Malt Messenger Bulletin 

Shelter Point Cask Release, New Octomores & Whisky Advent Starts Today!

Tomorrow is the first day of Whisky Advent, do you know where your KWM 2018 Whisky Advent Calendar is?

Beginning tomorrow morning we will start posting about each day’s whisky. You can follow along on the KWM Blog, as well as our Twitter, Instagram and Facebook feeds. Don’t have a Whisky Advent Calendar yet, don’t fret, we still have plenty in-store!

Thinking of going to the 8th Annual Calgary MS Whisky Festival, the deadline for early bird ticket pricing is tonight! You can SAVE $20 until midnight tonight on all 3 ticket packages (details below). Not only is it Calgary’s best whisky festival, but the event has raised over $100K for the MS Society in the last two years alone!

We have just posted a new event on our website. Wednesday December 12 we will be welcoming Shelter Point Distillery manager Jacob Wiebe to KWM for a Cask Release party marking the release of our new KWM exclusive Shelter Point casks. The event will run from 6-8PM, the cost is $25, which includes a glass and the opportunity to sample 5 whiskies. Best of all, 100% of the proceeds from the Shelter Point Cask Release Party will be donated to the Calgary Interfaith Food Bank!

Last but not least, we have two pairs of new whiskies to tell you about. Firstly, Octomore 9.1 and 9.3 from Bruichladdich will be here on Wednesday next. Both are limited and not expected to last long. The other pair of new whiskies are the Two Brewers Yukon Single Malt Batches 12 & 13. These weren’t supposed to come to Alberta… but they did, in very small quantities!

I hope you enjoy this Malt Messenger Bulletin. If you can’t make it down to the sale in person don’t forget that you can always submit your order online!

Slàinte!

Andrew

In This Edition

1. Whisky Advent 2018 Starts Tomorrow!
2. Calgary MS Whisky Festival Early Bird Deadline is Midnight Tonight!
3. Shelter Point Cask Release Party with Distillery Manager Jacob Wiebbe
4. Introducing: Octomore 9.1 & 9.3
5. Introducing: Two Brewers Yukon Single Malt Releases 12 & 13

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

!!!Advent Whisky Starts Today!!!  

Join Us As We Go On Another Whisky Advent-ure! 

Following along starting tomorrow on the KWM Blog, as well as our Twitter, Instagram and Facebook feeds as we mark the happiest days of the year, Whisky Advent!

The 2018 KWM Whisky Advent Calendar, is our 5th annual edition! Whether as a treat for yourself, or as a gift for a whisky lover, there is no finer source of holiday cheer. We like to call it 25 days of Dram Fine Whisky! As with the previous editions, this year’s calendar features 25 all-new whiskies, a custom logo Glencairn glass and a discount card. We have a much higher proportion of single casks and cask strength whiskies in this year’s edition, which is really exciting. We also have whiskies from England, France, Canada and Japan. We ever so desperately want to tell you what’s in the Calendar, but then it wouldn’t be a surprise. What we can tell you is that you will find 24 50ml premium whiskies, one for each day of Advent, a special 100ml Scotch Malt Whisky Society whisky to toast Christmas Day and a custom logo Glencairn glass. Every day of Advent we will post details on the day’s whisky, and it’s producer on the KWM Blog. We encourage comments and feedback through Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. We hope you’ll join us on the journey of whisky discovery!

You can purchase the Kensington Wine Market 2018 Whisky Advent Calendar in-store, by phone 403-283-8000 and  online.

Calgary MS Whisky Festival! 

Your last chance to save on Calgary’s biggest & best whisky show! 

The Calgary MS Whisky Festival is now in its 8th year, and will be returning to the foyer of the Jack Singer Concert Hall in Arts Commons on Thursday, January 17, 2019.

Tickets for the event are available through www.calgarywhiskyfestival.ca. The following ticket packages are available. General Admission includes a Glencairn glass, and VIP Admission includes an extra hour before the rest of the guests arrive and a cut crystal Glencairn glass. The VIP Master Class will be hosted by Dr. Bill Lumsden from Glenmorangie!

1. General Admission (5PM) – Regular: – Regular:$120 – Early Bird: $100
2. VIP Early Entry (6PM) – Regular: $175 – Early Bird: $155
3. VIP Early Entry w/ VIP Master Class – Regular: $200 – Early Bird: $180 (only 12 left)

Shelter Point Cask Release Party w/ Jacob Wiebe 

100% of Proceeds to the Calgary Interfaith Foodbank!

Shelter Point Distillery Manager Jacob Wiebe will be crossing the Rockies to join us for a Shelter Point Cask Release party on Wednesday December 12, 6PM. The cost is $25, with 100% of the proceeds going to the Calgary Interfaith Foodbank. You will receive a keepsake Glencairn glass and have the opportunity to sample 5 different Shelter Point whiskies including our 2 new KWM exclusive single casks.

1. Shelter Point Rye KWM Cask – 59.6% – 9 Year – Our first ever KWM exclusive single cask of 100% rye whisky was selected by our team at Shelter Point Distillery on Vancouver Island, but it was distilled in Calgary at Alberta Distillers… Distilled in 2009 the whisky has been bottled after 9 years at 59.6%. 240 total bottles! – Andrew’s Tasting Note: “Nose: maple syrup, peanut brittle, cloves just plucked from a honey baked ham and treacle tarts; oily with loads of spice; there was a hint of dill at first but it quickly vanished; dark fruits, licorice root and fig jam; oh and glazed pork belly (seriously). Palate: big, oily, syrupy and spicy; decadent Demerara and brown sugars before bacon infused dark chocolate and crisp spices: fennel, cloves and licorice root; more cloves plucked from a honey baked ham and sweet and sour pork; silky vanilla with dates and figs are late to the party. Finish: insanely long, oily, coating and decadent with more dark fruits and soft spices; a touch of glazed pork belly. Comment: wow… this was a serendipitous discovery on visiting Shelter point with Evan and Curt in September; if it doesn’t sell out before Christmas I’ll be shocked!” – $120
2. Shelter Point Single Malt KWM Cask – 59% –  6 Year – Our first ever KWM exclusive single cask of Canadian single malt whisky is from our friends at Shelter Point Distillery on Vancouver Island. Distilled in May 2012, Cask No. 206 was selected by the KWM team and bottled in October of this year at 6 years of age. Only 162 total bottles. – Andrew’s Tasting Note: “Nose: honeyed and fruity with juicy malt; a soft earthy minerality makes way for Jujubes and warm apple-cinnamon pie; fall grasses and faint sea breeze; orange and subtle cloves. Palate: round, juicy, fruity and warming; chewy malt, barley sugars and loads of candied citrus; the warm apple-cinnamon pie fresh from the oven is still there as are the Jujubes and honey tones; the body is smooth and creamy with soft spices; a touch of savoury maritime notes. Finish: warm, coating, decadent and fruity; the finish is long and smooth. Comment: this 6 year old Canadian single malt is lovely; it is fruity and round with some lovely layers and oils; it is a sure sign of the even greater things still to come from Shelter Point!” – $116

Register by phone, 403-283-8000, in-store or register online!

Introducing: Octomore 9.1 & 9.3 

More of the World’s peatiest malts! 

We are receiving a small quantity each of the Octomore 9.1 and 9.3 on Wednesday next week, and based on pre-orders, we don’t expect them to last long!

1. Octomore 9.1 – 59% – 5 Year – 156ppm – Matured in American Oak – 100% Scottish Barley – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Character: Refined, sleek, confident in its youth. Older than its years. Aroma: Smoke and oak, intense sweetness from the cask, vanilla, cinder toffee. The smoke is thick, velvety and vegetal, peat and earthy. Taste: Soft on the palate- no aggression, nutty, fudge, nougat, delicate coconut and rose petal floral. Finish: Long peat finish, hints of treacle, warm sand/salt.” – $140
2. Octomore 9.3 – 62.9% – 5 Year – 133ppm – Matured in Predominantly Refill Barrels – 100% Islay Barley, Irene’s Field on Octomore Farm – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Character: Wild, Ileach, if this whisky could speak it would only speak in Gaelic. Atlantic coast raised. Out on the edge, the sense of place is strong. Aroma: Malted barley, Horlicks, the smell of the mash going into the mashtun. Heather wildfire, black tea, golden syrup, lemon sponge. Taste: Golden syrup in the tin, smoked tea, wort, malted barley, pear, peach melba. Sea spray, heather flowers. Finish: Smoke, toasted oak, rye bread, salt, ozone.” – $160

 Introducing: Two Brewers Yukon Single Malt Batches 12 & 13 

So limited they weren’t supposed to leave the Yukon! 

We weren’t expecting any new releases from Two Brewers this year, and then they practically sold out of everything else they had in Alberta. So a few cases each of Batches 12 & 13 of the Two Brewers Yukon Single Malt, which were only going to be sold in the Yukon, were shipped south to Alberta. They are in very small quantities and won’t last long!

1. Two Brewers Yukon Single Malt Batch 12 – 43% – Peated Style – Distiller’s Description: “Significant Munich malt mash used to build the body behind the peat. 60% liquid saw new wood. Bairds heavily peated malt is what we use, the specs give 25-50 ppm phenols.  Any peat added to a blend is from our 100% peat stock; releases 3, 7 & 12 are 24%, 37% & 57% respectively. Rel.12 has a much fuller base malt, so the peat perception still doesn’t come across strongly, but definitely builds on the palate. Not certain how much phenol losses are in the distillations, but also a consideration is losses in the barrel; much like yeast apparently, the barrel sucks up some of that concentration.” – Distiller’s Description & Tasting Note: “An unhurried nose, presents a complex peated medey, medicinal and smudgey, backed by the weighty base malt. A gentle, sweet and clean entry preludes a mid-palate burst of character. Caramel covered stone fruit in a swirl of smoky carbon, balanced, long and lingering.” – $100
2. Two Brewers Yukon Single Malt Batch 13 – 43% – Classic Style – Distiller’s Description:“Numerous specialty grains used in the blend, and a significant portion was more finely distilled than typical. (fine distillation =  utilizing the plates, which we have only 4 in our column, but makes significant variations in the run) For the product, the finer distillation increases the abv of the product (~70% for our coarse, ~82% for a fine), resulting in general a whisky with higher tone congeners, and overall a lighter bodied effect. Distiller’s Tasting Note: “The vibrant nose is a dusting of nutmeg over nuts and dried apricot. The light bodied entry moves easily to an indulgant mid-palate of silky nougat, sugared dried fruit and cracked black pepper. Sweetened granola grains join at the finish, all lingering for extended contemplation.” – $100

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

EXPLOSIVE NEW SMOKEHEAD SHERRY BOMB

Smokehead Sherry Bomb is a heavily peated Islay single malt that has been boldly blasted by sherry casks. It follows hot on the heels of Smokehead High Voltage, which was unveiled in April. Priced at ￡64.99, Smokehead fans will enjoy a full-bodied, 48% abv peaty whisky that’s heavily influenced by Oloroso Sherry casks to create a smoky, spicy and rich flavour.

Media Release;

UNLEASHING THE NEW LOUDER AND BOLDER SMOKEHEAD ISLAY SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

Ian Macleod unveils the new look for Smokehead, the distiller has also revealed an intense new expression which is not for the faint hearted: Smokehead High Voltage.

Commenting on the new expression and bold new look, Iain Weir, Brand Director for Smokehead said: “Smokehead has always challenged the traditional whisky world with its unconventional look and attitude, appealing to the younger and adventurous whisky drinker. We’ve turned up the volume right across the brand. It’s not for everyone, but that’s ok”.

 “And if Smokehead is an assault on your senses, then High Voltage is an all-out attack. Louder, bolder and more intense than getting put in a headlock from an angry roadie.”

The iconic skull logo now plays a much more dominant role on the label and striking gift tin. It takes on a more evocative and free-spirited style, with a rush of smoke blowing through the head to create an element of defiance.

One thing that hasn’t changed though is its bold and award-winning taste which still takes you on a fiery rollercoaster of peat, smoke and spice with a little delicate sweetness thrown in.

Smokehead is a premium whisky, as independent, strong and single minded as the people who drink it.

‘Smokehead’ and ‘Smokehead High Voltage’ are both available through specialists and multiples worldwide. Smokehead RRP £38.99 and High Voltage RRP £54.99.

 TASTING NOTES:

‘Smokehead’ (43% ABV) 

• The First Impression: The aroma of something powerful and fiery awaiting you. Thick, heavy woodsmoke. Rich, earthy peat. Extremes of spice and sweetness. Fresh lemon, zesty ginger, rich plum jam.
• The Full-on Flavour: An explosion of breathtaking peppery, peaty heat, soothed by honeyed sweetness, before the smoke comes to the fore again.
• The Finale: Exotic spices and a curious citrus tang of mandarin, both lulling you into a false sense of calm as the peat roars back to hit your senses again.

‘SmokeHead High Voltage’ (58% ABV)

• The First Impression: Breathe it in and feel the rush of spirit hit the senses and the nose prickle. Intense peat and smoke, maritime air, porridge oats, clean vanilla and toffee.
• The Full-on Flavour: A burn of hot spirit and the mouth fills with smoke, feeling almost thick with oiliness before softening and becoming creamier, with nutty, briny and citrus notes.
• The Finale: The mouth is almost in shock, numb and tingling. A sweetness mixes nicely with the slowly fading smoke, leaving a salty tang.

www.smokehead.com

f: www.facebook.com/smokeheadwhisky

i: www.instagram.com/smokeheadwhisky

#smokehead  

NOTES

About Smokehead:

• Smokehead is an Islay Single Malt Whisky and has been given a bold new look by Ian Macleod Distillers.
• Originally launched in 2006, Smokehead has been labelled the wild one of Single Malt Whisky.
• Award-winning premium whisky that has an attitude-led positioning and heavily peated taste.

About Ian Macleod Distillers:

• Established in 1933, Ian Macleod Distillers is one of Scotland’s leading independent, family-owned distillers, blenders and bottlers.
• Ian MacLeod Distillers is the world’s 10th largest Scotch Whisky company, producing and selling over 15 million bottles of spirits every year.

Maker’s Mark 46 “K&L Exclusive Barrel #905” Private Select Kentucky Bourbon (750ml) $69.99 View

We like to think we’re full of wonderful festive surprises, and our new December Outturn is bringing more joy – we’ve released this bottling list a little early to give you plenty time for your Christmas shopping. Make sure you don’t miss out, click over to our website now and browse the full listing ahead of the release on Friday, 30 November at 9am (GMT).

SHOP NOW     READ OUTTURN

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

<

Glenglassaugh 1986 30 Year Old

Part of the Rare Cask Release series from the Highland distillery, this single cask expression is limited to just 425 bottles. Distilled on 19th February 1986 and matured in a Pedro Ximenez sherry puncheon for 30 years before bottling in November 2016. Dark chocolate and red grape on the nose, with blackcurrants, black pepper and floral oak spices. The palate brings rich plum syrup, heather honey and gentle chocolate, before candied ginger and soft barley sugar lingering in the finish.

£310 Buy Now

Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak

Macallan is the third most popular single malt in the world.  The 18 year old has been matured in the finest sherry casks and is extremely sought after. The nose has dried fruits, cinnamon and ginger with hints of citrus and vanilla. Rich on the palate with dried fruits, spices, orange and woodsmoke. The finish is full, with dried fruits, spices, sweet toffee and a hint of woodsmoke.

£325 Buy Now

28 Year Old Glen Moray
A stunning Glen Moray which was distilled in 1990 and bottled by Bartels in 2018.

This whisky has spent 28(!) full years in an ex sherry cask.  This strength/sherry/classic speyside malt combination makes for a lovely drinking experience.

• Single Cask Bottling
• Sheery Hogshead
• Cask Strength – 41.3%vol
• Natural Colour
• Speyside Region
• 70cl

£110.00 this weekend only for BLACK FRIDAY SALE (instead of normal price £125.00)

CLICK HERE TO BUY

Two! GlenDronach 26 Year Old 1992 Casks

Head’s up! We’re delighted to be bringing you two exclusive single cask expressions of first fill sherry matured Highland malt whisky from one of our favourite distilleries.

GlenDronach Sherry Puncheon #8314
&
GlenDronach Sherry Puncheon #8315

HOW TO ORDER

We appreciate the high demand for GlenDronach, especially single cask vintages. Therefore, we will be selling on a first-come-first-serve basis only.

SALES START

11-AM GMT / 7-PM HKT / 7-AM EDT on WEDNESDAY 28 November 2018

In the interest of fairness there will be a maximum order limit per customer

TINCUP Whiskey is a bourbon style whiskey with a bold and spicy finish, made in honour of Colorado¹s first whiskey drinkers. Running for a limited time only, the TINCUP limited edition lantern pack, will allow your wild one to drink on the go ­ perfect for campers, hikers, or even festival goers. If you’re after a regular bottle of this American whiskey, head to selected nationwide Marks & Spencer stores.

RRP: ￡32, (70cl, 42% ABV).

A Winemaking Legend Shows His Whiskey-Making Prowess

Savage & Cooke “Second Glance” K&L Exclusive Cask Strength American Whiskey ($49.99)

Dave Phinney, the man behind such legendary wine brands as The Prisoner and Orin Swift, has branched out into the world of distilling, and we couldn’t be happier that he did. His new project, Savage & Cooke, has been turning out a stream of spirits that stand among some of the best in the market. But then, we expected no less from such a visionary. This K&L exclusive release, “Second Glance,” is his first cask-strength whiskey. Made in Kentucky and finished on Mare Island in California, the whiskey has a mash bill of 95% corn, 4% rye, and 1% malted barley. The juice is top-notch, but it’s on Mare Island where the real magic happens. Phinney usually finishes this whiskey in Cab barrels. At the recommendation of our NorCal Spirits Buyer, Andrew Whiteley, he used Zin and Grenache casks in this run—and the result is astounding and truly unique. Rich, unctuous, and wonderfully accented with fresh, jammy fruit, it shows remarkable clarity. Sweet, but never too sweet, it offers a seemingly unending cascade of blue and black fruit, mocha, and subtle spice. This a great whiskey to enjoy on its own, but also has a profile that will make it natural for any number of cocktails. While we’ve been more than impressed with all of the spirits from Savage & Cooke, this special release of “Second Glance” really is something special. Made in limited quantities, you’ll want to lock in your bottles sooner, rather than later.

Savage & Cooke “Second Glance” K&L Exclusive Cask Strength American Whiskey ($49.99)

The legendary Dave Phinney delivers again. The man behind The Prisoner and Orin Swift wines has stepped into the whiskey game in a big way. He is building an extraordinary distillery on Mare Island, just west of Vallejo in an old U.S. Naval Yard that that was responsible, among other things, for building submarines and loading ships during WWII. Both of the distillery’s whiskies are finished in Dave’s wine barrels from his Napa Valley winery and have received great acclaim. We traveled to Mare Island to meet up with Master Distiller and Blender Jordan Via to put together a bespoke barrel of whiskey for K&L. The result is Savage and Cooke’s first ever cask-strength release and it’s a doozy. While the OB’s from the distillery are both currently finished in Dave’s Cabernet barrels, they do have whiskey resting in other wine casks. There was no way we were going to pass up the opportunity to showcase what a whiskey can do with barrels from the world’s most famous Zinfandel producer! The Zinfandel finish showed most prominently in the Second Glance whiskey so we started there. While the 100% Zin was excellent, it needed just a touch of something else. The dark fruit and spice of the Zinfandel played perfectly with the floral and jammy flavors and lifted nature of the Grenache. Ultimately we settled on an 80% Zin, 20% Grenache blend and it’s perfect. Grab this piece of history before it’s gone. 95% corn, 4% rye, and 1% malted barley.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 07, 2018

Dave Phinney’s whiskies are currently made in Kentucky, but really come to life once they reach his new distillery on Mare Island and are married with the best California has to offer. The man behind The Prisoner and Orin Swift wines knows a thing or two about wine barrels. This whiskey rested in a blend of 80% Zinfandel and 20% Grenache barrels from Dave’s Napa winery. Bottled at cask strength, it carries those flavors with remarkable clarity. The underlying heavily corn mash bill has tons of sweetness and rich buttery popcorn flavors and lifts the intense dark fruits and pepper spice of the Zinfandel to the top of the glass. This is balanced by the lighter floral tones and bright jammy flavors of the Grenache. The end result is nearly a Manhattan in itself. Just pour it on the rocks, toss in a cherry and have yourself a great cocktail without the extra sweetness of vermouth. On the palate, the bread spices really stand out and contribute to a long and intense finish. Add a little water and more chocolate and caramel flavors come to the front. Anyway you serve it, this is an extremely versatile whiskey.

Shaun Green | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 07, 2018

Now here’s something really special in the whisky world! What a great combination of cask and whisky here—the Zin barrels really add a zesty spice to a rich corn-based spirit. Full and round and with a nice sweet touch without ever being cloying; a touch of water really brings out a rich note of malt on the nose. The color seems quite intense, likely influenced a lot by the wine barrels.

Miles Philippe | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 07, 2018

I love how familiar this can come across, and yet at the same time express itself so uniquely! What I mean by that is the mostly corn base of the whiskey shows itself so nicely and freely here—round, lush, and slightly sweet. But then this becomes something so much more because of the ex-wine barrels. The color is a beautiful deep bronze with flashes of red from the wine. And the finish has a nice zing to it with a touch of dried fruit, a hint of fresh fruit, and some slight medicinal herb notes.