It is hard to believe that is has been nearly a month since the “Dodge Ram Drive-In”… Things have returned to a relative normal over the last few weeks. We’ve prettied up the temporary entrance a little and we have pulled the store back together, as much as we can.

Dealing with all this has been more than a little time-consuming, and as a result, this newsletter is about 3 weeks later than it should be. We have added some long-promised new tastings to the schedule, and I’ve included details on some of the new whiskies that have trickled into the shop over the last 4 weeks.

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

In This Edition…

 Three New Whiskies from Waterford

 GlenDronach Port Wood is Back!

Newish Whiskies from Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers

 New Whiskies from Single Cask Nation

 Two Brewers Release 30

 Writer’s Tears Red Head

2nd Chance: Limited Edition Nikka Whiskies

A Few New Tastings

 Other Up-Coming Tastings

On Sale!

Three New Whiskies from Waterford

We have three new whiskies arriving on Wednesday from Waterford Distillery, which we can’t wait to try!

Waterford Biodynamic Luna 1.1 – 50% – 3 Year – First Fill Ex-Bourbon, Virgin American Oak, Bordeaux, and Vin Doux Naturel casks – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Plums, apricot jam, fresh fruit salad, cold coffee, lemon drizzle cake, milk chocolate with almonds, fresh soil, bread proofing, brown sugar, herbal tea, hay on the ground after a shower of rain. Taste: Spice on every level, front, middle, back and in between, white pepper, cloves, green peppers, jalapenos, dark chocolate, liquorice, malted biscuits and peppermint tea, grapefruit. Finish: An everlasting heat and spice that’s dry but is mouth-watering, with some mint tea. It has more of a linger and less of a finish.” – $115

Waterford Arcadian Series Organic Gaia 2.1 – 50% – 4 Year – First Fill Ex-Bourbon, Virgin American Oak, Bordeaux, and Vin Doux Naturel casks – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Orange peel, fresh soil, bread crust, brown sugar, milk chocolate, fresh fruit salad, fig roll biscuits, lavender, sweet marshmallows, butter milk. Taste: Spicy, white pepper, grapefruit, dry heat, liquorice, cherries, coco powder, wine gums, dry toast, salted peanuts, lemon zest. Finish: A dry spice dance that tangos and waltz’s like a happy couple into the golden peach sunset.” – $110

Waterford The Cuvee 1.1 – 50% – 4 1/2 Years – First Fill Ex-Bourbon, Virgin American Oak, Bordeaux, and Vin Doux Naturel casks – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Red apples, fresh dry soil, breadcrust, green foliage, lavender, digestive biscuits, oranges, barmbrack, over ripe banana skin, a summer flower bed, fresh mint, coffee cake. Taste: Clove sweets, white pepper, oily, grapefruit, lemon zest, dark chocolate, dry toast, cherries, granola bar, dried herbs, aniseed, green olives, 3 peel marmalade. Finish: Pepper up front with oily spiciness that softens, starts dry but then gets mouth-watering & lingers where I close my eyes and relax!” – $100

GlenDronach Port Wood is Back

This limited edition GlenDronach has been finished in carefully selected Port Pipes, and has been bottled at 46%.

Producer Description

“The GlenDronach Port Wood is inspired by the historical import of casked Port into Scotland during the 19th Century. During the 1800s, Port was ‘de rigueur’, and many of the finest Port pipes would travel from Portugal, down its Douro River, destined for the wine cellars of Scotland’s gentry.

“Whilst many years have since passed, Portugal’s majestic Douro Valley is still renowned for its exceptional Port. We have selected some of its finest Port pipes to enrich The GlenDronach for a second maturation period Our Master Blender has expertly combined the whisky from these Port pipes, to create a fruit filled expression, with layers of ripe berries rolling into its signature long, lingering finish.”

GlenDronach Port Wood – 46% – Finished in Port Casks – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Breathe in delightful waves of Victoria plum, bramble and strawberry jam with top notes of cherry blossom and honeysuckle on a base of sandalwood and ginger. Taste: Layers upon layers of rich fruits. Sip blackberry and roasted apple crumble with freshly baked gingerbread, developing into a baked orange and black cherry back note. Finish: Savour orange peel, sultana and cherry cake lingering into the richly fruity finish.” – $135

Newish Whiskies from

Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers

These are new-ish, rather than brand spanking new, as they arrived in-store days before the break-in, and as a result this is the first opportunity we have had to highlight them. There are whiskies from the Carn Mor Strictly Limited and Celebration of the Cask ranges, as well as a couple of older Old Perths:

1. Strictly Limited Ardmore 12 Year – 47.5% – 2009 – Bourbon Barrel – Producer Tasting Note: “Vanilla smoke, roasted nuts and flamed orange peel.” – $125

2. Strictly Limited Auchentoshan 9 Year – 47.5% – 2011 – Rum Finish – Producer Tasting Note: “Creamy vanilla, rum-soaked pineapple and citrus peel.” – $118

3. Strictly Limited Glen Ord 8 Year – 47.5% – 2012 – Bourbon Barrel – Producer Tasting Note: “Vanilla custard with a candy-like sweetness and fresh citrus notes.” – $102

4. Strictly Limited Linkwood 9 Year – 47.5% – 2011 – Bourbon Barrel – Producer Tasting Note: “Vanilla and fresh orchard fruits with a hint of citrus.” – $110

5. Strictly Limited Teaninich 11 Year – 47.5% – 2010 – Oloroso Sherry Finish – Producer Tasting Note: “Fruitcake, barley sugar and a hint of baking spices.” – $120

6. Strictly Limited Williamson 8 Year – 47.5% – 2013 – Hogshead – Producer Tasting Note: “Earthy peat smoke with hints of treacle toffee and toasted almonds.” – $130 – Limit 1 Per Customer!

7. Celebration of the Cask Linkwood 24 Year – 48.6% – 1996 – Bourbon Barrel – Producer Tasting Note: “Floral honey, with butterscotch and creamy vanilla.” – $350

8. Old Perth 12 Year Blended Malt Scotch – 46% – 15-20% PX & 80-85% Oloroso Sherry – Producer Tasting Note: “Orange marmalade and ginger on the palate combined with layers of rich, warm fruits and lingering spices on the finish.” – $

9. Old Perth 1996 Blended Malt Scotch – 55.8% – Cherry Casks – Producer Note: “Limited edition – Batch #1 We have used single malts exclusively matured in Oloroso and PX Sherry casks and all distilled in 1996. We have also used a small portion of single malt from Islay to create depth, balance and complexity and bringing the brand “closer to home” due to our connection with Islay. 948 bottles globally.” – $350

New Whiskies from Single Cask Nation

A few new whiskies from Single Cask Nation, arriving Wednesday!

1. Single Cask Nation Tomatin 12 Year – 58.1% – Bourbon Barrel – Producer Tasting Note: “Vibrant zesty fruitiness.” – $125

2. Single Cask Nation Craigellachie 13 Year – 58.1% – Bourbon Barrel – Producer Tasting Note: “Salty bacon, mandarin oranges and citrus fruits.” – $122

3. Single Cask Nation Glen Elgin 10 Year – 61.3% – Bourbon Barrel – Producer Tasting Note: “Cask strength Honey Nut Cheerios.” – $105

4. Single Cask Nation Linkwood 12 Year – 55.5% – Refill Oloroso Sherry – Producer Tasting Note: “Bright, fresh, floral, and fragrant notes, with poached apples & pears.” – $118

Two Brewers Yukon Single Malt Release 30

A 10 Year Old!

A mariage of whiskies distilled in 2011 and 2012, including both lightly and heavily peated mashes, as well as a blend of two sour mashed from 2011. This is an exciting release from Two Brewers as it is a bonafide 10 year old, with 1/3 of the whisky 10 years old and the rest even older.

Two Brewers Yukon Single Malt Release 30 – 46% – 10 Year – Producer Tasting Note: “An intricate aroma, dry and earthy, intriguing with oaky peat tones. The sweet beginnings, rounded with fleshy tropical fruit, grow quickly to dusty ash edges engulfing the dried nougat heart. The finish dries further, a damp smoulder with a tang that beckons for more.” – $105

Writer’s Tears Red Head

Triple-distilled Irish single malt matured exclusively in sherry casks.

Producer Description

“This exquisite, triple-distilled single malt is matured only in select handpicked Spanish sherry butts, which have previously been seasoned with the finest Oloroso sherry. It is the influence of these exceptional butts that give this expression of Writers’ Tears its signature rich, ruby hue and hence the moniker – ‘Red Head’. The expression is distilled without chill filtering as nature intended and at a distinctive 46% ABV.”

Writer’s Tears Red Head – 46% – Sherry Butts – Producer Tasting Note: Nose: Orange peel, dried fruits & sherry plums. Taste: Nutty Oloroso, spicy raisins & creamy oak. Finish: Long & complex with a flourish of orange.” – $81.99

2nd Chance Limited Edition Nikka Whiskies

We received a little more of the Nikka Limited Editions which turned the tables on peated. There is a peated Miyagikyo and an unpeated Yoichi.

1. Nikka Miyagikyo Peated Limited Edition – 48% – Producer Description: “This limited edition of Miyagikyo single malt was introduced in 2021 as the first of the “Nikka Discovery” series. In anticipation of Nikka Whisky’s 90th Anniversary, the series offers an inside look at the various experiments in the whisky-making process that Nikka has practiced over the years. This expression is crafted solely from batches of peated malt, offering a significant distinction from the “light and fruity” image of Miyagikyo. It showcases the exquisite combination of bold, distinctively peaty notes while leaving its signature estery hint in the aftertaste.” – $240 – Limit 1 Per Customer!

2. Nikka Yoichi Unpeated Limited Edition – 47% – Producer Description: “This limited edition of Yoichi single malt was introduced in 2021 as the first of the “Nikka Discovery” series. In anticipation of Nikka Whisky’s 90th Anniversary, the series offers an inside look at the various experiments in the whisky-making process that Nikka has practiced over the years. This expression is comprised solely of unpeated malts as opposed to the preconceived “peaty” image of Yoichi. It offers a delicate balance of bright fruitiness and rich mouthfeel, along with its distinctive smokiness generated by coal-fired distillation.” – $240 – Limit 1 Per Customer! 

A Few New Tastings

The first isn’t new, but we have added space for it, as we were able to source more bottles of most of the whiskies.

Mo’ Whisky FOMO – No Fooling!

·     Date: Friday, April 1

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $50

·     Pick-Up Date: Ready Now!

!!!MORE SPACES ADDED!!! There was so much FOMO surrounding our last Whisky FOMO tasting that we knew there would need to be another… and then some other limited whiskies fell into our lap, and it seemed we had no choice but to double down on the FOMO. We would have announced this tasting 2 weeks ago, but then the sample bottle shortage struck. We were starting to face some FOMO ourselves… but thankfully we have hit the sample bottle motherload! This time around we have a trio of Bunnahabhains (18, 2008 Manzanilla & Aonadh), Deanston 2008 Oloroso, Laphroaig Cairdeas 2021, Tobermory 2004 Oloroso, GlenAllachie 18 Year & the Glenmorangie A Tale of Winter. Not all of these bottles will only be offered to participants of the tasting, but for some of them, like the Laphroaig, GlenAllachie and Bunnahabhain 2008 that will be the case . In any case we will hold back a 6-12 bottles of each of the other whiskies just for participants in the tasting. The FOMO was so strong for this tasting, we had to double it, but don’t worry we got a bit more of the whiskies too. Friday April 1, 7 PM..

WOODY CREEK DISTILLERY TASTING

·     Date: Tuesday, April 5

·     Time: 8 PM

·     Cost: $25

·     Pick-Up Date: ETA Late Ferbruary!

What’s the deal with Woody Creek Distillery? Besides being plugged shamelessly by the star of Shameless himself – William H. Macy – they also make some darn good whiskey! Join us for a run through their lineup including a gin, two Rye and three Bourbon samples from this Colorado Distillery. See what all the hype is about for only 25 bucks!

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK: SCOTCH EDITION

·     Date: Thursday, April 14

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $40

·     Pick-Up Date: ETA mid-March!

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.

Kavalan Whisky with Harmony & the Truth Malters Crew

·     Date: Saturday, April 23

·     Time: 6 PM

·     Cost: $40

·     Pick-Up Date: ETA mid-March!

By now it shouldn’t be news that Kavalan is making world class whiskies; we’ve been singing their praises for years. KWM’s Harmony Pollick will be joined by Larry Shoen and Zahara Amiri from Truth Malters for a virtual tour of the Kavalan Distillery, and a range tasting of 7 Kavalan whiskies: Podium; Triple Sherry Cask; Solist Brandy; Solist ex-Bourbon; Solist Oloroso; Solist Port; and Solist Vinho Barrique. The event starts at 6PM, the tasting component will begin around 7. Saturday, April 23, 6PM.

G&M Distillery Labels with Richard Urquhart

·     Date: Friday, May 6

·     Time: 5 PM

·     Cost: $45

·     Pick-Up Date: ETA 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 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.

Other Winter 2022 Tastings

We started rolling out our Winter tastings in December, and many of them have already sold out, others have but a dozen spots left. We added space to the FOMO and Bruichladdich tastings, and the former is now completely sold out. This morning we took most of our March tastings, 8 new events, live online too. We are working hard to get these set up and poured as quickly as possible.

For all tastings, we will notify you when they are ready for pickup. Each tasting takes one of our employees a full day to pour, label and box up.

Evan’s Contractually Obligated Bourbon Tasting

·     Date: Tuesday, March 15th

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $40

·     Pick-Up Date: Ready Now!

·     Only 8 spots left!

What is the best way to get ready for St Patrick’s Day? To drink Bourbon, of course! Evan hasn’t put together a lineup for a Bourbon tasting since January, and he is itching to get back in the saddle again. What new bottles and old friends will make the cut for this Blind Bourbon tasting? Only time will tell because Evan hasn’t even decided yet! Tuesday, March 15, 7 PM.

Shamrocks & Shenanigans: St. Paddy’s Day 2022

·     Date: Thursday, March 17

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $40

·     Pick-Up Date: To Be Confirmed

·     Only 5 spots left!

The approach of St. Paddy’s Day means everyone’s feeling a little more Irish, and it is high time for a focused Irish Whiskey tasting. We’ll take you on a wander across the Emerald Isle, tasting our way through some of the finest whiskey the island has to offer. We’ll sample single malts and single pot still whiskies aged up to 21 years from Bushmills, Redbreast, Teeling, Tullamore D.E.W., Tyrconnell, Waterford and more. Thursday, March 17, 7 PM.

Wild Life

·     Date: Tuesday March 22

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $25

·     Pick-Up Date: To Be Confirmed

The great folks at Wild Life Distillery are well known in Alberta for their sense of adventure, producing authentic rocky mountain spirits and GIN! Join Harmony Pollick from Kensington Wine Market and Wild Life Distillery for a night of Gin sipping and discovery. From Classic Juniper, coriander, and citrus to the world of barrel-aged gin and fruit gins. Co-founder Keith Robinson will walk through the spirit production process and educate on general gin production. Oh, and you like cocktails? Great, we’ll make one of those too! Tuesday, March 22, 7 PM.

Compass Box KWM Casks Launch with Scott Ellis

·     Date: Firday, April 8

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $30

·     Pick-Up Date: ETA Late February!

We have not one, but two new KWM exclusive whiskies from our friends t Compass Box. They are both Single Marrying Casks, one each of the Artist Blend and Glasgow Blend, the first of three Compass Box KWM 30th Anniversary Blends expected this year. To round out the lineup we will also be sampling our first two KWM Marrying Casks, the sold-out Peat Monster Arcana, the sought-after No Name No. 3 and the hot new Orchard House Blended Malt. Our guide for this liquid adventure will be Scott Ellis Western Region Manager for Compass Box Whisky. Friday, April 8, 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 100 Proof – 57.1% – Cask Strength Caol Ila, 100 British Proof. – Was $79.99 – Save 20% – Now $63.99

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.*

 

Our new episode of Japanese Whisky World is now online. Watch it now!

Dekanta

2-49-7 Minamiikebukuro Toshima-ku, Tokyo,

 

Aerolite Lyndsay
Islay 10 Year Old

WAS £46.00
NOW £35.00
Buy Now

AEROLITE LYNDSAY ISLAY 10 YEAR OLD DESCRIPTION

The legacy of Laphroaig continues with Barry MacAffer

Dear Friends,

It is my proudest career moment to date to be writing to you today from my native Islay as Laphroaig’s new Distillery Manager.

As a long-serving Friend of Laphroaig and as an Ileach who grew up next door to the distillery grounds, this new opportunity is one that I am so honoured to have.

I joined the team at Laphroaig in 2011 as an agency worker covering work in the warehouses and on the malt floors. The fantastic team welcomed me, and I knew instantly this would be my future. I then started full time on the malt floors. The already experienced team took me under their wing and labelled me ‘the malt boy’ during my apprenticeship – a name that quickly stuck.

After five years working through the mashing and stilling departments, I found myself in the Assistant Manager’s chair. There I was lucky enough to work closely with my predecessor John Campbell for the past five years, seeing first-hand what it takes to craft this iconic whisky.

With John in mind, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank him for his support and Friendship, but also the 25 years he gave to this wonderful whisky of ours. We all wish him every success with his new chapter.

As far as the next chapter of the distillery is concerned, I am well aware of the task ahead of me.

I recognise the responsibility I have to continue building upon the Laphroaig legacy and to match the near peerless dedication of John, Ian and Bessie. And my other incredible predecessors.

I’m looking forward to your continued partnership and support; the warmth I’ve had from the Friends of Laphroaig during my decade working for this distillery has been incredible. You have my unswerving commitment that I’ll continue to craft our renowned, peated, single malt and its ongoing story for you and our team here with dedication and honesty.

The community we have is truly exciting, and I look forward to sharing many drams with you as we celebrate and nurture the future of Laphroaig.

Sláinte.

Barry MacAffer

 

For the die-hard Bourbon drinkers or those looking to dip their toes into the world of America’s classic spirit, we have a range you certainly can’t miss – Four Roses American Whiskey.

Part of the fascination surrounding this historic Kentucky distiller is the one-of-a-kind process used to make its ever-popular range of bourbons. Four Roses combines five yeast strains with two separate mashbills (grain recipes using non-GMO corn) to produce ten distinct Bourbon recipes.

In each recipe, the different yeast strains used create unique flavour characteristics, from rich fruit to soft spice, while the mashbills contain different amounts of rye – up to 35% of the recipe, much higher than for most other bourbons – adding the grain’s signature spiciness.

The different combinations are blended to make up the various expressions, with only one recipe hand selected for Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon, all ten combined for the original Four Roses Bourbon, four used in both Small Batch and six in Small Batch Select. These smooth, award-winning Bourbons are making waves around the world and are delicious poured neat or in the finest of cocktails.

SHOP FOUR ROSES

Join us at Arniston House?

With places available throughout the year on our prestigious in-person diploma courses, you can pursue your passion and indulge your interest in whisky, while accumulating professional skills with piles of potential to set you up for success.

Whether your goal is to change careers, upskill or to simply get more enjoyment from your favourite drams, the Diploma in Single Malt Whisky and the Diploma in the Art of Tasting Whisky provide access to expert practitioners across modular self-study and high quality in-person teaching.

VIEW DATES

New Learning Platform

We’re pleased to announce the successful launch of our new and improved online learning platform. All candidates can now enjoy unlimited access to all online course material, so you can revisit anything you’ve studied as you wish beyond 180 days. We’re also working to make more downloadable PDF summaries available for the Certificate and Diploma courses, so you can take your learning offline.

VIEW COURSES

From Diploma to Director of Dál Riata Distillery

We’re delighted to see EWA alumni Ronnie Grant as one of three directors behind exciting plans submitted to local authority chiefs for the new Dál Riata Distillery in Campbeltown. Ronnie achieved our Diploma in Single Malt Whisky in March 2020, shortly before national COVID-19 lockdown restrictions were introduced. He said: “After doing the whisky course, it really did give me the confidence to do something in the whisky industry.” 

READ MORE

Edinburgh Whisky Academy
15 Fountain Road, Bridge of Allan
FK9 4ET
United Kingdom

Calumet Farm 14 Year Old “Single Rack Black” Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $109.99 View

Heaven’s Door 6 Year Old K&L Exclusive Barrel #114 Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $59.99 View

Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

Strathisla 2008 13 Year Old
UK Exclusive 21/184

Notes of juicy strawberry and baking spices are complemented by smooth grapefruit with a medium-bodied, sweet, and spicy finish.

£99.00
BUY NOW

Strathisla 2008 13 Year Old Connoisseurs Choice UK Exclusive 21/184 Description

WE GOT DODGE RAMMED

DAY 12 UPDATE!

I hope this finds you well, warm, and rested from the Family Day weekend… if Family is restful for you!

The last dozen days have been, to say the least, challenging. By now I’m sure you are aware that we were the victim of a very destructive break and enter on the morning of Friday, February 11. A brand-new pickup, stolen from a dealership lot, was used to break into the shop, completely destroying our front entrance in the process. We were, quite literally, Dodge Rammed… but we haven’t lost our sense of humour!

Over the last twelve days, we have picked up most of the pieces, counted our losses, and tried to keep things in perspective. The good news outweighs the bad: no one was injured, we are insured, a suspect has been apprehended, and we have been bolstered by the love and support from our friends, neighbours, customers, suppliers, and even our competitors.

Restoration has been slow going, due to supply shortages and bottlenecks. A week in, we received some much-needed good news, confirmation the building suffered no structural damage. While impatiently waiting for our temporary entrance to be finished, which finally happened on Sunday (Day 9), the team was busy getting the store ready to finally welcome customers in-store again while working around construction.

The storefront may not look quite as charming as you are used to, at the moment there is unpainted plywood where once we had windows. And unfortunately, due to supply constraints and bottlenecks, it will be 4-5 months until the entrance is restored to its former glory. In the meantime, we’ll pretty it up when the weather permits, and in time it will be repaired. Until then, as the sign hanging above our temporary entrance says: “I assure you, we’re open!“

At some point in the months ahead there might be a “Door Crasher” or “Truckload Sale,” but the wound is a little too fresh right now. In the grand scheme of things, and in the fullness of time, this will be just another chapter in KWM’s long and colourful history. Our business remains strong, our team’s spirits are high, and we have a 30th Anniversary to celebrate in May… It will take a lot more than a little broken glass to spoil that!

On a more positive note, just before the “Dodge Ram incident,” we made a donation for $3000 to the MS Society of Canada, as a part of our pledge to donate $25/bottle from every bottle sold of our Kilchoman 14 Year MS Society Cask. Andy Dunn of Gold Medal Marketing, Kilchoman’s Alberta importer, has topped this up with a further donation of $2100.

Kensington Wine Market has been the organizer of the MS Calgary Whisky Festival since it started in 2011. 2021 would have been the 10th annual Calgary Whisky Festival, but due to Covid, we have had to cancel it for the last two years. Working with Andy Dunn and Anthony Wills from the Kilchoman Distillery, we selected a cask to help raise funds for the MS Society. At 14 years of age, it is one of the oldest Kilchomans ever bottled.

And we’re not done yet. We still have about 90 bottles of the cask to sell, and we will continue to honour our pledge to donate $25/bottle until every last bottle is sold!

Thank you for keeping us in your thoughts, your messages of support, and your continued patronage over the last couple of weeks. We look forward to seeing you in-store!

Sincerely,

Andrew Ferguson, and the Team at KWM
403-283-8000 / 888-283-9004
Kensington Wine Market