Malt Messenger Bulletin:
KWM 2019 Whisky Advent Calendars Are Here!
We Have a Berry Bros. Tasting Wednesday
Save the Date for Our Fall Super Sale
&
New Whiskies We Can’t Wait to Tell You About!
I hope you all had a good weekend and took a moment to reflect yesterday (November 11th, Remembrance Day).
We’ve had a busy couple of weeks at KWM. Since Sunday October 27 we’ve had 11 whisky tastings at KWM, including 5 Scotch Malt Whisky Society Outturn tastings and the first of two sold out Fall Single Malts Festivals. While this was taking place we completed work on the Kensington Wine Market 2019 Whisky Advent Calendar™. The calendar is more than 85% sold, and available for pickup and purchase in-store.
The next two weeks won’t be any less busy. We have a Berry Bros. whisky tasting tomorrow night with Hannah Dickie and Johnny Roberts. The cost is just $25 for 8 whiskies including the Berry’s Perspective Series Blends (21, 25 & 35 Year olds). This is our last scheduled whisky tasting at KWM in 2019 with room for registration. Sorry! WI could not publish this in time!
Friday is the start of our Fall Super Sale. This is our biggest and most anticipated Sale of the year. All in-stock whisky, with the exception of most Scotch Malt Whisky Society whiskies, the Whisky Advent Calendar™ and other select new releases, will be 10-35% off in-store and online. I will be putting out a special Malt Messenger Bulletin on Friday morning, highlighting the best deals.
We have a few new whiskies to tell you about as well. Firstly, we have four new releases from Bruichladdich: Black Art 1994 7.1, Port Charlotte 2012 Islay Barley and a pair of Octomores 10.1 & 10.3. We weren’t expecting these whiskies so soon, Christmas has come early.
We are also thrilled to be the only place in Alberta with the Shelter Point Smoke Point, a whisky finished in ex-Laphroaig Quarter Casks. Staying in the Canadian theme, we also have the latest 40+ year old release from Canadian Club, the Chronicles 42 Year. The oldest Canadian whisky ever botttled! And last but not least the Highland Park Valfather has arrived, the most heavily peated Highland Park ever bottled.
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!
Andrew Ferguson
In This Edition
- Save the Date to Save… Our Fall Super Sale Starts Friday!
- Our KWM 2019 Whisky Advent Calendars Are In-Stock!
- Berry Bros. Tasting with Johnny & Hannah
- New Whiskies from Bruichladdich Including a Pair of Octomore
- Introducing: Shelter Point Smoke Point
- Introducing: Canadian Club 42 Year
- Introducing: Highland Park Valfather
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
Save the Date to Save – Our Fall Super Sale Starts Friday!
Save 5-40% Throughout the Store – November 15-17!
We have 3 big annual sales at KWM, and the biggest and most anticipated is our annual Fall Super Sale. Friday-Sunday this weekend we will have huge discounts in-store and online on Whisky, Wine, Beer and other Spirits. The discounts will range from 5-40%. We will send out a sale notice with a link to the biggest whisky deals on Friday morning.
The KWM 2019 Whisky Advent Calendar™ Is In-Stock and Ready for Pickup and Purchase!
Less Than 55 of the 384 Calendars Produced Remain!
We are all about value at KWM, and we have managed to drop the price on this year’s Calendar $15 over the 2018 edition. Our Kensington Wine Market 2019 Whisky Advent Calendar™ makes a great gift and is a great way to get into the Holiday spirit. The 2019 edition consists of 25 premium whiskies, including 24 50ml (One is actually 40ml) bottles and a special 100ml Scotch Malt Whisky Society single cask bottling. This year’s Society whisky is a true one-off, it will only be available in the KWM Whisky Advent Calendar, never to be see again. The KWM Whisky Advent Calendar also includes a custom logo Glencairn Scotch Whisky Glass and a Discount Card.
You can follow along each day of Advent (or at your own pace), as we introduce you to each whisky on our blog and through our social media channels. We are really excited about this year’s edition, and we hope you are too. As in past years, we are taking a $150 deposit for each Calendar ordered, at the time it is ordered. The balance of payment will be due a few days before the Calendars are ready for pickup, which we estimate to be around the beginning of November. If you would like to order one or more Calendars, please be prepared to provide a credit card for payment of the deposit. The same card will be used to bill the remainder of the balance closer to the date it is ready for pickup.
At the time of writing, more than 85% of this year’s calendars are sold!
Order a Kensington Wine Market 2019 Whisky Advent Calendar™!
*The Kensington Wine Market Whisky Advent Calendar is produced under license from Secret Spirits, Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar™
Berry Bros. Whisky Tasting with Johnny & Hannah
The Company With Nearly 325 Years in Business – Discussed Over 8 Drams!
We are thrilled to welcome Hannah Dickie and Johnny Robert to Kensington Wine Market for a Berry Bros Whisky tasting on Wednesday November 13, at 6PM. Johnny and Hannah will guide us through a range of Berry’s whiskies, including the our 1995 KWM Cask, and the Berry’s Perspectives Series 21, 25 & 30 Year Olds. The tasting is only $25 for 8 whiskies, you won’t want to miss it.
Call 403-283-8000 or register online!
New Whiskies from Bruichladdich
Including a Pair of Octomores
We weren’t expecting this quartet until later in the year or early in 2020. I suppose you could say Christmas has come early for fans of the Laddie!
- Bruichladdich Black Art 1994 7.1 – 48.8% – 25 Year – A secret mix of casks selected by Head Distiller Adam Hannet – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Unbelievable complexity, each cask that has played a role in maturing this whisky has a presence, the aromas lift from the glass in an almost orderly procession. First a rich marzipan, then walnut, crème caramel, turkish delight, hints of strawberry, violet, and coconut. There is a heavy fruit style with plum, poached pears, raisin and grapefruit and after opening further wood spice, nutmeg, toasted oak, roasted coffee beans, and muscovado sugar. An absolute delight to nose and discover the depth of flavour. Palate: A little sharpness is a nod to the strength but quickly the satin texture covers the palate to give a viscous, round mouthfeel. The oak’s power and poise give a hint of dryness but also waves of coconut, Turkish delight, soft caramel, and spiced orange. The layers of oak and fruit that come through softly melt into one another; each sip brings a new level of discovery within this most complex of assemblages. While on the palate there appears less complexity than on the nose, an important balance, texture, and defined style serves to highlight the aromatic aspect of this whisky. Finish: It seems that this whisky will go on forever, the incredible viscous texture of this whisky extends the finish and it lingers on the palate. Roasted nuts, then tropical fruit, baked pineapple, and butterscotch give a sweetness that is sure to be remembered. Mood: As ever the mystery of its creation serves to intrigue. Black Art 07.1 gives a moment to reflect on the past and to welcome the possibilities of the future.” – $355
- Bruichladdich Port Charlotte 2012 Islay Barley – 50% – 6 Year – Barley from 8 different Islay Farms – Peated to 40PPM – 75% First Fill ex-American oak and 25% Second Fill French oak ex-Wine Casks –Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Initially a fresh linen and sandy sea breeze note stands out. Zesty lemon, a green fruit signature, apple sauce and crunchy pears follow. Floral geranium notes come through with sea pinks and gooseberry. then creamy coconut dipped in chocolate opens up quickly with muddy peat smoke, burnt heather and peach skin. hints of vanilla and toasted malt. The aromas speak of the spirit, the distillation and the barley. Palate: On the lips it’s soft and sweet, texturally there is a thin honey style that slips across the palate. Immediately there is more from the cask here, vanilla, milk chocolate and light cedar and black pepper. Warmed scones and honey from the malt wrapped in earthy smoke and soft apricot. creamy, minty, tablet brings a sweetness and a warm salty sand hint of Islay. Finish: The finish is coconut and peat smoke, mildly iodine-y and hints of almond and geranium. The peat smoke gently fades away. Character: Wonderfully balanced to show the fruity style of the spirit on the nose and the delicate influence of the cask on the palate. The peat smoke weaves its way gently through the whisky highlighting the softer sweeter notes. This 2012 vintage has a freshness and balance that tells the story of the place to which it belongs.” – $90
- Bruichladdich Octomore 10.1 – 59.8% – 5 Year – 107PPM – Producer Description: “Distilled from Scottish barley in 2013, Octomore 10.1 is the benchmark of the 10s series. Deliberately stripped back to an ex- American oak maturation, aged just 5 years old, the .1 edition exposes the structure and presence of the Octomore spirit. Combining smoke with a modest maturation, this 10.1 first and foremost demonstrates the true potential of a considered, patient distillation.” – Producer Tasting Note: “Character: Lithe, supple, powerfully confident and a dram more than the sum of its parts. Slow trickle distillation is the hallmark of this muscular, oily spirit. Aroma: Vanilla led, caramel, hints of smoke but tamed back. candied apple, gooseberry and marzipan. Taste: Soft yet powerful and warming on the palate, peppery, barley sugar, smokey – dried earth and hints of rubber. Warm sand, sweetness of charred oak and pineapple. Finish: Sweetness from tablet/fudge and a strong peat smoke and cold marine air combination.” – $145
- Bruichladdich Octomore 10.3 – 61.3% – 6 Year – 114PPM – Producer Description: “Distilled in 2013 from the 2012 harvest, the Octomore 10.3 has been brought home by farmer James Brown. Taking on the challenge of growing Islay Barley, he braces the conditions of the wet and wild west coast to combine an exploration of Islay terroir and stratospheric smoke. For the first time, the .3 is matured for six aged years but crucially only in ex-American oak. These top-quality casks have gently coaxed this Octomore spirit into life in Warehouse 16, next to our 10.1 edition. The components of our 10.1 and 10.3 are so similar, the distinct flavour difference must be owed to the barley’s respective growing location.” – Producer Tasting Note: “Character: Marine freshness, Islay air and a deep rooted level of fruitiness from the distillation characterise this release. Aroma: Earthy peat smoke, dry and a little medicinal, lemon drops, and thyme come through and then marine, sea shell notes along with some vanilla and fudge from the oak. Taste: Salt on the lips and more honey and lemon on the palate, then the peat sweeps in with the oak and heat from the high strength. Deeper flavours from the spirit, pear and gooseberry are more defined and richer. Finish: Sweet on the finish initially with pastry and chocolate but then bitter notes of rubbery smoke and spice towards the end.” – $172
Introducing Shelter Point Smoke Point
The First Peated Shelter Point Release
Exclusive to KWM in Alberta, the Shelter Point Smoke Point is the distillery’s first ever peated expression. The whisky was matured 5 years in ex-Bourbon before finishing for 9 months in ex-Laphroaig Quarter Casks. 1044 bottles were produced with just 36 coming to Alberta.
Shelter Point Smoke Point – 55% – Matured 5 Years Before Finishing in ex-Laphroaig Quarter Casks – Producer Description: “Introducing Shelter Point’s first ever peat influenced whisky. This single grain smoky delight has been aged in American oak ex-bourbon casks for 5 years and finished in casks previously used by a famous Islay distillery for 8 months. This special bottling consists of only 1044 hand numbered bottles. The whisky is made from malted and unmalted barley and picks up influences of bourbon from the American oak cask and peated whisky from the ex-Islay casks. Sweet, smoky and complex, this whisky is perfect for a dram by the fire.” – Producer Tasting Note: “Smoke Point whisky is sweet, medicinal and smoky on the nose with barley sugars, iodine and campfire. The palate is sweet caramel, vanilla and sea salt, with peated warmth comforting the soul. The satisfying finish is a delicious combination of creamy pudding and a brand new first aid kit.” – $94
Introducing: Canadian Club Chronicles 42 Year
The Oldest Canadian Whisky for the 3rd Year Running: 40, 41 & Now 42!
Distilled in 1977, this second batch in the Canadian Club Chronicles series is called the Dock Man. Made of corn whisky matured in American Oak barrels. It is the oldest Canadian whisky ever bottled, and in the words of Davin de Kergommeaux, the foremost expert on Canadian whisky, “it is spectacular”.
Canadian Club Chronicles 42 Year – 45% – Producer Description: “With this 2nd release in the CC Chronicles series, we pay tribute to the dock men who operated floating liquor stores & bars aboard their vessels. Despite the presence of many counterfeit makers of CC, savvy bar owners and whisky fans knew they could count on the dock men to provide only genuine Canadian Club®. With this 42-year-old whisky, we celebrate their uncompromising commitment to origin, authenticity, quality and craftsmanship.” – Tasting Note Davin de Kergommeaux: “The Dock Man is a sweet luscious whisky with a deep, complex nose and palate. Fruity and floral notes entwine delicately with Canadian Club’s signature prunes and black raisins followed by tartish apple skins, and apricots. Mild peppery spices evolve into sweetish baking spices, while woody notes are restrained, with soft tannins pulling gently on the cheeks. Dark fruit returns in a long spicy finish.” – $275
Introducing: Highland Park Valfather
The Third & Final Release in the Viking Legends Series
The final bottling in the “Viking Legends” series, Valfather is the most heavily peated whisky ever released by the distillery. Matured exclusively in Refill casks to allow the spirit to dominate the profile. Valfather, or father of the slain, is one of Odin’s (the most powerful Norse God) many names and a reference to his place presiding over the Golden Hall in Valhala.
Producer Description
“VALFATHER – the final whisky in a series of three special edition Viking Legend releases – is inspired by Odin, the mightiest of the Norse gods. The most peated whisky we have released to date, it is matured entirely in refill casks to give beautifully balanced layers of flavour and a character as complex as Odin himself.
“Odin is associated with wisdom and knowledge; with sorcery and poetry; with battle, frenzy and death. The old legends also tell us of the tame beasts who bring him both protection and support – Sleipnir the eight-legged flying horse; the tame wolves, Geri and Freki; and Huginn and Muninn, his loyal ravens – but is at the jaws of the savage wolf, Fenrir, that Odin finally meets his end at Ragnarök.”
Highland Park Valfather – 47% – Matured in Refill Casks – Producer Tasting Note
“Sweet apple | Fragrant pear | Crème brûlée | Toasted cedar wood | Smoked paprika | Aromatic peat smoke” – $104
There is also still stock available of the two previous releases:
- Highland Park Vakyrie – 45.9% – First Fill American oak and Ex-Sherry – Producer’s Tasting Note: “Green apples | Sun-ripened lemons | Oriental spices | Vanilla | Preserved ginger | Dark chocolate | Salty liquorice | Warm aromatic smoke.” – $105
- Highland Park Valknut – 46.8% – Predominantly Matured in Sherry Seasoned Casks – Producer’s Tasting Note: “Toasted vanilla pods | Cracked black pepper | Oak shavings | Cloves | Aniseed | Aromatic peat smoke” – $105
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
www.kensingtonwinemarket.com
