New Arrivals from Signatory Vintage

Ben Nevis, Cambus, Edradour & More!

New whiskies from Signatory including a very heavily sherried Edradour 10 Year Old, Ben Nevis 27 Year Old, Cambus 28 Year Old and new single casks of heavily peated Ballechin. Something for everyone!

Shop – New Whiskies from Signatory Vintage

TRAVEL RETAIL EXCLUSIVE:

Introducing the luxurious Tomatin 21 Year Old

The new Travel Retail exclusive marks a year of exceptional growth for the distillery 

13^th February 2020: Tomatin, the award-winning Highland distillery, has today announced the latest addition to the exceptional global Travel Retail range, the 21 Year Old. The brand-new Travel Retail exclusive will be available in selected Travel Retail outlets globally for €175, and is the latest in a series of high profile releases for Tomatin, who are currently celebrating a massive 70% growth in the travel retail sector in 2019.

Making its first appearance this week at Cinderella, the world’s largest floating whisky fair, this luxurious dram has been matured for over two decades in 1st fill ex-bourbon casks, resulting in a light and smooth single malt. On the nose, expect subtle aromas of soft topical fruits complemented by warm flavours of freshly baked croissant giving way to notes of apple and sweet honey on the palate before transitioning to a final, buttery finish.

Tomatin’s Travel Retail range contains the 8 Year Old (matured in Bourbon and Sherry casks), the 12 Year Old (a one litre version of Tomatin’s flagship malt), the 15 Year Old (matured in American Oak), and the 40 Year Old (the premium oloroso sherry expression), described by prolific scotch whisky expert Charles MacLean as “First rate, with an elegant sweet and spicy flavour profile across all the ages.”  Each bottle in the distillery’s Travel Retail range won either a gold or double gold award at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Graham Nicolson, Sales Director at Tomatin, said: “Our Travel Retail range has won dozens of awards over the years, and I’m confident that the 21 Year Old will perform incredibly well across the globe. Between 2018/19, we experienced a massive growth of over 70%, and thanks to exciting releases like the 21 Year Old, we’re expecting continued growth in this sector in 2020.” 

Bottled at 46% alc./vol, Tomatin’s new 21 Year Old is sold in 700ml bottles, and will be available at selected airports across the globe, including Amsterdam, Istanbul and Sydney, for €175.

Notes: 

Tomatin Distillery has been producing and blending malt Scotch whisky since 1897. Over the last 50 years, the distillery has borne witness to vast change. At its peak in the 1970s, Tomatin was the largest distillery in the world operating 23 stills and producing 12 million litres of alcohol every year. Over the last decade, significant time has been invested in rediscovering the distillery, people and values, and in refining the business model to move away from the formerly lucrative bulk commodity market to now focus on Tomatin’s core range of single malts.

Tomatin is located in the Scottish Highlands (near Inverness) and is famous for its portfolio of soft and mellow whiskies, including a core range, a limited-edition range and a premium archive range (prices range from £35 – £10,000). In the last ten years, Tomatin has secured over 60 prestigious awards in a variety of categories, and in 2019 the distillery celebrated its most successful year ever at the San Francisco World Spirit Competition, securing seven Double Gold awards and four Gold awards.

About the The 21 Year Old 

• Cask: exclusive 1^st fill ex-bourbon casks
• Colour: natural
• Filter: non-chill
• Bottle size: 700ml
• Price: €175

Fall in love with flavour:  explore an alluring selection of new bottlings for different moods and occasions.

CHAMPAGNE AND ROSES

CASK NO. 80.10

CASK:  Refill hogshead

AGE:  11 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Light & delicate

BLACKBERRIES, BUBBLE-GUM AND BOUGAINVILLEA

CASK NO. 112.49

CASK:  2nd fill barrel

AGE:  18 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Sweet, fruity and mellow

ULTIMATE CREAM TEA

CASK NO. 12.28

CASK:  1st fill barrel

AGE:  9 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Sweet & spicy

DANCING A DUET

CASK NO. 59.57

CASK:  New oak hogshead

AGE:  10 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Spicy & dry

SOOTHING THE MIND

CASK NO. G6.8

CASK:  1st fill Oloroso hogshead

AGE:  37 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Deep, rich and dried fruits

PEAT FAERIE 2

CASK NO. N/A

CASK:  1st fill barrels and refill hogsheads

AGE:  7 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Lightly peated

VIGOROUS, CONCENTRATED INTENSITY

CASK NO. 53.288

CASK:  Refill hogshead

AGE:  11 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Peated

Virginia Distillery Company’s American Single Malt Takes Home ‘Best American Blended Malt’ for Fourth Year

Virginia Distillery Company’s American Single Malt sneak peek recognized at World Whiskies Awards Distillery also takes home ‘Best American Blended Malt’ for Fourth Year Lovingston, Va. (Feb. 12, 2020) – American Single Malt whisky distillery Virginia Distillery Company recently won ‘Best Single Malt’ in the NoVirginia Distillery Company’s American Single Malt sneak peek recognized at World Whiskies Awards Distillery also takes home ‘Best American Blended Malt’ for Fourth Year Lovingston, Va. (Feb. 12, 2020) – American Single Malt whisky distillery Virginia Distillery Company recently won ‘Best Single Malt’ in the No Age Statement category for the pre-release of its American Single Malt line, Courage & Conviction, called Prelude: Courage & Conviction at the World Whiskies Awards. The distillery’s Port Cask Finished Virginia-Highland Whisky also won ‘Best American Blended Malt’ for a fourth year.

The American results were announced in New York City on February 11. The awards program highlights whiskies from around the world. The international results will be announced on March 26 at an awards dinner in London.

“Last night’s results were a result of the distillery team’s dedication, teamwork and passion for ultra-premium whisky,” Virginia Distillery Company CEO Gareth Moore said. “I’m very proud of these accolades, which adds to the momentum for the upcoming release of our Flagship offering of Courage & Conviction this spring.”

Aged a minimum of three years at the distillery nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, Prelude: Courage & Conviction features notes of caramel and butterscotch and evolves on the palate with hints of dark dried fruit, raspberry, barrel spice and vanilla. The finish is creamy and exceptionally smooth. The whisky was released in the fall of 2019 as a sneak peek to Virginia Distillery Company’s upcoming Flagship offering of Courage & Conviction, which will be released nationally in Spring 2020. The 100% malted barley whisky is matured in former Bourbon, Sherry and Cuvée wine casks, producing a uniquely nuanced profile. These whiskies were produced under the tutelage of the late Dr. Jim Swan, known for crafting some of the world’s greatest whiskies.

Virginia’s pronounced temperature swings between winter and summer accelerate the maturation of the Courage & Conviction series. The whisky’s name is a nod to a phrase the late founder Dr. George G. Moore was often heard saying: “Have the courage of your convictions.”

As the whiskies of Courage & Conviction aged, the distillery offered its cask finished Virginia-Highland Whisky series, which marries American Single Malt made onsite with whisky from Scotland. The Port Cask Finished Virginia-Highland Whisky served as the flagship offering of this series, earning ‘Best American Blended Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards in 2017, 2018, 2019 and again in 2020. Other finishes from the Virginia-Highland Whisky series includes beer, chardonnay and cider, which ranked in Whisky Advocates 2019 Top 20. This award-winning series will continue to be sold alongside the Courage & Conviction line.

The awards are a part of the World Drinks Awards program which launched in 2007 with the World Whiskies Awards and World Beer Awards. Judges for the awards included a panel composed of leading journalists, specialist drinks retailers, bartenders/mixologists and hoteliers. Each entry is tasted blind, and in addition to nose, palate and finish the judges look for balance, character, complexity, quality and functionality when judging.

For more information, visit the distillery’s website.

About Virginia Distillery Company:

Virginia Distillery Company is currently crafting its ultra-premium American Single Malt whisky line, Courage & Conviction, at the distillery located in Lovingston, Virginia. These whiskies yield a complex taste, due to the influence of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains and maturation in former Bourbon, Sherry and Cuvée wine casks. The casks have been resting since November 2015 and the Flagship offering will be released in the Spring of 2020. A sneak peek pre-release product called “Prelude: Courage & Conviction” became available nationally on October 1, 2019.

Bunnahabhain 6 Year Old 2013 vintage heavily peated Islay single malt Scotch whisky. Single cask first fill Bourbon barrel #TWB1009 bottled 2019 for The Whisky Barrel ORIGINALS series. 235 numbered bottles. MAXIMUM 3 BOTTLES PER CUSTOMER. Nose: Minerals, pet smoke, brine, vanilla and milk chocolate. Taste: Sea salt, bonfire smoke, toasted oak and vanilla. Finish: Endless oily and smoky finish with chocolate and tobacco.

Bunnahabhain Staoisha 6 Year Old

Heavily peated Islay single malt matured in a first fill bourbon barrel. This great value malt is proving a hit with our customers – get your bottle before they are gone for good!

Shop – Bunnahabhain 6 Year Old 2013 – £45.00

Bunnahabhain Distillery was established in 1881 on the north eastern tip of the Isle of Islay by the shore of Bunnahabhain Bay and overlooking the Sound of Islay. All the building materials were transported by puffer and unloaded at the distillery pier. Now tucked away at the end of the single track ‘main’ road with spectacular scenery all the way. Bunnahabhain Distillery is equipped with four huge pear shaped stills and produces Scottish malt whisky which is released in blends and in single malt and single cask bottlings. A participant in Feis Ile, the annual Islay Festival of Malt and Music. Core editions include Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old and 18 Year Old.

Our spirits collectors will be pleased to find Bourbon arrivals from Corner Creek, Maker’s Mark, and Backbone. In-demand and produced in limited quantities, we don’t expect this trio to last for long.

Corner Creek 10 Year Old Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $59.99 View

The enigmatic Corner Creek brand was bottled for years at a famous little family owned distillery in Bardstown. Recently the brand moved production to the Kentucky Artisan Distillery in Crestwood production and relaunched with this new 10 year old expression. The source is a secret, but there’s no question that Corner Creek has the connections to find some seriously delicious bourbon and this new expression is leaps and bounds ahead of the previous no-age-stated Corner Creek. They’ve selected their choicest stocks for this product and bottled them without chill-filteration. Even at 88 proof, this bourbon exhibits great richness and texture, wonderful depth, and an believable balance. This is the sort of bourbon that appeals to the most novice drinker (due to its approachable character) but will be interesting enough to satisfy even the most jaded bourbon nut. Please note that due to the lack of filtration you’ll notice some haziness in the whiskey. This is completely normal and means your bourbon is packed with flavor. K&L is the only store in California selling this exceptional offering.

Sample Image

Maker’s Mark 46 K&L Exclusive “Equal Parts Baked American Pure 2 & Maker’s 46 Barrel” Private Select Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $69.99 View

It’s hard to believe that we’ve done already done ten barrels of Maker’s Mark Private Selection. Of course, there are 1001 permutations of the 10 staves of 5 different types and we’ve only gotten through just a handful, but we’re getting pretty good at putting these together. Of course, there’s alot of guess work in our selection and even when we repeate a similar recipe the result are not always the same. As with all things, beauty is the eye of the beholder and every drinker perfers the nuances of one whisky over another for whatever reasons, but some recipes just keep drawing us back. If you’re not aware of the process for the creation of the Private Select, Maker’s dumps a small batch of cask strength bourbon, which is then infused with our selection of 5 different stave types. These are various types of oak toasted and charred in different ways and degrees. After 90 days aging in their customer warehouse, the Private Select is ready for bottling. We’ve loved every barrel we’ve bottled, but one thing that our favorites had in common was high porpotions of the Pure 2 and the 46 stave. Pure 2, an american oak stave adds vanilla, carmelized sugar and subtle spice. The 46 is french oak gives dried fruit and more vanilla with hints of exotic spices. Together they take the sweet round profile of Maker’s to the next level without obstructing its naturally delicious character. So we’ve married those two special staves in equal parts. The result is a triumph. Give it a bit of air.

Backbone 11 Year Old K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Bourbon (750ml) $149.99 View

From the folks who brought you Redemption Rye comes a new project – Backbone Bourbon. Given the exceptional industry contacts, Backbone has been able to source some very old whisky from MGP in Indiana. Distilled in July of 2008 and bottled in November 2019, this 11 year bourbon has an unusual but compelling profile. It is slightly lighter in body than you’d expect given the age, but overcompensates for any missing weight with tons of bright flavors dominated by zesty candied orange peel and freshly cut cedar. It is bottled uncut and unfiltered clocks in at 56.2%ABV.

2005 Laphroaig 13 Year Old “Chieftain’s” K&L Exclusive Single Sherry Butt Cask Strength Unchillfiltered Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($159.99)

The magical distillery on the south shore of Islay, like all south shore distillers, is quite unlike any other. But Laphroaig has a certain place in the hearts of the hardest core peat lovers. They’re the last distiller down there to malt a portion of their barley on site. Their complex system of tiny stills create the most peculiar and enticing peated spirit in the world. The quality and consistency of their casks is second to none. But over the last decade, what was once a staple in the independent bottling repertoire has completely disappeared. Laphroaig is simply not selling casks any longer. And when we do find casks they’re usually in very inactive hogsheads and declassified to their trade name, “Williamson.” Now that’s not a huge problem because Laphroaig always tastes good, but bottlers can’t replace even those few casks the prices have gone absolutely bonkers. Signatory recently bottled a sister cask those we sold here just three years ago for $200, Laphroaig from the Fall of 1997, for $700. And by God those bottles sell. But a beautiful butt for a not completely abhorrent price, we jumped all over it. Thank the Lord of the Isles that we did, as it’s a complete and utter masterpiece. Some purists askew the idea of Laphroaig in active sherry, but much of the experience is limited to low proof distillery bottlings and finishes. It’s truly a stupendous find and going to be one of those casks that people remember for years to come. Collectors and drinkers alike take note

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 07, 2019

Laphroaig is one of those incredible things that is both polarizing and unifying, sometimes between the same people at the same exact time. I personally adore almost everything I taste from this special distillery. Yes there are some underwhelming distillery bottlings that might feel a bit over manipulated, but the whisky is never ever bad. The great heights that can be achieved by Laphroaig are truly unbelievable. And uniquely, some of the very best from this special distillery are not even very old. The very best Laphroaig I’ve ever had the great pleasure of tasting are no more than 10 years old, given they’d have been distilled 40 or 50 years ago, but the fact remains that Laphroaig is often more special in its youth. For years Laphroaig has felt like a bit of a secret that you weren’t sure you wanted to share with everyone you know. Particularly that was true of the special single casks that we’d come across in warehouses and whisky shops throughout Scotland. But in the current climate, where the distillery itself has no need or use for trading or brokering excess production, what was once a special secret to find and share is now an endangered species completely. So when we get offered casks like this we expect them to be unfathomably expensive. But even if this were twice the price I’d still have bought it. This is that perfectly idiosyncratic Laphroaig, apt to have you disagreeing with yourself. Deep wafting peat, a mix of bitter herbs, salty ocean trawler, candied apricots and diesel engine. Old leather furniture, Seville oranges, not quite tropical, but not so severe as it might be. On the palate a building sweetness envelopes the powerful smoke as it wafts toward the olfactory system. Dark chocolate, salted plums, menthol and magic. A total dream and a secret that deserves to be kept.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 23, 2019

Every so often time stops, a dizzying array of pieces fall into place, and you’re left with one special moment. Such is drinking this masterpiece. Tragically, Chieftain’s is going away. One of the most storied and high quality bottlers in Scotland has pulled out all of the stops for it’s swan song. Aged to perfection this cask toes the line perfectly between every facet of Laphroaig. It’s equally salty, malty, fruity, floral, and smoky in that amazing way that only Laphroaig can be. In addition there is a splendid cigar box spice provided by an amazing barrel of the highest quality and perfectly matched to the whisky. Not overpowering, it is just robust enough to blend seamlessly with everything on offer from the spirit. My best Laphroaig drinking experience was having John Campbell, Distillery Manager, walk me through the classic 10 year, a single cask bourbon barrel roughly 14 years old, and the legendary 30 year. The insights those 3 carefully chosen whiskies provided into the soul of Laphroaig is something I will never forget. It set off a personal and more in depth study of the whisky behind the smoke and iodine that the distillery is so famous for. This one cask highlights the traits that makes the the malt from this special place so complete and such a rarity in the flavor spectrum without giving up that core profile. Tasting this malt and then going back to Laphroaig 10 will forever unlock for the drinker the often overlooked and underappreciated glory of the classic expression.

Stefanie Juelsgaard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 23, 2019

Laphroaig very infrequently releases anything new, let alone a single cask of something new. Fans of the classic Laphroaig style will not be disappointed here, but will also be pleased to find new tastes and expressions. Rich texture and creamy peat notes get a kick from a slight jalapeno pepper spice in the back. This extremely limited and special release could retail for much higher given its scarcity. Lucky for us it doesn’t.

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 18, 2019

Since barrels of single malt age differently and produce a range of flavors it is always a treat to taste something and see the variation on a theme from the regular releases.This tasty barrel is very interesting and fantastic. The nose has a burst of smoke that is almost pretty ( a word not usually associated with Laphroaig) with toasty undertones. In the mouth it is classic Laprhoaig with smoke , iodine, salt and malt. With water it opens up and becomes softer. There is a long finish with an interesting touch of spice.This single barrel is unique and interesting.

Jackson Lee | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 15, 2019

If my family drank, this is a bottle Id take with me to our holiday dinners. This bottle screams autumn with notes of ume plum, burnt caramel, oak spice, and cinnamon graham crackers on the nose. The palate is fatty, savory, and sweet and I can imagine it going perfectly with turkey and stuffing. Its warm and inviting, I just want to cuddle up with it next to a fire and look longingly at the glass.

Just Added To Our Collector’s Loft

Discover our Collector’s Loft, a place to explore some real beauties that would make a fyne addition to any collection!

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JAMESON CALLS ON FANS TO JOIN IN THIS ST. PATRICK’S DAY

THROUGH 2020 LIMITED EDITION BOTTLE 

‘Create your own label’ connectivity offers a first for Jameson consumers

                                                     Jameson Irish Whiskey, the world’s favourite Irish whiskey, has unveiled its much-anticipated limited-edition bottle, designed by well-known Dublin-based designer and illustrator Hephee (Stephen Heffernan), marking the start of the brand’s global St Patrick’s Day celebrations.

Designed in Heffernan’s signature style, each icon on the label charts the familiar journey of friends all over the world, as they ‘join in’ on the day the world turns Irish. The design reflects a shared belief that while the best plans might start with a text or a call, the real magic happens as the momentum builds and friends come together to create new memories. Working out of Jameson’s in-house studio, Heffernan’s design goes further than previous editions, with connected technology inviting Jameson fans to get creative and make their own virtual label online using Heffernan’s eye-catching template and icons.

Using a Near Field Communication (NFC) chip and Quick Response (QR) code on the neck of the bottle, Jameson fans can connect with a design experience that allows them to customise their own label through hidden icons also designed by Heffernan. Once happy with their design, they can enter it into a competition win a bespoke Jameson Bar Sign.  Participating consumers in key markets can also enter into a competition to win their own personalised limited-edition bottle.

Brendan Buckley, International Marketing Director at Irish Distillers, comments: “We are hugely excited about this innovative Jameson bottle. This year we are deepening the connection with our fans with an offering that reflects the brand’s appreciation of local talent through Stephen’s artwork, and encourages digital engagement that taps into the growing popularity of customisation through the connected nature of the bottle.’

This eighth addition to the Jameson collectable limited-edition bottle series will be available through off-trade channels in 22 markets* from the beginning of February 2020.

Jameson has been driving growth in the Irish whiskey category for the past 30 years and now sells 7.7 million cases worldwide, up from 7.3 million cases last year. Today, Jameson is in double or triple-digit growth in more than 70 markets across the globe, with that growth driven by the USA, Europe and Africa. Jameson continues to perform well in emerging markets, up 23%, with Nigeria (+141%), India (+55%), Mexico (+20%) and Brazil (+13%) all recording high levels of growth. The Jameson family also saw sales increase by 12% in Eastern Europe, driven by the Ukrainian (+24%) and Russian (+7%) markets.**

*The limited-edition St Patrick’s Day bottle will be available in Japan, Canada, Poland, Czech Republic, New Zealand, Slovakia, Austria, Romania, Switzerland, Italy, Estonia, Hungary, Croatia, Norway, Korea, Greece, Serbia, Slovenia, Jordan, Lebanon, Malta and our brand home, Jameson Distillery Bow St. in Dublin, Ireland.

** All figures Irish Distillers Results Year ending 30 June 2019

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers is Ireland’s leading supplier of spirits and wines, and producer of some of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys. Led by Jameson, our brands are driving the global renaissance of Irish whiskey. Jameson is the world’s fastest-growing Irish whiskey, experiencing 30 years of consecutive growth and hitting sales of 7.7m cases in 2018/19. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets, with over 70 of those experiencing double or triple-digit growth.

Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son and Cork Distilleries Company. In 1988 Irish Distillers joined Pernod Ricard, gaining access to unprecedented levels of investment and an extensive global distribution network. Since 2012, we have invested over €400 million to double our production and bottling capacity to meet global demand for our products.

We employ over 600 people across our operations in Cork and Dublin.

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of €8,987 million in FY18. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Malibu liqueur, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,900 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 86 “Market Companies” established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics.

Malt Messenger Bulletin

Whisky Events Next Week & Two New KWM Exclusive Whisky Casks! 

The Family Day long weekend approaches, and we have exciting new whiskies to tell you about, as well as an exciting week of whisky tastings ahead. Not going away this coming week? No problem, we have some awesome events and new whiskies with which to keep you busy!

Firstly, the new whiskies. I’m a week behind getting the word out on the first of these, our 3rd KWM exclusive Compass Box Blend! If you follow us on social media, you may have already caught wind of it. Tasted blind you would be hard pressed to find anyone who would identify the Compass Box Great King Street Glasgow KWM Marrying Cask as a Blend. It is big, rich and sherried with a prominent coastal peaty core. Love sherried Ileachs? This whisky is a steal at just $94+gst.

Our second new exclusive single cask is the Tipperary 2002 KWM Rum Finished Cask. The whisky is a joint bottling with our friends Keg n Cork in Edmonton. They wouldn’t put both of our logos on the front of the bottle, only individually on the back. So cheekily we found a work around, the label indicates the whiskey is “Exclusive to Canada’s Best Whisk(e)y Shops”. Tipperary is a new Irish whiskey producer, backed by Stuart Nickerson of GlenGlassaugh fame. It is is our second exclusive cask of Irish whiskey, following hot on the heels of our Teeling 16 Year KWM Single Cask. Curiously, both whiskies might have been sourced from the same distillery…

We have a trio of great tastings coming up this week including a Whisky Festival… starting Monday, we have Valinch & Mallet with Davide Romano, 6PM. This is Davide’s first Master Class at KWM and we have an awesome range planned, $2000 worth of single cask whisky, in just 7 bottles, cost $50. More details below.

Then Wednesday we will be featuring Victoria Caledonian Distillery w/ Graeme Macaloney, also at 6PM. The Victoria Distillery is one of the diaspora of Jim Swan (think Kilchoman and Kavalan) distilleries scattered around the globe. Founder Graeme Macaloney will be launching his distillery’s first ‘own distillation’ whiskies. The cost, just $15. Details below.

Finally Thursday, the main event: our 6th annual Feis Ile: The KWM Islay Whisky Festival. We will have on offer a range of 100 whiskies from Islay, as well as a few Islay-ternatives. I can’t be sure, but I am taking credit for coining this term about 4-5 years ago… An Islay-ternative is a peated whisky from anywhere else in the World… Tickets are $60 and include a KWM logo glass, food from Peasant Cheese, and all the peaty drams you can reasonably (and safely) sample in 2 hours! More details below.

I hope this Malt Messenger Bulletin finds you well. Please let me know if you have any comments, questions or requests. As always, in the event of a discrepancy in price, the Point of Sale at KWM will be taken as correct.

Slàinte!

In This Edition

1. NEW KWM CASK: Introducing the Compass Box Great King Street Glasgow KWM Marrying Cask #34
2. NEW KWM CASK: Introducing the Tipperary 2002 KWM Rum Finished Cask
3. Monday at KWM: Valinch & Mallet with Davide Romano
4. Wednesday at KWM: Victoria Caledonian with Graeme Macaloney
5. Thursday at KWM: Feis Ile: The KWM Islay Whisky Festival

Andrew Ferguson

Kensington Wine Market

PS – Don’t forget you can follow me on Twitter:

@scotch_guy, Instagram: @thescotch_guy/

or @kwmwhisky and Facebook: facebook.com/scotch.guy.1

NEW KWM CASK: Introducing the Compass Box Great King Street Glasgo KWM Marrying Cask #34 

If You Think That is a Mouthful… Wait Until You Try the Whisky!

This is our third KWM exclusive Compass Box Blend, and it is one for the peat heads! It is also our second marrying cask from the Great King Street line – this time from the Glasgow Blend – which means it has a bit of sherry cask influence and a dash of peat or more as well! Bottled at 49%, the whisky is the 2018 Glasgow Blend, finished for just under 2 years in a second fill Sherry Butt from the Craigellachie Distillery. The whisky is 18% Laphroaig, and it dominates the blend. The sherry matured Craigellachie 34% plays second fiddle, while the 35% Cameronbridge grain, matured in First Fill ex-Bourbon, plays a moderating role, adding an elegant touch!

 Compass Box Great King Street Glasgow KWM Marrying Cask #34 – 49% – Visit Our Website for a Full Breakdown of the Components, Ages & Cask Types! – My Tasting Note: “Nose: big, rich and nutty with ashy peat and Dutch licorice; a touch waxy with round fruits: orange, melons and apricots; soft leather, dark chocolate, earthy dunnage notes and crisp oak spices; underneath the top note of sherry loads of creamy vanilla and honey. Palate: big, bold, round and smooth; bold leather, chocolate and tobacco along with ashy peat, tar and Dutch licorice; as the sherry pulls back it unveils elegant vanilla and delicate fruits: juicy orange, soft melons and dried apricots; the smoke is firm with an ashy, subtly medicinal edge; malty, meaty and nutty with late spices: cinnamon heart, ginger and cloves. Finish: long, coating, creamy and warm with decadent spices, smoke and a subtle medicinal edge; rich and elegant. Comment: wow, we tried the cask sample all those many months ago, but the final bottled whisky is even better; Laphroaig accounts for less than 20% of the Blend, but is without question the heart of the Blend; the Cameronbridge has added a touch of delicacy while the Bourbon matured Clynelish and heavily sherried Craigellachie also make their presence felt, but Laphroaig is standard bearer leading the charge.” – $94

NEW KWM CASK: Introducing the Tipperary 2002 KWM Rum Cask 

Our Second Ever KWM Exclusive Irish Cask – Matured in ex-Rum!

Our 2nd ever KWM exclusive single cask of Irish whiskey is here. It is a shared cask with our friends Keg n Cork in Edmonton, bottled by Tipperary, a new Irish whiskey firm headed by Stuart Nickerson of GlenGlassaugh fame, and his daughter Jennifer. Tipperary is still a ways away from building its first distillery, and is sourcing mature stocks from other Irish Distilleries. This whiskey is likely from the Cooley Distillery, or failing that Bushmills, regardless, the spirit was distilled in January 2002, and bottled in October of 2019, just shy of 18 years old, after maturing in a single Rum Cask. Only 108 bottles filled at 55.7%.

Tipperary 2002 KWM Rum Cask – 55.7% – 17 Year – Rum Cask 141 – Andrew’s Tasting Note: “Nose: decadent, juicy, tropical and fruity; the chewy malt is still there after almost 18 years, toasted oak, shredded coconut and bags of fruit: fresh pineapple, kiwi fruit, green mangoes and dried apricots; soft, floral and enticing. Palate: round, toasty and surprisingly spicy; rich and coating the palate comes in waves each one pushing further than the last; green grass and more chewy malt; vanilla and oak spices before making way for the fruits: at times tropical fruit punch, at others green apple and then melons; a touch of salted caramel, loads of coconut including shredded and toasted; big, decadent, toasty and fruity. Finish: long in length and coating; the spices fade before the finish, leaving room for vanilla, coconut, toasted oak and loads of fruit. Comment: not quite as tropical as our Teeling cask, but there are similarities there; surprisingly creamier and more decadent; why surprising? rum casks are typically more tired and less yielding of character than a first fill ex-Bourbon barrel; as with our Teeling we don’t know if the spirit is from Bushmills or Cooley; probably the latter, but who cares? it is great juice at a great price!” – $165

Monday at KWM: Valinch & Mallet with Davide Romano 

We Have an Awesome Range of Single Malts 

Valinch & Mallet is a small independent bottler founded by a pair of Italians with a passion for Scotch whisky. We have been very impressed in recent years with the quality of their whiskies, and their ability to source excellent single casks, so we are thrilled to welcome Valinch & Mallet co-founder Davide Romano to KWM for his first Master Class tasting at KWM. It will feature 7 whiskies including: Bruichladdich 15 Year, Cameronbridge 37 Year, Glenlossie 25 Year, Glentauchers 21 Year, Tamdhu 20 Year, Wardhead 21 Year & 1 more!

6PM Monday February 17 – $50

Please call 403-283-8000 to register, or register online!

Wednesday at KWM: Victoria Caledonian with Graeme Macaloney 

Your Chance to Sample the Distillery’s First Whisky Releases

Graeme Macaloney’s dream was to establish a distillery on Vancouver Island, which he achieved in 2016. While the distillery’s own production matures, they have released a mix of Young Spirits and Blended Malts to build excitement. Graeme will be sampling our guests on a mix of these, as well as giving a preview of the distillery’s first whisky release.

6PM Wednesday February 19 – $15

Please call 403-283-8000 to register, or register online!

Thursday at KWM: Feis Ile: The KWM Islay Festival February 20th, 2020

All The Islay and Islay-ternative Whiskies You Can Sample in One Night!

We’ll be cracking as many Islay whiskies as we can put our hands on, as well as some Islay-ternatives, all in the name of peat and Scottish West Coast culture. The whisky list is growing rapidly, currently just over 100 and counting. Includes a KWM logo Whisky Glass.

Please call 403-283-8000 to register, or register online!

Thank You for Reading the Malt Messenger! 

Contact & Disclaimers 

If you have any whisky questions or comments concerning The Malt Messenger please contact me by e-mail, phone, or drop by the store.

All of the products mentioned in THE MALT MESSENGER can be purchased in store, over the phone or from our website at www.kensingtonwinemarket.com. All prices quoted in the Malt Messenger are subject to change and don’t include GST. In the case of discrepancies in pricing, the price in our in store point of sale will be taken as correct.

Thanks for reading the Malt Messenger.

Slainte!

Andrew Ferguson
Owner & Scotchguy
Kensington Wine Market
403-283-8000
Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Kensington Wine Market