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Meteorological summer began at the beginning of June but we’re waiting for the more formal astronomical date of the 21st before we officially break out the suncream and sandals.
Or, will it be midgie spray and waterproofs?
If you’re planning to visit us here at the distillery over the coming season our doors are open six days a week and a warm welcome awaits, whatever the weather.
Our tours are particularly busy right now so please give us a call on 01859 502 212 as far in advance as you can to avoid disappointment.
Meantime, we’re pleased to mark another milestone on the road towards the release of The Hearach single malt whisky.
From all of us here in Harris, have a very fine weekend!
Le dùrachdan,
Mike Donald
Isle of Harris Distillery Storyteller
Read This Week’s Journal: ‘The Blenders Pt.1’
Faultline Blended Scotch Whisky (750ml)$24.99 View
For years, we’d dreamed of creating an inexpensive, delicious, value-driven, yet simultaneously interesting expression of blended Scotch whisky that we could feature under our Faultline label. There were many times when we thought we were close, but either the quality of the whisky or the cost of the barrels proved prohibitive. We didn’t want to make a $25 bottle of whisky just for the sake of it. If we were going to do it, then we were going to it right. Finally, after working on and off with the Laings for a year-long blending process, we hammered out a profile we were happy with. Big smoke, Ardbeg-like peat flavors, and a kiss of sweet grain was our goal and we definitely achieved it in this bottle. Unlike most big brand blends, there are no coloring agents in the Faultline Scotch, just a pale straw-colored liquid that bursts with character and, due to the heavy malt content, finishes with richness and weight. We wanted to make sure that, upon launch, there would be absolutely nothing on the market that could match the quality of flavor, price, beauty of design, and bang for the buck. Now after proving that we could do it, we’ve recreated our original blend. Just like the first batch for $25 you get one helluva bottle of Scotch. Smokier than Johnnie Black, more complex than Chivas, and less expensive than either. Plus, at an assertive 100 proof you can try it in a cocktail, pour it over ice, add in soda water and not worry about it. This is the real deal.
St. George “Baller” Single Malt Whiskey (750ml) $69.99 View
Whisky Advocate
Hugely floral and perfumed on the nose, with rose petals, violet candies, and dried orange peel. This is the Gewürztraminer of American single malts—sweet lychee, laced with sachet aromas that explode as if opening Grandma’s dresser drawer. The palate is more tropical; dried pineapple, canned peach syrup, and spice. This could be polarizing, but it’s utterly captivating and worth a try. (JL, Fall 2017) 
K&L Notes
St. George’s new single malt release is described by Master Distiller Lance Winters as a California take on Japanese Malt. Initially aged in used bourbon and French oak barrels for 3-4 years, then finished in St. George Ume plum liqueur barrels. The result is an absolutely unique twist on the American single malt, namely that is was designed
Barrell Craft Spirits “Armida” Bottling Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $79.99 View
Barrell strikes again. The first release of Armida is just 3,504 bottles and is a blend of 3 straight Tennessee bourbon whiskies finished in pear brandy, Jamaican rum, and Sicilian amaro casks. Their blending prowess is on full display as they perfectly mesh this wide array of flavors into a cohesive and delicious bourbon.
An Inimitable Dram That’s a Feast for the Senses
Ardbeg “Corryvreckan” Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (Elsewhere $82) ($59.99)
“The Corryvreckan will take over a room. It’s a massive powerhouse of a whisky.”
— Andrew Whiteley, K&L Spirits Buyer
When it comes to “peat monsters” the Ardbeg Corryvreckan Islay Single Malt takes top prize. However, don’t let this color your interest in peated whisky if this is your first foray—it’d be a missed opportunity to experience the smokey, savoury, rich cinnamon and vanilla spice notes that will surely mesmerize your senses on so many levels. In fact, the heavy smokey aspect typical of this style should really entice you to give this core Ardbeg bottling a try. If smoke is your thing, the Corryvreckan hits the bullseye. All the right elements fall into place—near top of its category for quality, very consumer-friendly pricing, not to mention an exhilarating feast for the palate. This is a must-have in the K&L Scotch whisky inventory, and at a near market low price, it should be part of yours as well.
Ardbeg “Corryvreckan” Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) (Elsewhere $82) ($74.99)
96 points Whisky Advocate: “Part of the permanent Ardbeg range since 2008, Corryvreckan is created from a blend of standard Ardbeg and Ardbeg aged in virgin French Limousin oak casks. Smoky bacon and seaweed, plus dark berries, prickly spices, walnuts, lemon, and sweet peat on the nose. Sweet and savory on the palate, with more lively spice, woodsmoke, phenols, and licorice. The finish is lengthy, with peat, sea salt, pepper, and black coffee. *Editors’ Choice* (GS)”
Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: May 28, 2021
The Corryvreckan will take over a room. It’s a massive powerhouse of a whisky. Scorched earth, sea spray, and roasted nuts mesh with fruit compote, dark roast coffee, lovely oak spice and sweet vanilla. It’s one of the most distinct noses in all of Scotch and something that you likely love or hate. If you haven’t had this staple in a long time, it’s worth a revisit. If you’ve never had it before, caveat emptor, it is not for the faint of heart. If you don’t love smoky whisky, this isn’t your dram. If you do, nothing else will likely suffice when the craving strikes. Ardbeg is one of the few major Scotch distilleries that hasn’t skyrocketed their prices in recent years, and with its ravenous cult following and exceptional quality, it has arguably one of the best excuses to do so. Fortunately, for now it remains one of the best deals available in any core brand lineup.
Check Out These Amazing Kilchoman Limited Release Bottlings You Don’t Want to Miss!
Summer is here. The world is opening back up and two amazing Kilchoman expressions have just landed in the U.S. Things are looking up.
We’re excited tell you all about the 2021 Loch Gorm and PX Sherry Matured!
All this lovely Shery color and flavor will entice your summer palate bringing in the luscious fruits of the season!
Here we go!
2021 Kilchoman Loch Gorm
The highly anticipated Loch Gorm is once again ready for its annual release. Named after Islay’s largest freshwater loch neighboring the distillery, Loch Gorm is the only Annual Limited Edition matured entirely in Oloroso Sherry Casks. Year over year the vatting of Loch Gorm subtly changes (and sometimes not so subtly), in age, color, and character.
The 2021 edition, is a vatting of 24 Oloroso Sherry Butts filled in 2011 and 2012. These large 500 liter Sherry Butts have been sourced from Bodega Miguel Martin in Spain and filled with Kilchoman spirit peated to 50 ppm. Once these casks had been matured for a minimum of 9 years, they were then vatted together and bottled at 46% abv, resulting in 17,000 bottles being made available to Kilchoman fans around the world. 2,040 of these made it to the US and are on their way to specialty retailers near you.
“Rich bold flavours with a breadth, depth and balance of character that sets it apart, the 2021 edition is packed with juicy fruit, macerated lemon and sweet chargrilled BBQ smoke,”
~ Anthony Wills, Kilchoman Founder & and Managing Director
NOSE: Marzipan, citrus sweetness, floral soft fruit, and light peat smoke.
PALATE: Bright, fresh, lemon cheesecake, tropical fruit, and salty peat smoke.
FINISH: Rounded yet assertive with lasting citrus and stone fruits.
Kilchoman PX Sherry Matured
This special edition, the second of Kilchoman’s two Spring Limited Edition releases, is a combination of 33 casks – 9 fully matured in Pedro Ximénez casks and 24 finished in PX casks for between 12 and 18 months.
While Kilchoman has released a number of Pedro Ximénez Single Casks over the years, this is the first time they’ve vatted multiple casks together for a global release. Anthony and Robin spent many days in the warehouses tasting endless numbers of casks to find the perfect balance of character, constructing a whisky that showcases the rich sweet flavors of Pedro Ximénez Sherry but also reflects the signature flavors of Kilchoman’s 50 ppm spirit.
Bottled at 47.3% abv, this release yielded 12,000 bottle for the world to enjoy. 1,500 of these made it to the US.
“Pedro Ximenez casks aren’t always the easiest to work with. That was why we decided on a combination of full maturation and finishing, to balance the distinct PX influence with that of our spirit. I’m delighted with the result; big and bold but with a delightful poise and balance of flavor”
~ Anthony Wills, Kilchoman Founder & Managing Director
NOSE: Prunes, sultanas, and heathery peat smoke with fresh coffee, sea spray, and hints of citrus.
PALATE: Warming, with dark berries, caramelized brown sugar, tobacco leaf, licorice, and fruit cake with mixed spices and smoldering peat smoke.
FINISH: Rounded Sherry notes with waves of summer berries and dried spices.
Thanks again for being part of our family and enjoying these fine whiskies with us!
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We’ll be in touch about other exciting news as the year drinks on … 🥃
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For more information please feel free to email office@ImpExBev.com
Scotch whisky history was made today as the iconic “ghost” distillery of Brora in Sutherland, Scotland, officially began production after its meticulous restoration was completed.
Having closed in 1983 during one of the most challenging periods for the industry, the reopening of Brora marks the first revival of a famous “lost” name in Scotch and represents a major signal of confidence in the future growth of the category.
We have reawakened the distillery following a painstaking three-year restoration as part of a £35million investment programme that will also see the equally iconic lost distillery of Port Ellen on Islay brought back into production.
The restored distillery will now safeguard a sustainable future for Brora, with the installation of a biomass boiler powered by sustainably sourced wood chips from Northern Scotland.
“This is a new dawn for Brora – a distillery that is a beautiful new jewel in the crown of our portfolio in Scotland. I am particularly proud that Brora will be a carbon neutral distillery entirely powered by on-site renewable energy. This marks a major milestone on our journey to invest in Scotland, its rural communities and the future of Scotch whisky.”
Ewan Andrew President, Supply & Procurement
With stunning attention to heritage detail, the 202-year-old Brora stillhouse was taken down and rebuilt stone-by-stone exactly as it was when new in 1819, but now fit for another two centuries of production. The original Brora two classic copper pot stills were refurbished by our skilled coppersmiths.
Brora Master Distiller Stewart Bowman, who is a native to the Sutherland town and whose father was the last exciseman at the distillery, officially marked the launch by opening the Brora wildcat gates and filling the first cask of Brora spirit in more than 38 years.
“In 1983, my father wrote in an old distillery ledger ‘Commencement of Brora Distillery silent season (undetermined period)’. Growing up in the village we often wondered whether Brora would ever return, but today we filled the first cask. It is with great pride that I can now say to my father, the Brora community, and all the ‘old hands’ that worked at Brora and helped to craft a legendary whisky, that the stills are alive and we are making Brora spirit once again.”
Stewart Bowman Brora Master Distiller
Brora is among our smallest distilleries, capable of producing 800,000 litres of spirit each year, and will welcome visitors in small numbers on a by-appointment basis, bookable via Brora.com from July. Visits to the distillery will include tastings of rare Brora releases, including a new distillery exclusive bottling only available at Brora’s newly restored home: The Brora Distillery Collection: Hidden Beneath, a Brora 1982 39 Year Old.
Malt Messenger No. 122
Ending Our Spring Tastings with a Bang
And Loads of Whisky Arrivals
We needed a bit of a breather after our online-only birthday sale a few weeks back. It was busy, and it took us a while to catch up. If you missed the sale, or are the kind of tactile shopper who just has to shop in-store, I’ve got some good news… we still have a ton of deals!
There are currently about 35 Whiskies ON SALE, with savings between 20 and 35%. You’ll find a PDF linked at the bottom of this email, highlighting a bunch of current deals at KWM… but you can always browse the latest deals Whisky online!
We have some good news on a number of fronts, including some long-awaited whisky arrivals. Our Elixir Distillers shipment including Single Malts of Scotland, Elements of Islay, Port Askaig, and Islay Violets, has arrived. Not only does this mean we have some cool new whiskies in stock, but also that we can go ahead with some tastings reliant on many of these bottlings…
We are ending the Spring Season with a bang, and have a load of upcoming Virtual Whisky Tastings. The four new ones are:
1. glenFarclas Family Cask Faceoff – June 12
2. Ardbeg D’Eh 2021 – June 24
3. Canada D’Eh: Shelter Point Distillery – June 29
4. Canada D’Eh: Two Brewers Whisky – June 30
In addition, there are five other upcoming tastings that still have spaces available. Two of them were actually sold out, but we have increased capacity to accommodate demand. More details on all nine tastings can be found below and on our KWM Tastings Page.
We have also seen some whiskies return in recent days from Ardbeg, Glenfarclas, and Lismore, most of which we’ve been out of for months. Some of them since January… Once again this is owing to all the complications around shipping. Hopefully, a sign things are catching up.
Finally, everything in this email can be purchased or ordered online. Please place any orders or requests online, as I will be out of the store for the next 36 hours. You’ll be served more quickly, and be less likely to miss out on something…
As always, in the event of a price discrepancy, the point of sale at KWM will be taken as correct.
Sincerely,
Andrew Ferguson
Kensington Wine Market
IN THIS EDITION
1. New KWM Virtual Whisky Tastings
2. Other Up-coming Virtual Whisky Tastings
3. Ardbeg Whiskies Are Back, Just in Time for Ardbeg Day
4. Glenfarclas Core Range Whiskies Are Back in Stock
5. Lismore 18 & 21 Year Are Back In-stock
6. Glenfarclas Family Cask Arrivals!
7. Whiskies Currently on Sale!
NEW KWM VIRTUAL WHISKY TASTINGS
We’ve added a few new events to our KWM virtual tasting schedule…
GlenFarclas Family Cask Face Off
· Date: Saturday, June 12
· Time: 5 PM
· Cost: $100
· Pick-Up Date: Available Now
We’ve just received a shipment of Glenfarclas Family Casks. Due to Covid-19 and international shipping challenges we’ve been waiting on some of these whiskies for close to 9 months. There are some really cool single casks here, so we’re putting on a tasting with six of them. The NHL playoffs are on, so we’re facing off Family Casks from 2004, 2003, 2001, 1994, and a pair of different casks from 1992. To round things out we’ll also be tasting our lovely Glenfarclas 25 Year KWM “Ferg in Homage to George Grant.” There will be plenty of jokes about the Leafs and Oilers, and we’ve held back a few bottles of the 2004 Family Cask, just for participants in the tasting, as we know it will be sought after! 7x15ml samples. 5 PM Saturday, June 12.
*SAMPLES READY FOR PICK-UP NOW!
Ardbeg D’Eh 2021 with Bry Simpson & KWM’s Own Andrew & Curt
· Date: Thursday, June 24
· Time: 7 PM
· Cost: $35
· Pick-Up Date: Friday June 4
We’re celebrating Ardbeg Day 2021 with our friend Bry Simpson on Thursday, June 24th. Bry will join KWM’s own Andrew Ferguson and Curt Robinson for a very peaty virtual tasting including 7 Ardbegs: 10 Year, An Oa, Corryvreckan, Uigeadail, Wee Beastie, Blaaack Committee, and the soon-to-be-released Scorch Committee. Samples are 15ml, and will be ready for pick-up on Friday, June 4. Participants in the tasting will be able to put their name in a draw for an opportunity to purchase a bottle of Ardbeg Scorch Committee. We are saving a portion of the bottles as a reward for those who take part in the tasting.
*Please note you must be a valid Ardbeg Committee Member, to put your name in the draw for the Scorch Committee. If you are not an Ardbeg Committee Member, you can join the Ardbeg Committee in 5 minutes, at no cost, on their website!
**SAMPLES WILL BE READY FOR PICK-UP FRIDAY JUNE 4!
Canada D’Eh: Shelter Point Distillery
· Date: Tuesday, June 29
· Time: 8 PM
· Cost: $25
· Pick-Up Date: ETA June 10
With Canada Day approaching, we thought we’d shine a little extra light on some of our favourite Canadian Distilleries. We’re teaming up with our friends Jacob and Leon at Shelter Point to put on a virtual tasting of some of the finest whisky made in Canada. Our range will include 7 15ml samples of Shelter Point Whisky: The Collective, Smoke Point Batch 2, Double Barrel Batch 5, and The Forbidden, as well as some soon to arrive releases: Smoke and Oak, Ripple Rock & the 3rd and final KWM Rye (Alberta Distillers) Cask!
*SAMPLES READY FOR PICK-JUNE 10! – !!!Estimate!!!
Canada D’Eh: Two Brewers Distillery
· Date: Wednesday, June 30
· Time: 8 PM
· Cost: $25
· Pick-Up Date: Available June 8
With Canada Day approaching, we thought we’d shine a little extra light on a few of our favourite Canadian Distilleries. We’re teaming up with our friends at Yukon Brewing & Distilling, aka Two Brewers Yukon Single Malt to put on a virtual tasting of some of the finest whisky made in Canada. We’ll be joined by distillery co-founder Bob Baxter for a 7 whisky vertical Two Brewers tasting featuring Releases 16, 19, 20, 21, 23, and 25, as well as the stunning, recently arrived KWM Cask.
*SAMPLES READY FOR PICK-JUNE 8!
UP-COMING VIRTUAL WHISKY TASTINGS
SMWS Canada June 2021 Outturn Tasting
· Date: Thursday, June 3
· Time: 8 PM
· Cost: $45
· Pick-Up Date: Available Now
Join the KWM whisky team for a virtual tasting of the June 2021 Scotch Malt Whisky Society Canada Outturn. Registration is open to both members and non-members. The tasting will consist of 7 15ml samples from the June 2021 Outturn. The tasting will be hosted on Zoom at 8 PM on Thursday, June 3 at 8 PM. Samples will be available for pickup at KWM on Tuesday, May 25. They can be delivered in Calgary, subject to availability for a $10 fee, but we suggest picking them up in person or at the curbside. A Zoom code will be emailed out approximately 24 hours before the tasting…
*SAMPLES READY FOR PICK-UP NOW!
**Only 6 spots left!
KWM Casks – The First Half of 2021
· Date: Tuesday, June 8
· Time: 8 PM
· Cost: $35
· Pick-Up Date: Available Now.
We’ve received some very cool single casks this year. Normally we’d offer samples for interested parties in-store, but sadly circumstances have not allowed for that this year. What to do? One of our staff suggested we hold a virtual tasting, highlighting our new KWM exclusive casks. So we’ll be pouring our new casks from Benromach, Old Pulteney, Two Brewers, Tomatin, Teeling (if it gets here in time), Kilchoman and our 25 Year Glenfarclas Cask Strength. In all, we will sample 8 KWM exclusive single casks, carefully selected by your friends at KWM!
*SAMPLES READY FOR PICK-UP NOW!
**Only 6 spots left!
· Date: Tuesday, June 22
· Time: 8 PM
· Cost: $40
· Pick-Up Date: TBC (Target June 1)
Evan is thirsty for good Bourbon and American Whiskey, so it is time for another tasting. Tune out Evan if you must, but sign up for this selection of mostly Bourbon – and perhaps a special Barrel Strength Rye as well! 7 samples in all will be there for you to enjoy trying.
*SAMPLES READY FOR PICK-UP NOW!
**Only 13 spots left!
!!!More Space Has Been Added!!!
Introducing: The Whisky Trail with Julie Hamilton & Celine Tetu
· Date: Friday, June 25
· Time: 5 PM
· Cost: $45
· Pick-Up Date: TBC (Target June 7)
We will be joined by Elixir Distillers Brand Ambassador Julie Hamilton, and International Sales Manager Celine Tetu, as we introduce a new range of independent bottlings with really cool labels, The Whisky Trail. We are starting out with 7 whiskies from the Retro Cars and Video Games labels. Our range will include single cask bottlings of Ben Nevis 1996, Cambus 1990, Glen Elgin 2007, Glenrothes 1989, Invergordon 1987, and a pair of Ardmores’ from 2009 and 1998. Participants in the tasting will not only be the first people in Canada to sample these whiskies, but they will also have the first opportunity to purchase the bottles. Friday, June 25, 5 PM.
*We will be donating $15 per ticket to the Brenda Stafford Center, a local women’s shelter.
**Only 23 spots left, out of 85!!!
***SAMPLES READY FOR PICK-UP NOW!
!!!NEW DATE & More Spaces Have Been Added!!!!!!
Independents Day: Feis Isle 2021
· Date: Tuesday, July 27
· Time: 8 PM
· Cost: $45
· Pick-Up Date: TBC (Target July 8)
DATE CHANGE – Please note we have had to postpone this tasting due to the Montreal Port Strike. The items we were counting on are delayed. So we are pushing the tasting from June 15 to July 27!
We have some very cool Islay whiskies arriving soon, which got us thinking, we’re long overdue for a KWM Feis Isle (Islay Festival) Tasting. It will have to be virtual this year, but the range won’t disappoint, including the Port Askaig 12 Year Autumn Release, Elements of Islay Bn8, Cl13 & LP11 as well as the Peats Beast PX Finish & 27 Year. In all we’ll sample 7 whiskies (15ml samples of each) from the Queen of the Hebrides, none of them ever before featured in a KWM tasting! 8PM Thursday, June 15.
ARDBEG WHISKIES AR BACK
JUST IN TIME FOR ARDBEG DAY!
Ardbeg continues to be a hot commodity, and for good reason. The entire core range has been restocked. Grab a bottle or three before they go out of stock once more!
1. Ardbeg Wee Beastie $77 + GST
2. Ardbeg 10 Year $90 + GST
3. Ardbeg An Oa $100 + GST
4. Ardbeg Uigeadail $120 + GST
5. Ardbeg Corryvreckan $130 + GST
GLENFARCLAS CORE RANGE WHISKIES
ARE BACK IN-STOCK
Speaking of hot commodities, the Glenfarclas core range is also back in stock. Given the issues we have been seeing with shipping over the past year it might be worth grabbing a bottle or four of these as well if they are among your go-to bottles.
1. Glenfarclas 105 Cask Strength $97 + GST
2. Glenfarclas 12 Year $70 + GST
3. Glenfarclas 15 Year $100 + GST
4. Glenfarclas 17 Year $115 + GST
5. Glenfarclas 21 Year $170 + GST
6. Glenfarclas 25 Year $275 + GST
7. Glenfarclas 25 Year KWM Ferg GG Homage $275 + GST
8. Glenfarclas 30 Year $700 + GST
9. Glenfarclas 40 Year $1300 + GST
LISMORE 18 & 21 YEARS ARE BACK!
Also back in stock are bottles of The Lismore. This company is a bottler of Speyside Single Malt Scotch from unknown/mystery distillery(ies?). The owners of the William Lundie and the Lismore brand are the Grant family of Glenfarclas fame. Perhaps we could call these bottles Glenfarclesque? Or perhaps not…
1. Lismore 18 Year $100 + GST
2. Lismore 21 Year $150 + GST
We have both single cask and small batch bottlings from the single malts of Scotland range arriving soon. Let’s start with the single casks, which are very well priced for the age and quality of the whiskies. We’ve never been let down by the SMOS range!
ELIXIR DISTILLERS 2021
PT.1A – OLD & RARE
HAS FINALLY ARRIVED
We recently receive a boatload of new whiskies from Elixir Distillers. Some have come and gone, but we still have good stock of a great selection! The forty-something Bunnahabhains are cool, but the Islay Violets is the one speaking the most loudly to me!
SMOS Director’s Special Bunnhabhain 43 Year – 41.4% – 1975 – Refill Bourbon Hogshead – Whisky Exchange Note: “A single-cask release of Bunnahabhain from the Single Malts of Scotland, bottled as part of the Director’s Special range. This was distilled back in 1975 and aged for 43 years in a single refill-bourbon hogshead. Over the years, its strength has naturally dropped, concentrating its flavour. The result is a soft and fruity whisky that shows the delicacy of Bunnahabhain’s normally boisterous spirit.” – 89pts Angus @ Whisky Fun & 89.5pts Whisky Base – Limit 1 Per Customer
SMOS Director’s Special Bunnahabhain 44 Year – 42.4% – Whisky Exchange Note: “A 44 Year Old Bunnahabhain single malt from indie bottler Elixir Distillers, matured in a single cask for more than four decades before being bottled as part of its Director’s Special range. Aromas of plum wine, caramel sauce, quince, marshmallows and gingerbread mingle with wildflowers and sweet tea on the nose. The palate offers notes of fresh peppermint, damp oak, tangerine, heather honey, mango and tobacco that linger in the finish.” – $2000 – 91.67pts Whisky Base – Limit 1 Per Customer
Islay Violets 33 Year Islay Single Malt Whisky – 46.2% – Matured in American Oak / Finished in ex-Cognac Casks – Tasting Note by Billy Abbott, The Whisky Exchange: “Nose: Waxy with the expected violet notes, both floral petals and green leaves. Sweet barley sugar and parma violet notes develop, with chamois leather, candied lemon and lavender syrup to follow. Zestiness builds, with singed orange peel joining the lemon, along with burning rosemary twigs. Palate: The classic floral notes lead on the palate, with lavender and sweet violet joined by Love Heart candy, sultanas and a hint of mint. Waxy petal notes develop, along with vanilla toffee, soft spice and a touch of damp earth hiding at the back. Finish: A final burst of violet fades to leave candied lemon, green grass and toffee. Comment: A famously divisive style of Bowmore, and an example that might turn more people to the distillery’s floral side. If you’re on the fence, this is the dram to turn you, with excellent floral and citrus balance, and a gentle undertone of smokiness. It tastes exactly how you’d expect from reading the label…” – $625 – 89.85pts Whisky Base
COMING SOON: NEW WHISKIES FROM ELIXIR DISTILLERS PT.1B –
THE SINGLE MALTS OF SCOTLAND
We have both single cask and small batch bottlings from the single malts of Scotland range arriving soon. Let’s start with the single casks, which are very well priced for the age and quality of the whiskies. We’ve never been let down by the SMOS range!
Single Malts of Scotland (SMOS ) Single Casks:
1. SMOS Glen Elgin 13 Year Cask 9800010 – 56.3% – 2006 – ex-Bourbon Barrel – Whisky Exchange Note: “A 2006 Glen Elgin single malt from indie bottler Elixir Distillers, matured in a single barrel for 13 years before being bottled in October 2019 as part of its Single Malts of Scotland series. Aromas of crunchy apples, Amalfi lemons, tarragon and paprika fill the nose. The palate offers notes of custard cream biscuits, stewed pears, cinnamon swirls and vanilla ice cream that linger in the finish.” – $100 – 87pts Whisky Fun – Limit 1 Per Customer!
2. SMOS Linkwood 12 Year Cask 804457 – 54.5% – 2007 – Hogshead – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Orchard-fruit notes of pears, crabapples and peach eau-de-vie. The cask has allowed plenty of aromatic new-make character to remain, overlaid with elderflower blossoms and churned butter. Palate: Follows nicely from the nose – extraordinarily bright, with tarragon, garden mint, rocket and a glass of crisp white wine. The fruit has transformed into lemon and lime peel, contrasting with fresh malted barley. Finish: Slightly chalky with a vanilla sweetness. Pink grapefruit sorbet and white pepper allow this lively dram to finish on a high note.” – $96 – Limit 1 Per Customer!
3. SMOS Teaninich 12 Year Cask 301262 – 57.5% – 2007 – Refill Sherry Butt – Whisky Exchange Note: “A 2007 Teaninich single malt from indie bottler Elixir Distillers, matured in a single refill butt for 12 years before being bottled in November 2019 as part of its Single Malts of Scotland series. Aromas of magnolia blossoms, dandelion, wild grains and buttermilk pancakes fill the nose. The palate offers notes of homemade vanilla custard, lime zest, green tea and orange.” – $110 – 86.5pts Whisky Base – Limit 1 Per Customer!
COMING SOON: NEW WHISKIES FROM ELIXIR DISTILLERS PT.1C – ISLAY WHISKIES
Elixir Distillers seems to have better access to peated malts than anyone, especially Islay whiskies. They have two ranges of independent bottlings just for Islay whiskies, Elements of Islay and Port Askaig. We have 5 new releases on the way from these brands:
1. Elements Of Islay Bn8 – 58.4% – American Oak & Ex-Sherry Casks – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Dark orange chocolate, under-sugared peach jam and shredded lemon verbena. Rounded out by nutty, mature cheddar. Palate: Smoked paprika and cumin spice marries with tart sweetness: apple drops and slightly burnt pear upside-down-cake. More pepperiness with crunchy ginger-nut biscuits and a drop of star anise oil. Finish: Weathered leather, raw cacao nibs and the prickle of Pimento pepper, toned down with Danish butter cookies.” – $74
2. Elements Of Islay Bw8 – 51.2% – 16 Year – Bourbon Barrels & Sherry Butts – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Grapefruit mixed with brown sugar. A hint of charcoal smoke with baked lemons developing into richer, more pronounced tropical notes of under-ripe mango drizzled with lime juice. Palate: Old-fashioned chocolate limes. Citrus and salt blend together and further richness is delivered by papaya and kiwi. Buttered samphire lends a coastal feel. Finish: A dry, herbaceous finish lingers with wave after wave of kiln smoke.” – $210 – 1 Per Customer
3. Elements Of Islay Cl13 – 54.6% – 9 Year – Hogsheads & Sherry Butts – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Spicy pork on the BBQ with notes of smoked paprika, cracked black pepper and lime juice. Hot chocolate with chilli powder and caramelised hazelnuts, accented by sea-spray freshness. Palate: Slightly oily with spices, green pepper and rustic salt-and-pepper crisps. A sweetness develops, with dusty chocolate and freeze-dried raspberries wrapped in wood smoke. Finish: The spice lingers, accompanied by a dry, salty tang.” – $75 – 1 Per Customer
4. Elements Of Islay Lp11 – 52.2% – 15 Year – ex-Bourbon Barrels – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Tamarind, dates and molasses. Sausages sizzling in the frying pan. Coal smoke with classic medicinal notes – carbolic soap and bandages. Palate: Barbecued coastal notes married with Cox apples, celeriac and chilli spice. Salty maritime brine and homemade tomato sauce on a juicy burger straight from the grill. Finish: Charcoal, charred toast from a farmer’s loaf and stewed orchard fruits.” – $240 – 1 Per Customer
5. Port Askaig 12 Yr Old Autumn Edition 2020 – 45.8% – Refill Bourbon Hogsheads & Sherry Butts – Producer Description & Tasting Note: “This limited edition Port Askaig bottling (9,000 bottles produced) is a tribute to the wonderful flavours of Islay, from a distillery on the north-east coast of Islay, close to the village of Port Askaig. A blend nine refill American oak hogsheads, five Oloroso sherry butts and three solera sherry butts has been used to create this flavourful single malt with a medley of smoky, fruity and coastal notes. To fully showcase its distinct Islay character, this whisky is non chill-filtered and bottled at 45.8%.” – $100
GLENFARCLAS FAMILY CASK ARRIVALS
There is at least 1 bottle of each of the whiskies below, some of them are in a bit bigger quantities, but for most, there are just a handful available. ETA is sometime in May, or early June!
A quick reminder, when Glenfarclas says the cask is a 4th Fill Butt, they don’t necessarily mean 4th fill, rather that they may not know how many times it has been filled. Could be 2nd, 3rd, or 4th Fill! Also, the photos are not all shot by the same source, so the actual colour may vary somewhat.
Also, don’t forget to check out our glenFarclas Family Cask Face Off tasting…
1. Glenfarclas Family Cask 1986 – 47.7% – 32 Year – Summer 2018 – Cask 4775 – Refill Sherry Butt – $1100 – 91.8pts Whisky Base – Only 1 Left
2. Glenfarclas Family Cask 1990 – 55.2% – 29 Year – Summer 2020 – Cask 5122 – Sherry Butt – $1150 – 92.33pts Whisky Base – Only 1 Left
3. Glenfarclas Family Cask 1991 – 56.3% – 29 Year – Summer 2020 – Cask 211 – Sherry Butt – $1050 – 89.67pts Whisky Base
4. Glenfarclas Family Cask 1992 – 55.9% – 27 Year – Summer 2020 – Cask 2904 – Sherry Butt – $650 – 89.67pts Whisky Base
5. Glenfarclas Family Cask 1992 – 53.5% – 26 Year – Winter 2018 – Cask 5984 – 4th Fill Butt – $635 – 89.86pts Whisky Base
6. Glenfarclas Family Cask 1998 – 57.9% – 21 Year – Summer 2020 – Cask 7635 – Sherry Butt – $470 – 89.22pts Whisky Base – Only 1 Left!
7. Glenfarclas Family Cask 2001 – 56.5% – 18 Year – Summer 2020 – Cask 3384 – 4th Fill Butt – $435 – 85.71pts Whisky Base
8. Glenfarclas Family Cask 2003 – 58.3% – 17 Year – Summer 2020 – Cask 102 – Sherry Butt – $415 – 90.66pts Whisky Base
WHISKIES ON SALE
You might notice a pattern emerging here. Certain importers keep putting things on sale, presumably to shift slow-moving inventory. Who are we to turn up a great deal? And you can be sure that we will pass on the savings…
There is a PDF linked below highlighting a few of the best deals. The full sale list of Whiskies on Sale can be browsed online. You can find the highlighted items in the PDF below by searching
403-283-8000
888-283-9004
Store Hours
Sunday: 11am – 6pm
Mon – Wed: 10am – 8pm
Thu – Fri: 10am – 9pm
Sat: 10am – 8pm
*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.*
We’re taking a virtual trip to the two cities that inspired our Artist Blend and Glasgow Blend whiskies. And we’d love you to join the adventure. Edinburgh and Glasgow are packed full of amazing sights, tastes and experiences, so this month two of our whiskymakers, Jill Boyd and James Saxon, both with close ties to the cities, will be sharing insider recommendations. Here’s a flavour of what to expect…
GLASGOW. VIBRANT, BOLD AND CHARMINGLY SOCIAL
A mischievous city, a melting pot of edgy comedy and, thanks to The Barrowlands, home of one of the most treasured music venues in the UK. Find excitement in a nerve-jangling view from the Finnieston Crane, an antiques hunt at The Barras or a salted honey ring from Tantrum Doughnuts – a city just as versatile as our Glasgow Blend.
EDINBURGH. INSPIRING, INQUISITIVE AND DELIGHTFULLY ARTISTIC
Descend from the now-extinct volcano Arthur’s Seat and its breath-taking views into a city brimming with creative energy that almost bubbles over during festival season. From the National Monument atop Calton Hill, inspired by the Parthenon in Athens, to must-see sculptures at Jupiter Artland, it’s a true entertainer – just like Artist Blend.
WHAT TO READ NEXT
Keep an eye on our website for the full blogs coming to our Share & Enjoy page next week. In the meantime, tune in to some creative serve tutorials on Instagram where our bartender friends are experimenting with Artist Blend and Glasgow Blend. And there’s our newly launched cocktail page too for even more inspiration.
Share & Enjoy!
The Compass Box Team
SUNSHINE IN A GLASS – THE HIVE AND CLOUDY LEMONADE
Summer signifies long evenings and long drinks. Whisky highballs such as The Hive and Cloudy Lemonade make the perfect summer sippers, showcasing the brilliance of blended malt in mixed drinks. Here, we take a look at the art of blending and the beauty of a blended whisky highball
Blending whisky is an art – and it is a big part of Scotch’s history. The practice was introduced in the 1860s by the ‘godfather’ of blended whisky, Andrew Usher in Edinburgh, and blending helped to put Scotch whisky on the world stage. Today, the biggest Scotch whisky brands on the planet are blends – and they date back to the same era.
Blended malt is just that: a blend of single malt Scotch whiskies from more than one distillery. And the beauty of a blend is that a skilled blender can accentuate certain notes, adding all kinds of nuanced flavours to create a whisky that is versatile. This makes blends a great bet for all kinds of drinks – from sophisticated solo sippers, right through to even the most complex cocktails.
Vibrant blend The Hive’s recipe is divided into three segments: the base, support and signature malts – and the whisky is created using all Speyside malts. Steven Shand, blender at Wemyss Malts explains that the region has a vast amount of single malt variety, including light, nutty, spicy, oily, light fruit, rich fruit, meaty and even smoky characteristics.
“The base of the Hive is made from a variety of Speyside malts to provide a malty, cereal-rich and sweet foundation to the smooth, medium-bodied blend,” he explains. “The support Speyside is richer, with dried fruit flavours and this adds some depth to the blend.”
Lastly, he says that the signature malt is an ester-rich malt with lots of citrus fruits and floral character, thanks to long fermentation times, clear wort, shell and tube condensation and the early cut point of the new make distillation.
“The combination of all of these variations of Speyside whisky lead to a sweetness that we describe as ‘sweet as honey’, as it has depth, richness and both floral and fruity notes,” he says.
At Wemyss, the blended malts are primarily aged in refill casks that showcase the fruity quality of Speyside. This helps with the consistency of the liquid from one year to the next. And it is also part of the fun of blending – first-fill casks, for example, can provide a range of intensity of flavours such as vanilla, coconut and spice. So, it really depends on what a blender is trying to achieve.
When it comes to using a blend like The Hive in mixed drinks, Shand says the aim should be to use a soft drink that matches the sweetness and approachability of the whisky.
“Soda would have diluted and dried out the whisky and ginger beer worked OK, but overwhelmed the whisky,” he says. “A good quality cloudy lemonade really enhances the floral and fruity flavours in the whisky, while matching the same amount of sweetness.”
The latest edition of Hamish’s Hidden Malt:
Win a bottle of Balblair 25 Year Old!
Our giveaway last weekend with Benromach went down so well that we thought we would try it again! This time we have partnered with Balblair – for this weekend only in Hamish’s Hidden Malt giveaway we will be hiding a bottle of Balblair 25 Year Old (worth £525!) in one lucky winner’s order. Purchase either the 12, 15 or 18-year-old 70cl Balblair to enter – simple as that.
Even if your order arrives without the prize you’ll still have a brilliant bottle of Scotch to enjoy regardless!
Distilled at Balblair in Edderton, this Highland single malt has been matured for at least a quarter of a century in American oak ex-bourbon casks and Spanish oak butts, before being bottled at 46% ABV to complete this full-bodied whisky. This 25-year-old expression is the pinnacle of the new Balblair range.
The nose opens with classic Balblair notes of orange and overripe apricots, with dark liquorice, mellow oak and saddle wax. The palate is oily and full bodied with citrus and chocolate pralines atop a hint of tobacco. The dram ends with a long and warming sensation of smooth blood oranges.
Browse the range below and enter before the weekend is over. All orders from now until the end of Sunday 30th May will be in with a chance of winning… Good luck!
Balblair 12 Year Old
+ Hamish’s Hidden Malt Entry
WAS £52.00
NOW £39.95
Buy Now →
Balblair 15 Year Old
+ Hamish’s Hidden Malt Entry
WAS £80.00
NOW £61.80
Balblair 18 Year Old
+ Hamish’s Hidden Malt Entry
WAS £125.00
NOW £99.99
