New Products

Impex Beverages “2017 Was Full of Awards and Recognitions!! – Whisky News

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Check Out These Amazing Awards!!

2017 was a bountiful year with regards to awards and medals for the ImpEx family. We are truly blessed and grateful for these gifts, and we hope you got a chance to enjoy them with us!

Check out some of the highlights below:

Port Askaig received the highest honors – 5 Stars from Paul Pacult’s Spirit Journal! This is a huge deal as he’s one of the toughest critics around!

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Tamdhu 10 picked up a Double Gold medal from The Fifty Best! This is a huge honor and continues to show what a fantastic ongoing expression this is.

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Last but certainly not least, Exclusive Malts Irish ’03 13yr made it to Whisky Advocate’s Top 10 Winter 2017 Buying Guide! They are very selective when it comes to their recommendations, and they chose well.

And since it’s not too late to get a New Year’s gift, you can still pick this one up for your favorite Irish whiskey lover!

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This gorgeous whiskey has taken on a lot of sherry character from the refill sherry hogshead: cherry, prune, chocolate orange, baked pineapple chunks, and toasted spice. A good weighty structure boasting deep citrus intensity, with ginger and pepper snapping at its heels; a sensation only intensified with water. Lush fruits, butterscotch, and milk chocolate, with a finish of lively spices, stone fruits, and zesty orange muffins. (276 bottles) —Jonny McCormick

Lastly, we want to thank you all for being part of our family and partaking in this celebration with us.

We look forward to what 2018 will bring us!

Happy New Year!

Please feel free to reach out for more details on the bottlings: office@impexbev.com

Scotch Malt Whisky Society January Previews: Bold New Whiskies – Scotch Whisky News

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We’ve released five preview bottles from next month’s Outturn that are perfect for New Year flavour adventures. Beat the January blues by exploring this colourful collection of bold new whiskies.   A great opportunity to buy before First Friday but be quick to order, only a limited number of bottles are available ahead of the full Outturn release on Friday, 5 January at 9am.

SHOP NOW

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

THE MACALLAN SHERRY OAK 40 YEARS OLD: 2017 RELEASE – Scotch Whisky News

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THE MACALLAN SHERRY OAK 40 YEARS OLD: 2017 RELEASE

A RARE SINGLE MALT

Just 465 bottles to be released worldwide, following the successful 2016 release 

December 18th, 2017 (New York, New York) – The Macallan, the world’s most admired single malt Scotch whisky, unveils its latest exceptional whisky in the coveted Sherry Oak range, The Macallan 40 Years Old. This highly collectible, limited-release whisky represents only the third non-vintage release of a 40 year old expression to come from the iconic Speyside distillery, and will be sought after by connoisseurs around the world. The Sherry Oak 40 years old reveals the unrivalled commitment to the mastery of wood and spirit, for which The Macallan has been known since it was established in 1824 and marks the pinnacle of the Sherry Oak Range.

Exclusively matured in hand-picked Oloroso sherry seasoned oak casks from Jerez, Spain, this rich and intense single malt is a testament to The Macallan’s exceptional oak casks, which are sourced, crafted and seasoned under the watchful eye of the Master of Wood and delivered to the demanding specifications of the Master Distiller and his team.

Once filled, the maturing spirit has remained undisturbed in the same casks for 40 years and it is these oak casks that are the single greatest contributor to the outstanding quality, natural color and distinctive aromas and flavors which lie at the heart of this rare Macallan single malt whisky.

When matured exclusively in sherry seasoned oak casks from Jerez, the robust, fruity and full bodied ‘new make’ spirit is transformed into a whisky of great richness and character. Crafted from an intriguing combination of three casks – 2 sherry butts and 1 sherry hogshead, The Macallan Sherry Oak 40 years old is a rich and complex whisky displaying a natural deep copper color.

On the nose there are hints of sultanas, gingers and wood spice against a backdrop of sweet cinnamon and citrus, while the palate opens with soft cinnamon spices leading into date and figs, before giving way to a long, rich finish with a lingering cinnamon spice.

Nick Savage, The Macallan Master Distiller, said: “After a gentle slumber for over 40 years in our exceptional sherry seasoned oak casks, this rare single malt is full of rich flavor and a beautiful natural color. The Macallan Sherry Oak 40 years old is an outstanding and distinctive addition to our collection of unique, mature whiskies and is testament to our enduring desire to create peerless single malts. We invest more in sherry seasoned casks than any other distillery in sourcing, crafting, seasoning and caring for our casks to create the depth, complexity and richness of flavor for which The Macallan is renowned.”

The Macallan Sherry Oak 40 years old forms part of The Macallan Sherry Oak Range which features a series of single malt whiskies matured exclusively in hand-picked sherry seasoned oak casks from Jerez for richness and complexity. Each expression is characterized by spice, dried fruits and mature oak with a depth of flavor developing through the range.

To create The Macallan Sherry Oak Range, The Macallan works very closely with fully integrated ‘tree to finished seasoned cask’ companies in Spain, to identify the oak trees, fell them sustainably, saw and air dry the oak staves, before shipping them to Jerez in southern Spain for further air-drying to reduce the moisture further still. The casks are then crafted and seasoned for 18 months with dry Oloroso sherry, before making the journey up to Scotland where they are filled with The Macallan ‘new make’ spirit to mature for decades.

The Macallan Sherry Oak 40 years old has an ABV of 44%. The 2017 release will be available starting in late December 2017 and will be limited to 465 bottles worldwide, with only 70 bottles allocated to the USA at a suggested retail price of approximately $9,000.

For further information visit www.themacallan.com

Whisky Makers Notes:

Color: Deep Copper

Aroma: Sultanas with gingers and wood spice. A background of sweet cinnamon and citrus emerges

Palate: Opens with soft cinnamon spices, quickly developing into a mouth coating of date and figs

Finish: Long, rich with a lingering cinnamon spice

About The Macallan

Founded in 1824 in the heart of Speyside, The Macallan was one of the first distilleries in Scotland to be legally licensed. Since then it has built a reputation as one of the world’s finest single malt whiskies.  The story of The Macallan is built on the Six Pillars, each influencing the whisky in its own distinct way.  From the spiritual home of Easter Elchies House; curiously small stills giving richness to the pure spirit; finest cut or the best of the best of the distillation, to exceptional oak casks which account for up to 80% of the final flavor in the whisky; natural color and finally peerless spirit, The Macallan itself.

Wood sits at the heart of The Macallan. The vital contributing influences of Spain, North America and Scotland, together with true mastery, set it apart from the rest. For more information on The Macallan, visit http://www.themacallan.com/. The Macallan can also be found on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

A New Release Awakes from its 40-year slumber – Scotch Whisky News

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A single malt of great richness and character

The Macallan Sherry Oak 40 Years Old – 2017 Release is a new limited edition single malt which marks the pinnacle of the Sherry Oak range. This is the third non-vintage release of a 40 years old expression from The Macallan.

This rare single malt was matured for 40 years in an intriguing combination of three different types of sherry-seasoned cask to create its distinctive style – complex, with a natural deep copper colour, and rich and intense character defined by dried fruits, ginger, wood spice and cinnamon.

This highly collectable release of only 465 bottles is available from December 2017 in select locations worldwide including the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East and Africa; as well as exclusive airport retail stores and The Macallan Distillery. A small number of bottles will also be available through The Macallan Online Shop in 2018 with delivery to selected countries. We will be in touch early next year with further details.

EXPLORE THE WHISKY

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K&L California Whisky News: Featuring A Trio of Sovereign Bottlings for the Holidays – Scotch Whisky News

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It’s that time of the year again; the lead up to the Christmas season when I like to do a special whisky offer in a trio. In the past it’s been Four Roses barrels (the three gifts of the magi), but for 2017 I’m bringing you three very special barrels using code names to hide their true identities. In order to understand the secret contained inside each very special Sovereign bottle, you have to understand a bit about how the Scotch industry works and what teaspooning means. There’s a long history of barrel trading and brokering between blenders and distilleries in Scotland, and some producers are very protective of their name brand. As you’ve likely noticed, we’ve been able to secure single cask selections from top names like Bowmore, Caol Ila, and Highland Park over the years, and those distilleries allow us to use the name, but others take more drastic measures. By adding a teaspoon of a second single malt whisky into the barrel, the whisky instantly becomes a blended malt rather than a single malt, rendering the labeling of that whisky as a single distillery illegal. Hence, all these whiskies say “Blended Malt” rather than “Single Malt” and we’ve used code names to refer to each edition.

 1997 Hector Macbeth 20 Year Old “K&L Exclusive – Sovereign” Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky – $99.99

This 20 year old Hector MacBeth single barrel comes from one of the Grant family’s famous Glens and it only takes one sip of this rich, supple, and oak-laden whisky to instantly recognize that classic profile. While the 21 year old distillery version of this whisky will run you $150 or more, this cask strength, single barrel 20 year old release offers a serious bang for your buck proposition in exchange for the anonymity. The initial flavors are oily with vanilla and sweet resin and brandied peaches, moving quickly into concentrated oak, toasted barley, and creme brulee. The finish is dry and spicy and at 56.4% the heat is on! Of the three Sovereign teaspooned casks we have to offer this December, the Hector MacBeth is the darkest, oakiest, and most concentrated of the bunch and when you taste it there’s really no doubt about where it was made. You’ve seen the ubiquitous green tins for the 12 year lining the major liquor stores and airport duty free shelves all over the world, the mark of the deer above the distillery name. This is a 20 year old, single barrel cask strength edition of that classic Highland profile for a cool $99.99. Why the deal? Because of the small teaspoon of a second whisky added into it. I’ll take that deal every time, however. I’m guessing at least 200 other fans of the Glen will take the plunge with me.

We have to be very careful revealing the source of this particular barrel as we got in trouble last time around from the distillery, who wanted to know where we had tracked it down and how it made its way into our hands! All I can tell you for right now is that it was made by one of the most famous producers in the Speyside and that it tastes every bit as soft, creamy, succulent, and refined as all of the official distillery releases. If you’re a classic Highland fan who loves the purity of single malt that tastes like fruit, barley, oak, and spice, then you’re going to treasure this bottle. It’s simply Scotch whisky perfection without gimmicks, barrel enhancements, or any other unnecessary additions.

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1995 John McCrae 22 Year Old “K&L Exclusive – Sovereign” Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky – $99.99

This round, luscious, soft-textured 22-year-old malt whisky is from Scotland’s Speyside region, made at a very famous distillery renowned for its doublewood expressions and its famed wooden blending vats, sometimes referred to as tuns. While there’s no sherry maturation in this single hogshead, this whisky is grace and elegance defined: golden grains, supple vanilla, richly-textured stone fruit, and generous oak on the finish. Independent casks from this distillery are almost never available, making this John McCrae a true rarity for those in the know.

Those of you who just bought our 24 year old Old Particular cask on pre-order, might also want to have a look at this special 11 year old mystery barrel from “William Hepburn” as both ultimately emanate from the same place. This 11 year old edition is distilled Highland refinement in a bottle. It’s gorgeous from front to back, no frills, nothing out of the ordinary, just classic sweet stone fruit, grains, vanilla, oak, and malt flavor at full proof with no water added. The only thing that’s been added is a teaspoon of a second malt whisky, rendering this barrel a “blended malt” rather than a single malt. That means 99.99999999% of it is from….William Hepburn….and the other .000000001% is from somewhere else. That’s why the price is so good. I’ll take the secret deal over the expensive brand name every day of the week.

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2006 William Hepburn 11 Year Old K&L Exclusive “Sovereign” Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky $49.99

This 11 year old William Hepburn comes from a distillery in the Speyside known for its sherry matured 12 year and 18 year old editions, as well as its Fine Oak collection. While recently offering up a Classic Cut higher proof edition, rarely do we see non-sherried editions of this whisky at full proof. Despite the 56.9% ABV, the renowned elegance of this distillery shines through here with soft stone fruits (pears and nectarines), supple vanilla, and creamy malt flavor highlighted with oak spices on the finish. Highland whisky fans will be thrilled with the bolder, more concentrated edition of a classic profile. Fans of the big Mac will rejoice, snagging a serious discount with this teaspooned edition.

Until next time!

– David Driscoll, K&L Assistant Head Buyer

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Malt Messenger No. 82 by Andrew Ferguson – The Last Full Malt Messenger of 2017 – Scotch Whisky News

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Malt Messenger No. 82 – The Last Full Malt Messenger of 2017;

It may not feel like it, but Winter is Coming, as is Christmas for that matter. Balmy though it may be out there, we are in fact in the holiday homestretch. There are, in the parlance, but 11 shopping days left until Christmas… Our promised Christmas music moratorium from the last Malt Messenger is over. We are now well into the month, and the speakers are crooning with Bing Crosby, Michael Bubble and yes even Mariah Carey. If you hear non Christmas themed music in the shop it is probably Evan’s fault so feel free to blame (or thank) him.

Lots of new whisky and other spirits to tell you about in the last Full Malt Messenger of 2017. First, an update on the Kensington Wine Market 2017 Whisky Advent Calendar. We did sell out in late November, however, we actually held 2 back in case of a clerical error. So, we have 2 Whisky Advent calendars available, first come, first serve, for $375+gst. I would suggest calling, 403-283-8000 if you would like one of them, rather than ordering online or wandering into the shop. If you haven’t been following along, we have been posting about the Kensington Wine Market 2017 Whisky Advent whiskies every day of advent on our blog.  

I also have an update on the 2018 MS Calgary Whisky Festival. We are just a little over 5 weeks away from the 7th Annual event. Last year’s Festival raised $50,000.00 for the MS Society. This years event is close to 60% sold. It will feature more than 200 whiskies. More details below.

Stuck for a great gift idea? We have been given a very good deal to clear out the inventory of the Mackinlay’s The Journey, Shackleton Whisky 2nd Edition, and we are passing it on to our customers. The whisky, which originally sold for $205 is available for $150 while supplies last. We bought the last 168 bottles, and in just a few days more than 100 of them have already sold! Lots more details and a link to some videos below.

The staff have been impatiently waiting for our latest Kilchoman cask, which finally arrived at the distillery this past Friday. The Kilchoman 2007 KWM 25th Anniversary Cask is our 6th from the small island distillery. It is not only the oldest Kilchoman we’ve ever bottled, but at 10 years of age, it is also the oldest Kilchoman to ever be sold in Canada! It is so savoury and lush. This is the mature Kilchoman that we all knew would emerge someday, and it would seem the future is now! More details below.

Yesterday we received what we expect will be our final exclusive cask of 2017, the Cadenhead Dailuaine 2004 KWM Cask. This 12 year old is just our 2nd ever exclusive cask from Cadenhead, Scotland’s oldest independent bottler, and our first ever exclusive single cask of Dailuaine. It is very fresh, creamy and floral. More details below.

Looking for a quick and easy whisky gift? We have put together the 2017 KWM Wee Whisky Gift Boxes. These ready to gift boxes include a Glencairn glass, and a selection of 50ml whiskies. The 4 bottle box is $45, and a savings of $13. The 8 bottle box is $90 and a savings of $20. More details below.

On the new whiskies front we have a new limited edition Springbank, the Springbank 14 Year Bourbon Wood. There are also two new limited edition Kilchomans: the Kilchoman 2009 Vintage and Red Wine Cask Matured (limit 1 per customer). We are also expecting tomorrow a new vintage of the Gordon Macphail Distillery Label Imperial, 1997.

If you are looking to spend some big bucks, there is a serious new Ardbeg available. The Ardbeg 1815 is the other 200th Anniversary Ardbeg release, a grand total of 400 bottles of which were released in 2015. For the first two years it was exclusive distillery visitor center, it has just been released to us. There is also a very limited 39 year old Benromach 1977 Heritage single cask release. Fewer bottles of each whisky have come to Alberta, than fingers on a single hand. More details below.

There are also new whiskies from Edradour, the Ballechin, Orphan Barrel and Glenmorangie. Lots to digest.

It has I hope you enjoy this full 82nd edition of the Malt Messenger.

Sláinte!

In This Edition

  1. Special Offer: Mackinlay’s The Journey (AKA Shackleton Whisky Vol. 2)
  2. Introducing Our 1st 10 Year KWM Exclusive Kilchoman Cask
  3. Introducing Our Cadenhead Dailuaine 2004 KWM Cask
  4. Introducing Our 2nd KWM / Last Best Collaboration Gin
  5. Wee Whisky Christmas Gift Boxes
  6. SAVE 25% on These 2 KWM 25th Anniversary Favourites!
  7. Introducing Springbank Bourbon 14 Year
  8. Two New Limited Kilchomans
  9. Introducing Gordon Macphail Distillery Label Imperail 1997
  10. Introducing: Ardbeg 1815
  11. Introducing: Benromach Heritage 1977
  12. Two Massive New Edradours
  13. Introducing: The Orphan Barrel Entrapment 25 Year
  14. Glenmorangie Bacalta is Here!
  15. Calgary MS Festival Update

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

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Special Offer: Mackinlay’s “The Journey” AKA The Shackleton Whisky Vol 2 

SAVE Over 25% on the Original Retail Price 

We have been offered a substantial discount to move the last of this whisky. Orginally priced at $205 it is now $150! 

This is the second batch of the Mackinlay’s Rare Old, also known as the Shackleton Whisky. The original release was exclusive Kensington and one of our best ever selling whiskies. The whisky is a replica of the one Shackleton’s 1907 expedition took to Antarctic. The expedition abandoned some of their whisky under their hut, where it remained undiscovered until 2007.

Three crates of whisky had to be abandoned to the Antarctic winter in 1907. They were discovered a few short years ago, and two of the bottles were given to Whyte and MacKay, owners of the rights to the MacKinlays brand. Their master blender Richard Patterson, known as “nose” – has painstakingly recreated the whiskies by blending together a number of Highland whiskies.

Mackinlay’s “The Journey” – 47.1% – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Nose: Soft, elegant and refined. Delicate crushed apple, pear and fresh pineapple. Notes of oak shavings and smoke. Hints of vanilla, creamy caramel and nutmeg. Palate: Plenty of impact on the palate; a tantalising array of flavours,harmonious and exhilarating.” – $150

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About the Packaging: Box: A unique, stand-out hexagonal “shipping case” with an open “see me” window on the front panel. The raffia-encasing of the product is reminiscent of the original straw-bound bottles discovered in the Antartic. A holographic badge issues authenticity.

The Bottle: A painstaking process was followed to ensure all bubbles and imperfections in the original were replicated. In effect, the glass manufacturer turned off all the modern-day quality controls.

Label Set: All lettering was meticulously drawn by hand to ensure a perfect match to the original. Paperstocks were selected to perform as the original stocks of over a century ago.

Order a bottle here!

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Introducing Out 1st 10 Year KWM Exclusive Kilchoman Cask 

The First 10 Year Kilchoman to be Sold in Canada! 

Our first exclusive 10-year-old single cask of Kilchoman whisky. It is also the first 10 Year Old Kilchoman to be sold in Canada! Bottled at 56.6% after maturing in an Ex-Bourbon barrel. There are just 212 bottles. This is our 6th exclusive cask from Kilchoman, selected by the whisky team at KWM and bottled to mark our 25th Anniversary!

Kilchoman 2007 KWM 25th Anniversary 10 Year – 56.6% – Ex-Bourbon Barrel – My Tasting Note: “Nose: creamy, decadent and briny with a whiff of smoke from the coals of a smouldering beach fire; classic Kilchoman fresh lemon, goat cheese and Old English Butterscotch; smoked mussels and pan seared scallops. Palate: big, sweet, oily and malty; sweet vanilla and butterscotch morph into tendrils of vanilla, chewy malt and tarry-medicinal-peat; more lemon and goat cheese, firm toasted oak, fennel and Dutch licorice; underneath it all a thick layer of ripe orchard fruits. Finish: bold, long and rich yet smooth and so so salty: more Dutch licorice, juicy malt and tarry-peat; the smouldering beach fire returns with some sweet vanilla, lemon and orchard fruit. Comment: we are honoured that Anthony Wills was willing to share one of these precious early vintage Kilchomans will us; bottled just days past its 10th birthday!” – $200

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Introducing Cadenhead Deanston 2004 KWM Cask 

Our second ever exclusive cask from Cadenhead, and our first ever Deanston! 

Our 1st ever KWM exclusive single cask of Dailuaine, and our 2nd cask from WM Cadenhead. The whisky has been bottled at 55.9% after maturing 12 year in a very active Refill Hogshead. This whisky was featured on Day 1 of our 2017 Whisky Advent Calendar.

Cadenhead Dailuaine 2004 KWM Cask – 55.9% – 12 Year – Bourbon Hogshead – My Tasting Note:  “Nose: soft fruity and cream; waxy with loads of white chocolate, fresh cut flowers and glazed croissants; notes of melon and apricot with Marcona almonds and a touch of white pepper. Palate: round, creamy and fruity with a hint of salt and building spice; very lush and rich for a refill Hogshead at this age; juicy malt, more melon and apricots, glazed croissants and poached pear with a dab of blue cheese; loads of white chocolate, almonds, honey and toasted oak. Finish: long, fruity and floral with loads of white chocolate, toasted oak spice, fading soft fruits and salt. Comment: this is a rare example of a cask we bottled from a single sample… I think the lads at Cadenhead knew we were going to love it; they were not wrong!” – $120

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Wee Whisky Christmas Gift Boxes

A Ready to Go Whisky Gift at Two Price Points 

For the third year in a row we have put together a pair of Wee Whisky gift boxes. Both include a KWM Glencairn Glass and either 4 or 8 50ml whiskies. The Small Wee Whisky Gift Box, with 4 bottles, sells for $45 (a savings of $3), and the Large Wee Whisky Gift Box, with 8 bottles, sells for $90 (a savings of $20).

  1. Wee Whisky Gift Box Small – $45
  2. Wee Whisky Gift Box Large – $90

*Please note, not suitable for shipping.

 

SAVE On These Two KWM 25th Anniversary Favourites 

Save 25% on our 25th Anniversary Tawny Port and 25 Year Berry’s Blend 

We have two KWM 25th Anniversary Exclusives on special until Christmas, our 20 Year Tawny Port and our Berry’s 25 Year Blend.

  1.  Berry’s 25 Year KWM Single Barrel Blend – 46% – Our first exclusive cask of Blended Scotch Whisky, bottled for our 25th Anniversary. Andrew sampled 6 different single casks of 25 year old Blended Scotch Whisky in May of 2016. The whiskies had been blended, put back into barrels to marry, and then forgotten. Andrew selected cask number 46572 to be bottled exclusively for KWM, as a 25th Anniversary bottling. The whisky was acquired by Berry Bros. & Rudd in barrel, and is a mystery. Bottled at 46%. Just 222 bottles. – My Tasting Note: Nose: beeswax, creamy vanilla, white fruits and floral rose petals; marcona almonds, juicy citrus, honeydew melon and Jujubes; silky, soft and smooth. Palate: very silky, creamy and fruity, decadent and rich; then the spices roll in like a wave boldly but evenly breaking all the way down a beach; more Jujubes, tropical fruits, creamy vanilla, beeswax and creamed heather honey; still nutty with bright juicy orange, floral tones, marcona almonds and more honeydew melon; lovely mouthfeel. Finish: long, coating, creamy, decadent and spicy; lush, floral and creamy with fading fruits and decadent tones. Comment: a stunningly beautiful blend, layered, tropical and fruity; a very fitting 25th Anniversary bottling for our shop, but don’t take our word for it, pop in for a taste!” – Regular $200 – Now $150 (Until Christmas)
  2. KWM 25th Anniversary 20 Year Tawny Port – 20% – Andrew blended this tawny port with the help of the experts at Taylor Fladgate to be bottled for our 25th Anniversary. his 20 Year Tawny 25th Anniversary celebration Port comes from Taylor Fladgate’s cellars in Vila Nova di Gaia.  The blend was created especially for KWM and the average age of the tawny in the blend is 20 years old.  Approved by the Port Wine Institute, as all things Port must be, we are just tickled port to be able to offer this special bottle to all of our loyal customers. The color is bright and lively amber showing characteristic brown caramel tones on heh rim. The nose offers dry white raisins and stewed prunes with brandied cherries and dark chocolate. The taste is lovely and subtle, good acidity, some nice walnut hues, and picks up on the Christmas cake spice theme. – Regular $70 – Now $52.50 (Until Christmas)

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Introducing the Springbank 14 Year Bourbon Wood 

Only 9000 Bottles Released with a Tiny Fraction of that  for Alberta 

A new Bourbon matured limited edition release of Springbank. Bottled at 55.8%. 9000 bottles released Worldwide!

Springbank 14 Year Bourbon Wood – 55.8% – Matured in Ex-Bourbon – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Nose: This unique Campbeltown Malt starts off with cream, vanilla extract and yogurt. Salted popcorn, toffee and marshmallows follow the ever present creaminess. American cream soda, sugar doughnuts, with a heathery influence. Palate: Yogurt and thick cream continue from the nose with an introduction of honey, syrup and liquorice. Gentle notes and sweet apples, almonds and dried bananas. A light dusting of icing sugar and lemon zest. Finish: A touch of smoke and dry peat builds with a gentle sea breeze from Campbeltown Loch. Briny and light mineral flavours complete this excellent dram.” – $122

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Two New Limited Edition Kilchomans 

Available in Very Limited Quantities 

The two latest limited editions from the tiny Islay distillery of Kilchoman are here. The first, a 2009 vintage of Kilchoman is only the 4th released in recent years, beginning with the 2006. Unlikely the previous vintages it is not a true 2009 vintage as a few older casks from 2008 were also added to give greater depth! Most of the whisky is from first fill and refill Ex-Bourbon, with three Oloroso Sherry Butts also used. 46%. The other is the latest Kilchoman wine cask release, this one from a parcel of Portugese red wine casks. Only 90 of the 7000 bottles released are coming to Alberta!

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  1.  Kilchoman Red Wine – 50% – Matured in Red Wine Casks – Distiller’s Tasting Note: Nose: Buttery and creamy with peat smoke lingering in the background. Palate: Sweet and rounded with bitter chocolate, licorice and integrated peat smoke. Finish: Clean and sweet with a rich texture and long finish. – $140 – 1 per customer!
  2. Kilchoman 2009 – 46% – Ex-Bourbon & Sherry – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Nose: lemon, citrus and butterscotch notes are prominent with soft peaty aromas in the background. Palate: soft sweetness first and peat smoke and ripe fruit notes following. Finish: long, clean and sweet with peat smoke and soft fruits at the end.” – $118

 

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Introducing: Gordon Macphail Distillery Label Imperial 1997  

Is Imperial the next closed distillery to suffer Whiskyflation?! 

Imperial is likely to be the next closed distillery whisky to fall victim to out of control Whiskyflation. I am by the way claiming credit for that word… Imperial was closed in 1998 and demolished in 2013 after it was discovered the distillery was not in good enough condition to reopen. The very modern “green distillery” Dalmunach was built in its place!

Gordon Macphail Imperial 1997 – 43% – First Fill & Refill Sherry – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose without Water Sweet Sherry influences with vanilla, red apple, and dried fruit aromas. Plum and chopped walnut notes develop lifted by a touch of lemon peel. Palate without Water Sweet initially followed by cracked black pepper, orange, and hints of chocolate. Liquorice undertones mingle with charred oak on the finish. Nose with Water Aromas of prunes in syrup, raspberry, and cocoa powder combine with brown sugar. A subtle crystallised rose petal note is detected. Palate with Water Sweet and creamy with hints of cinnamon spice, dried cherry, and orange flavours mingle with chocolate on the tongue. A subtle hint of leather leads to oak on the finish. Body Medium. Finish Long and fruity with lingering spice.” – $275

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Introducing: Ardbeg 1815 

The Other 200th Anniversary Ardbeg Bottling 

It has taken more than 2 years to find their way to Canada, but the Ardbeg 1815 is finally here. KWM has access to just 2 bottles. This whisky was released on Ardbeg Day 2015 to mark the distillery’s 200th Anniversary. Unlike the Perpetuum which was a global release, the 400 bottles produced of the Ardbeg 1815 were initially only available at the distillery. When I asked how many had come to Canada, I was told: “Less than a handful!” by the importer. Details on the whisky are somewhat scarce. It was bottled at 33 years of age and 50.1% after maturing in Ex-Bourbon and Ex-Sherry. The whiskies were distilled in 1974 and 1975 and spent 8 years “marrying” in glass vessels to preserve the spirit.

About the Whisky (From the Producer): “Created from two parcels of stock laid down in during a period when Ardbeg was saved twice from oblivion – the diverse aromas and tastes of Ardbeg 1815 perfectly encapsulate the single malt’s irreplaceable island spirit. A few years after these whisky parcels were distilled, the Distillery entered the most turbulent period in its history closing between 1981-1989.  Ardbeg closed it’s door again in 1996, perhaps forever.  Thankfully, a small number of casks were saved by those who prized the spirit and believed Ardbeg would be resurrected, which it was in 1997. In 2008 the precious whisky held within these casks once again required protection, as Dr Bill Lumsden identified that the casks ‘had reached their best’ and rather than sacrifice the whisky to the angels or to other effects of age, bottled the liquid to preserve its perfection, decanting by hand so not a drop was lost. The whisky has been held at the Distillery ever since, awaiting an occasion worthy of its release.”

Ardbeg 1815 – 50.1% – Matured in Ex-Bourbon 1975 and Ex-Sherry 1975 – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Nose: A beautiful fragrance of sweet wood smoke to start with, interwoven with a pungent aroma  reminiscent of rum and raisin ice cream. Then comes an array of scents from the bakery, croissants, brioche and freshly baked bread. Befitting a whisky of this vintage, rich notes and dark chocolate truffle are encountered, along with black cherry and aniseed. Taste: A texture which is creamy and smooth carries into a breath-taking spectrum of flavours, jasmine and Lapsang Souchong teas, abundant sweet toffee notes, a cornucopia of spices (cinnamon, star anise, pepper & mixed spice) and juicy ripe Seville oranges. The smoke is almost unbelievably well integrated, persisting through the sumptuous taste experience, yet never overpowering the other myriad and complex flavours. Finish: Long, with an abundance of raisins and dates. A finish as sweet as the memories it leaves behind.” – $8000

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Introducing Benromach 1977 Heritage 

Only 3 Bottles Coming to Alberta 

Only 3 bottles are coming to Alberta of this limited edition 39 year old whisky! Distilled in 1977 the whisky was matured in a single cask, 1268, a Refill American Oak Hogshead. It maintained an impressive 56% abv!

Benromach 1977 – 56% – Refill American Oak Hogshead 1268 – Producer Tasting Note: “Pour your dram of Benromach 1977, cask number 1268, and prepare your senses to encounter an experience as rare as this gorgeous whisky. First, lift your glass to the light and appreciate the beautiful dark gold hue created by lingering for 39 years in a single Refill American Hogshead as the whisky grew and matured in character. Take a short inhalation, savouring the AROMAS WITHOUT WATER… enjoy the vibrant notes of sweet honey, apricot conserve, orange zest and butterscotch, mingling with developing hints of toasted oak and a delicate menthol edge. Now take a sip. Savour the sweetness leading to a touch of pepper on the tongue followed by notes of ripe banana and luscious passion fruit. Citrus undertones and dried tobacco mingle with toasted oak leading to a fresh menthol finish. Add A FEW DROPS OF WATER and take time to enjoy the nose as it develops… sweet, subtle coconut and exotic fruits combine with ginger and lime aromas. Now lift it to your lips and enjoy a slow sip… a smooth sweetness emerges with warm bursts of white pepper and overtones of pear, kiwi and lime. Finally, dried tobacco and a trace of toasted oak on the finish. Exquisite. Tell us what you think.” – $3000

 

Two Massive New Edradours 

Both “Straight from the Cask”!  

Only 60 bottles each of these enormous new Edradours are coming to Alberta. Both are full term maturations in their respective casks, bottled at cask strength from a single cask and bottle in 500ml bottles. And both whiskies are huge! In the case of the Ballechin (peated Edradour), this is the first time they have ever bottled it in the SFTC line!

Edradour SFTC Sherry 10 Year – 59.4% – Sherry Butt 395 – Distilled: December 2006. Bottled: 11 of September 2017 – 500ml – My Tasting Note: “Nose: wet jujubes, leather and nutty oloroso sherry tones; dark chocolate, tobacco and cooked figs; woody with a hint of espresso. Palate: big, thick, spicy and oily; maple syrup, pecan pie and more cooked (slightly burnt) figs; espresso beans covered in dark chocolate; Jujube-like candied fruits with some fresh California orange. Finish: medium, warming and spicy; the big leathery sherry tones and chocolate espresso are in charge. Comment: very sherried, just on the right side of over the top; perfect for fans of sherry bombs and anyone looking for a proper cigar malt.” – $135

  1. The Ballechin SFTC Burgundy 11 Year – 55.2% – Bordeaux Cask #383 – Distilled: December 6 2005 – Bottled: September 11 2017 – 500ml –  Andrew’s Tasting Note: Nose: big, thick, oily and perfumed; firm leather, dried dark fruits and wine tannins; malt and smoke emerge from underneath; red berry fruits and Maroccan marmalade. Palate: big, massive actually, bordering on Octomore territory here; loads of chewy barley and heavy ashy smoke; very spicy with more firm wine tannins and peppery spicy; dried dark and jammy red-berry fruits; firm leather. Finish: ashy smoke lingers long with big leather and spice; long and lasting. Comment: this is a massive whisky, a nuclear bomb in the mouth; get your protective gear on and strap in!” – $135

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Introducing: The Orphan Barrel Entrapment 25 Year 

The 1st Canadian Whisky in the Orphan Barrel Series

This 25 Year Old Crown Royal is lovely, pricey, but a lovely whisky! This is the 11th release in the Orphan barrel series, but the first to be made of Canadian whisky. It is from a mash of 97% corn and 3% malted barley. If you were ever wondering who much malted barley you need to ferment a mash of mostly corn, now you know. The whisky is from Crown Royal’s distillery in Gimly Manitoba. It was bottled at 41% after maturing 25 years in American oak.

Orphan Barrel Entrapment – 41% – Matured in American Oak – My Tasting Note: “Nose: very decadent, big hits of double caramel corn, silky tendrils of honey and toasted oak; apple crumble with loads of brown sugar and cinnamon; a touch on the oil sie; Aunt Jemima’s Syrup and Werther’s caramels. Palate: soft, still silky with honey and floral tones; light, delicate and layered; overripe plums, prunes and cooked raisins with milk chocolate and some decadent spice; the caramel corn is still there as is the apple crumble with loads of brown sugar. Finish: medium-short, but very pleasant and elegant. Comment: this is a lovely Canadian whisky, the classic corn profile has been filled out nicely with very balanced oak integration.” – $205

 

Introducing: Glenmorangie Private Collection Bacalta 

A Madeira finished extension to the Private Collection series! 

The 8th instalment of Glenmorangie’s annual Private Collection releases is the “Bacalta”, Scots Gaelic for baked. The whisky was matured in Ex-Bourbon and finished in bespoke heavily toasted American oak casks, seasoned in Madeira with “Malmsey – the sweetest and most prized of the Madeira wines.” The whisky is bottled at 46% with natural colouring and without chill-filtering. 91pts Whisky Advocate

 Glenmorangie Bacalta – 46% – Finished in Madeira Casks – Andrew’s Tasting Note: “Nose: butter tarts, ginger-molasses cookies and candied orange chunks; leathery with some tobacco, lemon drops and grapefruit juice. Palate: sweet and creamy with a lush vanilla base, overlayed with crisp decadent spice; candied ginger, fennel, clove and all-spice; loads of orange: candied and lightly burnt orange rind; Demerara sugars with some firm leather and dry tobacco. Finish: medium long it remains creamy, coating and decadent with some firm spice. Comment: the Madeira has given the whisky a very spicy edge; I love the crisp, decadent spice, but this is not IMHO the best of the Private Collections line to date; good but not great!” – $120

91pts Whisky Advocate: “The 8th Private Edition release. This one is finished in sun-baked casks which previously contained Malmsey Madeira. A predominantly sweet and fruity whisky, with caramel, honeyed almonds, peaches in syrup, and orange scone. Soft, soothing finish. Delicious!”

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2018 MS Calgary Whisky Festival Update 

Tickets more than half sold out!

Calgary’s biggest and best whisky festival is just a little over 5 weeks away, and we have an exciting lineup this year. The event will take place again at Arts Commons, in the Foyer of the Jack Singer Concert Hall on Thursday February 18 2017. We are expecting a sell out crowd of 550 participants, with a range of 250+ whiskies for sampling. There are also Master Classes and a VIP Hour available for a little extra. Last year’s event was a massive success, raising over $50,000.00 for the MS Society.

There are three classes of tickets available.

  1. VIP Early Entry – Includes the VIP Hour and Cut Crystal Glencairn Tasting Glass – $175 – Only 51 Left
  2. VIP Early Entry with VIP Master Class – Includes the VIP Hour, Cut Crystal Glencairn Tasting Glass & a VIP Master Old Pulteney Master Class (5:00) Including the 35 Year and soon to be Launched 25 Year & 1983 Vintage – $200 – Only 17 Left
  3. General Admission – 6:30 Includes a standard Glencarin Tasting Glass – $125

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There are also two Master Classes:

Tickets are available exclusively through the MS Society www.calgarywhiskyfestival.ca for more information or click here if you would like to jump straight to purchasing tickets!

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

North Star Spirits at Abbey Whisky – Scotch Whisky News

North Star Spirits 

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We love indie bottlers at Abbey Whisky, so we’re super proud to announce that we’re now stocking whisky from Glasgow based Independent, North Star Spirits!

Buy Now

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WOOLF SUNG COLLECTION LAUNCHED ‘THE HUNTER’ – GLENGLASSAUGH 40 YEAR OLD – Scotch Whisky News

WoolfSung Ltd Ed (Open Box with bottle inside) on white v2

WOOLF SUNG COLLECTION LAUNCHED ‘THE HUNTER’ – GLENGLASSAUGH 40 YEAR OLD

Fine wine and spirits merchant Woolf Sung Ltd are proud to announce the launch of the Woolf Sung Collection; a range of ultra-premium, independently bottled, single malt Scotch whisky aged for more than 25 years.

‘The Hunter’ is the inaugural release. A 40 year old Highland single malt distilled at the Glenglassaugh distillery in 1972, and bottled in 2013 at a cask-strength of 42.9%abv.

The label is a one-of-a-kind design and each is hand numbered. The bottle is beautifully presented in a stainless steel, black powder coated, bank vault case. Each case is embossed with Woolf Sung’s unique release number. Only 160 bottles have been produced of this wonderful whisky.

The aroma opens with an abundance of herbs, dried fruits and a hint of black pepper. With time, fresh apples give way to more robust notes of sherry and dark chocolate. On the palate notes of crab-apple and cinnamon present themselves, followed by more black pepper and plenty of rich oloroso sherry. Water brings zesty ginger, Seville orange marmalade and roast coffee beans. Finally, spicy oak and pearl barley contribute to a long, sumptuous finish.

These will soon be on sale at selected spirits retailers and directly from Woolf Sung Ltd at £950 (inclusive of VAT).

Website. woolfsung.

 

Blair Athol 22yo 1995 at The Whisky Barrel – Scotch Whisky News

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Blair Athol 22 Year Old 1995

Single sherry cask bottled November 2017 by Hunter Laing & Co. for the Old Malt Cask. Sweet sherry notes, oranges, shortbread and caramel notes. Blair Athol 22 Year Old 1995 vintage Highland single malt Scotch whisky. Single cask sherry butt #14455 bottled November 2017 by Hunter Laing & Co. for the Old Malt Cask series. 328 bottles.N. Oranges, green herbs and buer shortbread. P. Caramel, fresh tea and liquorice. F. Long with caramel and a hint of pepper. Blair Athol Distillery was established in 1798 in Pitlochry and with footprints in four centuries it is one of oldest working malt whisky distilleries in Scotland. Purchased by Arthur Bell & Sons in1933 it is the spiritual ‘home’ of Arthur Bell’s range of blended scotch whisky complete with distillery visitor centre and Blair Athol Distillery tours. Although a large proportion of Blair Athol’s malt whisky cascades into blends, Bell’s to be precise, independent bottlings of Blair Athol single malts feature in the popular Connoisseurs Choice and Signatory Vintage ranges

Buy – £84.10

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Introducing Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Special Release – Scotch Whisky News

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare special release

Introducing Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare special release

The new liquid is the first in a series of special releases crafted using irreplaceable whiskies from “ghost” distilleries that have long since closed, together with other rare malt and grain scotch.

Diageo Reserve has today announced the launch of Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare. Each edition will be crafted with one incredible whisky at its heart, the first being Brora.

Crafted by Johnnie Walker Master Distiller, Jim Beveridge, Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare is a rich, velvety smooth blend of eight treasured Scotch whiskies, including three “ghost” whiskies from the silent distilleries of Cambus, Pittyvaich and the Highland Single Malt, Brora, which lies at the heart of this special release bringing a light peatiness and sophisticated subtle sweetness.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare

The additional five whiskies are rare expressions of malt and grains from the existing distilleries of Royal Lochnagar, Clynelish, Glenkinchie, Glenlossie and Cameronbridge. The result is a smooth scotch, with the fruity sweetness of pineapple, rich notes of hazelnut and dark chocolate, and a subtle smoky finish.

Commenting on the special release, Jim said: “Over the years of crafting fine Scotch whiskies, I’ve had the remarkable privilege of working with some of the rarest spirits ever to come out of Scotland. I’m lucky that we have stocks from more than 30 distilleries from every region of Scotland from which to choose the perfect casks to craft each blend. It gives us a richness of character, flavour and age that no other scotch can match.

“Whiskies from these ghost distilleries are becoming increasingly rare. From our library of irreplaceable casks that we keep exclusively for Johnnie Walker Blue Label, I’ve chosen a few uniquely full-bodied expressions of these precious malts and grains to let people explore, in a new way, the extraordinary richness found in our pinnacle whisky.”


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