Winner!

“Chairman’s Award” 2016 Retailer of the Year

Alberta Liquor Store Association

Runner-Up 2015 & 2016

Whisky Magazine Icons of Whisky: Rest of the World

Retailer Single Outlet “Highly Commended”

Malt Messenger Bulletin – A New KWM Cask, Whisky Advent Early Bird & Whisky Week!

!!!EARLY BIRD EXTENDED!!! for The Kensinton Wine Market 2018 Whisky Advent Calendar 

Early Bird Pricing in Effect – SAVE $35 Until October 7, 2018

25 Days of Dram Fine Whisky is Back! SAVE $35+gst, by pre-ordering your Kensington Wine Market 2018 Whisky Advent Calendar before October 8th. This years edition features 25 all new whiskies, with a high proportion of single casks, and independent bottlings. The bulk of the Calendar is single malt Scotch whisky, with a few single malts from Canada, England and France. We will also have a Japanese whisky in the 2018 edition for the first time!

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 be ready for pickup around the beginning of November. 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 Whisky Week Tastings 

The Fall 2018 KWM Whisky Tasting Schedule

Our Fall Tasting Schedule has been online for about 3 weeks and a few of the tastings have already sold out, including our ever popular and legendary Fall Single Malt Festival. No surprise there, it is always popular and one of the first tastings to fill. But we had indications from a lot of out of town customers tat they were planning to make the trek out to Calgary, so fret not, we have added a second festival night on Thursday November 15. The whisky featured both nights will be equally impressive.

We have also added 5 new Brand Ambassador led tastings to our tasting schedule. We will have tastings from Springbank, anCnoc/Old Pulteney, Carn Mor (Morrison MacKay), Port Askaig/Elements of Islay, and a very Rare Old Gordon Macphail tasting. Here are the 5 Whisky Week Tastings:

1. Springbank with Ranald Watson – Sunday October 28, 5PM – Ranald Watson is no stranger to KWM, so we are thrilled to have him back for a Master Class tasting at KWM. We will pour a range of whiskies from Springbank, Hazelburn and Longrow, including a couple of Springbank Society releases. – $25
2. anCnoc and Old Pulteney with Gordon Stevenson – Monday October 29, 7PM – We are excited to have Gordon Stevenson back, for a Master Class tasting focused on the anCnoc whisky, (Knockdhu Distillery). We’ll be pouring some older expressions of the whisky including the 22, 24 and possibly an even older bottling. We will also feature a couple of new Old Pulteneys! – $40
3. Celebrating Carn Mor with Peter MacKay – Tuesday October 30, 7PM – Morrison MacKay Sales Manager Peter MacKay will leads us through a range of whiskies from their Carn Mor, Celebration of the Cask and Old Perth ranges. – $20
4. Elements of Askaig with Chris Maybin – Wednesday October 31, 7PM – If Chris’ name sounds familiar, that might be because he was John Glaser’s right hand man at Compass Box for years. He is now in charge of Speciality Drinks, owners of the Elements of Islay and Port Askaig lines. We’ll have a very peaty range of whiskies, possibly paired with Halloween candy! – $25
5. Rare Old Gordon Macphail with Richard Urquhart – Monday November 12 – We are putting on a mind blowing tasting with Richard Urquhart of Gordon Macphail. We’ve selected a range of whiskies from the discontinued Rare Old line, and we are cracking them open for a tasting including: Coleburn 1981, Glenesk 1980, Glenlochy 1979, Convalmore 1975, Mosstowie 1979 and Glencraig 1975. A range worth more than $8500! – $200

Here is the rest of the Fall Whisky Tasting Schedule:

1. Making Bourbon Great Again -Thursday, October 11th, 7PM – Trump might be an a–hole, but we still love Bourbon in spite of a less than great US President with no taste! We’ll take you on a trip down the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, and to other parts of America, all in search of Great American Whiskey! – $30
2. Very Rare Cadenhead – Tuesday, October 16th, 7PM  – We will dig into some real curiosities at this tasting, including a 1973 blend, a 1989 Bunnahabhain and a 1992 peated Irish single malt from Cooley! – $80
3. Glorious Grains – Thursday, October 18th, 7PM – Looking for an old whisky that is also excellent value? There are some glorious old grain whiskies out there and you need to give them a closer look! – $50
4. The Ginessaince – Tuesday, November 6t, 7PM – Gin is well into its new Golden Age. We’ll highlight some of the best local, craft and extremely small batch gins, and dabble in a few gin cocktails. Plus we’ll have a special expert guest! – $30
5. Fall Single Malt Festival I – Thursday, November 8th, 7PM – Our world famous, ever popular, Fall Single Malt Festival is back. Limited to 100 participants, we will feature nearly as many whiskies. Oh, and it includes a KWM logo Glencairn glass! – $65
6. Fall Single Malt Festival II – Thursday, November 15th, 7PM – This event is so popular, we had to offer a second night…  The evening is limited to just 100 participants and will feature nearly as many whiskies. Oh, and it includes a KWM logo Glencairn glass! – $65
7. Masters of Malt – Thursday, November 29th, 7PM – Nothing but the oldest, rarest and most special whiskies are showcased at this tasting. Truly the Masters of Malt! – $125
8. Merry Mex-mas – Tuesday, December 2, 7PM – We’ll celebrate the approach of Christmas like other Canadian Snowbirds by heading south! Join us in Oaxaca – beat the cold and stay festive with Mezcal and Mezcal cocktails. Feliz Navidad! – $35 

You can register for the tastings by phone 403-283-8000, in-store and online! 

NEW Cadenhead Linkwood 2006 KWM Cask 

Fresh, fruity and complex beyond its years!

Our first new KWM exclusive cask of 2018 is an 11 Year old Linkwood from an ex-Bourbon Hogshead bottled at a natural cask strength of 58.7%. It take a lot to get our owner excited about Linkwood, but this one got Andrew, Evan and Curt excited. 288 bottles are available of this dangerously drinkable whisky.

Cadenhead Linkwood 2006 KWM Cask – 58.7% – Ex-Bourbon Hogshead – Andrew’s Tasting Note: “Nose: lemon and pear drops, tapioca and white chocolate Hershey’s Kisses; shortbread dusted in coarse sugar with a touch of lemon; jammy dodgers and other cream filled cookies; freshly baked donuts, chocolate éclairs and tarte tatin. Palate: sweet, honeyed and fruity; oily and toasty; white fruity and glossy citrus tones; lemon cream cookies, jammy dodgers and more sugar dusted shortbread; decadent and doughy, like an old-fashioned donut shop: carrot cake with creme cheese icing, custard creme and apple curler donuts, and also more chocolate éclairs; lots of lemon and white fruits, creamsicles and building decadent spices. Finish: long and elegant beyond its years; creamy with doughy tones and lots of honey; soft spices and minty floral tones and bright fruits. Comment: this is a sessionable and dangerously drinkable whisky; tasted blind, you would never know this Whisky is 11 years old or nearly 60%.” – $110

lntroducing Springbank Hazelburn 13 Year Sherry Wood

Hazelburn is Springbank’s triple distilled single malt. It is named for a now closed distillery in the town of Campbeltown. The spirit is other than Auchentoshan, the only other triple distilled whisky distilled annually in Scotland. The whisky was first produced in 1997, on the advice of Frank McHardy, who had just taken over as distillery manager, returning from Northern Ireland. The Hazelburn 13 Year Sherry Wood is a limited annual release of 12,000 bottles.

Hazelburn 13 Year 2018 – 47.4% – Matured in Oloroso Sherry – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Nose: Full bodied; creamy and rich with dark chocolate. Rose petals and ginger biscuit snaps with freshly brewed espresso coffee. Palate: Bursting with fresh cream and strawberries, all developing due to the maturation in Oloroso Sherry; Turkish delight, clotted cream, strawberry jam followed by marzipan and walnuts. Finish: Brown sugar, dates and toffee; sticky toffee pudding! Cream coffee liqueur, red apple peels, banana chips, vanilla and black pepper.” – $125

New Very Limited Sprinbank 21 Year 

70% Matured in Rum…

Unfortunately the allocations on whiskies like this aren’t getting any better. Only 3700 bottles have been released globally. That may sound like a lot, but the reality is that is just a drop in the bucket. KWM is set to receive just 18 bottles of the 2018 Edition of Springbank 21 Year. We likely won’t see another release until mid-2019. This year’s edition is a curiosity, 70% of the whisky was sourced from Ex-Rum Barrels… we can’t wait to give it a try. Fortunately we’re expecting a visit from Springbank in October, and I have a feeling a bottle just might get opened! It is limited to 1 per customer.

Springbank 21 Year 2018 – 46% – Matured in 30% Ex-Bourbon and 70% Ex-Rum Casks – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Nose: A burst of heather and freshly mowed grass followed by honey, pear skin and wood shavings. Hints of butter; cheesecake, fresh cream and digestive biscuit. Taste: Elegant and gentle. Butterscotch and vanilla, sugar cane and molasses develop as the influence from the rum casks engulfs the palate with apricots, peaches and paprika. Finish: A soft smokiness is present in the background. Toffee apples, raisins and oat biscuits emerge. In the foreground; peppercorn, almonds and apricot jam are prominent.” – $425 – !Limit 1/Person!

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

403-283-8000

ALLT-A-BHAINNE LAUNCH SET TO SHAKE UP THE SINGLE MALT CATEGORY

Introducing Chivas Brothers’ new sweetly peated Speyside single malt that stands proud

Allt-A-Bhainne, the latest release from Scotch whisky specialist Chivas Brothers, is here to shake up the single malt category by mixing the smokiness of peat with the fruity sweetness of the Speyside region in Scotland. The challenger whisky will push conventional boundaries in a bid to attract a whole new generation of drinkers.

Established in 1975, an era of punks, mods and breaking with convention, the Allt-A-Bhainne distillery is truly a product of its time. It is liberated, open and original – and those who have visited can testify that it’s a place for whisky-making, not picture-taking. Now ready to launch its first large-scale offering, Allt-A-Bhainne goes against the grain and stands out as different from more traditional Speyside whiskies, with a distinctive taste and bold personality to match.

At a time when peated malts are growing globally by 7.6% (CAGR 2012/2017 IWSR), Allt-A-Bhainne is the answer for those out-of-the-ordinary special occasions or for valuable time spent unwinding in good company. Bottled at 40% ABV, it is aimed at active single malt explorers looking to experience something a bit different, while also appealing to new single malt drinkers with its straight-talking attitude.

Capturing its bold personality, the clean bottle design features strong, geometric shapes to create an energetic look that resonates with the 70s style of the Allt-A-Bhainne distillery on the label. The clean, uncluttered design of the bottle shows off the liquid and screams confidence in what’s inside. The wooden stopper is a gesture towards the craftsmanship at the heart of the brand.

Richard Clark, Allt-A-Bhainne Master Distiller, comments: “We know that whisky drinkers have evolved. They are becoming more adventurous with their repertoire and want to try something new. That’s why we’ve decided now is the perfect time to launch Allt-A-Bhainne.

“Convention said we shouldn’t mix peat with Speyside and that smokiness and sweetness wouldn’t work together. But we followed our nose, distilled the whisky in the way we know and trust, and Allt-A-Bhainne is the result. It’s a match that might go against traditional Speyside conventions, but that’s something we’re not afraid to challenge.”

Allt-A-Bhainne has now hit the shelves in the UK at an RRP of £37.00 and will also be rolling out in Australia.

Notes:

Tasting notes:

Nose: Notes of soft red apples, sweet runny honey, delicate smoke (bonfire embers) and toffee.

Taste: The smoky flavour comes through much more markedly on the taste and gives a delightful mix of citrus fruits (sweet orange and ripe melon), toasted marshmallows, smoke and gentle peaty flavours.

Finish: Long, smoky, slightly dry and spicy

About Allt-A-Bhainne

Allt-A-Bhainne is a Scottish single malt distillery in the heart of Speyside which began distilling whisky in 1975, a time when everyone was going against the status quo. At the time, convention said that we shouldn’t mix peat with Speyside, but we followed our nose and distilled the whisky our way. Allt-A-Bhainne is a sophisticated and multidimensional liquid, mildly peated, with fruity undertones that create the perfect balance between peatiness and fruitiness. Long used as the heart of multiple blends in the iconic Chivas Brothers portfolio, Allt-A-Bhainne launched its first official single malt Scotch whisky in September 2018.

CHIVAS RAISES A GLASS TO MANCHESTER UNITED’S 1968 VICTORY IN EUROPE WITH RARE 50 YEAR OLD SCOTCH

– Oldest whisky ever released by Chivas – 

1^st October 2018 – Ahead of Manchester United’s first European Cup home game of the season, Chivas, the original luxury blended Scotch whisky, has unveiled Chivas The Icon 50^th Anniversary Limited Edition to celebrate Manchester United’s famous cup victory in Europe in 1968. Four bottles of the limited edition, 50 year old Scotch have been created, to represent each of the goals scored by Manchester United on the memorable night at Wembley.

The new Official Spirits Partner of Manchester United, Chivas, will be gifting the first bottle of the exquisite whisky to a fan who has passionately supported the Club through every high and low. To find out how to be in with a chance to win this priceless whisky, please keep an eye on Manchester United social platforms for further details on how to enter.   

The second bottle in the limited edition release will be the only bottle in the world available to the public to buy, going on sale with world-renowned auction house Sotheby’s in an online-only auction from 23^rd to 30^th November. All proceeds from the sale will be donated to the Manchester United Foundation, reflecting Chivas and Manchester United’s shared belief in using success to enrich the lives of others. To find out how to take part in the auction and have the chance to get your hands on the only bottle of this celebratory whisky available to buy, visit the Chivas website where there will be details of the auction and how to get involved.

Sandy Hyslop, Chivas Brothers Director of Blending, commented: “At Chivas we believe that blended is better – in life, football and Scotch – so we wanted to use our vast expertise to craft a truly unique blend that embodies the values of a truly unique team. To taste this whisky is to experience some of our oldest, most luxurious and rarest whiskies, some from now lost distilleries, hand-selected and brought together for their exceptional richness and fruity character. Ever since Chivas’ founding brothers, James and John, first perfected the art of blending, Chivas has never released a whisky more than 30 years old – this limited edition 50 years old blend really is an iconic piece of history.”

Presented in a hand-blown crystal decanter created by expert craftsmen at Dartington Crystal, the liquid is perfectly smooth with an intense concentration of sumptuous flavours, with rich notes of honey, vanilla and dark chocolate, balanced by subtle hazelnut influences from the cask that develop into an exceptionally long, lingering finish. Each bottle is decorated with a bespoke metal plaque, enshrining the 1968 victory to the bottle’s crest. The fine detail of the plaque has been hand-carved and carefully hand-painted to match the colour of the team’s iconic 1968 shirt, with touches in gold in a nod to their victory.

The third Limited Edition bottle will take pride of place in the Manchester United Museum, before being offered for private sale at an end season event, with proceeds again being donated to the Manchester United Foundation. The final bottle will be placed on display at Strathisla distillery – the home of Chivas in Speyside, Scotland.

Find out more about the Chivas partnership with Manchester United and why blended is better at Chivas.com.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrmFLXNsNa4

Notes

About Chivas

Chivas believes that blended is better, in life and in Scotch. The original luxury blended Scotch whisky, Chivas’ belief in blending was instilled by founding brothers, James and John Chivas, who pioneered the art of blending in 19th century Scotland. Since then, Chivas has been integral to the growth of the Scotch whisky category worldwide – by bringing together the best malt and grain whiskies to create something extraordinary.

Chivas believes in the power of blending in life, as well as in Scotch. In bringing people together to create a greater whole – which is why Chivas is proud to be the global spirits partner of Manchester United, the world’s biggest football club; and in blending ambition with generosity and using success to enrich the lives of others – which is why the Chivas Venture supports social startups with $1m in annual funding.

Chivas blends its home in Speyside, Scotland, with more than 100 countries across the globe, who together have made Chivas the global success it is today, selling more than 4.2 million 9L cases every year. The Chivas range blends timeless classics with modern innovation, including: Chivas 12, Chivas Extra, Chivas XV, Chivas Mizunara, Chivas 18, Chivas Ultis, Chivas 25, Chivas Regal The Icon, and the Global Travel Retail exclusive Chivas Brothers Blend.

Chivas. Success is a blend. www.Chivas.com

About Manchester United

Manchester United is one of the most popular and successful sports teams in the world, playing one of the most popular spectator sports on Earth. Through their 140-year heritage the Club has won 66 trophies, enabling them to develop the world’s leading sports brand and a global community of 659 million followers. Their large, passionate community provides Manchester United with a worldwide platform to generate significant revenue from multiple sources, including sponsorship, merchandising, product licensing, new media & mobile, broadcasting and match day. www.manutd.com

Booker’s “Kentucky Chew 2018-3” Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $49.99 View

This is the flagship barrel strength small batch product from the famous Jim Beam distilleries in Clermont and Boston, Kentucky. Originally conceived by Booker Noe, Jim Beam’s Grandson, it was originally released in 1988. At the time it was one of the few cask strength bourbons available and quickly became renowned by bourbon connoisseurs and collectors for its incredible depth and power. It continues to be Jim Beam’s most well loved regular offering and we are happy to offer it at one of the most competitive prices in the country. Each batch is individually numbered and contains whisky hand selected by master distiller Fred Noe.

TORONTO- October 11, 2018 – Canada’s Mark Anthony Brands announces the launch of a new Canadian whisky brand: BEARFACE and its signature release BEARFACE Triple Oak.  Through this and future small batch, limited releases, BEARFACE is crafted to transform how consumers perceive and experience Canadian Whisky.

The mandate and approach for BEARFACE was deliberately different, starting out by sourcing exceptional 7-year-old Canadian whisky from the shores of Lake Huron, before shipping it 4,000 kilometres across Canada to British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, a pristine, one of a kind, glacier fed wine region. There, the awarded showcase Mission Hill Family Estate Winery allowed Master Blender Andres Faustinelli to experiment with countless barrel and wood combinations with the objective of developing an expertly hand-finished process that would give BEARFACE a unique character, distinct from traditional Canadian Whisky.

Bearface Triple Oak is the result of this exhaustive experimentation. A Canadian whisky with a bold finish derived from three different oaks, each selected for the distinct flavour they impart. This single grain whisky starts life aging in ex-bourbon charred American Oak barrels for a minimum of seven years, imparting warm smooth vanilla notes. It is then placed in tight-grained French Oak ex-wine barrels with over seven years of use for high end, rich Bordeaux-style wines that Mission Hill are noted for, adding luscious dry fruit notes and a deep ruby colour. The final finish, a first in Canadian whisky, is with 3-year-old, air-dried virgin Hungarian Oak, adding rye-like notes and a distinctive rich texture. The combined result: an unapologetically next generation Canadian whisky.

Commenting on the launch, Mark Anthony Founder and Chairman Anthony von Mandl said ‘Most whisky categories are tied to stringent rules & regulation, reducing flexibility to innovate or modernise as consumer palates change. Canadian whisky regulations provide an ideal platform for this category to lead whisky innovation globally. In creating ‘BEARFACE Triple Oak’ we have focused on developing an exceptional whisky by challenging norms, being obsessive in our initial barrel selection and finishing it in unique and interesting ways.’

Anthony added ‘We wanted to share with Andres and his team our 40 years of learnings from working with dozens of barrel makers and oaks from a wide variety of forests with know-how in high-end winemaking to enable them to create truly unique blends of scarce Canadian Whisky.  What’s more exciting than re-inventing a traditional category and bringing it to life!’

Andres Faustinelli, Master Blender commented: “At BEARFACE, our collective aim is to showcase how Canadian whisky can lead the whisky world through innovation and flavour.  Our Triple Oak signature release is the start of what promises to be an exciting new chapter in Canadian whisky.”

Retailing at $39.95, BEARFACE Triple Oak Canadian Whisky is bottled at 42.5% alc/vol and will be on sale across Canada starting this month, with international markets to follow.

TOMATIN BOLSTER LINE UP WITH NEW 30 YEAR OLD WHISKY

Highland whisky distillery Tomatin, has today (Thursday 27^th September) announced the release of its new 30 Year Old single malt.

Retailing at £300, the golden-amber expression is a premium batch release decanted into individually numbered bottles, with only 900 available in the UK.

The whisky, finished in first fill ex-Bourbon barrels, is presented in a premium oak box and is accompanied by a carrying case – perfect for those looking to add a touch of extravagance to their whisky collection.

The 30 Year Old is expected to prove popular with new and loyal Tomatin drinkers and will be available through specialist retailers.

Jennifer Masson, Tomatin’s Marketing Manager, said, “We are delighted to be able to release this premium whisky to our customers just in time for Christmas. This is sure to be a must-have gift for any whisky lover or keen collector.

“Our core range has a wide breadth of whiskies and we expect the 30 Year Old will prove very popular with our customers who are looking for something premium and luxurious, and recognisably Tomatin.”

Tomatin’s 30 Year Old, delivers fresh aromas of soft fruits, golden honey and smooth white chocolate. On the palate, a fusion of tropical fruits and creamy buttered vanilla mingle in an explosion of sensational mixed spices. Customers can expect an elegantly rich and creamy finish.

Graham Nicolson, Tomatin’s Sales Director, said, “This luxurious expression is elegant and flavourful – a neatly packed whisky with taste sensations to delight the senses. From the spices that add an incredible depth, to the creamy buttered vanilla that brings an unbelievable layer of richness – the 30 Year Old is definitely one for every whisky drinker’s gantry.”

The 30 Year Old expression replaces the 1988 vintage in Tomatin’s core range and is available from specialist retailers at a cost of RRP £300 and comes in a 70cl bottle (46% abv).

For additional information please visit: www.tomatin.com/30year 

Notes 

Tomatin is located in the Scottish Highlands (near Inverness) and is famous for its portfolio of thirty soft and mellow whiskies, including a core range, a limited-edition range and a premium archive range (prices range from £35 – £2,500). Tomatin is one of the fastest growing whisky brands in the UK and ranks within the Top 10 Single Malt brands in the USA. Tomatin recently reported its turnover increased by almost 25% during the company’s most recent financial year (Dec 2016 – Dec 2017). Tomatin won Distiller of the Year 2016 and Brand Innovator of the Year 2017 at the Icons of Whisky Scotland Awards.

Inspired by the timeless luxury of our spiritual home

Overlooking the dark silent warehouses where our peerless spirit slowly matures in exceptional oak casks, Easter Elchies House stands at the heart of The Macallan Estate. It is testament to the timeless luxury that has characterised The Macallan since 1824.

With aromas of fresh green apples, toffee, lemon and orange citrus, and a soft sweet peat smoke finish, The Macallan Easter Elchies Black reflects the welcoming warmth and luxurious experience found in both the home of The Macallan and the spirit.

A highly limited edition of only 1,958 bottles globally, The Macallan Easter Elchies Black is available from The Macallan Online Shop through an exclusive online ballot.

If you are interested in securing a bottle, please follow the link below and complete the ballot entry information before 23:59 UK time on 9th October 2018.

enter the ballot

USEFUL INFORMATION

• Delivery of whisky products from The Macallan Online Shop is currently available to 27 countries.
• Entries to the ballot will close at 23:59 UK time on 9th October 2018.
• All required fields must be completed and submitted to confirm your entry. All eligible entries will receive a confirmation email.
• By entering the ballot you are not making a purchase and there is no obligation to buy, even if you are successful in the ballot.
• Successful entrants will be notified by email after the closing date and will have 72 hours to purchase.
• Entries are strictly limited to one per person.
• We aim to notify all successful entrants by email by early November.
• Full terms and conditions for the ballot can be found here. If you have any questions please see the FAQs.

Port Charlotte
11 Year Old 2006
Sherry Cask
£199.96

Port Charlotte 11 Year Old 2006 vintage Islay single malt Scotch whiskey distilled at Bruichladdich Distillery. Single sherry cask #2134 for the distillery visitor centre. 1,134 numbered bottles. Bruichladdich Distillery was established in 1881 by the Harvey family of distillers based in Glasgow. Situated on the Rhinns peninsular on the island of Islay close and close to the sandy bays of Loch Indaal. Re-opened in 2001 with much of the original Victorian equipment restored to working order. The first release of Bruichladdich’s new whisky was the highly acclaimed PC5, the first release in the limited Port Charlotte range. Also producing very highly peated Octamore, Organic using Islay grown barley, and triple and quadruple distilled single malt and single cask releases. Bruichladdich distillery participates in Feis Ile, the annual Islay Whisky Festival.

Orkney 15 Year Old 2002 Sherry Cask Exclusive

From the secret Highland Park distillery, the chaps at Berry Bros & Rudd selected a rather special sherry butt of the Orcadian single malt which matched our request for the tricky balance of peat and sherry beautifully; delivering a near perfect orcadian whisky. Highland Park 15 Year Old 2002 vintage Orcadian single malt Scotch whiskey. Single sherry cask #3 bottled 2018 by Berry Bros & Rudd exclusively for The Whisky Barrel. 180 bottles at cask strength. This sherry butt has archived the tricky balance of peat and sherry beautifully. Aromas of cigar box, leather and honey abound. The palate delivers a near perfect orcadian whisky, combining dried figs, dates and runes with peat smoke and complex floral notes. The is superlative whisky finishes with clove rock and more rich fruit. Mystery single malt that don’t want to reveal their true identity. Rummage around and with a bit of investigation you are sure to find a rare unspecified bottling from independent bottler.

Buy – £79.96