KILCHOMAN LOCH GORM 2015 Release 46%

Just released and in stock now.
£62
Click here for more information

• Nikka 17 Year Old Taketsuru Pure Malt Japanese Whisky 750ml ($139.99) Named for Nikka’s founding father Masataka Taketsuru, the 17 year old has long been coveted by the American market, which could only read the bombastic tasting notes from international travelers and whisky fans living abroad. The Nikka 17 is one of the most celebrated of the available portfolio and really brings the goods flavorwise — round and soft with dried fruits and an earthy, meaty flavor on the profile, this is not only of the best Nikka whiskies we’ve ever carried, but one of the best Japanese whiskies period.

• 1961 Bowmore 50 Year Old Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 1 available ($24,999.99) The massively rare Bowmore 50 year old comes from some of the last stocks from Bowmore’s 1960s distillation. One of 200 bottles released over the course or 3 years. Only 50 bottles for the entire US will every be released. This whisky comes from two bourbon hoggies filled in December of 1961 and warehoused entirely in Bowmore’s famous No.1 Vault. Only one bottle will be available through K&L.

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

Amrut Indian Single Malt launches the collectible ‘Greedy Angels’ across the world

Amrut Distilleries, India, known for their popular range of Single Malt whiskies which include Amrut Fusion, Amrut Portonova & Amrut Peated have launched 320 bottles of ‘Greedy Angels – Chairman’s Reserve’10 years old. This whisky is the first 10 YO single malts to be produced from India and are priced at circa 500 Euros.

Bangalore, India.

Amrut Distilleries Ltd., Bangalore is a boutique distillery known for their award winning single malt whiskies. Amrut recently concluded 10 years of presence in the international markets and have launched the Amrut Greedy Angels Single Malt Whisky – 10 years old to commemorate this occasion. The distillery had launched their malts in 2004 in Glasgow, Scotland by N.R. Jagdale, the Managing Director through his son Rakshit & his friend Ashok and now the malts bear unmistakable shelf presence across 40 countries. The brand peaked in the limelight in 2010 when acclaimed whisky writer, Jim Murray rated the Amrut Fusion with 97/100 points voting it the ‘3rd finest whisky in the world’ putting behind over 4000 whiskies from brands across the world. Amrut is also the only Indian whisky to feature in Ian Buxton’s ‘101 whiskies to have before you die’.

Their latest and most expensive whisky so far, the ‘Greedy Angels – Chairman’s Reserve 10 years old’ is the first 10 year old single malt to ever come out of India and is also India’s most expensive whisky so far. Given the high temperatures and humidity in India the loss of whisky during maturation is close to 10-12% in comparison to Scotland’s 1-2%. This makes ageing of these malts a very tricky affair and the quantity left for bottling quite meagre compared to what was started off with. A total of 320 bottles of these exquisite bottles are available with 284 bottles sailing to Europe & 36 to the United States of America. The specially designed package consists of a 700/750 ml crystal decanter bottled at 46% ABV and a 50 ml miniature decanter bottled at full cask strength of 71% ABV.

Industry Observers note that almost all of the bottles have been pre-sold or reserved and most of the units will end up as collectibles in shelves of aficionados. “The profile can be compared to some of the very old & rare Scottish single malts”, notes Ashok Chokalingam, GM – International Markets (Amrut), “you will spot a lot of tropical fruits, orangy citrus & a lingering finish”.

“Consumers will have to wait for quite some time before the next batch is released”, Ashok adds. “We are not sure when the next release of this ten years old malt from the Amrut stable will emanate as keeping the balance profile of the whisky is questionable given the conditions under which it matures”.

About Amrut Single Malt

Amrut Single Malt was launched in 2004 as an experiment by Amrut Distilleries, a Bangalore based conglomerate that started operations in 1948. Amrut was the first ever-Indian single malt and was launched in Glasgow, right in the heart of Scotland. The whiskies were received well across the world owing to their quality and have grown aggressively. Amrutt now bottles around 18 expressions of single malts, which are sold in 40 countries and growing.

Maker’s Mark Cask Strength Bourbon 375ml ($39.99)

Whisky Advocate: “This is what I wish the standard Maker’s Mark would be: more mature, spicier, more complex, and with a richer finish. This was initially released in Kentucky only, but rumors are that it will get a wider distribution in the future. The best Maker’s Mark since the now extinct Maker’s Mark Black, which was released for export only. If you can track down a bottle, you won’t be disappointed. -John Hansell”

K&L Notes: Kentucky’s most popular wheated bourbon that isn’t called “Pappy,” Maker’s Mark has long been famous for using winter wheat as the flavor grain (along with the majority of corn) instead of the ubiquitous rye. The only thing that ever kept Maker’s Mark from capturing the hearts of serious bourbon aficionados everywhere was the low proof. In 2014, however, they released a tiny amount of cask strength whiskey (in tiny bottles) to Kentucky residents and people went bananas. Seeing that landing a bottle of Pappy today is like winning the lottery, the Maker’s Mark Cask Strength is easily the next best thing (and, depending on who you talk to, it might even be better!). Big richness, bold spice, and that classic, creamy wheated profile combine into one epic ride. We’ve been forced to limit customers to one bottle only, and most people were lucky just to get that. But somehow, someway, we’ve managed to grab a truckload of this stuff and offer it to every K&L customer with no limits or restrictions on quantity.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 06, 2015What a shock this was! I’ve always found the standard makers to be a bit on the sweet side, but this new cask strength version is just perfect. Very close to some of the excellent old wheaters of days passed. No Old Fitz, No Pappy, no Weller, no problem! Grab these while they’re here cause we’ve got no limit and no telling when we’ll get more.

Kyle Kurani | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 27, 2015The best thing to come out of the folks and Maker’s in a long time. This is the famous sweet supple and wheated bourbon turned up and made into something completely more spectacular. Gobs of rich red fruit from the wheat, spicy and decadent at the same time, the added proof gives it a mouth coating viscosity. The finish is deep and bold, caramel, toffee, and the unmistakable kiss of creamy sweetness only to be found in wheated bourbons. My only issue is that the bottle is empty too quickly.

David Driscoll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 26, 2015 I can promise you that every store from here to Bangor, Maine is sick and tired of the question, “Do you guys have any Pappy?” The only question even more frustrating that that one is: “What do you have that tastes like Pappy?” Not because it’s a stupid question, but mainly because there isn’t anything available that even remotely tastes like Pappy that isn’t Pappy. Except the Maker’s Mark Cask Strength Bourbon. Now HERE is a whiskey that DOES rather taste like Pappy. The only problem is getting your hands on some. Big power, creamy texture from the wheat, and bold spice on the finish. This is something you can hang your hat on if you’re tired of the Pappy hunt. If you ask me, the MM cask strength is even better than many of the younger Van Winkle expressions.

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

NEW RELEASE AUTHENTIC COLLECTION DUE IN APRIL

As soon as we have the Authentic range ready we will send you another newsletter (It could be very soon). Below you will find the edited tasting notes

Dailuaine-Glenlivet Distillery 1997 18y/o 54.4% Chateau Lafitte cask since 2009

Nose: Honey and spiced gingerbread. Becoming creamier with blood oranges, strawberries and vanilla pods. Taste: Runny toffee, blueberry muffins, then fig compote, star anise and growing zesty notes Finish: Slightly nutty with developing fruitiness, quince, pears and mango giving way to melted white chocolate.

Glenfarclas Distillery 1990 25y/o 52.6%

Nose: Sweet and nutty, cashews and pecans. Honey glazed ham and pineapple juice. Taste: Some cereal notes, bourbon biscuits, vanilla ice cream and lemon icing. Finish: Lemon curd; white chocolate; butter shortbread and a touch of coriander.

Glenlivet (Minmore) Distillery 1996 18y/o 53.7%

Nose: Intensely sweet and creamy. Bags of vanilla with honey and faint orange zest.  Taste: Very vibrant; lots of American cream soda, melted white chocolate and toffee shortbread. Finish: A mouth coating creaminess that lasts and lasts with runny toffee leaving you endlessly wanting one more sip.

Glentauchers-Glenlivet Distillery 1976 38y/o 50.8%

Nose: Juicy fruits, limes, lychee and strawberry bubblegum. Some sour apple sweets and a dusting of brown sugar.  Taste: Soft oakiness, white pepper, and then more fruits. Strawberries with white chocolate and limeade. Finish: Long and slightly drying grassy notes with a hint of oak and developing creaminess.

Laphroaig Distillery 1998 16y/o 57.5%

Nose: White chocolate, caramel and lemony notes with a background of oily smoke. Taste: Wet ash, then green apple skins, pebble beaches and oily rags. Finish: Dry smoke with smoked almonds, white chocolate covered raisins with grapes and more olive oil.

Ledaig Distillery 1993 22y/o 54.3%

Nose: Treacle; initially quite meaty then becoming creamy and oilier. Quite grassy and floral. Taste: Dry creaminess with soft smoke. Tangerine and peach notes develop. More grassiness and hints of coconut. Finish: Drying medium length finish. Slightly flinty with salt and limoncello.

LongrowTM distilled at SpringbankTM Distillery 2002 12y/o 53.1% (Sherry)

Nose: Oily, earthy and slightly medicinal with soft smoke. A little meaty, with rich dark fruits and a touch of BBQ sauce. Taste: Big and oily with wet wood smoke, then blackcurrants, pancetta and apple chutney. Finish: Developing smokiness fights through big fruity notes with a twist of orange and growing creaminess.

Tomatin Distillery 1989 25y/o 51.9%

Nose: Sweet honeycomb; vanilla with faint aniseed notes. Taste: Toffee and nougat with faint chocolate notes and lashings of golden syrup. Finish: Caramel doughnuts, lemon icing and soft grassy notes.

WORLD WHISKIES

Irish Whiskey (Peated) from Cooley Distillery, Eire 1992 23y/o 55%

Nose: Clotted cream, custard creams, vanilla custard and very soft sweet smokiness. Taste: More smoke than the nose suggests; creamy with raspberry jam, strawberry yoghurt and salted butter. Finish: Initially very creamy then a dry ashy smokiness builds along with gooseberries and olive oil.

Scottish Single Grain from Girvan Distillery 1988 26y/o 56.6%

Nose: Initial cereal notes fade and give way to dried banana chips, cardamon pods, liquorice and white flour. Taste: Sweet and chewy; quite oily with pine resin, hard boiled orange sweets and a little star anise. Finish: Quite peppery without water, but gives way to soft milk chocolate, cookie dough and dry vermouth.

Tasmanian Single Malt – Cradle Mountain from The Small Concern Whisky Distillery ex Cabernet Sauvignon cask! 1996 18y/o 52.9%

Nose: Peanut butter, balsamic vinegar and soya sauce. Black cherries, figs, chocolate and redcurrant jelly. Taste: Big fruitiness with soft wood smoke, dry spices and more nuttiness. Almond butter and spiced orange notes. Finish: A big whisky; rich, nutty, fruity and very meaty. A whisky to chew on.

I think that’s it for now? I could tell you about the new Springbank Port wood I guess but lets leave that until the next newsletter along with the exciting news about Kilkerran 11 year old WIP 7

Stephen

 

Cadenhead’s Whisky Shop & Tasting Room

26 Chiltern Street London

W1U 7QF

Tel: 020 7935 6999

THE GLENLIVET ANNOUNCES THE ARRIVAL OF FOUNDER’S RESERVE

The Glenlivet has today announced the arrival of Founder’s Reserve in the UK and Germany. Unveiled in October last year, Founder’s Reserve is a new, permanent benchmark expression in the brand’s core range that has been created as the ultimate tribute to founder George Smith’s original vision to craft the most definitive, smooth single malt Scotch whisky.

With Founder’s Reserve, The Glenlivet’s perfectly-balanced and fruity house style is skilfully complemented with a creaminess and sweetness from the addition of First Fill American oak casks. The result is a single malt Scotch whisky of exceptional smoothness; the very quality for which George Smith’s The Glenlivet was widely admired and appreciated for in his day.

This expression is presented in a clear glass bottle that draws attention to the quality of the pale gold whisky inside. The Georgian Blue carton is both classic and contemporary in style and features George Smith’s signature, which provides stand-out appeal on shelf and honours Smith’s original style of whisky. Inclusion of the new The Glenlivet signifier, featuring the Packhorse Bridge that crosses the River Livet, appears on both the bottle cartouche and on the lid of the carton, demonstrating the brand’s rich provenance as ‘the single malt that started it all’.

Nikki Burgess, Global Brand Director for The Glenlivet, said: “We are very excited about sharing Founder’s Reserve with discerning whisky drinkers around the world. The expression now sits alongside The Glenlivet 12 Year Old in our global range and adds a twist of creaminess to the classic The Glenlivet style, which we are confident will appeal to whisky fans who seek out The Glenlivet’s benchmark quality for single malt Scotch whisky.

“The Glenlivet has been the largest contributor to the growth in single malt over the last five years and we look forward to Founder’s Reserve rolling out around the world, as its exceptional taste and link to the distillery’s past are sure to help us continue our success in the future.”

Alan Winchester, Master Distiller for The Glenlivet, added: “It has been an absolute privilege to craft a whisky in tribute to the man whose talent, dedication and vision for creating the definitively smooth single malt has led to The Glenlivet style that we know and admire today. In marrying together a selection of traditional and First Fill American oak casks from our inventory, I have been able to craft a complex whisky in The Glenlivet style with a pronounced creaminess, sweetness and smoothness that I am sure George would have approved of.

“For me, the nose has delicate aromas of citrus fruit and the sweet palate imparts zesty orange and toffee notes alongside classic The Glenlivet pear flavours, which is followed by a long, creamy and smooth finish. I’m really eager to hear what our fans old and new think about our latest interpretation of The Glenlivet through Founder’s Reserve and look forward to tasting it with them at the distillery in the coming months.”

The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve is now available at the RRP of $42 (or local equivalent) in the UK and Germany, ahead of a wider roll out throughout the year.

NOTES

The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve – Tasting Notes by Alan Winchester, Master Distiller of The Glenlivet

Nose: Delicate aromas of citrus fruit, notably sweet orange
Palate: Sweet, fruit notes of zesty orange and pears, with a hint of candy, toffee apples. Well-balanced and exceptionally smooth
Finish: Long, creamy and smooth

About The Glenlivet
Created by George Smith in 1824, The Glenlivet is the original single malt Scotch whisky, renowned for its smooth and fruity flavour profile. Today, The Glenlivet is the No.2 single malt Scotch whisky in the world and the No.1 single malt Scotch whisky in the USA, the world’s largest malt whisky market. The Glenlivet is also the biggest contributor to the volume growth of the single malt category worldwide, adding more than any other single malt whisky brand over the last five years. As the single malt that started it all, The Glenlivet is committed to continuing its legacy for crafting single malt whiskies of outstanding quality and has led innovation within single malt in recent years. Standout initiatives include the release of The Glenlivet Alpha, a mystery single malt, and the creation of The Guardians of The Glenlivet, an online hub for fans to engage with the brand and each other.
www.theglenlivet.com

@TheGlenlivet

About Chivas Brothers
Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s co-leader in wines and spirits. Chivas Brothers’ award-winning portfolio features some of the world’s most revered Scotch whisky brands including Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky and the No.1 Scotch whisky in China; Ballantine’s, Europe’s No.1 Scotch whisky; The Glenlivet, the world’s No.2 single malt whisky; and Royal Salute, the world’s only exclusively prestige Scotch whisky range. The portfolio also includes two of the world’s leading English gins – Beefeater, the world’s most awarded premium gin, and Plymouth gin – plus a selection of highly acclaimed single malt whiskies, including Aberlour, Longmorn, Scapa, Strathisla and Tormore. The range is completed by a collection of blended Scotch whiskies operating in many of the world’s key whisky markets which includes 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport Scotch.
www.chivasbrothers.com

@ChivasNewsRoom

About Pernod Ricard
Pernod Ricard is the world’s co-leader in wines and spirits with consolidated sales of €7,945 million in 2013/14. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin & Spirit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector and employs a workforce of approximately 18,000 people, operating through a decentralized organization with 6 ‘Brand Companies’ and 80 ‘Market Companies’ established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics. Pernod Ricard is listed on the NYSE Euronext exchange (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is a member of the CAC 40 index.
www.pernod-ricard.com

Littlemill 26 Year Old 1988

Single refill sherry hogshead Hunter Laing & Co. Old & Rare Platinum label bottled March 2015 for The Whisky Barrel.

Littlemill Old & Rare $309.60

APRIL OUTTURN: RELEASE THE PLEASURE

Welcome to the dark-side. April’s Outturn brings 14 velvety, single cask treats with a naughty, spicy kick in time for Easter. Continuing our Spritzich Whisky & Beer celebrations, we’ve matched a handful of them to a Panel-picked selection of darker style, chocolatey beers. Try these at home, or at our Members’ Rooms in Edinburgh, Leith and London. Happy days! #spritzich

Sweet, fruity & mellow

85.29 Best of the Med £48.20

Spicy & sweet

123.14 Playful spices buzz the mouth £44.00

9.100 Coffee and cigarettes £48.40

35.128 A tropical tango of taste £42.80

41.64 Sharing, caring loving dram £129.00

Deep, rich & dried fruit

50.63 Boozy buccaneers! £101.60

72.43 Bunsen burner and burnt capacitors £43.60

73.69 Dark side eclipsed by sweet joys £79.80

Light & delicate

84.17 Fluffernutter £42.40

Juicy, oak & vanilla

46.30 Flowers and chocolates for Churchill £49.10

48.54 Milkshakes and medicine £43.80

Lightly peated

3.206 Dark and mysterious Exclusive to April offers

129.6 Peated Candy LOW AVAILABILITY! £76.00

Heavily peated

66.65 ‘Holy Smoke!’ £50.60

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!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

Malt Messenger Bulletin – Spring Tasting Schedule & a Few New Gems

It’s hard to believe a month has passed since the last Malt Messenger. I was in Vegas for the Nth 2015 whisky show, and we’ve had some excellent tastings at KWM including, The Dalmore with David Robertson, a very well received Rare Malts tasting and last week’s epic Master Malts which is written up on our blog.

April and May are going to be exciting months for whisky in Alberta with a lot of exciting new releases on the way. Some of them have already begun trickling into KWM, with more due in the weeks and months ahead. The next full Malt Messenger will be a preview of what’s coming! In this bulletin I’m going to highlight a few gems you won’t want to miss out on, like a 38 year old Glenallachie for $235 and a 33 year old Fettercairn for $215, both from Old Malt Cask.

The main impetus of this Malt Messenger Bulletin is to alert you to the new Spring Tasting Schedule which is now online and open for registration. We have some new additions to the lineup such as the two Cadenheads tastings featuring new releases, Ardbeg Day Master Classes and a Canada Day Canadian whisky tasting. I’m most excited about the Last Samurai Supper at Buchanan’s Chop House which will feature the Taketsuru 25 Year and a bottling of Karuizawa. There is a Spring Single Malt Festival too, don’t wait too long getting your tickets to that one, last year’s sold out in just days!

I hope you enjoy this edition of the Malt Messenger, a full edition of the Malt Messenger will be shortly on its heels!

In This Edition

1. SPRING 2015 TASTING SCHEDULE
2. ARDBEG DAY 2015: Join us in the Future
3. NEW WHISKIES FROM: Old Malt Cask
4. NEW WHISKIES FROM: Adelphi
5. THIS JUST IN: Kilchoman Original Cask Strength
6. NEW FROM CARN MOR CELBRATION OF THE CASK
7. DOUBLING IN PRICE: Black Bull 40 Year

Sláinte!

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

Cadenhead Whiskies Pt. 1 – Rare Old Malts

We’ll sample an amazing range of single cask and small batch whiskies from Cadenhead, ranging up to 38 years of age. Also from Benromach, Imperial, Old Pulteney, Longmorn, Tormore and more!

Thursday April 23

$85

More Information

 Cadenhead Whiskies Pt. 2 – All Around Scotland

From the Lowlands, to the Highlands, Speyside and Islay we’ve got a great range of Small Batch Cadenhead bottlings from 12 to 21 years of age!

Thursday April 30

$40

More Information

Spring 2015 Tasting Schedule 

American, Canadian, Irish, Japanese & Scotch Tastings…

We pride ourselves on the unique whisky tastings we put on at Kensington Wine Market. Most of them are of our own design with the products were most excited about. One things for sure, you’ll never experience the same tasting twice! Here is a our Spring Whisky and Liquor Tasting Schedule:

1. Whisky, Women and Chocolate – Thursday April 16 –

Gather your girlfriends for a pairing of everyone’s two favorite food groups, whisky and chocolate! – $50

1. Cadenhead Whiskies Pt.1 – Rare Old Malts – Thursday April 23 –

We’ll sample an amazing range of single cask and small batch whiskies from Cadenhead, ranging up to 38 years of age. Also from Benromach, Imperial, Old Pulteney, Longmorn, Tormore and more! – $85

1. Cadenhead Whiskies Pt. 2 – All Around Scotland – Thursday April 30 – From the Lowlands, to the Highlands, Speyside and Islay we’ve got a great range of Small Batch Cadenhead bottlings from 12 to 21 years of age! – $40
2. Cinco de Mayo – Tuesday May 5 – Join us for a fête celebrating Mexican independence and the national drink, tequila! We’ll sample a range of Blanco, Reposado and Anejo tequilas. – $50
3.  Jameson Whiskey & Friends – Thursday May 7 – Join Jameson Brand Ambassador Claire Gavin for a tasting of some of Ireland’s finest whiskies. We’ll sample the Jameson range up to and including Rarest Vintage Reserve, Red Breast, Green Spot and Midleton Very Rare! – $40
4. Classic Single Malts – Tuesday May 12 – This is our classic introduction to the world of single malt Scotch whisky. You’ll discover a little history, learn how it’s made, and sample six distinct styles. – $35
5. Blockbuster Single Malts – Thursday May 28 – Join us for a tasting of some of KWM’s bestselling single malts with our own Hunter Sullivan. Like these whiskies, this tasting is sure to sell out in a flash! – $50
6. Ardbeg Day Master Class 1 – Saturday May 30 1PM – We’ll be holding two back to back Master Classes to celebrate Ardbeg Day. Both will feature a range of at least 5 whiskies including the new Ardbeg Day release. – $20
7. Ardbeg Day Master Class 2 – Saturday May 30

3PM – We’ll be holding two back to back Master Classes to celebrate Ardbeg Day. Both will feature a range of at least 5 whiskies including the new Ardbeg Day release. – $20

1. Ardbeg Day Join Us in the Future – At Gerry Thomas Gallery: 602 11 Ave SW – Saturday May 30 5PM – Join Brand Ambassador Jordan Cameron for a festive and quirky party event celebrating all things Ardbeg with great whisky, cocktails, games, prizes, food and perhaps a surprise or two. – $20
2. Bourbon Bonanza – Thursday June 4 –

Fancy a feast (no cats) of Bourbon and BBQ? We’ll be teaming up with Holy Smokes to put on a Kentucky-style BBQ featuring a wide range of American whiskies! – $40

1. Spring Single Malt Festival – Thursday June 11 – Our biannual single malt festivals sell out very quickly, and there’s a reason why. There is only room for 100 guests to sample over 100 of the finest whiskies in Alberta. Includes your own Glencairn whisky glass! – $60
2. The Last Samurai Supper – Buchanan’s Chop House (738 3 Ave SW) will be putting on a Japanese dinner to pair with a range of 7 incredible Japanese whiskies, including the Taketsuru 25 Year ($1100) and Karuizawa 1981 Cask 136 (sold out $885). – $160
3. Heaven Hill Bourbons & American Whiskey – Tuesday June 23 – Join us as we host Bernie Lubbers (“The Whiskey Professor), Heaven Hill’s American Whiskey Brand Ambassador for a tasting of Bourbon, Wheat, Rye and other American whiskies! – $30
4. Canada Day Whisky – Thursday June 25 – Come on, show some pride in Canadian whisky! We’ll be highlighting the best our country has to offer from coast to shinning coast! As a fun bonus, there’ll be delicious prizes for the most patriotic outfits! – $35

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

ARDBEG DAY 2015: Join us in the Future 

Two Master Classes & One Big Party

From the Distillery: “Ardbeg Day 2015 marks our 200th anniversary. That’s no mean feat. For 200 years, Islay craftsmen have used skills handed down through generations to distil our beloved whisky. A whisky that today is worshipped around the world, yet is still made by hand, in a handful of buildings perched on Islay’s rocky coast.”

In fact, if our founder John McDougall were to see the Distillery today, he might be surprised to see that not much has changed in 200 years.”

Which got us thinking – what will Ardbeg look like 200 years from now?”

We’ll be hosting two Master Classes at KWM featuring a range of five Ardbeg single malts, and are helping to promote and sell tickets to the Ardbeg Day Party at 5PM the same day.

1. Ardbeg Day Master Class 1 – Saturday May 30 1PM – We’ll be holding two back to back Master Classes to celebrate Ardbeg Day. Both will feature a range of at least 5 whiskies including the new Ardbeg Day release. – $20
2. Ardbeg Day Master Class 2 – Saturday May 30 3PM – We’ll be holding two back to back Master Classes to celebrate Ardbeg Day. Both will feature a range of at least 5 whiskies including the new Ardbeg Day release. – $20
3. Ardbeg Day Join Us in the Future – At Gerry Thomas Gallery: 602 11 Ave SW – Saturday May 30 5PM – Join Brand Ambassador Jordan Cameron for a festive and quirky party event celebrating all things Ardbeg with great whisky, cocktails, games, prizes, food and perhaps a surprise or two. – $20

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

NEW WHISKIES FROM OLD MALT CASK 

Fettercairn 33 Year $215 & Glenallachie 38 Year $235

These two little gems have been in the market for years, quite literally. The Fettercairn was bottled in 2008 and the Glenallachie in 2011. That’s not to say that stores weren’t buying them, maybe they were, though I doubt there was ever very much of either brought in. I never had the opportunity to sample, so I passed them over when they came in and forgot about them. I decided to take a risk last week while looking for a couple of whiskies to round out my Master Malts tasting. The pricing on both was fantastic, and they were both from fairly obscure distilleries. Well, they were a hit, and I scooped up some more, but even

that won’t last! Here are my tasting notes on both:

1. OMC Fettercairn 33 Year – 50% – 1975 – Refill Hogshead DL Ref 4439 – 209 Bottles – My Tasting Note: “Nose: sweet and sour at the same time, unctuous and unami; creamy and floral with tropical fruits and melon; hard candies and powdered sugar; Palate: very creamy, floral and minty with melon and tropical fruits; the unami and unctuous notes are still there with lots of white chocolate some crisp spice; Finish: long, floral and coating fading tropical fruits and spice; Comment: this is unusual, but very interesting and layered. – $214.99 – Only 6 left!
2. OMC Glenallachie 38 Year – 50% – 1972 – Sherry Butt DL Ref 6880 – 302 Bottles – Andrew’s Tasting Note: Nose: old and antiquey, like an old library filled with dusty leather bound books; dried and dark fruits with treacle sauce and stick toffee pudding; Palate: dark fruits and spices, more antique notes with dusty old leather bound books, and tobacco; melons, mangoes and other tropical fruits underneath dark chocolate and licorice; Finish: long, sherried. elegant and smooth; Comments: this is a classic older sherried whisky.” – $234.99 – Only 6 left!

NEW WHISKIES FROM ADELPHI 

Some intriguing new single malts! 

I’ve long been a fan of Adelphi’s single cask bottlings, have yet to have a bag whisky from them yet. I also really enjoy their Fascadale and Liddesdale releases, which like the single cask, are excellent value for money!

1. Adelphi Bladnoch 1989 – 59.3% – 24 Year – Bourbon Barrel – My Tasting Note: “Nose: intensely floral, citic and toasty with pineapple and citric sugars; long, toasty and dusty with milk chocolate and white fruits; Palate: big, floral and toasty, more crisp citrus and pineapple; lots of honey and barley sugars with some licorice and white fruits; Finish: long, oily and coating with dark spices and light fruits.” – $169.99 – Only one bottle left! 
2. Adelphi BenRiach 1990 – 52.9% – Matured in a South African Wine Cask Approximately 300 L – Producer’s Description: “The nose is very creamy and quite unusual:  Caboc cheese, with buttered scones and tea roses, strawberries in the development and a definite hint of Angels Delight. Remarkably sweet and lively for a 23 year old whisky, best tasted at natural strength. The addition of a little water introduces a pleasant herbal note in the finish.” – $189.99 – Only 6 bottles!
3. Adelphi Fascadale Batch 7 – 46% – 14 Year – More info to come! -“Fascadale ‘ships haven’, lies on the north west point of the rugged, and timeless Ardnamurchin peninsula. Its hidden, pebbled beach looks West and North towards the islands of Eigg, Rum, Muck and Skye. Whispered tales of smuggling abound…” Producer’s Tasting Note: “A breather on the hill with lemon drizzle cake., Red Pippin apples, creamy highland fudge and peat bogs. A little smoke to taste with lingering fresh apple skin.” – $89.99
4. Adelphi Fascadale Batch 8 – 46% – 14 Year – More info to come! – Producer’s Tasting Note: “A walk through damp moorland flowers, in a wax jacket with a pocket full of boiled sweets and salted toffee. Asprinkling of chimney soot and a sweet, syrupy finish.” – $89.99
5. Adelphi Glen Garioch 1993 – 59.0% – 21 Year – Sherry Butt – Producer’s Description: “A dry nose, almost meaty (pork crackling), becoming more Marsala like. Jaffacakes, Black Forest Gâteau, chocolate ice cream and coffee grounds – all synonymous with long, sherried maturation. It starts relatively closed then develops huge complexity, now with Brazil nuts coated in dark chocolate, molasses, saddle soap and old leather bags. Incredibly viscous to taste, with a spicy mouth feel, gently drying over a palate of chocolate bonbons, toffee sauce (possibly slightly burnt), and a hint of brandy snaps.

A very rare and unique single cask whisky ideal for after dinner contemplation.” – $199.99

1. Adelphi Glenturret 1988 – 51.8% – 25 Year – Ex-Bourbon Barrel –  Producer’s Description: “Vivid butterscotch to start, fading through mild cheese, possibly cheese cloth or an old dairy, then eucalyptus and sandalwood.  Very old fashioned.  Dampness in a traditional dunnage maturation warehouse (full of old sherry butts).  Hessian coal sacks. Very sweet to start, drying with more hessian and a mouth cooling eucalyptus.  Water emphasises cream cheese and old warehouses – an increasingly old fashioned style of whisky.  The hessian is now soaked in old whisky, more like bung cloth. Sweet to start, then distinctly savoury – the elusive Umami? A remarkable rare old whisky.” – $209.99
2. Adelphi Liddesdale Batch 8 – 46% – 21 Year – Sherry Cask Matured – Distilled at Bunnahabhain – “Liddesdale rising gently from the southern shore of Loch Sunart, Liddesdale Brae is steeped in folklore. Some speak of the ‘Devil’s Acre’ where the old widow ‘sell’d her coo to the De’il’; nothing grows there. Others whisper of the “Fairie Knoll’, protected for all time by the ‘Deaf Shepherd’ looking down from the skyline.” Producer’s Tastiing Note: “A festive feast – Christmas cake with brandy butter, cloves, sticky toffee pudding and rumtopf. A sweet cafe creme cigar and a morsel of dark geranium chocolate to finish.” – $134.99

THIS JUST IN: Kilchoman Original Cask Strength 

The Distillery’s First Refill Bourbon Matured Release

We had a chance to sample this with Anthony Wills at a KWM tasting in the fall. Well this tasty new Kilchoman has finally arrived.

Kilchoman Original Cask Strength Batch 1 – 59.2% – Refill Bourbon – My Tasting Note: “Nose: wow, butterscotch, honey and Werthers caramels with clean maritime smoke bringing up the rear; soft citrus notes, green Jolly Ranchers wet leaves and floral top notes with soft oak; Palate: soft honeyed oak, more wet leaves, crisp citrus, more green Jolly Ranchers and buildiing peaty smoke with fragrant smoke and juicy malt; become more medicinal and smoky with some tarry oak and salty licorice; Finish: classic Islay big, brooding and moody with earthy smoke, more juicy malt and maritime notes. – $124.99

NEW FROM CARN MOR CELEBRATION OF THE CASK  

Clynelish 1989 24 Year – $259.99 

You don’t often see older bottling of Clynelish such as this, and certainly not from the distillery’s owner Diageo. This 24 year old bottling was distilled in 1989 and matured in a Hogshead cask 5890, bottled at 52%. KWM is only getting 12 bottles.

CofC Clynelish 24 Year  – 52% – Hogshead Cask 5890 – My Tasting Note: “Nose: very floral and honeyed, lots of beeswax and dried diced light fruits with building spice; becomes toastier with almond brittle, orange peel, ginger and cardamom; Palate: big, coating, waxy, creamy and spicy with loads of toasty oak; creamed honey, Manukah honey, floral rosehips and loads of spice, lots of ginger, cinnamon and cardamom with even a touch of clove and anise; Finish: very long and coating, it is honeyed, toasty and spicy. – $259.99

DOUBLING IN PRICE: Duncan Taylor Black Bull 40 Year 

Get em while you can! – Only 12 bottles available…

A brilliant blend at an amazing price for its age. Set to double in price! Batch #3 has been bottled at 41.6% and consists of whiskies from Ben Nevis, Bunnahabhain, Caperdonich, Glen Grant, Glenlivet, Highland Park and Invergordon. 85.6% malt and 14.4% Grain.

Duncan Taylor Black Bull 40 Year 3rd Ed. – 41.6% – My Tasting Note: Nose: faint smoke, white chocolate, chewy malt, thin filaments of grain whisky, caramel sauce and topical fruit; very soft and delicate, hints of lemon custard, big floral notes, raspberry compote and tangerines; Palate: clean, toasty, floral and fruity; very delicate , though it is showing some brittle oak age; subtly decadent: chocolate, white chocolat, vanilla, some faint floral smoke, chewy oaky oils and then some light tropical fruit, more raspberry puree and caramel sauce; Finish: the early smoke fades leaving room for the caramel sauce, raspberry compote and tropical fruits to loiter; Comment: a beautiful whisky and incredible value for its age and price. – $299.99

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

http://www.kensingtonwinemarket.com

Owner & Opperator

Ferguson’s Whisky Tours

www.fergusonwhiskytours.com

scotchguide@fergusonwhiskytours.com

Kensington Wine Market

403-283-8000

• Westland Peated Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($69.99) By distilling a highly-peated single malt whisky and marrying that with an entirely unpeated single malt whisky, Seattle’s Westland Distillery has created something magically delicious, more akin to Talisker or Springbank, rather than Ardbeg or Lagavulin. The smoke and phenolic elements are definitely present, but never detract from the soft, oily fruit and the inherent creaminess of the spirit, which are definitely the stars of the show. Imagine everything you love about Longrow or Bunnahabhain, but in a different package distilled in the Pacific Northwest and that’s the Westland Peated in a nutshell. A major accomplishment for North American distilling.
• Westland Sherry Wood Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($69.99) Seattle’s single malt sensation Westland Distillery is back with a new expression aged in sherry that mimics some of the finest and most beloved Speyside malts from Scotland’s Highland region. In the style of Macallan or Glenfarclas, the supple, soft, fudgy, cocoa flavors are more pronounced from the sherry maturation and the richness of the palate is enhanced beyond what we’ve seen in the standard Westland expression. It’s a more decadent version of what we already love about America’s top single malt distillery and an exciting glimpse into what’s promising to be a very bright future.

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