December is here with just 17 shopping days left until Christmas. Christmas can certainly be a stressful time, something I know all too well having worked in retail as long as I have. For the past decade I’ve been putting together a Christmas gift guide to help our customers simplify their decision making process. Finding the right gift can be daunting, especially if you’ve not been indoctrinated into the world of whisky.

Our 2014 Christmas Gift Guide starts with unique gift packs, accessories and miniatures, all perfect for stocking stuffers. The meat of the gift guide though is my whisky recommendations. I’ve given both peated and unpeated offerings in 9 different price ranges from under $70 to well over $2000 per bottle. I hope it gives you a little inspiration and helps make your shopping experience that much more relaxed! Most of the whiskies on the list are available for sampling, just in case you want to try them yourself. So print this off and, with paper in hand, pop by to pay us a visit.

Our Winter 2015 Tasting Schedule is also out and open for registration. I’ve highlighted all the whisky and spirits tastings below. The full tasting schedule can be viewed on our website. Highlights include Scots Wae Hae! our annual celebration of Robert Burns and Whisky, the Islay Mini Festival (our own little Feis Isles!) and The Bourbon Trail which will feature slides from my recent whisky pilgrimage to Kentucky.

Finally the the MS Calgary Whisky Festival is coming early in January. Tickets are $99, are for a great cause and make an excellent gift. Don’t hesitate, see the side pannel. Buy your tickets by December 15th and you’ll be entered to win the early bird draw.

I hope you enjoy the Malt Messsenger Christmas Gift Guide.

Slainté!

Andrew Ferguson

In This Issue
1. Winter 2015 Tasting Schedule is Now Online
2. December KWM Winetime is Online and in the Mail
3. 2015 Malt Messenger Christmas Gift Guide
4. MS Calgary Whisky Festival Update

Slainte!

Andrew Ferguson
Kensington Wine Market

PS- PS – Don’t forget you can follow me on Twitter: twitter.com/scotch_guy and Facebook: facebook.com/scotch.guy.1 .  www.fergusonwhiskytours.com

2015 MS Calgary Whisky Festival

Thursday January 15 2015
The 2015 Calgary Whisky Festival in support of the MS Society of Calgary is set to be another barnburner of an event. Last year’s festival drew 400 attendees and featured nearly 150 whiskies from distilleries in Scotland, Ireland, Canada, the US, Japan and India. This year’s event is set to be even bigger and better with more whiskies, more presenters and a capacity of 500 participants. Buy your tickets before December 15th and you’ll be entered in the draw to win the gift basket pictured above which is a $400 value and includes a sold out Silver Seal Glendronach 22 Year! $99

Buy Tickets Now

Winter 2015 KWM Tasting Schedule

A Range of Exciting Tastings Including a Mini Festival Dedicated to Islay!

You can view the full KWM Winter 2015 Tasting Schedule Online including all or our wine, whisky, beer and other spirit tastings. Here is a breakdown of our winter spirits tastings:

 1. Hello Darkness – Tuesday January 13 2015, 7PM – Good old sherried whisky is increasingly hard to come by, as demand for sherry is plummeting while that for Scotch whisky is soaring. We’ll sample six heavily sherried whiskies to tease out the darkness within. – $60
2. MS Calgary Whisky Festival 2015 – Thursday January 15, 7PM – The 2015 Calgary Whisky Festival in support of the MS Society of Calgary is set to be another barnburner of an event. Last year’s festival drew 400 attendees and featured nearly 150 whiskies from distilleries in Scotland, Ireland, Canada, the US, Japan and India. This year’s event is set to be even bigger and better with more whiskies from over 30 presenters and a capacity of 500 participants.Tickets are going fast and are available exclusively from the MS Society. – $95
3. Lost in Translation – Thursday January 22 2015, 7PM – For nearly 100 years the Japanese have been making whisky in the Scottish style, albeit with their own twist. Their reputation is soaring, as some of their whiskies are among the finest in the world. – $75
4. Scots Wha Hae – Sunday January 25 2015 7PM – Caledonians Unite! It’s time to celebrate all things Scottish. Glendronach and BenRiach are the distilleries we’ll be focusing on for this our 9th annual Robbie Burns Supper. We’ll have bagpipes, poetry, haggis with neeps and tatties and six amazing single malts all from Glendronach and BenRiach distilleries, including some new exclusives to KWM! No previous whisky experience required. Location: Fort Calgary 750 9 Avenue, SE – $99
5. Bob Kyle’s Rare Drams – Thursday January 29 2015, 7PM – Don’t let the fact that Bob cheers for Dundee United get in the way of the fact that he puts on a good tasting, besides, he has the accent! We’ll sample whiskies from Glencadam, Tomintoul and Carn Mor. -$50
6. Classic Single Malts – Thursday February 5 2015, 7PM – This is our “classic” introduction to the world of single malt Scotch whisky. You’ll discover a little history, how it’s made and sample six distinct styles. – $35
7. The Bourbon Trail – Tuesday February 10 2015, 7PM – Follow our whisky expert Andrew Ferguson on a virtual tour of Kentucky’s Bourbon country while sampling a range of carefully selected Kentucky whiskies. – $35
8. Rare Malts – Thursday February 19 2015, 7PM – Only the rarest whiskies, those more than 20 years of age or from closed distilleries are considered for this very special tasting. – $80
9. Islay Mini Festival – Thursday February 26 2015, 7PM – Islay’s annual Islay Festival, or ‘Feis Isle’, usually takes place in Scotland in May, but with so many peaty Islay malts available, why wait till May! Surely a cold February night will work just fine. – $40
10. The Whisky Isles – Tuesday March 10 2015, 7PM – Islay’s not the only island whisky made in Scotland. Join us as we journey to all the other whisky isles starting with Arran and ending on Orkney’s mainland. Tue Mar 10 – $50
11. The Irish are Coming! – Tuesday March 17 2015, 7PM – The Irish Are Coming! $35 Will you be celebrating Saint Paddy’s Day with us? Ah, it’s sure to be a right Irish treat. Irish beer and Irish whisky. Is there a better way to be putting on the green? – $35
15. Master Malts – Thursday March 26, 2015, 7PM – Only the rarest and very special whiskies are showcased at this tasting which always highlights some of the most exciting new whiskies in the world! – $99

Miniatures
1. Auchentoshan 12 Year 50ml – Auchentoshan’s flagship bottling in all its glory. $3.99
2. Big Peat 50ml – Same Big Peat blended Islay malt whisky with a dash or Port Ellen in it, much smaller bottle! – $10.99
3. Bowmore 12 Year 50ml – The distillery feels it is best paired with oysters, probably best not to put those in the stocking too! – $3.99
4. Glendronach 21 Year 50ml – If you think the full size bottle is bargain priced, check out the miniatures. Very low stock! – $7.99
5. Glenfarclas 105 Cask Strength 50ml – The only cask strength miniature in the market. – $10.99
6. Glenfarclas 40 Year 50ml – At this price it is almost the same price per ml as the full size bottle! A great whisky and a top notch stocking stuffer. – $55
7. Jura Superstition 50ml – Jura’s moderately peated expression is a perfect stocking stuffer. – $4.99

Gift Packs
1. KWM’s Wee Whisky Gift Box – We’ve taken four 50ml miniatures (Auchentoshan 12 Year, Bowmore 12 Year, Jura Superstition and Glendronach 21 Year Parliament) and tucked them into a Christmassy box, that you won’t event need to wrap. It’s all ready to go! – $29.99
2. Auchentoshan Collection – Three 50ml single malts from this Lowland distillery in a compact gift pack. – $25.99
3. Bowmore Collection – Three 50ml single malts from Islay’s oldest distillery. Bowmore 12, 15 and 18 year olds. – $25.99
4. Glenfarclas 105 Cask Strength, 12 & 15 Year – Glenfarclas’ entry level gift pack includes the world’s first cask strength whisky, the 105 and the 12 and 15 year olds. – $35.99
5. Glenfarclas 15, 21 & 25 Year – It’s not often you see gift packs featuring older whiskies like these, and the price is great! – $49.99
6. Kilchoman Gift Pack – Includes a full size bottle of Machir Bay and two Glencairn glasses, for about $5 more than the bottle alone! – $79.99
7. Tomatin Gift Pack – 12, 15 and 18 year olds in a compact stocking stuffer. – $22.99
8. Tomintoul Tri-Pack – This pack like the Glenfarclas has some mature malts in it, 10, 16 and 33 year olds! – $32.99
9. Scotch Malt Whisky Society New Members Kit – Much more than just a gift pack, this is your portal to membership in the World’s largest whisky club. The Society bottles single cask cask strength whiskies exclusively for its members and launches 7 new ones every month in Canada. For more info visit: www.smws.ca – $230.00

Accessories
1. Glencairn Glass – The classic glass for drinking whisky, specifically single malt Scotch whisky. – $15.99
2. Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2015 – The most comprehensive list of tasting notes on world whisky updated annually. We will remove the dust jacket for you at no added cost. – $21.99
3. Malt Whisky Yearbook 2015 – The best annual reference on the world of Malt Whisky, highlighting all Scottish, Irish and Japanese malt whisky distilleries, as well as many of those in the world beyond. My favourite annual whisky book. – $29.99
4. Glencairn Cut Crystal Glass – Take the classic Glencairn glass and make it fancy. This elegant glass is a must for the connoisseur. If only it were available in Ron Burgundy’s day, he would certainly have swapped a tumbler for it. – $49.99
5. Glenfarclas an Independent Distillery – A wonderful book on Scotland second oldest family owned distillery. – $49.99

Whiskies Under $70
1. Bowmore Small Batch – Naked Bowmore, malty, grassy and briny; youth is its asset! – $54.99
2. Glenglassaugh Torfa – The first peated whisky to come out of Glenglassaugh may be young, but it is sweet, lightly peate and citric with white fruits. – $64.99
3. Compass Box Great King Street – This is an easy drinking crowd pleasing blend at a great price. – $49.99
4. Tomatin 12 Year French Oak – Sweet and creamy with lots of spice, this limited edition will not last long, especially at the price. – $66.99
5. Breuckelen 77 Rye & Corn Whiskey – A curiosity to be sure, 85% rye and 15% corn mash, matured in small batches. – $67.49

Whiskies Under $100
1. Tomatin Cu Bocan Sherry Ltd. Ed. – Big sherry meets big smoke and they live happily ever after. Nice addition. – $80.99
2. BenRiach 15 Year Madeira Finish – We used to stock this years ago as an exclusive, and it has come back, once again exclusively from KWM. Sweet spicy and very smooth! – $87.99
3. BenRiach 15 Year PX Finish – Also exclusive to KWM, this BenRiach is finished in Pedro Ximenez sherry and is syruppy and fruity, but still soft and smooth. – $87.99
4. Hepburn’s Choice Braeval 12 Year – You don’t see Braeval, AKA Braes of Glenlivet bottled very often but this sherry matured independent bottlings stands tall. Rich, nutty and creamy with spices and dark fruits. – $87.99
5. Kilchoman 100% Islay 4th Edition – Both classic Islay and Kilchoman with both the sweet Bourbon notes and the medicinal, salty peat shining through! – $99.99

Whiskies Under $150
1. Glendronach 2003 – Our latest cask, and 5th from Glendronach landed only 3 weeks after the 1993. Matured in PX Sherry it is a sweetly sherried malt and flying off the shelves. – $114.99
2. G&M Glentauchers 1994 – A malt you almost never see bottled, this stunner from Gordon & MacPhail caught our attention, as well as that of the 2014 Whisky Bible, 96.5pts. – $114.99
3. Whistle Pig 100/100 Straight Rye – Canadian rye whisky from right here in Alberta matured 5 years in new American oak and finished in Ex-Bourbon. Sweet, dark, decadent and spicy with layers of spice. – $119.99
4. Arran 1996 KWM Cask 526 – One of the oldest Arrans ever bottled, this KWM exclusive sherry cask is a delight with candied fruits, spices and a very smooth finish. – $129.99
5. Berry’s Aberlour 1994 KWM Cask – A very unusual Aberlour, in that there is no trace of sherry, with prominent Bourbon notes: honey, toasted oak and nutty tones. Bottled exclusively for KWM. – $139.99

Whiskies Under $200
1. Yoichi 15 Year – Our best selling Japanese whisky is one of our best drams under $200. Tropical with subtle smoke and lots of spice. – $144.99
2. Springbank Society Madeira 15 Year – You have to be a member to buy Springnbank Society bottlings, but membership is just a onetime fee away. This Madeira finish is Springbank at its finest. – $159.99
3. Duncan Taylor Deanston 1994 – Finished in 80L Octave sherry casks this malt is more delicately sherried than its sister Mortlach bottling. Only six of 71 bottles left! – $179.99
4. Cadenhead Glen Garioch 1990 24 Year – Juicy and toasty the palate is surprisingly peated with lots of clean, crisp smoke – $195.99
5. Glendronach 1993 KWM – This 20 year old stunner from the hills north of Huntly has been bottled exclusively for KWM. It is deep and very fruity with lots of spice. – $199.99

Whiskies Under $300
1. Signatory Bruichladdich 1990 – Aged Bruichladdich is getting hard to come by these day, this 23 year old from a Refill Sherry Butt is an anomaly and an exceptional dram. Exclusive to KWM. – $234.99
2. Tasliker 25 Year 2011 – When this started to fly last week when we announced the price pending increase we snapped up a couple extra cases. Tropical fruits, clean salty smoke and classic Talisker cayenne spice. – $249.99
3. Signatory Bunnahabhain 1988 – This 25 year old was matured in a Refill Sherry Butt and have been very popular with our customers. Exclusive to KWM. – $274.99
4. Cadenhead Linkwood 1987 – This 26 year old Linkwood is the product of two Sherry butts, though the sherry influence is very subtle. Lush, coating and toasty with French baked goods, candied orange and melons; becomes more floral, with white chocolate and juicy oak. – $284.99
5. Highland Park Freya – The 3rd release in the Valhalla series is matured in American oak and is a big departure from the earlier two bottlings. Very limited and selling quickly! – $299.99

Whiskies Under $600
1. Yoichi 20 Year – More than just the big brother to the 15, this is the oldest core expression in the distillery’s range. Only 24 bottles came to Alberta, all to KWM, and just 3 remain. – $329.99
2. Signatory Caol Ila 1983 30 Year – A different single cask than the one we just sold out of, this one was matured in a Hogshead and bottled at 51.6%. Only 187 bottles, with just 6 coming to Canada exclusively to KWM. – $399.99
3. Black Gold Bunnahabhain 1995 – Mahogany in colour the whisky is 18 years old and a sherry monster. We only received 6 bottles and have just 2 left! – $399.99
4. Highland Park 30 Year – I remember when I could order this for the shop anytime I wanted. Now it’s not so easy to come by, we have just one bottle coming. Big fruit, balanced sherry, honey and peat. – $549.99
5. Glendronach Grandeur 24 Year – Batch 5 is yet a stunner, 48.9% from a small parcel of sherry casks. It was a hit at Ancient Malts. Notes of maple syrup, treacle, chocolate and classic sherry cask notes. Only a handful left! – $519.99

 Whiskies Under $750
1. Glencadam 1982 32 Year – Like drinking silk this very limited single cask of Glencadam showed very well at Ancient Malts. Lots of melon, white chocolate and toasty oak. – $629.99
2. BenRiach 1977 Cask 7114 – Only 12 bottles of this 37 Year Batch 11 release have come to Canada, exclusively to KWM. Matured in Sherry and Finished in Bourbon. Well received at Ancient Malts. – $574.99
3. BenRiach 1977 Cask 1891 – A 37 Year old Dark Rum finish, only 6 bottles have come to Canada, all to KWM. Notes of Demerara, boiled sweets, toffee and vanilla with berry fruits. – $574.99
4. BenRiach 1978 Cask 5469 – A 36 year old release from Batch 11 matured exclusively in ex-sherry, and bottled at 41.7%. Only 12 bottles for Canada, all from KWM. Fairground candy apple, cinnamon and delicate ground black pepper mellow to touches of fig, sultanas and stewed sweet barley. – $524.99
5. Glenglassaugh 1972 KWM – If you haven’t sampled our 39 year old single sherry cask of Glenglassaugh, make your way down to KWM for a sample. of the 150 bottles we had filled of the very tropical, lightly sherried whisky, only about two dozen reamain! – $699.99

Whiskies Under $2000
1. Glenfarclas 40 Year – This used to be $500 a bottle, and if you’re taken aback by the new price, $720, consider this, the price is going up again and will be over $1000 next year. They could sell everything they make to Taiwan, and are struggling to keep up with demand. At $720, this is still excellent value and a beuatiful Speyside malt. – $719.99
2. Brora 35 Year – Available by request this bottling of Brora is one of the finest ever from the distillery which closed in 1983. A fine expression and available by special order. – $949.99
3. Benromach 1969 42 Year – Sampled with Michael Urquhart at his farewell tasting in November, this is the last of the bottles we brought in exclusively this fall. Big Christmas Cake, spices, chocolate and some deep tropical fruits. – $1,299.99
4. G&M Port Ellen 1979 34 Year – I thought this was the last sub $2000 Port Ellen, but I’ve bee proven wrong, see below. Regardless this is a stunner at 34 years of age, from an unusual vintage, 1979. – $1,449.99
5. Executive Decisions Port Ellen 30 Year – Just when I thought we’d seen the last of the Laing family’s Port Ellen casks, and state as much in my newsletter, this pops up! – $1,649.99

Whiskies $2000 And Up
1. Bunnahabhain 40 Year – The star of our Ancient Malts tasting late last month, this rare whisky is all about finesse. Tropical with some faint maritime notes, it is a study in subtlety. – $2,899.99
2. Macallan ‘M’ – The pinnacle bottling of the 1824 Series now has company, see below. We’ve sampled this in store and it is a stunning dram, available by special order. The palate opens rich in wood spices, slowly showing all their viscosity. Wood smoke flits in and out. – $3,799.99
3. Macallan No. 6 – Is a celebration of the collaboration between Macallan and it sherry producers matured in first fill casks. Heavy and sumptuous. Like a rich fruit cake with raisin, dates and figs, apples, sultanas, orange; then ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon and hints of clove. – $3,899.99
4. G&M Glen Grant 1952 60 Year – Just 2 of 85 decanters have found their way to Alberta of this Diamond Jubilee bottling. Matured in a single 1st fill sherry cask laid down just days before Elizabeth’s coronation, the whisky is very well balanced and soft for its advanced age, showing no signs of exhaustion. It scored 92pts from Whisky Advocate: “Superb mature nose with subtle whisky rancio, mixing fragrant mango with a little mint, rosewater, and waxiness; there’s even some custard and a whiff of woodsmoke before sandalwood brings back the exotic edge. The palate is delicate with an amazingly fresh acidity that becomes herbal (basil and tarragon).” and 92.5pts from the Whisky Bible. – $13,999.99

MS Calgary Whisky Festival Update

Thursday, January 15, 2015 w/ 2 Ticket Options

The Macallan Reflexion
The 2015 Calgary Whisky Festival in support of the MS
Society of Calgary is set to be another barnburner of an event. Last year’s festival drew 400 attendees and featured nearly 150 whiskies from distilleries in Scotland, Ireland, Canada, the US, Japan and India. This year’s event is set to be even bigger and better with more whiskies, more presenters and a capacity of 500 participants. New this year we are offering a VIP package, which will include a Macallan Master Class featuring a very rare and special bottling. The VIP Ticket is $149 (SOLD OUT) and the regular ticket $99. Only 40 VIP tickets are available!

Get your tickets now, they won’t last long.

Order tickets through the MS Society by clicking here!

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.

Slainte!

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

Kensington Wine Market
403-283-8000

Glenglassaugh 51 Year Old – 1963 Single Cask #3301

With the three distilleries The BenRiach Distillery Co Ltd now owns, Glenglassaugh has the oldest stock with some casks dating back to 1963. The oldest cask available from the distillery has been chosen for this very special release. Distilled in 1963 single cask #3301, a bourbon barrel was filled 15th February 1963 and left to slumber for an incredible 51 years before being bottled in 2014.

A stunning and historic release from Glenglassaugh distillery – each bottle has been hand numbered, is accompanied with a certificate of authenticity signed by Master Distiller Billy Walker and is housed in this beautiful hand crafted wooden presentation box.

£4750.00 (£3958.33 ex vat)

Click here to purchase Glenglassaugh 51 Year Old – Vintage 1963

BenRiach 35 Year Old

Released to fill the void left from the now discontinued 30 year old BenRiach is this super premium 35 year old expression. Bottled at 42.5% vol and presented in this rather swanky whisky presention box.

£425.00 (£354.17 ex vat)

Click here to purchase BenRiach 35 Year Old

Glendronach Grandeur 24 Year Old Batch 006

Batch 6 of the Grandeur series from GlenDronach distillery has been specially selected by Master Distillery Billy Walker from from some of the oldest and most unique Oloroso sherry casks at GlenDronach. A 24 year old expresion bottled at 48.9% vol.

£297.50 (£247.92 ex vat)

Click here to purchase GlenDronach Grandeur Batch 6

CHRISTMAS PARCELS OUTTURN: PANEL PICKED PRESENTS

The Society’s Tasting Panel take enormous pleasure in uncovering truly exceptional and interesting single casks for our members. The only thing they enjoy more is sharing their thoughts with you and, judging by our selection of Panel picked presents, our nosers have been very good boys and girls this year.

Boasting 4 new Japanese bottlings (including 2 rare grains), 3 new distilleries, a long-lost friend from a closed distillery, a powerful 3yo bourbon and our oldest ever bottling from our first ever distillery, this bottling list is exceptional. There are 4 perfectly paired parcels and 4 spectacular singular bottles available, all bursting with flavour and very limited in numbers.

#happysharing

Spicy & Sweet Rollercoaster Pair

120.7

Sweet, fragrant and satisfying

Deep, rich & dried fruits
14 years old

UNUSUAL & DELICIOUS Japanese single cask malt from a first-fill bota corta

G12.1

“Oh so sweet”

EXTREMELY RARE Japanese single cask grain whisky from a re-charred hogshead.

Juicy, oak & vanilla
11 years old

120.7 & G12.1 for £229 BUY

*both bottles exclusively available in the pair

Meaty Peaty Trio

4.199

Boy scouts and bikers

Lightly peated
14 years old

Drinking tip: For the hip-flask at a wedding

53.216

BBQ in pine-clad dunes

Lightly peated
21 years old

Drinking tip: For your evening barbeque by the sea

3.234

Scallops cooked on a puffer shovel

Peated
16 years old

Drinking tip: Barbeque – with meat, fish or marshmallows

4.199, 53.216 & 3.234 for £169 BUY

*all three bottles exclusively available in the pair

Sweet Seduction Pair

24.127

Northern Lights

Spicy & sweet
23 years old

A sweet dram matured in a refill bourbon hogshead from a very popular distillery.

25.66

Bette Davis doing DIY

Extremely rare example from a CLOSED DISTILLERY

Spicy & sweet
23 years old

24.127 & 25.66 for £209 BUY

*both bottles exclusively available in the pair

Tongue-tingling Twosome

2.91

Buck’s Fizz and Gewurtztraminer

Young & spritely
12 years old

Drinking tip: Could liven up jaded senses or taste-buds.

5.42

Bathed in a bakers shop

Juicy, oak & vanilla
13 years old

Drinking tip: At a christening perhaps?

2.91 & 5.42 for £109 BUY

*both bottles exclusively available in the pair

Browse New Outturn

Browse All Bottlings

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!

The New Map of the Whisky Distilleries in Scotland 

Manuscript Maps  has produced a stunning map of the Whisky distilleries of Scotland.  Designer Kevin Sheehan says “I wanted to create a map that beautifully captured the essence of whisky, not just showed the geographic location of every distillery”  The maps included information and imagery about the manufacture of whisky and even an extract from Burns’ poem ‘John Barleycorn’. 

The map took over 120 hours of drawing, using a dip-pen with different calligraphic nibs; additionally, many hours were spent researching distilleries and locating them on the map. Thirty distilleries are profiled on the map, which were selected based on their age, uniqueness, production of consistently good whiskies and include distilleries from every region.

Whisky maps of  Ireland, Japan, and/or the Tennessee/Kentucky are planned. 

Prints can be purchased at www.manuscriptmaps.com

Well, here we are ladies and gentlemen. A month to go to Xmas and we are all being bombarded with penguins and fairies and all things in-between. Anything to part you from your hard-earned proverbial.

We here at TWL HQ are no different, excepting one thing. Well maybe two or three things. We can promise you no penguins or fairies for a start. But we can promise you plenty of Christmas spirit. Although we are all about whisky not just being for Christmas, we also recognise that lots of people either want whisky-orientated gifts or want to give said gifts. Therefore, without any further ado, we submit to you our ideas for you…

SALTY SEA-DOG Blended Malt Whisky 47.3%

Yes ladies and gentlemen it is back! Our very own label peaty little scamp is onto its third ‘litter’, with this one named ‘Littlest Hobo‘. Fans of THAT iconic 80’s TV show will remember the hero in question hitching around, helping people out wherever he went. Well our Hobo has been travelling the world, but with a mission of searching for peaty whiskies to blend for this bottling. We think he has done a cracking job, with the whisky within being smoky, minty, spicy and delicious. A 20cl bottle of this strictly limited batch is just £25 including UK delivery, or £35 with a smart TWL gift box and a pair of Glencairn Whisky Tasting glasses. Click HERE or on the picture to order. You’d be barking not to! (sorry)

TASTING GIFT PACKS

Possibly the greatest gift for the aspiring or even seasoned whisky-lover. Our gift-boxed tasting from home packs have everything covered for a tasting for one in the comfort of their own home. Why risk your money on one bottle of something they may not like when they can sample 6 outstanding whiskies from us? These incredible sets start from just £25 including delivery. Click HERE and select ‘Tasting Packs’ in the menu.

LONDON WHISKY WEEKENDER 2015

After the roaring success of last year’s inaugural ‘Whisky Weekender’ in the heart of old industrial London, we are set to repeat and better ourselves. MORE whisky, MORE food, MORE fun and with a firm emphasis on craft (distilling and more…), this should be THE whisky event of the year in London.

Details of the weekend will emerge in the coming weeks, but for you loyal customers, we have a juicy little ‘Early-Bird’ offer for you. The usual price of £30 will be foregone for the first 100 people to book onto each session, who are able to get a pair of tickets for £50! Click HERE or on the banner to get booking – and as always, we can produce PDF tickets for those wanting a physical gift to give.

‘ULTIMALT’ TASTING SESSIONS

We have been working on this little beauty of a series for what feels like years! Finally we have pinned down the inimitable Colin Dunn of Diageo and put together a real humdinger of a tasting. Colin has got out the big guns, and a for few lucky guys and gals, he will be presenting – in association with The Whisky Lounge – a mini-series featuring historic Diageo ‘Special Releases’ as well as a mystery bottle on each night. Dates are…

LONDON             THURS 26th FEB 7pm            SALT BAR, SEYMOUR St. W2

MANCHESTER   FRIDAY 27th FEB 7pm            BRITONS PROTECTION

NEWCASTLE      SAT 28th FEB 7pm                  BLACKFRIARS, FRIARS STREET

Tickets are £50, which is a bargain given the whiskies on tasting, and are strictly limited. Another perfect gift for the whisky-lover! Click on the relevant date and venue above for more detail.

Fèis Ìle 2015

For those with a want and need to go straight to source and fill their souls as well as their glasses, then this is what you want. The Fèis Ìle is a magical event on the magical island of Islay which is already a Mecca for peaty whisky-lovers. We are taking another lucky group of people with us next year – this time with an option to stay on a working tall ship as well as our regular house at Finlaggan. If you’re interested in coming with us, click HERE to find out more, check out comments from those that have been with us and then feel free to get in touch with questions you may have.

…GUIDE TO WHISKY

Have someone in your life that likes whisky but doesn’t know why? Would you like to learn a little more about your favourite tipple in a friendly, informal and cosy environment? Our ‘Whisky Lounge Guide to‘ nights are a brilliant way of brushing up and empowering yourself whilst kicking back with a few drams with one of our team. We have various dates at all our usual venues – the first of which are up on the website and take place in February. Click HERE and look for the ‘Guide’ to find out more.

BURNS(ISH) NIGHTS  

Our legendary and traditional new year tastings are back for 2015! At a venue near you we will be tasting some fantastic whiskies and feeding you with a yummy snack or meal – venue dependent. We may even read a poem or two in honour and remembrance of the Scottish bard – but the emphasis is on the whisky! Prices vary so please check the website. Due to popular demand we have put on further dates so pay attention! Click HERE and look for Burns in the list to find out more…

GIFT VOUCHERS

If you’re simply unsure of what to go for, we also have a our wonderful TWL Gift Vouchers that the recipient can use to buy tickets or products from the website. All you need to do is head over to the shop HERE, choose gift vouchers and add the appropriate number of vouchers to your basket and buy! If you then add the name of the recipient to the order notes on the checkout screen, we can then email you PDFs of the vouchers for you to print and trim and pop in a card. Don’t forget that we can also email PDF tickets for any of the above events to help you create the perfect gift. Add the recipient/s names to the order notes on the checkout screen and we’ll do the rest!

COMPETITION TIME

Very simple one this month as we are so snowed under! All we would like you to do is share and like this newsletter on Facebook – we want more people to know about us! Click HERE to go to our FB page and look out for when this newsletter hits it. We will then enter you in for a prize draw for our extensive stash of whisky-related goodies and cask samples. We are literally clearing up the warehouse in order to start the New Year with a squeaky clean space, so don’t miss out!

THAT’S ALL FOLKS!

That’s it for now, so plenty for you to Mull over (sorry again). No news this month as I’m sure, like us, you are busy enough, but we’ll get back on it next time. We will be in touch again before Xmas but in the meantime, be safe, keep dramming and we hope to see you soon.

Slainte, Eddie, Amanda and Joe The Whisky Lounge Team.

THREE NEW AND VERY SPECIAL RELEASES FROM BENRIACH AND GLENDRONACH

Strange, isn’t it? Sometimes you wait for a bus, and it takes a long time to come along. And other times, without having to wait, three come along simultaneously! That’s exactly the situation today with three remarkable new releases from The BenRiach Distillery Company – two from BenRiach itself and one from GlenDronach.  And the wait has certainly been worth it because these three expressions are absolutely sensational.

Let’s start with BenRiach.

The BenRiach 10^th Anniversary bottling is a strictly limited one-off bottling to commemorate a very special occasion.

Back in 2004, Billy Walker and his two South African partners Geoff Bell and Wayne Kieswetter purchased BenRiach and turned it into one of Scotland’s most admired distilleries.

On September 20 that year, the first distillation under the new owners was filled to cask. Ten years on, Billy Walker has married together four outstanding casks from the first week of production to create this limited bottling, at 46% vol, with only 1106 bottles available for sale.

The four bourbon barrels – 7257, 7258, 7259 and 7260 – distilled on September 21, 2004, are perfect choices to celebrate BenRiach’s tenth birthday, as the tasting notes show.

COLOUR Gleaming rich harvest gold.

NOSE Ripe white pear, fruit salad syrup and rich clotted cream hold a crisp twist of candied peel and soft vanilla.

TASTE Crisp barley with peppery toasted oak and stem ginger flood over rich crème brulee, coconut butter and vanilla poached pear.

Also released today is another exclusive expression – the BenRiach 35 years old.

Non-chill filtered, bottled at natural colour and at 42.5% vol., it superbly complements BenRiach’s award-winning 25 years old which was released in 2006. And like the 25 years old, the 35 years old is a classic Speyside, proffering some lovely fruit notes and dry spice – sweet, fruity and simply beautiful.  Billy Walker’s tasting notes show this is an exceptional malt to be consciously savoured, enjoying every stage from nose to tongue to afterglow with each sip.

COLOUR:  Gleaming rich golden amber.

NOSE: Luscious tropical fruit salad syrup with a delicate ripped mint and chocolate back note; all warmed by a gentle toasted oak spice.

TASTE:  A classic Speyside style combining waves of papaya and dried apricots with freshly-sawn oak spices, touches of golden syrup and distant milk chocolate which gently flow through the elegant long finish.

And completing today’s trio of outstanding releases is Batch 6 of GlenDronach’s renowned “Grandeur” series, a welcome warming dram for a crisp, cold evening.

This latest stellar batch from the Aberdeenshire distillery is an exceptional 24 year old whisky that’s been specially selected by Billy Walker from some of the oldest and most characterful Oloroso sherry casks at GlenDronach.

Bottled at 48.9% vol and individually numbered by hand, the batch is limited to just 1180 bottles and generously filled with luscious fruity aromas, rich sherry and dark chocolate flavours.

COLOUR Glistening burnt amber holds a rich crimson heart.

NOSE A magnificent combination of honey-drenched dates and succulent raisins which gently ebb and flow with waves of delicate orange blossom, mint and cracked black pepper. Hints of glazed cherries and toasted almonds perfectly complement the seductive nose. A nose to be appreciated slowly and often.

TASTE A fabulously full-bodied, vibrant palate captures a multitude of classic sherry cask characteristics. The delicate sweetness of rum-soaked golden sultanas refines rich espresso, dark chocolate and treacle toffee. Zesty orange oil softens to a deep clove spice and prolongs the ever-changing palate. A sublime example of understanding the relationship between cask and single malt perfectly.

Sales Director Alistair Walker commented: “Winter brings much that has to be endured but this trio of new releases will help lift your spirits. They are stunning drams that brilliantly sum up everything we do at BenRiach and GlenDronach.”

All three are available from today.

Keep an eye on our websites – www.benriachdistillery.co.uk and www.glendronachdistillery.com – for more information on these new releases, tasting notes and exclusive product photography.

KILCHOMAN ORIGINAL CASK STRENGTH 

Independent farm distillery, Kilchoman, released an Original Cask Strength expression to add to its impressive range of Islay single malts.  A total of 35 ex-bourbon barrels filled in 2009 were selected for bottling, gleaning 9,200 bottles.

Bottled at 59.2% ABV Kilchoman’s special edition is non chill filtered and bottled at natural cask strength, presenting the whisky in its purest form with un-paralleled intensity of flavour and texture.

Anthony Wills, managing director of Kilchoman, said: “it has always been my intention to release a cask strength expression once we had the stock available.   This is the way single malt should be drunk.   It allows everyone to experience Kilchoman with all the characteristics captured in the glass”.

Founded in 2005, Kilchoman is one of the smallest distilleries in Scotland and the first distillery to be built on Islay for 125 years. A working farm distillery, it is one of only a handful of distilleries still practising floor malting. Kilchoman also grows a portion of its barley at the distillery and completes all parts of the production process, from barley to bottling on the island.

Tasting Notes: Original Cask Strength

Colour: Honey gold.

Nose: Soft peaty aromas, citrus and pear drops.

Palate: Sweetness first, soft peat smoke and ripe fruity notes.

Finish: Long and clean with peat smoke and citrus later.

Imported by: ImpEx Beverages Inc.

www.impexbev.com

With round one of the Holiday season behind us, we thought now would be a good time to fill you in on some important dates, as well as make sure you’re aware of our updated holiday Spirits Library hours. Also, we recently received a plethora of Single Malt Scotches from Signatory as well as Gordon & Macphail, not to mention two new blends from Compass Box and a handful of distillery bottlings from the likes of Auchentoshan, Bowmore and Glengoyne. So, if you’ve got a Scotch-lover to cross off your holiday shopping list be sure to stop by and see us for a recommendation. Cheers, -The Party Source Spirits Department

Please Note: The Jimmy Russell signing date has been changed to December 11th from 4-6 pm

12.10.14 – Wes Henderson from Angel’s Envy Bottle Signing, 5-7 pm

12.11.14 – Jimmy Russell of Wild Turkey Bottle Signing, 4-6 pm

12.12.14 – Chris Morris of Woodford Reserve/Old Forester Bottle Signing, 4-7 pm

12.12.14, 12-8 pm and 12.13.14, 9 am – 5 pm – a bottle engraver will be here to engrave Jack Daniels Single Barrel, Gentleman Jack, Woodford Reserve.

Monday and Tuesday – Closed Wednesday and Thursday – 12-8 pm* Friday and Saturday – 2-10 pm Sunday – 12-8 pm *Wednesday, December 24th – 10 am – 6 pm *Thursday, December 25th – Closed

AUCHENTOSHAN Single Malt Scotch Virgin Oak – $139.99

BOWMORE Single Malt Scotch Dorus Mor 10 Year Batch II – $99.99

BOWMORE Single Malt Scotch Signatory 2002 11 Year – $90.99

BLADNOCH Single Malt Scotch Gordon & Macphail 1993 18 Year – $97.99

CLYNELISH Single Malt Scotch Signatory 1998 15 Year – $64.99

COMPASS BOX Great King Street Glasgow Blend – $44.99

COMPASS BOX The Lost Blend Blended Malt Scotch Whisky – $104.99

FETTERCAIN Single Malt Scotch Signatory 1996 17 Year – $68.99

GLENBURGIE Single Malt Scotch Signatory 1995 19 Year – $72.99

GLENGOYNE Single Malt Scotch 15 Year – $72.99

GLENLIVET Single Malt Scotch Signatory 1997 16 Year – $82.99

GLENROTHES Single Malt Scotch Signatory 1999 14 Year – $58.99

HIGHLAND PARK Single Malt Scotch Signatory 1988 25 Year – $261.99

INCHMURRIN Single Malt Scotch Signatory 1996 17 Year – $66.99

JOHNNIE WALKER Blended Scotch King George V – $599.99

LEDAIG Single Malt Scotch Gordon & Macphail 16 Year – $56.99

Handcrafted, small-production spirits don’t comelooking for you. We go to the source. In Scotland, we’ve worked hard over the years to cultivate relationships with several small producers and we’ve been fortunate to get some of their best stocks. And while buying from small distilleries in Scotland has been very rewarding for us and insanely well-received by customers, visiting with small farmers throughout the French countryside has been completely revolutionary for our spirits department. Read our latest newsletter to find out more! 

1994 Benriach 19 Year Old K&L Exclusive PEATED Single Bourbon Barrel #7187 Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($149.99)
When we originally picked out this cask back in the Spring of 2013, we were incredibly excited about the wonderful balance of sweet, round, fruity Highland flavor, balanced by a moderate level of peat (think Talisker level smoke, not Islay). The result was something in between Talisker 18 and peated Glen Garioch: lovely layers of grains, a soft, supple mouthfeel, and a finish of campfire smoke with butterscotch on the backend. We couldn’t wait to get this baby delivered. Then it showed up and there wasn’t a smidge of peat to be found. It turns out Benriach had sent us the wrong cask (a delicious, light-bodied 19 year old that we kept nonetheless). We were fine with the one they sent as it was indeed tasty, but we still wanted that magical peated barrel, so we put in the order again; this time for Cask #7187. Over one year later, that whisky has finally shown up and it’s still as fantastic as we remember. At 53%, the extra proof is enough to brighten all of the edges, but low enough as not to interrupt the amber waves of grain. It’s a seamless whisky; one that floats over the palate in layers of stonefruit, sweet barley, and smoke, as each element undulates in and out of focus. There’s a reason we keep going back to Benriach for their direct barrel program. Imagine if you could get cask strength Talisker 19, or Caol Ila 19, or unsherried Highland Park 19 year old whisky for $150. That’s what this cask of Benriach 19 year old is offering you. (David Driscoll, Spirits Buyer)

1997 Glen Ord 17 Year Old K&L Exclusive Signatory Hogshead Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($79.99)
We went crazy for a few casks from 1997 this year and this Glen Ord is top of the top. Classic oily Ord, with tons of wonderful unusual malt flavors. It’s a goofy little whisky that shows all kinds of wild flavors. Tart white fruit on the nose, white cherries (do those exist?), linseed, wild flowers, waxed apples -not wax apples- the finest plum eau-de-vie. That aromatic fruit continues on the palate but is pointed by a spice that’s not altogether oaky. This one is for the real “malt nuts.” You know who you are.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 18, 2014
Glen Ord is a funny little distillery and this whisky is no different. Here we 100% on the waxy pear and apple fruit. Also some green grapes and fresh herbs. With air it throws aromas of some very unusual exotic tincture. This is idiosyncratic whisky to say the least. The real scotch lovers will be able to coax a lot out of this special cask, but they must be patient and listen.

David Driscoll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 11, 2014
We wanted this as comparison to the other 1997 barrels we bought so folks could do a horizontal. Glen Ord is a distillery that we don’t see much of and we usually like it (partially because of the exotic nature of drinking Glen Ord). This is more subtle and less-pronounced than the other casks on this list. There’s a lot of straight-forward sweetness and soft fruit, but it will take a discerning drinker to appreciate the nuance. But I know there are easily 272 guys who will really enjoy this bottle. 58.3% makes this a great rocks whisky.

Mike Barber | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 09, 2014
An obscure distillery and a crazy good bottle for the money! This is a classic Highland, with caramel malt flavors with aromas of fresh flowers and tobacco. I can’t believe this malt was aged all in hogshead–the flavor is long and satisfying, with oaky and pronounced notes of coffee and vanilla.

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 09, 2014
Delicious and enjoyable single malt. Beautiful nice sweet aromas are very inviting. There are nice and malty flavors that are balanced out with a hint of savory goodness. A pretty and long finish continues for quite some time. A lot of whisky from a distillery that is off the beaten path.

1998 Mortlach 16 Year Old K&L Exclusive Signatory Sherry Butt Finish Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($99.99)
Can we keep the Mortlach momentum rolling? It seems that ever since we released that amazing sherry butt of Mortlach from Chieftain’s all those years ago, we’ve been riding a wave of Mortlach enthusiasm for the sherry-aged Speyside beast. Diageo even released their own single malt version (maybe we had something to do with that, eh?) We’re always on the lookout for more Mortlach, especially sherry-aged barrels, and it turns out that Signatory had a sherry-finished butt sitting in their Pitlochry location just there for the taking. The first sip is all you need to get excited: lots of gingerbread, cinnamon, holiday cookie goodness just explodes on the palate, with cakey, sherry flavor rounding out the back end. At full proof, it’s as much of a beast as ever. But the fact that this cask was simply finished in sherry, rather than aged in the sweet wine from day one, is a big benefit. The maltiness of the whisky is still there at the core and the finish still sings of whisky. It’s going to be a big hit; especially for $99.99.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 18, 2014
This Mortlach is going to make so many people happy. We were shocked earlier this year when the owners released and 18 year in the UK at £200 for the half bottle. We were equally surprised when Signatory pointed out the ten casks of Mortlach that had been undergoing a second maturation for over 2 years in Fresh Sherry Casks. We were allowed to taste one. We bought it immediately. The rugged Mortlach spirit is in perfect balance with the lovely sherry influence. While the whisky isn’t as dark as I remember it being, there’s still all that rich oloroso influence. The spirit is flamboyant and still showing the great youthful savoriness that Mortlach is known for. So much going on hear, a true display of why Mortlach is a true blue chip distillery.

David Driscoll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 11, 2014
So this guy started as a couple of hogsheads and was then finished in a sherry butt. You can tell because there’s a lot of oak action on the nose, almost Bourbon-like with pencil lead, but then morphing into stonefruit. The sherry turns on however in the mid-palate, but as we saw with the Bruichladdich it only highlights the fruit. Holy cow, this is tasty. Lots of sweet apricot and pear notes, but like they were dipped in a bit of cocoa. I’m going back in again and there’s another wave of sweet baking spices that washes over the finish. Wow, this is good.

Mike Barber | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 09, 2014
The legendary, elusive Mortlach distillery is with us yet again! You will never see a distillery bottling of this malt–most of the production goes straight to Johnnie Walker Blue. A big, sweet vanilla nose leads into a whisky packed with cedar and Indian spice notes. The sherry cask influence is noticeable–it tastes like dried apricot and leather dipped in chocolate.

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 07, 2014
Very drinkable. This bottle has the nice roundness that one expects from Mortlach. The sherry barrel finish did not fatten it up but added layers of flavors to enjoy. For fans of Mortlach, or for those looking for a single malt that is not smokey and is easy to drink, this Signatory has a lot to offer.

K&L Wine Merchants
http://www.klwines.com
Phone: 877-KLWines (toll free 877-559-4637)
Email: wine@klwines.com
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

Arran Single Cask #893 2014 Autumn Release

Single cask #893 is the 2014 Autumn release from Arran distillery. Distilled in 1998 and aged for just over 16 years in a single sherry cask, 296 bottles have been filled at 54.3% vol.

£65.95  (£54.96 ex vat)

Click here to purchase Arran Single Cask 893

Macallan 1981 Speymalt

Tremendous colour on this Macallan Speymalt from 1981, which has been slumbering in cask until 2013, making approximately 32 years old. Bottled by Gordon & MacPhail as part of their Speymalt series.

£295.00  (£245.83 ex vat)

Click here to purchase Macallan Speymalt 1981

Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt

A non-age statement Taketsuru bottling released in 2014. A Japanese blend with an average age of around 10 years, with a high percentage of Miyagikyo malt used to create this new release from Nikka.

£44.40  (£37.00 ex vat)

Click here to purchase Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt

Spirit of Freedom 45

Spirit of Freedom 45 is a blend of 45 different whiskies from across Scotland. A special release following on from the Scottish Independence Referendum of September 18th 2014, bottled at 45% vol.

£24.98  (£20.82 ex vat)

Click here to purchase Spirit of Freedom 45

Arran Orkney Bere Barley
Cask Strength Edition

Arran Orkney Bere Barley, cask strength edition, is a unique collaboration between Isle of Arran Distillers Ltd and the Agronomy Institute of Orkney College. Distilled in 2004 exclusively from Bere, Scotland’s oldest cultivated barley, which was specially grown on Orkney for this project. Matured for over 10 years in ex-bourbon casks at the Arran distillery before being bottled 2014 at cask strength, 56.2% vol.

£55.20  (£46.00 ex vat)

Click here to purchase Arran Orkney Bere Barley

Springbank 12 Year Old Green Bourbon Cask

Springbank Green, a 12 year old bourbon cask matured Campbeltown single malt whisky. A limited edition release, created from organic barley (hence the green label) – bottled at 46% vol.

£58.94  (£49.12 ex vat)

Click here to purchase Springbank 12 Year Old Green

GlenDronach 1994 / Single Cask #3400  AW Exclusive

Following on from the resounding success of GlenDronach single cask #33 selecting a new release from a series of cask samples in search of something equally special was no mean feat, believe us (although we had a great time in doing so…!) Comparisons will inevitably be made, however this exceptional dram is deserved of equal praise thanks to its sophisticated flavours and we’re excited to present it to you as the latest Abbey Whisky exclusive…

£97.95  (£81.63 ex vat)

Click here to purchase GlenDronach AW Exclusive