A Vintage Celebration for A D Rattray

The team at A D Rattray independent bottlers were surprised this week when they were each presented with a bottle of 50 year old single cask whisky. The Girvan Grain 1964 Cask No 0002 is the first to be bottled as part of their Vintage Cask Collection, a new range which the company have recently added to their award-winning portfolio. Mr Tim Morrison, owner of A D Rattray and the A D Rattray Whisky Experience & Whisky Shop, said he was delighted to be able to thank everyone for their hard work over the years in this special way.

Known for quality single cask bottlings, A D Rattray pride themselves on the careful selection and monitoring of their casks, only bottling when they reach their prime.   Occasionally an older cask of exceptional quality will be rewarded with beautiful packaging and inclusion in the new range. 255 bottles of the Girvan Grain 1964 have been produced at cask strength (46.8%) appealing to collectors, whisky enthusiasts and anyone looking for that extra special whisky.

Mr Morrison said, “it is particularly fitting that this 50 year old is the first cask in our new Vintage Cask Collection range as it is the oldest whisky we have bottled to date and is from the nearest distillery to our headquarters – Girvan is just 7 miles down the road. There is also a strong family connection between the two companies as my father, Stanley P Morrison, and Charles Grant Gordon were friends and in fact I visited Girvan distillery on many occasions while it was being built in 1963. At that time I had just started working as part of the production and management team of Bowmore Distillery which had recently been acquired by my father. It all seems like a lifetime ago and to see a bottle of whisky which was distilled back then in the hands of my son, Andrew, the next generation of our family business, makes me very proud.”

Whisky from a bygone age – Girvan Grain 1964, A D Rattray’s Vintage Cask Collection

Tasting Note

Colour: Amber.

Nose: Deep and exquisite aromas of orange peel, dark chocolate truffles, Brazil nuts, nutmeg, rich honey and coconut.

Palate: Silky. Luscious vanilla, sweet oranges, banana bread, some liquorice and spicy notes.

Conclusion: Whisky from a bygone age, in an extraordinary fresh cask.

Notes

1. Vintage Cask Collection is available to buy from the A D Rattray Whisky Shop, Kirkoswald, Ayrshire KA19 8HY, Tel: 01655 760 308 and from selected UK and International retailers.
2. A D Rattray was founded in 1868 and has a reputation for their extensive knowledge and expertise in the whisky industry. They are best known for their Stronachie and Cask Islay brands and a range of top quality single cask bottlings, the A D Rattray Cask Collection.

Rebecca Creek Distillery Adds to its Repertoire with a New Version of Texas in a Glass

Texas Single Malt Whiskey hits shelves ~ Oldest single malt distilled, aged and bottled in Texas

SAN ANTONIO  Rebecca Creek Distillery, the connoisseurs of craft spirits Rebecca Creek Whiskey and Enchanted Rock Vodka, released the Rebecca Creek Texas Single Malt Whiskey.  The single malt whiskey has been aged in American Oak for four years and the end result is Texas’ only whiskey aged in 53-gallon casks in the Texas Hill Country.

“Rebecca Creek Single Malt Whiskey brings a new taste to our craft spirits,” said Steve Ison, co-owner of Rebecca Creek Distillery. “The Single Malt Whiskey is made with 100 percent American Malted Barley, and we’re proud to introduce this new Texas whiskey across the nation.”

The Rebecca Creek Single Malt Whiskey samples were sent to Industry Consultant and Master Distiller, Eric Watson, who then assembled a panel to develop the taste profile attributes. The whiskey was sampled neat with ice.

The new single malt comes with the following unique characteristics:

• Aroma: Light caramel, light vanilla, well integrated oak, cocoa in background, smooth
• Mouth feel: Medium, light oak tannin
• Flavor: Starts with caramel and cocoa yields to mature oak notes with a finish of medium complexity
• Overall: The panel liked the whiskey and found its profile to be unique

Rebecca Creek Whiskey recently received a 93 point rating in The Ultimate Spirits Challenge produced by the #1 whiskey writer in the world, Paul Pacult. This prestigious rating put Rebecca Creek Whiskey in the Top 3 American Whiskeys in terms of taste and quality. Rebecca Creek Whiskey also earned a “Drop Dead Delicious” rating in the Manhattan Cocktail event with The Ultimate Spirits Challenge noting Rebecca Creek Whiskey as an “excellent and highly recommended” choice for an American Whiskey that won’t break the bank.

Rebecca Creek products are currently available in eight states – Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, Kentucky, Louisiana and Nebraska, with California being added to the mix in November.

The new Rebecca Creek Texas Single Malt Whiskey hit the shelves this week, with  the suggested retail price at approximately $70. The single malt is also available for purchase at the Rebecca Creek Distillery Tasting Room (26605 Bulverde Rd, San Antonio, 78260). For more information about all of the Rebecca Creek Distillery spirits or to schedule a tour, visit rebeccacreekdistillery.com.

About Rebecca Creek Distillery

Based in San Antonio, Texas, the Rebecca Creek Distillery was founded in October of 2009 by Steve Ison and Mike Cameron. Their combined vision and passion for high quality spirits led to building the distillery using a blend of old and new technology to produce some of the highest quality distilled spirits available in the ultra premium category. Since its founding, the Rebecca Creek Distillery has become one of the largest artisan spirits producers in the region with our vodkas and whiskey available in multiple states across the country. Rebecca Creek products are currently available in eight states – Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, Kentucky, Louisiana and Nebraska, with California being added to the mix in November. To learn more, visit www.rebeccacreekdistillery.com.

GLENDRONACH LAUNCHES THREE EXTRAORDINARY NEW EXPRESSIONS 

AWARD-WINNING GlenDronach has today (10 November 2015) launched three stunning new expressions in time for Christmas and New Year celebrations. 

They comprise the Aberdeenshire distillery’s first-ever peated release, a new 19 years old Madeira finish single malt and its latest Cask Strength bottling.

The most unusual expression of the trio is the new GlenDronach Peated which is just astonishing. In contrast to the traditional, non-peated character of The GlenDronach, this particular whisky has, unusually, been distilled using peated malted barley. Vivid harvest gold in colour and bottled at 46%, it was first matured in bourbon casks followed by a second period of maturation in the finest Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks.

The result is a superb “first” for GlenDronach – a sensational and beautifully balanced smoky/fruity dram bursting with character and flavour. The delicate peat influence provides a smouldering charred wood character filled with freshly ground barley and hints of vanilla toffee, while elsewhere on the nose a delightful aroma of ripe gooseberries dusted with cinnamon sugar combines with a contrasting crisp citrus twist.

On the palate, vibrant oak spices and floral heather honey develop to rosehips and barley sugars, all warmed by a touch of white pepper. Subtle peat notes complement the palate by giving a delicate depth and dryness of glowing campfire embers.

The finish is memorable; a unique marriage of crisp fruit and barley-laden Highland characteristics is surrounded by gentle peat smoke, intriguingly reminiscent of heather burning in the distant glens. Master Distiller Billy Walker said simply: “It is absolutely phenomenal.”

From the gentle aroma of smoke to a dram bursting with ripe summer fruits and warm spices. Bottled at 46%, non chill fi­ltered and with natural colour, the GlenDronach 19 Years Old Madeira Cask Finish was initially matured in European oak casks and thereafter finished its maturation in a very small batch of superior Madeira hogsheads, giving the final whisky its own range of astonishing flavours and aromas.

In this new expression you immediately appreciate the transformative effect of the Madeira wood on the golden Highland spirit. The crisp sweetness of the hogsheads seeps gently into the rich whisky to add subtle fruity and spicy overtones – notably cinnamon, apple, citrus and pepper.

On the nose, crisp apple and pear sweeten to apricot syrup and ripe gooseberry. Cinnamon-dusted tarte Tatin and notes of green apple skin balance with the clean, crisp warmth of stem ginger and candied peel on the palate.

The top-quality trio is completed with the release of GlenDronach Cask Strength Batch 5. The whisky has been matured in a combination of the best Spanish Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso Sherry casks, giving the appearance of rich amber edged with gold.

Bottled at cask strength, 55.3%, non chill filtered and at natural colour, on the nose there is a perfect combination of sweet golden sultanas, rich ­fig syrup, ground almonds, orange bitters and a gentle dusting of black pepper.

On the palate, Demerara sugar-glazed dark fruits lighten to apricot syrup infused with stem ginger and vanilla. The combination of elegant sherry influences and robust Highland style creates a perfect example of the traditional GlenDronach character.

Sales Director Alistair Walker said: “We are thrilled today to release three exceptional Highland malts which display completely different characteristics.

“There is the unique smoky sweetness of the new Peated expression, the richly fragrant Madeira finish and the signature robust sherry character of the Cask Strength batch five. Everyone here at GlenDronach is amazed by these three magnificent expressions…and we know our customers worldwide will be too.”

All three are now available at your local retailer.

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage Highland single malt Scotch whiskey. Matured in 2nd Fill Ex Bourbon Oak Barrels which previously held heavily peated malt whisky. This unique style of maturation has lent a gentle smokiness to this full bodied and robust vintage.

Nose: Tangy green apples wrapped up in a veil of wood smoke. Honey and Vanilla cut through the middle with a lemony top note and a faint floral accent.

Palate: Spicy and Peaty initially with light and sweet notes following soon after bringing to mind custard laced with runny toffee  developing into a touch of coconut, warm leather and bitter orange marmalade.

MS Calgary Whisky Festival Tickets Now On Sale 

Get em while their hot…    

Tickets are now on sale for the 5th Annual MS Calgary Whisky Festival. The event takes place at the Arts Commons (formerly Epcor Center) in the foyer of the Jack Singer Concert Hall on Thursday January 14, 2016. Last year’s event was a sell out with 500 tickets sold and excellent feedback from suppliers and participants alike. This year’s event is expected to grow to 600 participants, where we will be capping it moving forward. It is very important that we continue to offer the best possible quality of experience for our guests.

This 2016 event is expected to feature more than 200 whiskies from more than 70 distilleries around the world, mostly Scotland. Like the last two years events there will be three Master Classes (details to be announced in December) held during the evening as well as an early entry VIP Master Class with Dan Volway which will feature the full Highland Park Valhalla range: Thor, Loki, Freya and Odin. Participants with the VIP Master Class ticket will also get an extra 50 minutes in the festival room, after the tasting, before the rest of the participants arrive. As the VIP Master Class is limited to 40 participants we have also opened 60 VIP Early Admission Tickets which will give participants a full hour before the rest of the participants arrive. General admission will begin at 6:30PM and the event will run through 9:30PM. Tickets are now on sale on the www.calgarywhiskyfestival.com website, with the following available:

1. 40x         VIP Ticket with Highland Park Valhalla Masterclass – $150 (Master Class Starts at 5PM and will run for 40min)
2. 60X         VIP Ticket with 5:30 Entry – $125
3. 475x       General Admission Ticket – $99

Three 40 minute Master Classes running from 6:00-9:30PM will be announced in early December!

Tickets are available exclusively through www.calgarywhiskyfestival.com.

KWM Whisky Advent Calendar Update 

25 Days of Dram Fine Whisky, Now In-Store…   

Kensington Wine Market’s Whisky Advent Calendar is back! Last year’s calendar, our second and the first one we produced entirely in house, was a huge hit. It sold out  before it hit the shelves. This year’s is even better.  It still includes 24 x 50ml whiskies and a custom Glencarin whisky glass. But, that is not all! We are offering an even wider range of whiskies and we are also including an extra 25th bottle. As a special treat for Christmas morning, there will be a 100ml Scotch Malt Whisky Society single cask bottling. This is a rare treat indeed, and usually only available to Society members. All of this year’s whiskies are different from 2014 and we are really excited about the range. There are 23 single malts from Scotland, Ireland, India and Taiwan, as well as a boutique blend and a boutique blended malt. Whether it is for yourself or to give as a gift, we know it won’t disappoint. Don’t hesitate! This one is sure to sell out fast!

The calendars are now ready for pick and purchase in store. At the time of writing there are fewer that 50 of the 384 calendars produced left in store for purchase!

 Order the 2015 Kensington Wine Market Whisky Advent Calendar $400+GST

OUR EXCLUSIVE NEW KILCHOMAN SINGLE CASK 

The best new peaty whisky in the shop…    

In the 10 years since the distillery opened Kilchoman has made quite a name for itself. The distillery’s nearly flawless spirit and rigorous oak policy have ensured that their young whiskies can compete with the best in the world. Our previous three casks of whisky from this maverick Islay Distillery were all big hits and our 4th has just arrived. Distilled in 2010 and matured in an American Ex-Bourbon Barrel at 5 years of age it is another cracker! Only 221 hand numbered bottles are available at a cask strength of 60.4%.

Kilchoman 2010 KWM Bourbon Cask 440– 60.4% – 5 Year – ExBourbon Barrel – My Tasting Note: “Nose: fresh with big notes of marzipan, orange pith, toasty oak and sea salt caramel; underneath briny coastal notes begin mingling with tar and earthy smoke begin to develop; the are soft fruits too, Asian pear, honey dew melon and mango salsa; Palate: juicy, smoky and fruity there is immediately a lot going on: chewy malt, barley sugars; sea salt caramel, candied salmon and building earthy peat and dark spices; more Asian pear, mango salsa and a touch of melon, bright orange notes all atop a creamy base; the smoke is clean and firm but soft; sticky soft Panda brand licorice comes to the fore; Finish: refreshing, almost minty, with fading fruits, sugars, malt and smoke maritime flourishes; Comment: if you love peat, you are going to adore this one! – $140

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, 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.

Sláinte!

Andrew Ferguson

Manager & Scotchguy

Kensington Wine Market

403-283-8000

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

www.kensingtonwinemarket.com

Owner & Opperator

Ferguson’s Whisky Tours

www.fergusonwhiskytours.com

scotchguide@fergusonwhiskytours.com

Each has been meticulously bottled and wax-dipped by hand, and is presented in a signature Last Drop Distillers leather case. Each case includes a generous 50ml miniature and a leather-bound booklet that with room for personal tasting notes as you explore this extremely rare single malt. Scored an impressive 96.5 points in the Jim Murray 2015 Whisky Bible!

This magnificent malt has matured with elegance. Heady notes of cognac-soaked fruitcake, marzipan and icing are balanced with ripe apricot and a hit of peaty smokiness, softening to a delicious vanilla and honey nectar.

Order Now £4,500

Port Ellen 33 Year Old 1982 Magnum Old & Rare

Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

We’re ramping things up as we edge closer to the holiday season so we have EIGHT new releases to tempt your tastebuds this month.

With one from the distillery that started it all (distillery “No. 1”) to three peaty pleasures for sitting around the fire, you’re bound to find your perfect dram in our November Outturn!

Enjoy the brief bottle notes below and visit http://www.smws.ca/ for the full tasting notes.

CASK No. 5.42  BATHED IN A BAKER’S SHOP 

13 years old; refill hogshead;  59.5%; Juicy, oak & vanilla

Bubble baths and freshly laundered towels. Lively spritz of green grape, lemonade lollies and soothing vanilla Jell-O pudding. Elderflower soap and brioche on waxed paper. Newly laundered crochet blanket and iced christening cake decorated with white lilies and lychee.

CASK No. 1.185  RUSSIAN, JAMAICAN, TURKISH, THAI

30 years old; refill hogshead; 54.5%; Old & dignified

The nose’s sweet fabric (butterscotch, manuka, Turkish Delight, peanut brittle) contains threads of tobacco leaf, sandalwood, After Eights and leather. The palate includes Russian caramels, Jamaican gingerbread, treacle toffee and polished oak; water creates a lemon and blackcurrant tingling élan vital.

CASK No. 48.58  MEDIEVAL JOUSTING DRAM

11 years old; 1st fill barrel; 63%; Spicy & sweet

The many-faceted nose offers waxy flowers, tree bark, apples, raspberries and sweeter seductions (millionaires’ shortbread, coconut macaroons, cherry gateau). On the palate, Sir Sweet (honeycomb, iced caramels, chocolate, jammy custard) jousts a friendly tournament with Sir Heat (chili, pepper, ginger).

CASK No. 26.92  HARD-GLAZED PRETZEL STICKS

28 years old; refill butt; 58.2%; Spicy & sweet

Lemon aromas dominate the neat nose before a yeastiness of rye sourdough appears. The taste is of sweet wood smoke and pork scratchings and crystallized oranges. With water fresh like a sea breeze and the taste a mixture between bacon breakfast cake and Salzstangen.

CASK No. 42.15  OSCILLATIONS OF LIGHT AND SHADE

19 years old; refill hogshead; 58.6%; Deep, rich & dried fruits

The nose has pineapple, mango, golden syrup and washing in the sun; darker notes include dates, coffee dregs, marmalade and Christmas cake. The palate is wonderfully tasty – caramelized pineapple, dark cherries in syrup, toffee, exotic fruits and some ginger, chili heat.

CASK No. 3.237  CANDLE TAKINGS ITS LAST BREATH

17 years old; refill butt; 57.2%; Oily & coastal

A fairly robust nose; oily smoked mackerels, sherry soaked sultanas, sticky barbecue ribs and salty pork scratchings. Big on the palate – a real butcher’s barbecue! Water turns it into a sherry soaked crème brulee with a strong sweet espresso on the side.

CASK No. 53.222  THE THREE LITTLE PIGS

13 years old; refill hogshead; 58.4%; Peated

Once upon a time there were three little pigs. They were roasted with rosemary, barbecued with apricots and stewed with hoisin sauce. They tasted of crackling and maple cured bacon – smoky with a wonderful mouthfeel. And the big bad wolf lived happily ever after.

CASK No. 66.65  HOLY SMOKE!

10 years old; 1st fill white wine hogshead; 62.7%; Heavily peated

Aromas of smoky bacon crisps, peppered pork sausages, witch hazel gel and turmeric tea, while on the palate a ‘smoke explosion’ or ‘breathing diesel’. Water added a Thai green prawn curry and sweet and sour pork roast. Love it or hate it.

http://www.smws.ca/

Laphroaig 32 Year Old

Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Ole Smoky Harley Davidson Charred Moonshine – Here’s the perfect drink after a long fall ride, or perfect gift for the Harley enthusiast in your life. Its 103 proof is a nod of respect to the Harley-Davidson twin-cam 103 engine. It’s the moonshine that celebrates the ride.

Stronachie 18 Year – It’s great to have a bottle with the Stronachie label back on our shelves. This is actually from Benrinnes, and is bottled in small batches and uses both Bourbon hogshead and Sherry butts. It’s quite nice, to say the least.

Ghosted Reserve 26 Year – This is a William Grant & Sons Rare Cask Reserve release. It’s a blend of two long defunct distilleries, Ladyburn and Inverleven. Master blender Brian Kinsman describes the palate as deep and intense with a creamy mouthfeel, followed by almonds and spice. Only 2,000 bottles made it stateside!

Cadenhead’s Glendullan-Glenlivet 17 Year – Just check out these tasting notes, “Nose: Syrup, vanilla, shortbread, sugar coated almonds and honeycomb. Palate: Creamy, peppery, spicy, chewy and chocolate raisins. Finish: Very long lingering finish with hints of sweet treacle and winter fruits. ” Only 294 bottles!

Balvenie Tun 1509 Batch no.2 – Tun is a project in which master distiller David Stewart gets to bring together the best of what he has to offer, and elevate the individual components to a collective greatness. Comprised of 35 American Oak and 7 European Sherry Butt barrels, here’s what David has to say about his latest creation, “This particular whisky has exceptional character: deep and rich on the nose, with floral notes, sweet vanilla and orange peel. Then it’s velvety smooth to taste with tangy citrus, mellow cinnamon spice and blossom honey.”

Smooth Ambler Old Scout Private Barrels #1633 and #1634 – Bottled Exclusively for The Bourbon Guys feat. Tiernan Hogan for The Dragonfly Foundation. These are the newest private barrels to hit the store. They’re sister (numerically sequential) barrels of low-rye bourbon from Smooth Ambler and $5 of each bottle sold will be donated to The Dragonfly Foundation. The bourbon is excellent and the cause is better. Get ’em while they last!

The Party Source, 95 Riviera Drive, Bellevue, KY 41073.