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Scotch Malt Whisky Society of Canada August 2017 Outturn – Scotch Whisky News

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August Outturn brings an orchestra of fresh flavour with 6 new single casks to explore – an enthralling mix of wonderful whiskies.

CASK NO. 7.165  DANCE OF THE BUMBLEBEE

13 years old; 1st fill barrel; 60.7%; Juicy, oak & vanilla

Rosewater, peach, mango, dried papaya and white chocolate with little pirouettes of hazelnuts, bakewell tarts and strawberry jam before revolving into marmalade, orange blossom honey, raw chocolate and sticky figs before spiced red apple chutney, salted caramel, candied fennel seeds and long lasting spice.

CASK NO. 41.85  ADD A LITTLE SPICE!

11 years old; virgin oak hogshead, heavy toast/medium char; 57.6%; Spicy & dry

Honey, orange and thyme glazed duck breast and to drink we had a Whisky Mac and a glass of dry Sercial Madeira. Diluted; an almond apricot cake and a spiced Masala chai tea. This whisky previously inhabited an ex-bourbon hogshead.

CASK NO. G4.10  COFFEE TOFFEE

34 years old; refill hogshead; 52.8%; Spicy & sweet

Old church, polished pews, wax candles and we opened a new cedar trinket filled with honey roasted mixed nuts. On the palate; rich, creamy and silky-smooth with a hint of wood spice. Diluted; a mocha java coffee with chocolate covered toffee.

CASK NO. 35.181  TO INFINITY…AND BEYOND!

21 years old; 1st fill toasted oak hogshead; 54.1%; Deep, rich & dried fruits

Jamaican ginger cake, walnut brownies, banana bread, apricot tart, baked orange, dark chocolate covered gingerbread men, old oak, lavender, Cognac, wax polish, rich marmalade, Christmas spices, linseed, cinder toffee, syrup sponge and brown sugar. Then my pen ran out of

CASK NO. 66.93  SMOKED PORRIDGE

11 years old; refill hogshead; 59.9%; Lightly peated

Sea salt, scorched leather and caramelized wood with porridge. Then creamy and spicy with salted toffee, apricot and nectarine. Black pepper to finish.

CASK NO. 10.104  WILD AND UNTAMED

8 years old; refill hogshead; 60.3%; Heavily peated

We started a beach barbecue using firelighters and a few slabs of peat to grill tuna steaks. Wow, with the marinade we got an intense sweet and smoky experience neat. Diluted, we disinfected a wound before finishing with a very smoky Margarita.

SMWS Canada

Jack Daniels Red Dog Saloon Limited Edition Bottle – American Whiskey News

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Red Dog Saloon Limited Edition Bottle

Though the town of Lynchburg has been dry for over 100 years, it should come as no surprise that the home of Jack Daniel’s wasn’t always that way. In fact, in 1892, Lynchburg was home to over 300 residents and no fewer than two bars. In 1​892, Mr. Jack opened ​the Jack Daniel’s Red Dog Saloon on the Lynchburg Town Square. Mr. Jack had been inspired by the bustling saloons and bars of Nashville and decided that opening a bar in his hometown would be a good way to expand his whiskey business and, more importantly, bring the townsfolk of Lynchburg together. But Mr. Jack didn’t open just one bar, he opened two. The sophisticated White Rabbit Saloon and the more raucous Red Dog Saloon.

The Red Dog Saloon is thought to have sat where the town gazebo is now, but most knowledge surrounding the bar remains speculative at best. Even its name is shrouded in mystery. Did Jack have a dog that was red in color? Is it a reference to his amber whiskey? There is little written about it, so we may never know more than the stories we hear from the generations before.

In honor of this historical debut, we are offering a special edition bottle to commemorate ​the 125th Anniversary. It is available in limited quantities across the US for a suggested retail price of $28.99 for a 750ml bottle. 

 

Springbank 12yo Cask Strength Now Available – Scotch Whisky News

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Springbank 12yo Cask Strength

The new Springbank 12yo CS 56.5% is available now.

Matured in 70% Sherry casks and 30% Bourbon Casks, the Springbank 12yo CS will be available in the Campbeltown Cadenhead shop for £49.50.

Tasting Notes

Nose: A richness of maraschino cherries, wild berries and boiled sweets combine with softer notes of fruit and nut chocolate, almond ice cream and watermelon to give a warm and pleasant introduction to this twelve year old dram.

Palate: The gentle nature of the palate does not hint that this is a cask strength whisky with Viennese whirls, milk chocolate, cantuccini biscuit, walnut whip present alongside cloves, almonds and syrup.

Finish: Salted caramel, gentle make and dunnage warehouse notes influence this true Campbeltown malt, while coffee bean, clotted cream, hazelnut and liquorice all add a further dimension to this superb dram ensuring you return for a refill.

It is available in shops from today onwards – for more details on when the SB 12yo CS will be released in your country/market please contact your local Springbank retailer and stockist, details of whom can be found by visiting HERE

If you would like to buy it directly from us you can contact our Campbeltown Cadenhead shop by calling +44 (0)1586 551710. The Society will not be taking orders for this as we are not aware of any shop’s stock or allocation.

Some important points that you need to know:

  • The Campbeltown Cadenhead shop will be selling the Springbank 12yo CS for £49.50.
  • This is not a Society exclusive bottle
  • This is considered a core product so the Society discount can apply on this bottling (at the discretion of each individual Cadenhead shop).

Slainte

The Springbank Sales and Marketing Team

Springbank Distillers

Closed Distilleries Coleburn 1985 & St. Magdelene 1982 Rare Old series from Gordon & MacPhail at Abbey Whisky – Scotch Whisky News

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Coleburn distillery closed in 1985 and has since been dismantled. 161 bottles only.

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A 1982 vintage from the sadly now closed distillery, St Magdalene (Linlithgow).

BUY NOW

AA Abbey

Lord Calvert® Canadian Whisky Launches Second Edition of Ducks Unlimited Decanter – Canadian Whisky News

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Lord Calvert® Canadian Whisky Launches Second Edition of Ducks Unlimited Decanter

Limited Edition Decanter Launching Nationwide and Now Available Online

(St. Louis) August 3, 2017 – Lord Calvert® Canadian Whisky has launched the second edition of Ducks Unlimited decanter, available nationally in September. The attractive second edition design includes a yellow Labrador Retriever fetching a canvasback, the largest diving duck found in North America, in the water.

The brand announced a partnership with Ducks Unlimited, the world’s leader in wetlands and waterfowl conservation, in 2016. The partnership showcases the strong Canadian heritage of both Lord Calvert Canadian Whisky and Ducks Unlimited, as well as their passion for the outdoors.

Each custom 750ml decanter is hand-painted and hand-filled with smooth and flavorful Lord Calvert Canadian Whisky for a SRP of $99.99. In addition, a portion of the proceeds will be used to preserve waterfowl and wetland habitats across North America.

“Last year’s decanter was a success and sought after and we are pleased to continue our partnership with Ducks Unlimited and their mission to conserve and restore America’s wetlands,” says Fletcher Buchman, brand manager at Luxco. “In addition, we are looking forward to making these collectible decanters even easier for consumers to purchase and enjoy.”

The decanters – both the 2016 edition and the 2017 edition – will now be available for purchase online—unfilled— for consumers who would like to collect both editions. Consumers can find a link for purchase at LordCalvertWhisky.com. The 2016 edition of the decanter is available now for purchase and the 2017 edition will be available online in September. The decanters will sell for $65.

Lord Calvert Canadian Whisky is distilled in the heart of Canada, offering a smooth flavor with a touch of sweetness from a mixture of rye, corn, wheat and barley mash distilled and aged for 36 months. The brand recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.

Photos of the decanters are available upon request. For more information about this product, please visit facebook.com/lordcalvertcanadian, LordCalvertWhisky.com or Luxco.com

About Luxco

A leading producer, supplier, importer, and bottler of beverage alcohol products, Luxco’s mission is to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of consumers, associates and business partners. Founded in St. Louis in 1958, Luxco remains locally owned and operated by the Lux family. Currently, Luxco is constructing its first bourbon distillery – Lux Row Distillers – bringing the Lux family’s legacy to the heart of Bourbon Country in Bardstown, Kentucky. Lux Row Distillers will be home to many of the company’s bourbon brands, such as Rebel Yell, Blood Oath, David Nicholson, and Ezra Brooks. Luxco has also built a new distillery in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico – Destiladora González Luxco – where the company’s 100 percent agave tequilas, El Mayor and Exotico, will be produced. Luxco’s innovative and high-quality brand portfolio also includes Everclear Grain Alcohol, Pearl Vodka, Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream, and other well-recognized brands. For more information about the company and its brands, visit www.luxco.com.

Springbank Society Quarterly Newsletter – Scotch Whisky News

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To the members of the Springbank Society

Hi everyone, how are we all doing? Hope your summer is rather sunnier than here in Campbeltown. We are all hard at work at Springbank Towers and we have exciting times coming soon.

It is time for another Society Quarterly – many of you know what these usually entail but for any new members we shall give a quick summery.

Society Quarterlies are released 4 times a year, roughly (very roughly) 3 months apart, and are larger and more expansive that the standard Society newsletter. For example, in this quarterly we shall touch upon topics like Society bottles, trips that the sales team are going on, upcoming releases, a message from our friends at WM Cadenhead’s and a reminder on how you can follow us online or get in touch with us.

We shall start with a “heads up” regarding upcoming releases. Please note that this email is not intended as an announcement email or as a society newsflash and all distillery releases will get their own Society Newsflash at the time of release.  Current/upcoming releases

Springbank 12yo cask strength, 56.5% – Available to purchase from 8th August. There will be a Society Newsflash next week to provide you all with details of this release.

SB14yo Bourbon Wood – This cask strength limited edition whisky will be released worldwide in mid-September. Upcoming events and tastings

This section is dedicated to the trips, travels, events and tastings undertaken by our diligent and knowledgeable sales team. This should (in theory) take us up to the date of the next quarterly.

August

11th – 13th: Edinburgh Whisky Fringe (David, Grant, Melanie and Ronan are all participating over the weekend)

19th: The Whisky Social, Falkirk (Grant)

September

1st-2nd: Manchester Whisky Lounge (Grant)

1st-2nd: Berlin Whisky Messe Herbst (Melanie)

4th-11th: Japan tour, including Modern Malt Osaka, 5th, and Modern Malt Tokyo, 8th (David)

26th-29th: France tasting Tour (Melanie)

30th-2nd Oct: Whisky Exchange Whisky Show, London (David, Grant, Ronan)

October

6th-7th: Palexpo Genève (Melanie). Please note, this event is for Glengyle/Kilkerran only.

10th-14th: Denmark Tasting Tour (Ronan)

12th: M&P Festival, Forteca, Warsaw (Melanie)

13th: Tasting in aid of Marie Curie at Fairley Wines, Coleraine, N. Ireland (David)

14th-15th: Budapest Whisky Show (Melanie)

20th: Bar & Spirits Festival, Vienna (Melanie)

21st: The Wee Dram, Bakewell (Grant)

28th: Dornoch Whisky Festival (Grant)

29th: Tasting, Willow Park, Calgary, Canada (Melanie)

November

1st: Willow Park Whisky Festival, Calgary, Canada (Melanie)

4th: Co-Op Whisky Festival, Calgary, Canada (Melanie)

4th-5th: Whisky Messe, Villingen, Germany (Ronan)

Please note that these events are subject to change.

Society bottles

Thankfully, most people have their Springbank 9yo Sauternes society bottles by now or have made arrangements regarding collection or delivery however, there are a few people who have not made those arrangements. In particular, if you asked for your bottle(s) to be sent to any of the European Cadenhead shops but have not collected them please make sure the staff know your intentions.

So if you asked for your Society order to be sent to Cologne, Berlin, Odense, Salzburg or Baden and have not collected your bottle(s) please contact the relevant shop. If you are unsure if this applies to you please email society@springbank.scot and we shall try to answer any questions you have.

Society section of the Website

If you haven’t signed up for the Society section of the website please do so whenever you have some time. As well as being a useful insurance policy to guard against not receiving a Society email (we upload the newsletters to the society section after we send them out to you guys) but it also gives you access to the occasional society blog or distillery update too.

Of course, the most important information will continue to be emailed but other day-to-day news will be added to the website.

I would urge all members to register for an online account to keep up to date with the news as it happens. To create an account please follow these instructions:

  • Go to www.springbank.scot
  • Click on the ‘Society’ tab along the top of the page
  • Click on the ‘Confirm Log-In Details’ orange tab
  • Please enter all the information that is required
  • Once you have submitted this information, a notification should be displayed to tell you that an email has been sent to your given email address and it will ask you to verify this email address
  • Please open this email in your email account and click the link to verify your email
  • Once you have done this, I will receive a notification informing me that a new member has signed up to the website so I will then activate your account for online use
  • When your account has been activated, you will be able to read all news stories in the Society section. To log in, just click the ‘Log-In to Society News’ tab where you will just be asked to enter your username and password for access.

Message from WM Cadenhead’s

As some of you may know, WM Cadenhead’s recently released their shop single casks to celebrate their 175th anniversary and they have asked us to include a message to you all in this newsletter:

Hopefully many of you are currently enjoying some of the amazing whiskies we released this week as part of the Cadenhead’s 175th anniversary celebrations, the highlight undoubtedly being the launch of the single casks bottled for each of our shops.

It has come to our attention that one complete set of the 10 casks bottled in the collection has already found its way into the hands of an auction site and it’s fair to say that we’re disappointed that such an incident has occurred. As most of you know, we do not condone the process of flipping – buying bottles just to sell them on immediately – and while we appreciate that many people build whisky collections for a number of reasons, it’s saddening that some people take advantage of our excellent whiskies and reasonable pricing just to try and turn a quick profit. In this case, an auction house managed to take possession of some of these bottles before some shops had even been able to put theirs on sale which no doubt most of you will find as frustrating as we do.

The UK Cadenhead’s shops took a joint decision this week to each sell 12 complete sets of the 10 casks bottled in the series, making 36 in total, and it’s a shame that at least one of these sets will end up turning a profit at auction rather than being in the hands of someone who who will properly appreciate what they have. We are always keen to ensure that our bottlings are distributed as fairly as possible and in future, in cases where we are able to identify flippers (not genuine collectors and certainly not people who buy our whisky to drink), we will ensure that those people do not get access to any special releases before the rest of our members.

Malt Barns

Our Malt Barns are currently being renovated and are therefore out of action for a few weeks. This work will be completed in approximately 7 weeks time and we shall keep all of our followers up to date with developments on our Social media outlets.

If you are visiting the distillery during the next few weeks while the work continues, please note that you will not be able to enter the Malt Barns as part of the distillery tour and that tour prices have been temporarily adjusted to reflect this. The details are contained on the attached poster.

Social Media

Before we finish, a quick reminder that you can follow us online through a variety of websites and social media channels.

Facebook – www.facebook.com/officialspringbankwhisky

Twitter – @Springbank1828

Instagram – @springbankwhisky1828

Also, we recently joined WeChat and you can find us under the name “Springbank Distillers” or by searching for SpringbankWhisky.

And, of course, you can always find us on the Springbank website – www.springbank.scot

Thank you for taking the time to read this Society Quarterly, hopefully you have found it informative.

If you have any questions, queries, concerns or comments please contact society@springbank.scot and we shall do our very best to get back to you as soon as possible.  If you wish to join the Society please contact them ASAP ~ WI

As stated above, the next contact you shall have with us is early next week for the Springbank 12yo Cask Strength newsflash.

Until then…

Slainte

Springbank Sales Team and Staff of Springbank Towers

Springbank Society

Springbank Distillers

Springbank Society

Scotch Malt Whisky Society “August Outturn: Orchestra of Flavour” – Scotch Whisky News

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August Outturn brings an orchestra of fresh flavour with 22 single casks to taste and explore. Playing with our hearts this First Friday is an enthralling mix of marvellous malt whiskies.

VIEW OUTTURN

VIEW WHISKY

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

 

Banff 1966 Rare Old Gordon & MacPhail Bottled 2015 at Abbey Whisky – Scotch Whisky News

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Banff 1966 Rare Old | Gordon & MacPhail | Bottled 2015

A well aged, single malt whisky from Banff distillery, matured in a refill sherry butt for around 50 years! Distilled in 1966, only 362 bottles of this Lost Distillery bottling were filled by independent whisky bottlers, Gordon & MacPhail for their incredible Rare Old series.

BUY NOW

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Wemyss Malts in August – Scotch Whisky News

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The awards continue to role in for Wemyss Malts Batch Strength, Batch No.001! This time a silver streak from The International Wine & Spirits Competition for both The Hive Batch Strength and Spice King Batch Strength.

Peat Chimney Batch Strength received a outstanding judges score and was noted for its flavours of: “Peat embers, recently extinguished bonfire and cough sweets mingle with vanilla fudge, Tarte Tatin cooked in honey”

All 3 of the Wemyss Malts Batch Strength, Batch No.001 have now been awarded Silver by The Spirits Business 2017 Scotch Whisky Masters and The International Spirits Challenge. Peat Chimney was singled out by Whisky Magazines World Whisky Awards, receiving a Silver in the blended malt category.

If you are interested in trying any of our award wining Batch Strength blended malts, they are available from specialist spirits retailers and from our sister company; Kingsbarns Distillery HERE.

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Look out for Wemyss Malts & Darnley’s Gin in the following month at these upcoming locations and events:

 10th of August – In store tasting and sampling – Robert Grahams Canongate, Edinburgh

11th to 13th of August – Edinburgh Whisky Fringe (with Kingsbarns ) 16th of August – In store sampling and tasting – Whiski Rooms, Edinburgh

 17th of August – In store tasting and sampling – Robert Grahams Rose Street, Edinburgh

19th of August – Falkirk Whisky Festival – Dobbie Hall, Larbert

19th of August – We Love Perth Whisky Festival – Salutation Hotel, Perth

 24th of August – In store tasting and sampling – Robert Grahams Canongate, Edinburgh

26th of August – The Secrets to Blending Whisky – Robert Grahams Rose Street, Edinburgh

Throughout all of August look out for Wemyss Malts as the Malt of the Moment at Bow Bar, Bow Street Edinburgh

Sample Tailor-made Old Fashioned’s all August at Solid Liquid’s Cocktail Kitchen popup at Market Street, Edinburgh

Malt Messenger No. 77 by Andrew Ferguson – New KWM Casks, Tastings and Other Whiskies – Whisky News

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Malt Messenger No. 77 – New KWM Casks, Tastings and Other Whiskies

is hard to believe it is already August and that September is just around the corner. Before you know it Whisky Advent 2017 will be here. On that note I have a teaser to share on our Kensington Wine Market 2017 Whisky Advent Calendar. The art work is done… More details below.

We have a pair of great tastings coming up, the first next Tuesday, August : Independents Day, will feature some of the best independent bottlings on the market. Cool whiskies from the likes of Coopers Choice, the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, Gordon Macphail, Signatory, Cadenhead, Old Malt Cask, The Whisky Agency and more… Just $50, for a very interesting range.

We are just two weeks away from our The Whiskies of Summer Festival, on Thursday August 17. This summer whisky festival will feature no fewer than 80 different whiskies including a lot of the new releases which have trickled into the store this summer. In addition to the huge range of whiskies open for sampling, the $50 price includes a KWM 25th Anniversary Glencairn Glass.

Our most exciting news is the launch of two new Kensington Wine Market exclusive Arran casks. These two whiskies are not just the oldest Arrans we’ve ever bottled, but the oldest Arrans to ever come to Canada! Not surprisingly, the whiskies, which are quite different from each other, are superb. That isn’t even the most exciting bit of news on them though: that is their price. These two 20 year old, single cask, cask strength Sherry Hogsheads are just $150+GST / bottle. Possibly the best value single casks we have ever offered! We also have a new 25th Anniversary bottling from German Independent bottler Whisky Fassle. Details on all three can be found below.

There are loads of exciting new whiskies to tell you about in this edition of the Malt Messenger. There is a trio of new Campbeltown malts: Kilkerran 8 Year Cask Strength, Hazelburn 13 Year Sherry and Longrow Red 13 Year Malbec. The latter is nearly sold out, and we just got it… We also have some very well priced new independent bottlings from Cooper’s Choice, both single malts and grains. We are most excited about the Coopers Choice Family Silver 1972 Blend. This 44 year old whisky is composed of two closed distillery whiskies: Lochside (single malt), Garnheath (single grain) as well as grain whisky from the Invergordon distillery. Only 30 bottles have come to Alberta, exclusively to KWM. Half of them are sold!

We have a huge range of new whiskies from Heads & Tails, an Ontario based importer that specializes in independent bottlings from Continental European firms like: Jack Wiebers, Maltbarn, The Whisky Agency, Whisky Base and Whisky Fassle. All told there are 17 new single malts, blended malts and single grains from these firms; mostly old, rare, and always very tasty. They also have some of the most interesting labels in the world of Scotch Whisky! We are dying to try the new The Whisky Agency Speyside 1973 Single Malt, which was scored at 92pts by Serge @ Whisky Fun. 

There are a pair of new Teeling Irish Whiskies in the shop. The Teeling Revival 13 Year Vol. 3 has been finished in Pineau des Charentes casks. There is also the first release in a new Teeling Series highlighting the differences between different wines casks. Teeling Barbazon Single Malt Series 1 has been matured in Sherry.

The latest annual release, 2017, of Kilchoman Loch Gorm is in. The whisky is the most sought after of the core whiskies in Kilchoman’s stable. It is also one of the rarest. Fewer than 180 bottles find their way to Alberta most years. My tasting note is below.

Last but certainly not least, we have just been given pricing on the most recent release of Glenfarclas Family Casks. The pricing is valid through August 13th. We have to submit our orders to the importer the following day. The whiskies would arrive in November/December.

I hope you enjoy this edition of the Malt Messenger.

Sláinte!

In This Edition

  1. Whisky Advent 2017 Teaser
  2. Independents Day Tasting
  3. Whiskies of Summer Festival
  4. NEW KWM Exclusive Arran Casks
  5. NEW KWM Exclusive Whisky Fassle Blended Malt
  6. NEW Whiskies From Springbank & Glengyle
  7. NEW Cooper’s Choice Bottlings Including a KWM Exclusive
  8. NEW Whiskies From Heads & Tails
  9. NEW Teeling Whiskies
  10. Kilchoman Loch Gorm 2017
  11. Glenfarclas Family Cask Pricing

Andrew Ferguson

Kensington Wine Market

PS – Don’t forget you can follow me on Twitter:

@scotch_guy, Instagram: @thescotch_guy/

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Whisky Advent 2017 Teaser

Pre-orders start next week!

We couldn’t resist sharing the artwork for our 2017 Whisky Advent Calendar. In the four years we have been producing our own Calendar, this is the best yet! This year’s Calendar features 25 all new whiskies, not featured in any of the previous 3 editions. It also includes our first Canadian, and Dutch whiskies. We are feeling very nostalgic, in the midst of celebrating our 25th Anniversary. We wanted the design to reflect that, and we think our designer delivered. Here is a teaser image of our Kensington Wine Market 2017 Whisky Advent Calendar.

We will formally begin taking pre-orders for the Kensington Wine Market 2017 Whisky Advent Calendar on Monday August 7; but we will track any requests made before then. In the meantime we are diligently working to finalize the price!

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Independents Day, Tasting 

Tuesday August 8, $50

With the price of distillery bottlings soaring, Independent Bottlers are offering some of the best value single malt whiskies, especially when it comes to mature bottlings. Join us for an exploration of independently bottled single malts from some of our favourite bottlers including: the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, Gordon Macphail, Signatory Vintage, Old Malt Cask, Coppers Choice, Maltbarn, The Whisky Agency and more!

Call 403-283-8000 or register online!

 

The Whiskies of Summer Festival 

Thursday August 17 2017 – $50 Including a Glencairn Glass 

This festival style tasting will feature 80-100 whiskies with a high proportion of single malts, highlighting some of the newest arrivals in store. We have several new KWM exclusive casks, Gather your friends and fellow whisky connoisseurs for a night of great whisky.

Call 403-283-8000 or register online!

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Two New Amazing Value KWM Exclusive Arran Casks 

Both 20 Year Old Sherry Hogshead Casks, at Cask Strength and just $150! 

Arran has been one of our favourite malts for a long time now. The distillery is now in its 22nd year and it is still one of our best value propositions. When we ask for cask samples from the distillery, to select our own casks, rather than having a hard time selecting, we have a hard time turning casks down. That’s why when presented with the opportunity to bottle our first 20 year old Arran, the oldest bottling of Arran yet to come to Canada, we couldn’t settle on just one cask we had to have two. These are our 9th and 10th exclusive single casks of Arran at KWM!

  1. Arran 1996 KWM 20 Year Cask 964 – 52.5% – Sherry Hogshead – 262 Bottles – Distilled: 12/08/1996 – Bottled: 05/04/2017 – Andrew’s Tasting Note: “Nose: bright, floral and citrussy; lemon slices, peeled orange and tangerines; cinnamon spiced honey butter and soft leather leads to appricots and dried dark fruits; all along there is a creamy base with bright floral top notes. Palate: very honeyed: liquid, honey butter and honey sticks; more orange and tangerines, big juicy citrus tones and a base of creamy, floral vanilla bean (American oak?); chewy with sweet waxy Starburst fruit candies and a touch of darker dried fruits; more dried apricot and soft silky leather; some gentle earthy tones and soft leather hinting at sherry seasoning and dunnage warehouse maturation. Finish: long, sweet, coating and citrussy with more bright floral tones and all kinds of honey. Comment: despite its age which has given it a silky backbone, this malt is still bright, fresh and layered; it is to borrow a phrase, eminently quaffable; perhaps dangerously so!” – $150
  2. Arran 1996 KWM 20 Year Cask 1649 – 50.8% – Sherry Hogshead – 233 Bottles – Distilled: 28/10/1996 – Bottled: 05/04/2017 – Andrew’s Tasting Note: “Nose: jujubes, melon, Seville orange and soft polished leather; bread and butter pudding with a side of Christmas cake; very jammy: raspberry, strawberry, plums and figs; infused dark chocolate, toasted oak and honey; darker than cask 964, but far from over the top. Palate: round, fruity, citric and honeyed(it is after-all still an Arran) with lovely decadent spices, dark sugars and more soft polished leather; the fruit and spice infused dark chocolate is still there with more jammy tones (mixed berry and fig being the most prominent); the oak notes are soft, silky and balanced. Finish: long, coating and decadent with loads of fruit, honey, chocolate and gentle oak spices. Comment: like the sister cask, 1649 is also fresh, silky; layered; darker in profile it is a more traditional sherry matured whisky; darker, spicier and more decadent but still complex.” – $150

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NEW Whisky-Fassle ‘extra old’ Blended Malt 

Only 42 Bottles Filled Exclusively for KWM’s 25th Anniversary!

This curious blended malt was offered to us by Whisky Fassel, a boutique German independent bottler and blender of Scotch Whisky. They were established in 2006, and that is about all I can tell you about them. Only 42 bottles of this curious whisky were offered to and have been bottled for KWM for our 25th Anniversary. The strength is 45.4%, possibly cask strength as the producer says: “matured very long in a sherry butt bottled 2016.” It doesn’t have our logo on it, as that looked too busy, so you’ll have to take our word for it… but it does say “bottled for Canada”! Oh and there is some sort of mallard duck on the label.

I included the original proposed KWM version of the logo on the right as proof of intent.

Whisky-Fassle Blended Malt KWM 25th Anniversary – 45.4% – Sherry Butt – 42 Bottles – Andrew’s Tasting Note: “Nose: big, thick and chewy; chocolate fudge, gentle ashy smoke and a cedar spice box full of decadent spices; warmed brown sugar and candied ginger; orange peels and a touch of mincemeat. Palate: round and fruity; dark, rich and layered; building gentle, ashy peat-smoke and dark bakers chocolate; more mincemeat in a buttery pie crust, bright candied orange peel and big candied fruits; soft sweet cigar tobacco and some late melons. Finish: like a fine Cuban cigar… more dark chocolate, mincemeat, fading gentle ashy peat and again with the melons. Comment: this is a lovely Blended malt, and I suspect another Edrington Group special… it has Macallan, Highland Park and even a touch of Glenrothes on it… regardless it is lovely!” – $220

 

New Whiskies From Springbank & Glengyle 

Hazelburn, Kilkerran and Longrow Oh My! 

There are three new single malts from the J.A. Mitchel & Co. family, Springbank and Glengyle distilleries. These Campbeltonian malts are very limited, with no more than 120 bottles having come to Canada.

  1. Kilkerran 8 Year Cask Strength – 52.6% – Matured in Ex-Bourbon – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Nose: The peat aroma from the lightly peated barley is apparent from the off and some of the green apples which are becoming a feature of Kilkerran are also present. This whisky is like a favourite dessert, rhubarb crumble, stewed rhubarb, vanilla and all butter shortbread. Palate: There’s an earthiness and saltiness, exactly what you want to taste in a Campbeltown dram. This is combined with icing sugar and puff candy which gives a sweetness to the whisky, along with milk chocolate and walnut flavours. Finish: The peat remains, along with a sootiness, pencil shavings and a liquorice influenced maltiness.” – $85
  2. Springbank Hazelburn 13 Year Sherry – 47.1% – Matured in Oloroso Sherry – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Nose: Initially raisins, marzipan, Demerara sugar followed by treacle, sticky toffee and wood shavings. Taste: Homemade strawberry jam, sugary and filled with cream, orange zest, brandy snaps and a white chocolate creme brûlée. Finish: Chocolate orange, creamy coffee liqueur, buttered popcorn, cocoa beans and mocha coffee with a delicate finish of sweet orange marmalade.” – $118
  3. Springbank Longrow Red 13 Year Malbec – 51.3% – Matured in ExRed Wine Malbec Casks – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Nose: A very coastal beginning; sea salt with a fresh sea air breeze, then becomes very fruity. Sweet cocktail cherries, blackberries and red currants. A faint and subtle note of cigar boxes and tobacco comes through. Palate: The fruitiness continues with rhubarb crumble, stewed apples and juicy plums. Cured ham follows with a very soft and delicate touch of peat with more coastal, sea salt notes. Finish: Red wine tannins dominate, combined with smouldering campfire smoke and the ever present fresh fruit notes of prunes and cherries.” – $112

KWM10

NEW Coopers Choice Whiskies Including a KWM Exclusive 

Some amazing value Single Malts, Single Grains & Introducing the 25th Anniversary Family Silver, a 44 Year old Blend 

First and foremost the Cooper’s Choice 25th Anniversary Family Silver bottling, a 44 year old Blend created with a rare old single malt and two rare old single grains, all distilled in 1972. The blend consists of 40% Lochside 1972 Single Malt, 30% Garnheath 1972 Single Grain; and 30% Invergordon 1972 Single Grain. The whiskies were married in a single cask, yielding just 480 bottles. Only 30 are coming to Alberta, exclusively to KWM.

Cooper’s Choice The Family Silver 1972 Blended Scotch Whisky – 41% – 44 Year – Producer’s Tasting Note: “Nose: Coconut and stewed fruits. Orange blossom. Palate: Oaky vanilla. Peaches. Chocolate orange and tropical fruits. Exceptionally smooth.  Finish: Soft and sweet. The fruit and coconut lingers long in the memory.” – $300

Andrew’s Tasting Note: “Nose: very oily, decadent and juicy; loads of creamed honey, Scottish tablet, floral tones, waxy pears and corn syrup; honeydew melon, peaches and some bright orange. Palate: thick, creamy, coating, decadent and fruity; warm oatmeal with cream and brown sugar; more waxy pears, dried apricot, honeydew melon and orange pith; soft, decadent crisp spices; still sweet and decadent with clean silky grains notes. Finish: long, coating, creamy and silky with floral vanilla and more soft fruits: melon, citrus and apricots. Comment: this whisky is both showing its age, but still very lithe and elegant; there are no bitter edges in this grain forward blend; not mind blowing but very good, especially for the price! – $300

As to the other Cooper’s Choice bottlings, there is Croftenga, a peated single malt from the Loch Lomond distillery, which is fairly rare; and the price on this one is very competitive compared with some others we’ve seen. We also don’t see many bottlings of Ben Nevis anymore, and this 20 year old is very reasonably priced. The Glen Keith is also the most equitably priced bottling from that distillery we’ve seen in a while; although the distillery is still open, it had a long period of closure and its whisky is not often as often see bottled as it was… The distillery did go through period of closure by was recently reopened. The Invergordon at Cask Strength looks like the best deal, a 30 year old for less than $180… and the Cameronbridge actually sold out instantly. Fortunately we were able to find another case. We are expecting just 12 bottles of each whisky, and have just 6 of the Cameronbridge left!

  1. Cooper’s Choice Ben Nevis 1996 –  46% – 20 Year – Sherry Cask – $180
  2. Cooper’s Choice Cameronbridge 1995 – 46% – 21 Year – Hogshead – $120
  3. Cooper’s Choice Croftengea 2006 – 46% – 10 Year – Heavily Peated – $86
  4. Cooper’s Choice Glen Keith 1996 – 46% – 20 Year – Jurancon Finish – $165
  5. Cooper’s Choice Glenlossie 1997 – 46% – 19 Year – Madeira Finish – $163
  6. Cooper’s Choice Invergordon 1984 – 57% – 30 Year – Refill Butt – $178

KWM5

NEW Whiskies From Heads & Tails 

Jack Wiebers, Maltbarn, Whisky Fassle & The Whisky Agency 

There is an assortment of very limited and unique new whiskies from Jack Wiebers, Maltbarn, The Whisky Agency and & Whisky Fassle on the market. Look for these to trickle into the shop over the next couple of months. More than half have tasting notes from Serge @ WhiskyFun.org or Ruben @ WhiskyNotes.be . Some of them have gotten very good reviews. The mystery Speyside malt from 1973 is especially interesting. We don’t see many 43 year old, possibly “Glenfarclas” bottlings for around $600 anymore!

Details are thin on some of them, we will be updating our website with them as time permits.

Jack Wiebers

  1. Jack Wiebers Ben Nevis 1996 Old Train Line – 52.9% – 20 Year – Bourbon Barrel – No Tasting Note at this time! – $340
  2. Jack Wiebers Glenrothes 1996 Old Tran Line – 49.1% – 21 Year – Bourbon Cask – No Tasting Note at this time! – $320

KWM6

Maltbarn

  1. Maltbarn Capperdonich 1994 – 49.8% – 22 Year – Bourbon Cask – No Tasting Note at this time! – $350
  2. Maltbarn Craigellachie 2007 – 48.6%- 9 Year – Sherry Cask – No Tasting Note at this time! – $200

The Whisky Agency

  1. The Whisky Agency Blended Malt XO Three Rivers Tokyo – 45.8% – Ex-Sherry – No tasting note at present. – $210
  2. The Whisky Agency Cragganmore 1989 – 52.1% – 27 Year – Hogshead – 90pts Serge @ Whisky Fun: “Nose: crustier, maltier, cakier, and above all, more mineral and earthy, while the background remains very orange-y. More multi-dimensional, with also some camphor, humus, damp pipe tobacco, and autumn leaves. The others where more ‘immediate’, perhaps thanks to the sherry, while this one’s more complex. With water: these notes of fresh plaster and wet chalk that I enjoy so much. A little menthol. Mouth (neat): a lot of peppermint, lemon curd, earthy stuff, drops of cough syrup, mint cordial, bitter oranges as always… I find this extremely good, and perhaps a tad more ‘islands’ than the average Cragganmores. With water: I’ll tell you, it loves water. Totally loves water, totally (Donald, come out of this body!) Cointreau and crème de menthe, with a little wax. Finish: long, soothing, herbal, lemony, mineral, Sancerre-y. Comments: an unusual Cragganmore, perhaps ex-Clynelish wood? Right up my alley – and did I tell you that it loves water?” – $385
  3. The Whisky Agency Fettercairn 1988 – 49.9% – 28 Year – Hogshead – No tasting note at present. – $390
  4. The Whisky Agency Glen Elgin 1995 – 53.5% – 21 Year – No oak type specified – No tasting note at present. – $245
  5. The Whisky Agency Irish Malt 1990 – 48.1% – 27 Year – Ex-Bourbon Barrel – 91pts Whisky Notes: “Nose: luscious fruits, ranging from gooseberries to tangerines, lime, pineapples and fresh banana. Also a warmer side of guava and tiny hints of vanilla ice cream. Hints of rapeseed oil. Mouth: pretty stunning (again). Always a pleasure to find so much pineapple, bananas, coconut, mango and lychee in whisky. Simple pleasures. There’s a slight herbal edge which becomes rounder with a drop of water. Finish: long, still tropically fruity but with a drier feel to it now, more coconut and an almost mineral finale.” – $490
  6. The Whisky Agency Irish Malt XO – 45.8% – Average age of 18-30 Years – Bourbon Barrel – A joint bottling with Head’s & Tails – No tasting notes at this time! – $255
  7. The Whisky Agency Mannochmore 1988 – 46% – 28 Year – Hogshead – 87 Points Serge @ Whisky Fun: “Colour: straw. Nose: it’s very fruity! No varnish this time, no nail polish, rather marshmallows aplenty and a rather perfect maltiness, plus green branches and leaves. It’s rather sharp, ‘nervous’, and kind of delicate at the same time. Wulong tea, kiwis, rhubarb… There’s an obvious parentage with the F&F, but this is rather deeper. Old age, I suppose… Mouth: very good, green-fruity, with more kiwis, more grapefruits, and indeed more rhubarb, greengages… It’s got a perfect acidic side, very refreshing, and you don’t even need to add ice. Perfect body. Finish: rather long, superbly acidic and green. And wait, in the aftertaste, some green melons! Comments: an uplifting Mannochmore, and quite bizarrely, the exact opposite of Loch Dhu. Do you know Loch Dhu? Do you know Rosebank?” – 6 Left – $375
  8. The Whisky Agency Speyside 1973 – 46.9% – 43 Year – Hogshead – 92pts Serge @ Whisky Fun: “There’s no doubt whatsoever that this will be excellent. Colour: pale gold. Nose: walnut oil, ink, paraffin, beeswax, plantain bananas, and a wee slice of white ham. Austere, beautifully so. Also leaves, bay leaves, cut grass, and apple peel. Mouth: hell. Mint, sauerkraut, turnips, green olives, green bananas, manioc, turmeric, and some guava juice to make all that sweeter. We’re clearly in riesling territories, and since the bottler is German, I’d say Knipser’s Steinbuckel. Great German Riesling – this from an Alsatian, so take my word! Finish: medium to long, a tad sweeter and rounder. Orange and passion fruit compote, and a wee touch of lavender honey for good measure. Comments: these are the malts to buy these days. There’s no better new old Speysiders, anywhere. Yeah, unless, you know, at auctions for hefty prices… Seriously, buy this if you can find it! Or its siblings…” – $620
  9. The Whisky Agency Teaninich 1973 – 48.8% – 43 Year – Ex-Sherry Butt – Bottled under “The Perfect Dram” Label – Only 1 bottle left! – $650
  10. The Whisky Agency Tennessee Bourbon 2003 – 52.6% – 13 Year – 88pts Whisky Base: “Nose: much more caramel aromas now, with waxed furniture. The polished aspect of oak, rather than the spicy, plankish notes. Very round. Sweet corn. Coconut cream, hints of Mexican chocolate. The most liqueur-like of the three. Almonds and pecans, almost sherried in a way. Mouth: very much on the coconut flakes again. Hints of pomegranates, then the eucalyptus and herbal tea. Cloves. Somehow smoother than you’d expect from a 13 years old bourbon. Finish: long, on polished oak, char and spices.” – $235 

KWM8

Whisky Fassle

  1. Whisky Fasle 1964 Single Grain – 47.7% – 52 Year – Ex-Bourbon Barrel – Undisclosed Lowland Grain Distillery – Whisky Notes Tasting Note: “Nose: nicely vannilled and syrupy, with pear juice and warm oak. Hints of both American bourbon and exotic rum. Coconut and bananas flambéed. Hints of pencil shavings. Creamy mocha candy. A little toasted oak and warm brioche. Crushed mint in the back. Easy to like, more complex than expected. Mouth: now more bourbonny than rummy, but still quite smooth. Honey and caramels, vanilla custard, a little leather. Heavily baked cake. Coconut. Maybe some papaya. Certainly influenced by the oak (baking spices) but not tired or woody, very smooth and creamy actually. Finish: long, slightly spicier now (pepper, clove). Something of flan with sweet oranges and burnt sugar.” – Only 12 Bottles – 6 Left – $730
  2.  Whisky Fassle Irish Malt XO – 50.6% – A marriage of Irish Single Malts Distilled 1989-91 and 2000-3 – Bottled 2016 – Whisky Notes Tasting Note: “Nose: fresh, bright and very fruity. Banana, lemon, pineapple, whitecurrant. Rather great. Sweet barley. Hints of lime blossom, grasses, buttercups and light honey. Mouth: same fruitiness. Melons, pears, pineapple, sweetened grapefruit juice too. More of a vague Haribo fruitiness, lacking some of the unique passion fruits of the old (non-blended) Irish malts, if you know what I mean. Some minty notes and young grassy touches. Back to powder sugar and almonds. Hints of vanilla, and perhaps a little latte. Green spices too. Finish: long, on biscuits, fruits and a little green oak.” – Only 12 Bottles – $315
  3. Whisky Fassle KWM ‘extra old’ Blended Malt KWM 25th Anniversary – 45.4% – Sherry Butt – 42 Bottles – Andrew’s Tasting Note: “Nose: big, thick and chewy; chocolate fudge, gentle ashy smoke and a cedar spice box full of decadent spices; warmed brown sugar and candied ginger; orange peels and a touch of mincemeat. Palate: round and fruity; dark, rich and layered; building gentle, ashy peat-smoke and dark bakers chocolate; more mincemeat in a buttery pie crust, bright candied orange peel and big candied fruits; soft sweet cigar tobacco and some late melons. Finish: like a fine Cuban cigar… more dark chocolate, mincemeat, fading gentle ashy peat and again with the melons. Comment: this is a lovely Blended malt, and I suspect another Edrington Group special… it has Macallan, Highland Park and even a touch of Glenrothes on it… regardless it is lovely!” – $220

KWM9

NEW Teeling Whiskies 

Two New SIngle Malts from Ireland’s Most Innovative Whisky Firm 

Two new limited edition single malts from the Teeling Distillery have just arrived. The first is the third release in the Teeling Revival Series, Volume 3. The whiskey is a 14 year old finished for a year in Pineau des Charentes casks, after maturing 13 years in Ex-Bourbon. The other malt is the first in the new Barbazon series, released to highlight the influence of different oak types on the maturation of whiskey. The first is matured in ex-Sherry. Both are available now and are not expected to last long!

  1. Teeling Revival Volume 3 14 Year – 46% – Matured in Ex-Bourbon – Finished 1 Year in Pineau des Charentes – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Earthy dried fruit and roasted hazelnut, with marmalade, peach, plum and burnt toffee. Taste: A rich sherry sweetness, red berries, nuttiness and toffee, with a hint of liquorish and clove. Finish: Lingering mixed spice, trail-mix, crisped marshmallow, dry tannins and spice with toasted wood.” – $175
  2.  Teeling Barbazon Single Malt Series 3 – 49.5% – Matured in Ex-Sherry – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Earthy dried fruit and roasted hazelnut, with marmalade, peach, plum and burnt toffee. Taste: A rich sherry sweetness, red berries, nuttiness and toffee, with a hint of liquorish and clove. Finish: Lingering mixed spice, trail-mix, crisped marshmallow, dry tannins and spice with toasted wood.” – $108

Loch Gorm 17

Kilchoman Loch Gorm 2017 

Just landed… it won’t last long!

Loch Gorm was the second core release from the Kilchoman distillery, and it has been one of its most consistently popular, so much so that it is released once a year and sells out almost immediately. The whisky was distilled in 2009, matured in Oloroso Sherry and bottled in 2017 at 46% without colouring or chillfilerting. Alberta’s once annual allocation has arrived, it will not last long.

Kilchoman Loch Gorm 2017 – 46% – Matured in Oloroso Sherry – Andrew’s Tasting Note: “Nose: an Ileach Christmas: Christmas Cake by the peat fire, after a seafood supper, with a healthy sherried dram; cedar spice box, salty Dutch licorice, dark chocolate shavings and tobacco. Palate: round, rich and oily; more Christmas cake, oily peat and salty Dutch licorice; a touch of tar, dark chocolate and loads of spices; the warm cedar note is still there; some subtle citrus tones underneath with a base of juicy malt. Finish: medium long and coating; oily and sherried with gentle peat, salty licorice and more juicy malt. Comment:

this is a very drinkable Loch Gorm, the softest I can remember sampling; truly an Ileach Christmas in a glass! – $118

Producer Description: ” Loch Gorm is the name given to our annually bottled sherry cask matured limited edition. The 2017 edition is the sixth and oldest instalment of the range, having been matured exclusively in Oloroso sherry butts filled in 2009. With the majority of our whisky being matured in ex bourbon barrels, Loch Gorm is the only release to be maturated exclusively in Oloroso sherry casks, only 13,500 bottles will be available worldwide. Like many of our expressions, Loch Gorm releases have been evolving over the years and this, the 2017 edition, is the oldest yet.  This extra maturation has afforded it a full-bodied richness which combines with the peat smoke and fruity flavours typical of Kilchoman to create a truly unique Islay single malt.” – $118

GF FC

Glenfarclas Family Cask Pricing 

Taking Requests Until August 13th, for Late Fall Delivery 

We have been offered pricing on available Glenfarclas Family Cask bottlings, including a large number of new bottlings. The Glenfarclas Family Casks have become a global commodity since they were first launched more than a decade ago. They could sell everything they release to Taiwan and Asia, who are the principal driving force on price, but they make an effort to spread it around. Attached you will find pre-order pricing for Glenfarclas Family Casks. Bottles would be delivered in late 2017. You’ll note some of them have surged in the last few years. Vintages with prices which look inflated, are a reflection of the fact the distillery is nearly out of whisky from that year. Please get back to me ASAP, available quantities of some of these whiskies is limited, and this offer was sent out to retailers around the world! The Order Deadline is August 13 2017.

Please note, we used a formula to calculate the pricing, you’ll note it has not been rounded. Prices do not include GST. The pricing is only valid through August 13, 2017, while we put together our order! Bottles should arrive late in the fall. >

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

Kensington Wine Market 403-283-8000


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