Glenfiddich Fire & Cane

This release is the third expression in Glenfiddich’s Experimental Series that began with Project XX and IPA Experiment before introducing Winter Storm 21 Year Old. This latest addition marries smoky whisky with non-peated malts, all matured in bourbon casks, and adds a Latin rum cask finish for an unexpected combination of flavours.

£43 Pre-Order Now
Available while stocks last
Orders will be dispatched week beginning 5th November

Malt Messenger No. 91

 3 New KWM Exclusive Casks & More!

The new KWM exclusive single cask to tell you about in this Malt Messenger, we also have a new Kilchoman, and it is really exciting. The Kilchoman 100% Islay 10 Year KWM Cask is our 7th exclusive single cask of Kilchoman and the first single cask of 100% Islay to come to Canada which we are aware of. It is also at 10 years of age, tied for the oldest Kilchoman to come to Canada!

And that is just the start of the new whisky news, ours is not even the only new Kilchoman cask in Alberta. Andy Dunn, owner of Gold Medal Marketing, has also selected a Kilchoman cask to be bottled exclusively for Alberta. Our team here at KWM was invited to provide input into its selection. It is a lovely Portugese Red Wine finish.

There is also a new edition of Compass Box’s legendary Flaming Heart, and you can buy it in either 700ml or 1.5L (Magnum) formats. We are really excited about this, the 6th Editon of Compass Box Flaming Heart, which for the first time has a prominent sherry component. There are a trio of limited new Springbanks to tell you about, a massively sherried looking Mortlach 1987 from Gordon Macphail, a 41 year old Canadian Club, Glenfiddich’s new Fire & Cane and the Nikka Coffey Gift Set.

Lots to digest in this the 91st Malt Messenger. I hope you enjoy this yuge, overflowing Malt Messenger, Slàinte!

Andrew

In This Edition

1. KWM 2018 Whisky Advent Calendar Update
2. NEW Kilchoman 100% Islay 10 Year KWM Cask
3. NEW Old Malt Cask Mortlach 11 Year KWM Cask
4. NEW First Editions Aberlour 1995 KWM Cask
5. NEW Kilchoman 2012 Red Wine Finish Alberta Cask
6. Introducing Compass Box Flaming Heart 6th Edition
7. NEW Springbank Whiskies
8. NEW Gordon Macphail Connoisseurs Choice Mortlach 1987
9. Introducing Canadian Club 41 Year
10. Introducing Glenfiddich Fire & Cane
11. NIkka Coffey Gift Set

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

TWO New Arran 1996 KWM Single Casks 

Arran 1996 KWM Cask 559 21 Year

Our 1st 21 Year Arran Cask is here, don’t panic if it says sold out, there is more on the way!  One of a pair of new KWM Arran single casks, it was selected by and bottled exclusively for the shop.

Arran 1996 KWM Cask 56 22 Year

The Oldest Arran to Come to Canada is here, don’t panic if it says sold out, there is more on the way!  One of a pair of new KWM Arran single casks, selected by and bottled exclusively for the shop.

$200 / Each

More Information

KWM 2018 Whisky Advent Calendar Update  

The 5th Edition is More than 60% Pre-Sold  

Whisky Advent is just a little over a month away, and the Whisky Advent Elves are busy at our warehouse pulling together our 5th annual Calendar. We are really excited about the  Kensington Wine Market 2018 Whisky Advent Calendar. For the first time we have a Japanese whisky in our Whisky Advent Calendar. We also have two different Canadian single malts, both of which are really exciting. One of them is from a cask bottled exclusively for KWM, and the other is a highly sought after limited edition whisky. We also have award winning whiskies from England and France, and that is just a taste of what is to come… we have more than a dozen single casks whiskies in this year’s edition, and a number of distilleries never before featured in the Kensington Wine Market Whisky Advent Calendar. The bulk of the Calendar, over 75% is Single Malt Scotch whisky, but there are also a pair of exciting Blended Malt Scotch whiskies.

The KWM Whisky Advent Calendar consists of 24 50ml premium whiskies, one for each day of Advent. There is also a bonus 25th bottle, a 100ml Scotch Malt Whisky Society cask strength, single cask, single malt Scotch whisky. This year’s Society whisky will only be featured in the Calendar. You can follow along on social media with us, as well as on the KWM Blog, as we highlight the day’s whisky and its producer. The Whisky Advent Calendar also includes a discount card, giving you the chance to save on any must have bottles…

The  KWM 2018 Whsky Advent Calendar will probably be ready for pickup between November 7 & 9. We are taking pre-orders now, including a $150 deposit. The balance of payment will be applied a week before the Calendars are ready for pickup. Order a KWM 2018 Whisky Advent Calendar for yourself or as a gift before October 8, and you will be able to take advantage of our $35 early bird discount.

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

NEW  Kilchoman 100% Islay 10 Year KWM Cask 

Our 7th KWM Exclusive Single Cask 

Our 7th exclusive KWM single cask of Kilchoman is also our most unique, and not because it is 10 years old… we have already had one of those! It is our first KWM exclusive cask of Kilchoman’s 100% Islay. We were touched when Anthony Wills let us have a cask of his 10 year old last year. Cheekily I asked if we could bottle a barrel of 100% Islay this year. I expected the answer to be no, but not only did he agree, but he sent us samples of 10 year old 100% Islay casks… Cue blew my mind meme! Distilled on August 8 2008, the whisky was bottled on August 8 2018 at exactly 10 years of age to the day. Only 209 total bottles at 56.6% after maturing in Ex-Bourbon.

100% Islay is whisky that Kilchoman produces from its own barley, grown, malted, mashed, fermented, distilled, matured and bottled on site. This is farm to bottle whisky, with 100% of the production taking place at Rockside Farm. Kilchoman refers to it as Islay’s only “Single Farm Single Malt”. 100% Islay is peated to approximately 20ppm, though this can vary, considerably lighter than the distillery spec malt at 50ppm.

Kilchoman 100% Islay 10 Year KWM Cask – 56.6% – Ex-Bourbon – Distilled: August 21, 2008 – Bottled: August 21, 2018 – My Tasting Note: “Nose: soft and creamy, delicate smoke, wine gums and white cupcakes with vanilla icing; poached pear and cooked apple, candied lemon and chewy malt; a touch waxy with white chocolate and fresh berries: raspberry and strawberry; so-oh buttery. Palate: still buttery, silky, honeyed and sweet; loads of white chocolate, vanilla and caramel; the soft earthy peat and faintly medicinal smoke build quickly with some seafood-y tones; the mouthfeel is big and oily, delicately coating the palate; more wine gums, berry fruits and candied lemon but also melons and pineapple. Finish: long, coating, buttery and malty with soft earthy peat and bright citrus. Comment: this is confident, elegant and refined; Kilchoman 100% Islay taking full strides and not looking back; a softer take on one of Scotland’s boldest whiskies!” – $195

NEW  Old Malt Cask Mortlach 11 Year KWM Cask 

Not your average, average Mortlach! 

Our first ever exclusive single cask of Mortlach was bottled for us by Hunter Laing, and it is a steal. Bottled at 50% after 11 years maturing in a Refill Hogshead, Ref: HL14889, it is a bargain at just $95! This is only our second Old Malt Cask exclusive single cask in the last few years. The last, a 21 Year Bowmore sold out in just a couple of weeks. The whisky will be in-store on Wednesday October 31, but we have an open bottle in shop for those who just can’t wait that long. We will be tasting it in-store on Saturday with Andrew Laing.

Old Malt Cask Mortlach 11 Year KWM Cask – 50% – Refill Hogshead – My Tasting Note: “Nose: apple-cinnamon pastries, dried pineapple chunks, vanilla extract and white chocolate bars with cocoa nibbs; silky malty, soft citrus and decadent honey. Palate: soft, malty, honeyed and sweet; loads of white fruit, sliced pear and more warm apple-cinnamon pastries; fruity, a touch of melon, more tart pineapple and crisp citrus tones; floral vanilla and white chocolate with cocoa nibbs; warming and toasty. Finish: fresh, malty and honeyed; white and citrus fruits fade slowly along with some spices, warm pastry and raw cocoa. Comment: I remember when we selected the cask, I had very low expectations, they were shattered; for $95 a bottle it is a gem.” – $95

NEW  First Editions Aberlour 1993 KWM Cask 

A Massive, but Smooth 23 Year Old Single Cask!  

This is our 2nd KWM single cask of Aberlour, and our first ever exclusive single cask under the First Editions label. We bottled a very popular Aberlour single cask under the Berry’s Own label about 4-5 years ago. This one is a curiosity for a number of reasons, starting with the fact that we hardly ever see independent bottlings of Aberlour. When we do they are often very light and delicate; the distillery doesn’t seem to trade its more heavily sherried casks. This is a very bold, but balanced and layered single cask of Aberlour, but it isn’t overtly sherried. The term “Refill Hogshead” is rather vague, and could refer to a 2nd or 3rd (or 4th…) fill ex-Sherry or ex-Bourbon hogshead. It also doesn’t stipulate the type of oak, which in the case of sherry casks can be American or European… On the balance of probabilities, and flavours, I would suggest this is probably a refill ex-Bourbon hoggie, which is also not characteristic of Aberlour. Aberlour Distillery’s house style is very much sherry driven. Another reason why this whisky is a little unusual, relates to its age. The oldest official bottling of Aberlour is just 18 years of age, and our single cask was well into its 23 year at the time of bottling. Finally, we think there is something else curious going on here. We think the whisky was made from lightly peated malt, or possibly matured in a barrel which had previously matured a peated whisky. Only 151 bottles were filled from a Refill Hogshead cask reference: HL14881, bottled at 58.8%. This one won’t last long!

First Editions Aberlour 1995 KWM Cask – 58.8% – Refill Hogshead – My Tasting Note: “Nose: old English butterscotch, tarte tatin, pecan pie and candied nuts; the nose is big and oily with candied orange; polished Italian leather shoes, brandy soaked cherries and freshly opened cedar cigar box; is there a slight trace of peat? Palate: sweet, fruity and coating and them boom… wow this packs some power; more old English butterscotch, tarte tatin and candied nuts but also creme brule, ginger-molasses cookies and treacle tarts; leather and tobacco are there too with building spice; as it settles down (and or the palate adjusts) more delicate tropical fruits emerge: mango and papaya; late chocolate and prominent licorice; there is also a delicate thread of smoke?! Finish: long, sweet and very fruity; builds into a crescendo of lovely spices, tobacco, leather and tropical fruits; warming, silky and smooth. Comment: this is a gentle beast of a whisky; the complexity is nearly off the charts including a tantalizing trace of smoke; this is a bold but layered Aberlour, very different from the sherried house style of the Distillery bottlings.” – $180

NEW  Kilchoman 2012 Red Wine Finish Alberta Cask 

This Might Change Your Mind on Wine Finished Whisky 

Our team was invited to help Andy Dunn, owner of Gold Medal Marketing, and Kilchoman’s Alberta importer to select this cask. I have to be honest it was not my first choice of the samples we reviewed. But it was the unanimous favourite of the members of the rest of my whisky team at the shop, as well as Mr. Dunn himself. It is a lovely single malt, and my impression of it having now sampled the final product is much improved. Wine finished whiskies generally speaking are just not my style, but this one is lovely!

Kilchoman 2012 Red Wine Finish Alberta Cask 408 – 58% – Distilled: July 5, 2012 – Bottled: August 21, 2018 – Finished in a Portugese Red Wine Cask – 256 Total Bottles – My Tasting Note: ” Nose: strawberry Twizzlers, dark wine gums, dark goats milk chocolate, black licorice pipes and creosote soaked ocean docks; very malty with a base of vanilla cream and wood ash from a forrest fire; a touch of bacon wrapped scallops to boot. Palate: bold but balanced with juicy malt; the vanilla-oak tones hit first before the leathery wine finished elements kick in; strawberry puff candies, black licorice, tar and firm new leather; more dark milk chocolate and subtle tarry-creosote tones; maritime with some soft elegant smoke and firm spices. Finish: long, coating and spicy with firm earthy peat, clean smoke and juicy malt. Comment: this is a lovely Kilchoman, and the wine finishing is deft; another bold but balanced, and ultimately beautiful Kilchoman.” – $155

Introducing Compass Box Flaming Heart 6th Edition   

Both 700mls and Magnums!   

I had a chance to preview the 2018 edition of Compass Box Flaming Heart in September at Whisky Live Paris. I was impressed, but didn’t have time to write up a proper tasting note. The 2018 edition of the whisky has come in both 700ml bottles and 1.5L “Magnums”. This 6th edition of Compass Box’s legendary Flaming Heart Release is arriving in-store today. For the first time Compass Box has introduced a subtle sherry cask influence to compliment the classic Flaming Heart elements of bold new French oak and medium-peated tones. Bottled at 48.9%, just a smidge over 15,000 bottles have been released world-wide, as well as 800 Magnums.

From the Producer: “This is our sixth edition of Flaming Heart, a whisky born of oak, smoke and fire. In this 2018 edition, we have reintroduced a subtle sherry-cask influence that adds an additional layer of complexity and richness. A medium smoky-peaty base is enriched by a sweet maltiness and notes of baking spices and dried fruit. It’s a whisky to enjoy late into the night, perfect served neat or paired with rich cheeses.

“Bottled at 48.9% / Not chill-filtered / Natural colour / First released in 2006, Flaming Heart was the first whisky to combine the rich, complex spice of Scotch aged in new French oak with the evocative peat-fired smoke of Islay malt. It created a genre-defying style that was smouldering, spicy, complex – and so popular that we’ve re-released it five more times in the years that followed.”

Compass Box Flaming Heart 2018 – 48.9% – Recipe Details Below – Producer’s Tasting Note:  “A medium smoky-peaty base is enriched by a sweet maltiness and notes of baking spices and dried fruit. Full on the palate and very long.” – $135 for 700ml / $380 for the Magnum (1500ml) 

The other bottle in the photo, the Compass Box Story of the Spaniard is not expected until late December or early January!

NEW  Springbank Whiskies 

That Won’t Last Long! 

The three new Springbank Distillery bottlings following, have arrived in Alberta in very limited quantities, and accordingly each are restricted to one per customer. All three will be sampled with Ranald Watson of Springbank Distillery tonight in-store (see above for tasting details).

1. Springbank 12yo Cask Strength – 56.2% – Matured in 70% Sherry casks and 30% Bourbon casks – Tasting Note: “Nose: A fruity and nutty combination; cherries, apricot jam, pistachios and toasted oats. Salted caramel and marzipan begin to emerge. Taste: Sweet and delicious, Scottish tablet, prunes and honey. The classic Campbeltown style develops; sea salt and a light smoke coat the mouth. Finish: A long and warming finish; honeycomb, orange marmalade and liquorice closely followed by Demerara sugar, almonds, oats and prunes.” – $105 – Limit 1 Per Customer – Only 5btls left! 
2. Springbank 18 Year 2018 – 46% – Matured in 80% Sherry casks and 20% ex-Bourbon casks – Tasting Note: “Nose: Lemon meringue pie, pear skin, olive oil, almonds and digestive biscuits. A typical Kintyre coastal brininess comes to the fore. Palate: In the background; dried bananas, cocounut shavings and butterscotch. The more prominant; carrot cake, treacle and freshly squeezed limes engulf the palate. Finish: Very delicate; liquorice, gingerbread and Madagascar vanilla. Closely followed by mint, trinity cream and vanilla milkshake.” – $210 – Limit 1 Per Customer – Only 9 left!
3. Longrow 14 Year Sherry Wood – 57.8% – Matured in Oloroso Sherry – Tasting Note: “Nose: Very fruity! Toffee apples, pears and strawberry chocolates in the background; salted popcorn kernels, mint leaves and honey. Taste: Salty and coastal, the fruitiness continues with raisins, chocolate orange and prunes. A dryness develops with demerara sugar and digestive biscuit. Finish: Drying BBQ spices; cayenne pepper and paprika followed by cinnamon sugar, oats, pecan nuts and the typical gentle Longrow smokiness.” – $122 – Limit 1 Per Customer – Only 8 left! 

NEW Gordon Macphail Connoisseurs Choice Mortlach 1987 

A Dark Sherried Beast of a Dram 

On the premium end of Gordon Macphail’s newly revamped Connoisseurs Choice range. The whisky was bottled in 2018 at 54% after maturing in a Refill Sherry Hogshead. That last fact is a little crazy, the whisky is so dark… how is it a refill hoggie. Only 18 bottles are coming to Canada, six of them to KWM. 3 of our 6 bottles have already sold! The whisky is not inexpensive, but early reviews have been very favourable.

Gordon Macphail Connoisseurs Choice Mortlach 1987 – – Producer’s Tasting Note: “Aroma A fireside dram; rich Sherry harmonises with stewed raisins, prunes, sticky dates, and cinder toffee. Dark chocolate and liquorice aromas develop. Taste Sumptuous and smooth; warming cinnamon and clove notes linger in the background. Candied orange peel enhances flavours of marzipan covered dark fruitcake. Finish Creamy and lingering; charred oak leads into slightly drying cocoa powder.” – $875

Introducing Canadian Club 41 Year 

The First Release in the Canadian Club Chronicles Series 

We are unfortunately only expecting a little more than a dozen bottles of the oldest whisky ever bottled by Canadian Club, surpassing last year’s 40 Year. The whisky was distilled in 1977 and has been bottled at 45%. 96pts Whisky Advocate.

Producer Description: “Following the unprecedented release of Canadian Club® 40-year-oId last year comes a new series featuring our highest aged whisky expressions – CC Chronicles will highlight the rich history of Canadian Club. This 1st issue  of CC Chronicles continues the story of behind our whisky that was batched and barreled 41 years ago in 1977 and pays tribute to the birthplace of Canadian Club in Windsor, Canada. The city and its nearby river featured so prominently in our history that CC is often referred to even today as the ‘Water of Windsor’; a fitting beginning to this new chapter from our storied past.”

Canadian Club Chronicles 41 Year – 45% – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Aroma: caramel and toasted oak harmonizes with spiciness and a slight vanilla sweetness. Taste: notes of dark plum and vanilla balanced with caramel, oak and a rye spiciness; complex but smooth & satisfying. Finish: warm and lingering.” – $300

96pts Whisky Advocate: “Recently, a new “oldest Canadian whisky ever,” appears every year. In 2018, the honor goes to Canadian Club. Cedar lumber, fresh apricots, hints of bonfire, and sweet applewood on the nose. On the palate it’s butter tarts with vanilla, waves of pepper, pears, peaches, bonfire notes, and hints of pipe tobacco. Crisp, clean, and slightly bigger than Canadian Club 40 year old, the 41 is woodsy, silky, and mouth filling. (2,472 bottles for U.S.) -Davin de Kergommeaux”

Introducing Glenfiddich Fire & Cane 

A peated Glenfiddich finished in rum casks! 

The 4th release in the Glenfiddich Experimental Series is a peated single malt finished in sweet rum casks. Bottled at 43%.

Distiller’s Description: “Glenfiddich Fire & Cane features a fusion of two bold flavours coming together to form the unexpected combination of smoky Glenfiddich whisky finished in sweet rum casks. Fire & Cane is inspired by the early innovation of Glenfiddich Malt Master Brian Kinsman, who in 2003, first ran peated spirit through the Glenfiddich stills, birthing the concept of what would become the innovative Experimental Series. As the fourth expression of the Experimental Series, Fire & Cane fuses the brand’s smoky whisky with malts that had been maturing side-by-side in bourbon casks, showcasing Glenfiddich’s sweet and fruity signature style. Taking it a step further, all of the whiskies were finished in Latin rum casks to produce a surprising overlay of added caramel toffee sweetness.”

Glenfiddich Fire & Cane – 43% – Peated Rum Finished Glenfiddich – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Nose: Billowing soft peat notes, like distant smoke on the wind. Rich sweet toffee with zesty fresh fruit notes and spiciness. Paste: Like a Highland peat campfire, with oak notes and toffee. Sharp green fruit, sweet baked apple and soft smoke. Finish: Lingering smokiness and sweetness.” – $82

Nikka Coffey Gift Set 

Grain / Malt / Vodka /Gin 

The people at La Maison du Whisky, Nikka’s Global Exporter, keep coming up with interesting ways to promote the Nikka brand. Take for instance the Nikka Coffey Gift set, Coffey being a reference to Aaneas Coffey, the inventor of the Coffey Still, the world’s fist column still. Nikka’s Coffey Malt and Coffey Grain have been rising stars in the Japanese whisky category for the last few years. The company recently released a vodka and gin too, both of which have been very well received. The Nikka Coffey Gift Pack consists of a bottle each of the Coffey Malt, Grain, Gin and Vodka in a presentation box, along with a Nikka Coffey Table book tracing the history of Aeneas’ Coffey still, and including cocktail recipes. KWM is only expecting 15 of these very cool gift sets!

Order the Nikka Coffey Gift Set – $365 

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

STONE CIRCLE VOLUME 3

Our Third Edition of the Single Cask Stone Circle Series is now available to Pre Order.

This stunning 10 Year Old Single Cask Malt Whisky from the Glenallachie Distillery in Speyside is bottled at 53%.

We have selected to represent the very local Balquhain Stone Circle, a Pictish artefact here in Inverurie.

Set amongst the Barley fields rolling off the slopes of Bennachie, a mile North of Inverurie Balquhain was a stronghold to the Leslie family who still reside in the area, the historic Tower still stands. The name of Balquhain lends itself to various legends and stories surrounding the Aberdeenshire countryside.

It is in this area that an ancient Pictish Recumbent Stone Circle lies. Sighted from the A96 Inveramsay road opposite the Harlaw Monument, the stone was made up of up to 12 stones, of which 4 remain.

Our choice of whisky perfectly encapsulates the area. The green grass and surrounding Barley fields accompany the ruggedness of Bennachie with its forested base. All rounded off with a sweetness and friendly, welcoming aura that the Shire is famous for.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Sweet malt, Shortbread, Toffee Apples, and Fresh Summer Grass

Palate: Caramel, Fresh Apples, Oak, Cinnamon, Spice

Finish: Liquorice, Raisins, Coffee, Dark Chocolate

BUY NOW

Inverurie Whisky Shop

1 Burnside, Inverurie, AB51 3RY, United Kingdom

12 Drams of Christmas

Give your true love a gift that’ll see them through to January 5th with this fantastic luxury whisky box set! Fresh from the elves’ workshop at the North Pole, this wonderful gift contains twelve 3cl bottles of some fantastic whiskies, one for each day of the festive season.

£89 Buy Now

KILBEGGAN DISTILLING COMPANY INTRODUCES A NEW STYLE OF IRISH WHISKEY DATING NEARLY 100 YEARS IN KILBEGGAN® SMALL BATCH RYE 

Double distilled and matured in Ireland’s oldest continually licensed distillery, Kilbeggan® Small Batch Rye is an innovation that pays tribute to the golden age of Irish whiskey 

Chicago, IL (October 18, 2018) – Today, the Kilbeggan Distilling Company celebrates the limited-edition release of Kilbeggan® Small Batch Rye, the only modern Irish whiskey of record to feature such a high quantity of rye within its mash. It is the first whiskey 100% distilled and matured at the Kilbeggan Distillery to be released since its restoration was completed in 2010. Each bottle is a testament to the spirit of the Kilbeggan community, whose unwavering dedication and perseverance have kept the distillery alive for more than 260 years.

“Following the restoration of the Kilbeggan Distillery, the oldest licensed distillery in Ireland, our team was inspired to create this remarkable whiskey rooted in Irish distilling heritage,” says John Cashman, Beam Suntory Global Brand Ambassador, Irish Whiskey. “It is a truly unique spirit, featuring a rare mash that has produced a flavor unlike anything available today.”

Featuring a mash of malt, barley, and approximately 30% rye, this whiskey hearkens back to the late-1800s, when many large Irish distillers used rye in their mashes. However, this spicy grain virtually disappeared from the Irish Whiskey category around the time of Prohibition and the Irish War of Independence.

Double distilled to 86 proof in Kilbeggan’s copper pot stills – one of which is the oldest working whiskey pot still in the world today – Kilbeggan® Small Batch Rye is the first of its kind in today’s market. Due to the nature of its mash, the flavor profile of Kilbeggan Small Batch Rye is notably softer than familiar American rye whiskies. The combination of rye, malt and barley produces an oily, viscous, creamy whiskey, bristling with rye and barley spice. As both Irish whiskey and rye whiskey enjoy a resurgence, Kilbeggan Small Batch Rye is a true innovation within both categories, with a smooth, spicy flavor profile sure to excite whiskey drinkers and cocktail enthusiasts alike.

Due to its mellow and spicy character, Kilbeggan® Small Batch Rye is best enjoyed neat. If using this whiskey in a cocktail, we recommend an Old Fashioned: 2 parts Kilbeggan® Rye, 2 dashes aromatic bitters, and a bar spoon of simple syrup or cinnamon syrup. Combine ingredients in a mixing glass, add ice, and stir briefly. Serve over a large ice cube and garnish with a sprig of rosemary.

This limited-edition Irish whiskey will be available in the United States in mid-November 2018 with a suggested retail price of $34.99 (750ml). It joins the U.S. portfolio alongside permanent expressions Kilbeggan® Blended Irish Whiskey (40% ABV) and Kilbeggan® Single Grain Irish Whiskey (43% ABV).

KILBEGGAN® SMALL BATCH RYE | 43% ABV

AROMA                Soft green fruits combine with a rich creamy aroma and give way to white pepper, citrus, and soft ginger spices

TASTE                    Beautiful warming mouthfeel of textured vanilla cream, floral spice, clove, and forest sorrel, building to a crescendo of warm spice and biscuit dryness

FINISH                  Immensely long and nuanced, thick buttery coating with a return to the vanilla and a spicy, oily coating that remains long after the finish

About Beam Suntory Inc.

As the world’s third largest premium spirits company, Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits Brands that Stir the World.  Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands and Suntory whisky Kakubin, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek bourbon, Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher’s, Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Hornitos and Sauza tequila, EFFEN and Pinnacle vodka, Sipsmith gin, and Midori liqueur.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and commitment to Growing for Good.  Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan.  For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

Israel, October 28^th, 2018

Israeli Whisky Club and Indepenent bottler ‘Holy Dram’ have announced today (October 28^th) their first EVER single cask bottling for the Israeli Market.  The whisky they have bottled is a Loch Lomond  Inchmoan (the peaty line of single malt distilled at Loch Lomond distillery) aged 14 year from Cask #68.

The whisky was hand-picked by Holy Dram admins and managers from a wide selection of Loch Lomond casks.

Cask #68 (ex-bourbon hogshead) yielded 220 bottles of cask strength whisky. The whisky was distilled March 2004 and bottled August 2018, at 52.4% abv (Cask strength) and is presented in its natural form (no color added, or filtration).

Gal Granov of Holy Dram IL commented: “we’re really thrilled to have bottled the first single cask for the Israeli marker aimed at our group of 4,100 whisky lovers. We liked this cask from first sniff, as it was perfectly balanced with smoke and tropical fruit” There has been quite a lot of interest from friends and whisky fans worldwide.”

Official tasting notes:

Nose: This is quite a nice nose, there’s quite some smoke , and chili peppers, ash and soot, but it’ not as ‘Ardbeg’ sort of ashy. A very nice wood influence as well, and it look like this has been an active cask. Cinnamon flavored bubble gum, a bit waxy, and a hint of mint.

Palate: now this is where the whisky shines! on the first wave of sensations , there’s quite a lot of peat, the ash and the warm smoke, the vanilla and the pepper which give way to an avalanche of grilled tropical fruit  (thing pineapple, mango, banana), with the sweet smoke holding it all together, a nice touch of chilly and burnt caramel.

Finish: Hints of Caramelized tropical fruit, sweet chili peppers, and a nice bitterness with the ash going a long way.

Eagle Rare 10 Year Old Single Barrel Select – exclusive to The Whisky Exchange

American whiskey is on the up. While Irish whiskey may be the fastest growing in the world, the USA is gaining ground as the connoisseurs choice. Whiskeys like the Van Winkle range are snapped up in seconds and appear at auction for thousands of pounds, but there are still loads of great-value special releases, many of which are now making their way to the UK. We’re very please to have grabbed one for ourselves – a single-barrel release of Eagle Rare 10 Year Old.

Eagle Rare is one of the many whiskeys produced by the folks at Buffalo Trace, a 10-year-old bourbon that’s picked up loads of awards since its first appearance back in the 1970s. It’s changed a bit over the past 40 years, with the name moving between a number of different whiskey producers, but the current incarnation has been in the hands of Buffalo Trace since the end of the 1980s.

The regular Eagle Rare 10 Year Old was, until a few years ago, a single barrel bourbon, with every bottle from just one barrel. These days it’s a small-batch release, giving us the chance to fill the single-barrel gap with our exclusive whiskey.

The thing which stood our for us in this single cask was the fruitiness. Eagle Rare is an intense whiskey, with layers of oaky spice and rich sweetness, but this also had the kind of fruity character that we love in whisk(e)ys from all over the world. Once we tried it, we had to have it:

Eagle Rare 10 Year Old Single Barrel Select

Nose: Toffee, raisins and marzipan. Caramelised brown sugar follows, along with fruity bread pudding. Under the layers of sweetness are touches of spice and fresh fruit: toffee apples and overripe pears.

Palate: Creamy in texture with bittersweet burnt sugar up front. Apple sauce and raisin sweetness follows, with cinnamon sugar and malt loaf richness. Some apple-skin sharpness floats around the edges along with balancing barrel-char bitterness. A hint of Ribena blackcurrant builds through the middle.

Finish: Hints of mint and menthol fade. Sugar sandwiches appear: brown bread, butter, golden Demerara.

Comment: Well balanced and easy drinking, with spice, fruit and classic bourbon sweetness all coming together perfectly.

The Whisky Exchange exclusive Eagle Rare 10 Year Old Single Barrel is now available online and in our London shops – Covent Garden and Fitzrovia. You can find more exclusives on our Exclusive to The Whisky Exchange page.

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.

Iain Weir, Smokehead Brand Director, commented: “We’re proud of our Smokehead Sherry Bomb expression. The whisky is more explosive than an Armada cannonball. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re after a bold, peaty whisky that’s been blasted by rich sherry casks, then this is the delicious taste explosion you’ve been waiting for.”

Building on the launch of the new Smokehead brand design, Sherry Bomb’s packaging displays the brand’s iconic skull – this time in fiery red – bold typography and smoked, textured backgrounds, with each Limited-Edition black bottle presented in a Sherry Bomb tin. Smokehead Sherry Bomb is available now in the UK and will roll out globally in November.

TASTING NOTES: SMOKEHEAD SHERRY BOMB (48% ABV) 

The First Impression: Thick peat lets you know you’ve got a serious Islay single malt on your hands. Then a fruitier, creamier feel – soft rich oak, soothing custard and vanilla. But don’t get comfortable – this is only the beginning.

The Full-on Flavour: Tie yourself down and wait for the hit of oily black smoke, with a rich heavy mouthcoating peaty feel. Then along comes a sweet sticky flavour of barbecued banana, (yes, really) tangy sultanas and dried fruits. Told you it was different.

The Finale: The peat returns, just as you hoped/feared it would. This time it’s brought some authentic Spanish sherry oakiness with it, pleasingly and disturbingly sweet. And one last sharp salty reminder that you’re not dealing with the ordinary here.

Please drink responsibly.

www.smokehead.com

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#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 and is not for everyone.
• 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.
• Ian Macleod Distillers has built up an enviable portfolio of premium quality spirits and is proud brand proprietor of Glengoyne, Tamdhu, Rosebank and Smokehead Scotch whiskies and Edinburgh Gin to name but a few.

A Pair of Can’t-Miss K&L Exclusive Barrels from Old Potrero

“Anchor Distilling Company was one of the great craft distillers of the modern era.”
-David Othenin-Girard

In case the news hasn’t found its way to you yet, sadly, Anchor Distilling Company and its Old Potrero brand are going away. For all the ins and outs and what’s on the horizon, check out our recent blog post. But for those short on time, the long and the short of it is that because of a change in ownership, this iconic brand will no longer be produced. However, there are still casks of these remarkable spirits to be had—at least for the time being. As longtime fans of Old Potrero, we’ve always picked up their limited production whiskeys whenever the occasion arose. Hence, we when were given a chance to select a pair of Old Potrero barrels exclusively for K&L, we knew we had to act. Never before had we been offered such an opportunity, so this, coupled with the imminent retirement of the brand, made this a proposition too good to miss. Featured here are casks No. 3 and No. 9. Both are a beautiful swan song as you’ll ever find and stunning examples of the groundbreaking work at this historic distillery. Both are unique expressions that beautifully illustrate why so many collectors have a special place in their hearts for Old Potrero. This truly is a one-of-a-kind opportunity and a chance to own part of history. Scroll below for our tasting notes and learn what makes this pair so captivating. Allocations are limited and demand is already high, so don’t miss out. We can’t think of a better way to bid adieu to this legendary brand.

Old Potrero “K&L Exclusive Barrel #3” Single Malt Straight Rye Whiskey (750ml) ($99.99)

Old Potrero has finally begun a formal single cask program and we were so excited we bought two! Barrel No. 3 is lights out. At 61.96% alcohol it is full throttle, no holds barred, 100% rye malt. Both barrels were double distilled in traditional copper pot stills on August 1, 2012 and bottled exclusively for K&L on July 27, 2018, just four days short of their sixth birthdays. Who doesn’t like to celebrate a little early? The whiskey entered its 53-gallon, extra fine grain American Oak barrels at 62% and that ABV pretty much held steady over the years. The result for barrel No. 3 is punchy, intense, and spicy, like a Red Hot wrapped in a Christmas cookie. You have two chances for barrel proof Old Potrero 100% Single Malt Rye, don’t miss!

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 17, 2018

Well this is it. Kind of the end of an era. And we scored two of the most special barrels I’ve ever tried yet from these guys. Both casks come a lot closer to the insane and unavailable Hotalings offerings that are sold at 10-16 years old rather than the younger offerings, which are regularly available. The power rye malt and six years in a new charred oak barrel are a heady combination. I found cask No. 3 to be the drier of the two showing tons of baking spice, minty woodsy tones, and a rich malty character that sets the Old Potrero apart from other modern ryes. Bold, spicy and dry, there’s almost nothing on the market quiet like these and they easily rank as some of the finest craft whiskies we’ve ever sold. A truly special offer that will never be available again under this label.

Neal Fischer | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 02, 2018

This rye smells high-octane because it is, coming in at a rather robust 123.92 proof. The nose is woody and intense with the smell of Red Hots candy. There’s a big cinnamon kick with other spice notes of clove, cardamom, pepper, and a cedar wood quality. The taste mostly follows the spicy nose but with the addition of gentle vanilla, menthol, and a hint of salt.

Sean Fernandez | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 18, 2018

Scrumdiddlyumptions. A marriage of the power of a George T Stagg and the grace and complexity of a Sazerac 18. Weighty and viscous in the mouth with deep rich caramel and cinnamon. Never as hot as the proof suggests and with a warming spicy finish inviting you back for more. Wonderful item to have on hand when the Antique collection is out of reach.

Old Potrero “K&L Exclusive Barrel #9” Single Malt Straight Rye Whiskey (750ml) ($99.99)

Old Potrero has finally begun a formal single cask program and we were so excited we bought two! Barrel No. 9 is a sophisticated, well-balanced number. At 61.57% alcohol it shows the more nuanced side of 100% rye malt. Both barrels were double distilled in traditional copper pot stills on Aug. 1, 2012 and bottled exclusively for K&L on July 27, 2018, just four days short of their sixth birthdays. Who doesn’t like to celebrate a little early? The whiskey entered its 53-gallon, extra fine grain American Oak barrels at 62% and that ABV pretty much held steady over the years. The result for barrel No. 9 is more of a baked bread character and exceptional balance. It’s warm, inviting, and you hope the glass never empties. You have two chances for barrel proof Old Potrero 100% Single Malt Rye, don’t miss!

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 17, 2018

The Old Potrero brand is venerated particularly among California spirits geeks. For years the stocks were so small that we couldn’t even get the standard releases consistently. When I saw it out at bars, I ordered it. When the supplier had it, we bought everything. Over the last several years a lot has changed at Mr. Maytag’s old distillery, but they’ve always made this idiosyncratic single malt rye that is unparalleled anywhere else in the world. Now they’re starting to have enough stock to sell barrels outright, usually cask experiments, but we knew we had to jump on the new charred oak barrels as soon as they came up. With the recent sale of the Anchor Beer brand to the Japanese, the distilling component is moving away from the old branding, so these will be the very last Old Potrero barrels we’ll ever see. And what a way to go out. Barrel No. 9 is showing less minty rye and more deep dark malt, cacao and savory spice. Textured and full bodied, this stuff is truly palate coating. Not for the faint of heart but an impressive example of why the Old Anchor Distilling Company was one of the great craft distillers of the modern era. A new chapter begins.

Neal Fischer | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 02, 2018

This is another intense, full-throttled rye, but it’s not as spicy as the No. 3 barrel we also have here at K&L. The spice is still bold, but it’s tempered by luscious caramel and cream. With a touch of water, additional notes of buttered toffee, cocoa, and leather emerge. This dram has a nice, long, and woody finish.

REDBREAST 12 CASK STRENGTH RE-CLAIMS JIM MURRAY’S ‘BEST IRISH WHISKEY’ SPOT

Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength Batch B1/17, which is crafted at Midleton Distillery by Irish Distillers, has been awarded the overall ‘Best Irish Whiskey’ in the world and ‘Best Irish Pot Still Whiskey’ in the annual Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2019.

Scoring an impressive 97 out of 100 points, Redbreast 12 Cask Strength is the most highly-awarded of all new Irish whiskeys to be tasted this year. The achievement continues success for Redbreast in the Whisky Bible, with the range having scooped ‘Best Irish Whiskey’ in the whiskey compendium for the sixth time in seven years.

Recognition from Murray completes the whiskey awards season for 2018, a year in which Redbreast 12 Cask Strength has excelled across the board. Key awards won include a Double Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirit Competition, a Master medal at The Irish Whiskey Masters and a 94 out of 100 point score at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge.

Commenting on the accolade, Billy Leighton, Master Blender at Midleton Distillery, said: “It is a real honour to accept the ‘Best Irish Whiskey’ award on behalf of Redbreast again this year – the sixth time in seven years that I’ve had the opportunity to do so. Jim Murray is one of most distinguished names in the whiskey world, and I hope that his resounding endorsement for Redbreast, the quintessential Irish whiskey, will help to spread the gospel for exceptional Irish whiskey even further around the world. This award is a testament to the craftsmen at Midleton Distillery who assist me in blending outstanding Irish whiskeys for the world to enjoy.”

The Redbreast range has been awarded ‘Best Irish Whiskey’ in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible six times over the past seven years:

• 2013 – Redbreast 12 Year Old
• 2014 – Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength
• 2015 – Redbreast 21 Year Old
• 2017 – Redbreast 21 Year Old
• 2018 – Redbreast 21 Year Old
• 2019 – Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength

Now in its 16th edition, Jim Murray has tasted more than 4,500 different whiskeys in order to compile Jim Murray Whisky Bible 2019, evaluating each entrant out of 25 for its nose, taste, finish and balance in order to curate a score out of 100.

NOTES

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers is Ireland’s leading supplier of spirits and wines and producer 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 28 years of consecutive growth and hitting sales of 7.3m cases in 2018. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets, with over 80 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 €250m 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.
Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index.