We couldn’t be more proud to announce that we have received an outstanding gold medal and gold medal at the International Wine & Spirits Competition 2022. Our 12 Year Old was marked an extraordinary 98/100, which earned an outstanding gold medal.

Lemon zest, toffee apples – and a scent of coconut. Hand-selected sherry casks help create this paradise of flavours and rich, golden colour. It’s the taste of Scotland’s slowest distillation, and our insistence on barley dried by air – never peat.

SHOP OUR 12 YEAR OLD

The Glengoyne 30 Year Old was also successful this year, with a score of 95/100, earning a gold medal. Intense sherry trifle – the rich complexity of cinnamon, cloves and tangy marmalade. Matured in hand-selected sherry casks of exceptional character, this is the taste of 30 years, held in a single dram. It was an honour to win not just one, but two prestigious gold awards this year.

VIEW OUR 30 YEAR OLD

These are such strange and worrying times for very many people. First and foremost, for those in the Ukraine but for so many other people as well who are still dealing with the fallout of Covid. After such a difficult couple of years our thoughts are with all those affected and we at Lindores consider ourselves lucky to be able to continue looking after our staff and visitors as best we know how.

On the one hand we have the amazing success of our Lindores MCDXCIV Single Malt at the International Wines and Spirits Competition, winning an Outstanding Gold Award, one of only 38 whiskies and by far and away the youngest to do so. This is a great testimony to Gary, the distilling team and our blender Lorena. We are incredibly proud of them all.

On the other hand, I think that this last month has been one of the most trying, business-wise that Drew and I have ever experienced, and we thought Covid was a challenge! Without going into too much detail, you will all have seen the statement that we released a couple of weeks ago and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the support you have shown. We have been overwhelmed by the wonderful messages from other distilleries, MPs, members and customers. It also has to be said that our issues are still nothing compared to the people of Ukraine and we are contributing to causes when we can.

On a happier note the Distillery is now open 7 days a week again and it is wonderful to see people coming through the door once more. Even better they’re able to enjoy a selection of Lindores drams! We have more releases coming up in the next few weeks and our new website is due to go live any day now.

Stay safe and stay well, from our corner of Fife

Slàinte

Drew & Helen McKenzie Smith
Custodians of Lindores Abbey Distillery

Lindores MCDXCIV Single Malt won an Outstanding Gold Award at the International Wines and Spirits Competition 2022. This International Wine & Spirit Competition is the world’s largest and most influential spirit awards with over 50 years of experience and world renowned judges. We got 98 points out of 100 which is Outstanding!

DISTILLERY NEWS

We have a great and unchanging focus here at Lindores, in making the best possible single malt scotch whisky.

As we run with our excellent 2021 local barley, we have had to make some fine adjustments. Last year’s crop produced smaller grains; so we had to bring the rollers in to get the ideal ratio. Starch equals sugar and sugar equals alcohol. We could see the LPA (Litres of Pure Alcohol) per ton of malt dropping below expectation. There’s no point in giving draff to the cows when we could be converting it into alcohol and putting it in casks.

Some of you who travel regularly on the Newburgh to Cupar road may have noticed a large steel structure being erected at the Brae of Lindores Farm run by the Black family. In conjunction with them we are returning all our casks to these new purpose-built duty-suspended warehouses, built on the land where the monks had stewardship. It will be fantastic to bring all these casks home, where we can cast an eye over them every single day should we wish.

Recently we bottled Monbazillac and Thiron Oak single cask distillery exclusives. If you were fortunate enough to get your hands on a bottle, you are in for a treat. I cannot say enough except for how good they are, and I am so happy we still have some of these casks in reserve for future bottlings. On the cask filling front, the shipment of Amontillado / Palo Cortado / Pedro Ximinez / Oloroso Sherry Butts has arrived and they don’t disappoint .

Slàinte

Gary Haggart
Distillery Manager

CASK NEWS

We have two exotic casks due to arrive before May, the first being an ex-solera sherry order from an exclusive sherry provider under ‘Fernandez Gao’, with different sherry variants in Oloroso, Pedro Ximinez and Palo Cortado. Next, we have another Monbazillac order also coming in May. Given that we had such a good response from the single cask release Monbazilliac, I feel sure that they will sell like hot cakes!

If you would like to find out more please do not hesitate to get in touch at casks@lindoresabbeydistillery.com

Slàinte

Elliot Wynn-Higgins
Cask Custodian

To celebrate International Whisky Day this year, we thought we’d introduce you to our new Whisky Brand Ambassador, Rob Patchett. Head to our latest blog to learn all about Rob’s role at the distillery, his favourite Cotswolds whisky expression and his future whisky predictions.

LEARN MORE

Craft Producer of the Year

We are honoured to announce that Sullivans Cove has today been named ‘Icons of Whisky Craft Producer of the Year’ at the World Whiskies Awards in London, the first time this accolade has been won by an Australian distillery.

The award is recognition of the team’s hard work and obsessive attention to every detail of the whisky making process, allowing us to craft single cask whisky of the highest standard.

For our approach to craft to be validated by a panel of respected whisky experts from around the globe as world’s best, is an absolute honour for our team and an amazing achievement for the Australian whisky industry.

We’re also proud to have taken home the award for Best Australian Single Cask Single Malt for our Old & Rare 19 year old American Oak ex-Bourbon release, HH0609.

“Sullivans Cove’s approach to ‘craft’ means putting the quality of our liquid above all else, including production efficiency. This belief is lived everyday by the team through all elements that go into creating exceptional single cask whisky, from production and throughout maturation. Achieving an exceptional single cask whisky, where the liquid from one cask is on show with nowhere to hide, is truly a feat of nature.”

– Heather Tillott, Head Distiller

Built in 1881 by the Harvey brothers, Bruichladdich distillery sits on the western shore of Loch Indaal on the island of Islay. Since its revival in 2000, the distillery has built a reputation for three distinct styles of whisky – Bruichladdich (unpeated), Port Charlotte (heavily peated) and Octomore (very heavily peated) – as well as The Botanist gin.

In May 2020, Bruichladdich Distillery became the first Scotch whisky distillery to become a certified B Corporation. Since then, it has implemented four pillars to focus on in its mission to achieve the highest standards of social and environmental performance: energy and emission, community, agriculture and biodiversity, and packaging and waste.

Not that we needed any more reasons to sip on their impressive drams, which include the fruity and floral Classic Laddie, and some of the world’s most heavily peated whiskies from the Octomore range.

SHOP BRUICHLADDICH

BRUICHLADDICH AS A B-CORP

Important message about Maltstock 2022

I’m afraid some not so relaxed news has reached us. As you all know there’s currently a war going on. This has led to millions of people seeking a safe place to stay. With gladness we see countries all over Europe welcoming the refugees offering them safe harbor. Government in the Netherlands is seeking suitable accommodation for them throughout the country. It makes us feel proud that the Maltstock venue (Het Buitencentrum) is opening its doors and welcoming refugees. The relaxed thing to do.

Unfortunately, this also means that all bookings at Het Buitencentrum have been cancelled until at least 31 October. So there will be no Maltstock this year. And yes, this is of course very disappointing. Especially now we seem to have left the worst part of Covid behind us. But offering all those people, who had to flee from their country because of a war, a place where they can hopefully feel just a little bit relaxed is so, so much more important.

We were so looking forward to seeing you all again and enjoy a very relaxed Maltstock weekend. And we will. Next year. Dates are 08- 10 September 2023.

There’s also a slight chance we might move Maltstock to a different venue this year. But we haven’t had time yet to check and see what is possible. If anyone has a good suggestion, please do let us know.
But for now, sadly no Maltstock as we know it this year. Please put 08 – 10 September 2023 in your agenda!

We all really hope that the world will be a much more relaxed place again soon, with no more war! Our thoughts are with all those that have lost their lives, their family, their friends, their homes.

Thank you all for understanding and hope we can share a relaxed dram together soon!

Relaxed greetings

Bob, Klaas, Stan & Teun

BEST SCOTCH BLENDED MALT

We’re thrilled to share the news that Peat Chimney has been named Best Scotch Blended Malt at the World Whiskies Awards 2022! To celebrate, enjoy FREE UK delivery on orders including Peat Chimney, when you use the code WWA2022 at checkout.

SHOP NOW

We couldn’t be more proud of this result, and hope you’ll join us in raising a dram in celebration tonight. Slainte!

Orders placed before 23:59 on 31st March 2022 using the code WWA2022 will receive free UK delivery. Orders may take 3-5 days to be processed by our team.

Kensington Wine Market’s E-Whisky Newsletter

I am sure I am not alone in feeling as though I’ve been riding a rollercoaster of emotions over the last 4 weeks, helplessly watching the horrors inflicted on Ukraine and its people. I personally feel anger towards Putin’s vile regime and the Russian military for their unjust and barbaric invasion. I feel great sorrow for the people of Ukraine and those of Ukrainian descent, for the tragic loss of life and the deliberate and unnecessary destruction of their homes, communities, culture, and institutions. But I’ve also felt pride and hope for the people of Ukraine and their leader, who have fought harder and more valiantly in protecting their fledgling democracy than anyone could have predicted. 

We have hung a Ukrainian flag above our entrance to show solidarity with their struggle, and on the subject of Russian vodka, I’d like to point out we haven’t carried any in at least the last decade… 

There is only so much we can do to help, but we want to help. Accordingly, we have decided to donate 10% of our total sales (both in-store and online) today, Saturday, March 26, to the UNHCR Ukraine Emergency fund. 

It is our sincere hope that the war ends soon, that Ukraine and its people emerge strong and independent, and that the world helps it rebuild!

In the meantime, I’ve included the tastings currently open for registration, as well as the sale items listed in the last newsletter.

As always, in the event of a discrepancy in price, the point of sale at KWM will be taken as correct. Please don’t hesitate to email me with any questions, comments, or requests (but online ordering works too, in fact, it might be faster…).

Sincerely,

Andrew Ferguson

Kensington Wine Market

Upcoming Tastings

Note: we just got word that William H Macy will be a special guest at our Woody Creek tasting on April 5…

SMWS

·     Date: Thursday, April 14

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $40

·     Pick-Up Date: Ready now!

·     Only 11 spots left!

Join the KWM Whisky Team for the April 2022 SMWS Canada Outturn tasting. Follow along as Evan and Andrew taste and talk about the whiskies, possibly wandering on to tangentially related things, while Cam tries to keep them on course. 7 whiskies included 15ml samples. Wednesday, April 6, 7PM.

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK: SCOTCH EDITION

·     Date: Thursday, April 14

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $40

·     Pick-Up Date: Ready Now!

The Scotch Whisky industry has gone through something of a baby boom over the last decade. Step by Step, the whiskies from these new kids on the block are coming of age. Though young, the whiskies from these small independents are Hangin’ Tough in a market dominated by big multinationals. We’ll sample whiskies from Ardnamurchan, Daftmill, Glasgow, Inchdairnie, Isle of Raasay, Lindores Abbey, and Wolfburn. Thursday, April 24, 2022, 7PM.

G&M Distillery Labels with Richard Urquhart

·     Date: Friday, May 6

·     Time: 5 PM

·     Cost: $45

·     Pick-Up Date: ETA: Ready late-March!

The Gordon & MacPhail Distillery Labels range celebrates the ancient relationships it has nurtured with distilleries all over Scotland. It is also a testament to its ongoing practice of purchasing new make spirit from distilleries, rather than mature whisky, maturing it in its own casks. Richard Urquhart, a 4th generation member of the Urquhart family who own G&M, will guide us through a range of 7 distilleries label bottlings from Ardmore, Glenburgie, Glentauchers, Linkwood and Morltach, including a few 21 and 25 year olds. Friday May 6, 5PM.

Rethinking Whisky: The Lowlands

·     Date: Friday, May 6

·     Time: 5 PM

·     Cost: $45

·     Pick-Up Date: ETA: Ready Early April!

While we couldn’t convince Andrew to pop the top on a rare old Rosebank for this one, we’re still pretty confident this will be the coolest Lowlands tasting this side of the pond. And if you’re one of those folks still of the opinion that the Lowlands are all flowers and lemons and triple distillation – oh, my! – then we have just the range to shatter your preconceptions. Join Curt and Harmony for a night of ‘out there’ whiskies and an awful lot of chat, as we try to dispel some outdated myths and showcase some of the bottles that have lit us up over the last few months. Participantes will sample whiskies up to 25 and 35 years of age from Auchentoshan, Bladnoch, Daftmill, Glenkinchie, Inchdairnie, Lindores Abbey and North British. Thursday May 26, 7PM.

!!!On Sale!!!

Deals, deals, deals… especially on Waterford, and more than what I have highlighted below too… you can browse the full sale list online!

1. Waterford Single Farm Hook Head 1.1 – 50% – Complex young Irish single malt produced from barley grown on a single farm, matured in a mix of cask types. – Was $101.99 – Save 20% – Now $76.49

2. Waterford Single Farm Lakefield 1.1 – 50% – Complex young Irish single malt produced from barley grown on a single farm, matured in a mix of cask types. – Was $102.99 – Save 20% – Now $77.24

3. Compass Box Peat Monster – 46% – The Peat Monster combines extremely smoky malt whisky from Islay with medium-peated Highland whiskies to create a balanced and approachable monster, but a monster, nonetheless. Enjoy! – Was $79.99 – Save 25% – Now $55.99

4. Smokehead Rum Rebel Islay Single Malt – 46% – This undisclosed Islay Single Malt is rumoured to come from Ardbeg, and has been finished in rum casks. – Was $92 – Save 20% – Now $72.79

5. Smokehead Sherry Bomb Islay Single Malt – This undisclosed Islay Single Malt is rumoured to come from Ardbeg, and has been finished in sherry casks. – Was $115 – Save 20% – Now $91.99

6. Lismore The Legend 21 Year – 43% – Undisclosed Speyside single malt, from the owners of Glenfarclas, with a soft sherried character. – Was $165 – Save 20% – Now $131.99

7. Jura Seven Wood – 42% – Not content with double wood or triple wood, Jura has gone right to SEVEN WOOD with this bottling. – Was $121.99 – Save 35% – Now $79.29

8. Port Askaig 8 Year – 45.8% – Young, but lovely Caol Ila at a great every day price… even better on SALE. – Was $68.99 – Save 20% – Now $55.19

9. Craggnamore Distillers Edition – 40% (boo) Diageo is still playing catch up, so this is still on sale. – Was $107.99 – Save 25% – Now $80.99

10.   Cragganmore Flavour Led – 55.7% – Old NAS Cragganmore with good reviews that is a lot more palatable on sale than at full price! – Was $1199.99 – Save 30% – Now $839.99

FREE DELIVERY

We are proud to offer Free City Wide Delivery on all orders over $100 Monday-Friday!

Orders under $100 are subject to a flat rate $10 delivery fee.

Note we likely cannot offer delivery before Christmas at this point!

CURBSIDE PICKUP

Physical distancing is made easy with curbside pickup.

Order online or by phone, wait for confirmation your order is ready then call us when you are parked in the back or out front.

Be sure to let us know what your vehicle looks like!

403-283-8000

888-283-9004

Regular Store Hours

Mon – Wed 10AM – 8PM

Thurs & Fri 10AM – 9PM

Sat 10AM – 8 PM

Sun 11PM to 6PM

*All Prices Quoted here are subject to change and do not include GST. In the case of pricing discrepancies, the price at our point of sale will be taken as correct.*

Last chance on these limited releases from The Lakes

We have a very limited restock of the two latest releases from The Whiskymaker’s Editions by The Lakes Single Malt. The Forbidden Fruit expression is exclusively available at The Whisky Shop. These weren’t around for long when we first announced them so don’t hesitate to pick up a bottle today whilst you can!

Available here →

Yes, we’re really sorry, there’s no Springbank here, it’s a Springbank free zone.
However… here is a recommendation if you do like that style of whisky:

BENROMACH 2009 12YO UK EXCLUSIVE SINGLE CASK #723, 58.5%

A single cask bottles exclusively for the UK. One of only 240 bottles available worldwide. Distilled: 07/09/2009. Bottled: 24/11/2021. Cask Number: 723. Cask Type: First Fill Bourbon Barrel.

Tasting notes: Sweet notes of rich apple, tropical fruit and honey, followed by light vanilla and soft smoke.

BENROMACH SINGLE CASK – UK EXCLUSIVE £74.50