oldest single malt Scotch ever bottled – remains so full of vibrant flavour with a strength of 44.9% ABV, is testimony to knowledge handed down over successive generations of my family,” explains Stephen Rankin, Director of Prestige at Gordon & MacPhail Whiskies, and member of the fourth generation of the family that owns the company.

For over 125 years, Gordon & MacPhail has been driven by a simple mission: to create single malt Scotch whisky of exceptional quality. Through four generations of family ownership, the company has matched its own casks with spirit from over 100 Scottish distilleries. It is this unique depth and breadth of experience that enables Gordon & MacPhail to combine oak, spirit and time to create iconic whiskies found nowhere else in the world.

“Maturing a single malt Scotch over eight decades is an art,” adds Ewen Mackintosh, Managing Director at Gordon & MacPhail, “similar in many ways to architecture where you are creating something that needs to stand the test of time. Neither can be rushed. Both Sir David and Gordon & MacPhail share a commitment to invest in the future. We both see the significance of creating something exceptional; leaving a legacy for future generations.”

In the same way that a 50th anniversary is commemorated by gold, 80 years is traditionally symbolised by oak – a pleasing reflection of this whisky, cradled in oak for eight decades. Sir David Adjaye’s stunning decanter and case will be revealed in September 2021, with decanter number #1 auctioned by Sotheby’s in early October 2021. To continue the legacy theme, auction proceeds, minus costs, will be donated to award-winning Scottish charity Trees for Life whose mission is to rewild the Caledonian Forest. 

“It’s fitting that this release will provide a relevant, valuable and long-lasting legacy with direct benefits for many,” comments Ewen Mackintosh.

The Generations range from Gordon & MacPhail has previously presented some of the longest matured single malt Scotch whisky ever to be bottled. Its reputation will be further enhanced this September when the Gordon & MacPhail Generations 80YO from Glenlivet Distillery will finally be unveiled.

Register interest via: GORDONANDMACPHAIL.COM

@GORDONANDMACPHAIL

Watch Hill Proper bourbon bar releases layout and renderings and

announces prominent industry leading members

Bourbon enthusiasts have until June 15 to sign up as a Founding Member

PROSPECT, Ky. (June 7, 2021) – Watch Hill Proper, Louisville’s first premier bourbon club located in Norton Commons, is releasing the layout and renderings for their 5,200 sq. ft. location anticipated to open in the first quarter of 2022. Both the layout and renderings were provided by Design + Inc., an award-winning architectural and design firm that specializes in the restaurant industry.

The club will feature The Fermenter – a waiting room with a smaller bar – two private rooms, a Member Lounge, and a Library. The Member Lounge will be accessible to members during the day, before official opening hours of the club. The Library will be a place for members to relax and expand their bourbon knowledge. The main bar will be in a large open room with nearly 1,000 bottles of bourbon behind the bar. A unique bourbon barrel ceiling feature will be a focal point of the club, with barrels located throughout the club.

“We are really pleased with the design process so far and seeing our vision take shape,” says co-founder Josh Howes. “We want a comfortable space that feels like a big living room yet reminds you of a bourbon distillery. When you first walk inside you will know you are in a special place, and I think our design will achieve that goal.”

Watch Hill Proper began accepting membership applications through its website for all membership types on May 12 of this year.  Industry leaders affiliated with high quality brands including Four Gate, Beam Suntory, Woodford Reserve, Heaven Hill, Angel’s Envy, Castle & Key, Four Roses, Limestone Branch and Peerless have already joined the club.  Many authors and influencers have also joined, and more are being added daily.  “We have received tremendous support from the entire bourbon industry,” says co-founder Josh Howes, “and we can’t wait to promote their brands through our club events.”

“One of the aspects of Watch Hill Proper we are most excited about is the support from the community as well as the bourbon industry,” says co-founder Tommy Craggs. “We have a lot of Bourbon Industry members already who are partnering with us to bring special events to the club. They have been given a special page on our website because they will help make sure Watch Hill Proper will be an exciting place to visit on a regular basis.”

Membership applications submitted by June 15, 2021 will have Founder Member status with additional perks including the ability to attend barrel picks, behind-the-scenes distillery tours in 2021 and 2022, priority access to rent a spirit locker, as well as one complimentary bourbon tasting a month. Membership will be capped to ensure a premier experience for the members. The club will be open to the public, but members will have reservation privileges, receive a 20% discount on drinks, and have the ability to attend special events amongst more than a dozen additional privileges.

Watch Hill Proper not only plans to deliver a large selection of bourbon and whiskey cocktails, but Howes states that prices will be extremely competitive. “One of the questions I am asked the most is what are our prices? We have posted some sample drink prices on our website because we want our members, and potential members, to know that our goal is to provide one of the best values in the city of Louisville. We want our guests to try lots of new bourbons and we will provide a large selection at good prices. Plus, every week members will have access to our ‘break-even pour’ which is a bottle that we select to be priced by the drink at our cost. Not many bars are willing to do that.”

For membership details, please visit the Watch Hill Proper website at www.watchhillproper.com or contact Bev Reese at (502) 230-1982.

About Watch Hill Proper:

Watch Hill Proper is Louisville’s first premier membership bourbon club anticipated to open early 2022. Our purpose is to be a community built around a common interest – bourbon. Our goal is to be a community of ambassadors for Kentucky’s signature industry. And do it in style. For more information about Watch Hill Proper, or to apply for membership, visit www.watchhillproper.com.

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