KWM Whisky Advent Day 20 – Glengoyne 15 Year

Glengoyne was officially founded in 1833, as Burntfoot Distillery by the Edmondson family, who were the areas major landowner. There was distilling taking place on the site for decades before the 1830s. The distillery sits on the edge of the Highlands, its warehouses technically in the Lowlands. A great hill rises behind the distillery, shorn of trees by Scotlands tempestuous climate. It would have provided an excellent vantage point from which to spot the taxman approaching.

The distillery was acquired by the McLelland family in the 1850s and passed on to the Lang brothers of Glasgow in 1876. The changed the distillery’s name to Glen Guin, which was anglicised to Glengoyne in 1905. The distillery was acquired by Robertson & Baxter in 1965. This firm would later become part of the Edrington Group (A Trust) who own Macallan, Highland Park, Glenrothes and Glenturret). It was an important component in their blends.

The distillery’s single malts slowly started to gain a following in the mid-2000s, after it was acquired by Ian Macloed Distillers in 2003. Ian Macleod had and eye to increasing Glengoyne’s exposure as a single malt. The Glengoyne 15 Year, the whisky we are sampling tonight, was introduced in 2012 and has been a staple in our shop ever since. Glengoyne, like Macallan, Glenfarclas and Glendronach, is a whisky predominantly matured in European oak Ex-Sherry.

The distillery’s production, a little over 1 million litres, is small. It’s focus is on quality over quantity, and it is not afraid to take its time. It has very long fermentations and distillations in comparison with other distilleries. The consistency of its spirit profile the most important consideration.

Glengoyne 15 Year – 43% – Cask Specifications: 30% 1st Fill American Oak Bourbon. 20% 1st Fill European Oak Sherry, 50% Hand-selected quality Oak Refill casks. – My Tasting Note: “Nose: English marmalade on burnt toast, firm leather and milk chocolate; creamy and fruity; citrus fruits and new rubber boots in the rain. Palate: big, rich and smooth; loads of caramel, toffee and milk chocolate; Toffifee; more marmalade on burnt toast before heading out in the drizzle in a new pair of rubber boots; the silky fruits follow with tropical tones and dried apricot. Finish: medium, it tapers off but gently lingers. Comment: very easy drinking, complex but not a thinker; the kind of dram you want after a long and exhausting day!” – $90 for 750ml – or – $11 for 50ml!

Raise a dram of Benromach this Christmas 

A bottle of Benromach Speyside single malt scotch whisky is the perfect Christmas gift for friends and family. Benromach has a range of expressions that will suit all tastes, from sweet and fruity to heavily peated. It’s available across price points to suit every budget and has been handcrafted and lovingly matured by the watchful team of four distillers in Speyside. 

For the old school whisky fan 

Matured in a mixture of first fill bourbon barrels and first fill sherry casks, Benromach 10 Years Old is an impeccable dram. It exemplifies the classic pre-1960s Speyside single malt character, with notes of rich sherry, delicate spice, green apples and a touch of light peat smoke. It is the perfect malt for those who enjoy the sweet notes of a traditional Speyside whisky. RRP £34.99.

 

For the whisky connoisseur

A full bodied and complex dram, Benromach 100° Proof will be a welcome Christmas stocking surprise for whisky lovers across the globe. Intense sherry notes lead on the nose, followed by stewed apple, pear and vanilla aromas that give way to delicious toasted malt with an underlying menthol edge. Flavours of cracked black pepper and juicy fresh strawberries and raspberries lead on the palate, before creamy notes of milk chocolate emerge. With a long, rich finish of lingering, subtle smokiness and bonfire embers, it is a sumptuous, festive dram. RRP £49.49.

 

For spice lovers 

With a distinctive golden amber colour thanks to long maturation in sherry and bourbon casks, Benromach 15 Years Old is a stunning dram. Beautifully balanced sherry aromas lead on the nose followed by vanilla and spicy ginger, complemented by delicate chamomile and menthol notes. This is followed by flavours of stewed plum, red apple and the sharp edge of kiwi fruit on the tongue. RRP £51.75.

 

For the sweet toothed whisky lover

The world’s first wholly certified organic single malt whisky, Benromach Organic is a beautifully balanced malt matured in virgin American oak casks. A delightfully sweet and malty dram with vanilla, toffee and banana influences on the nose. Savour the taste of creamy pepper and sweet fruit flavours followed by a dark chocolate edge with a smooth long finish. Organic from start to finish, this rich, fruity and spicy whisky is the finest choice for a luxury after dinner dram in front of the fire. RRP £37.75.

 

For the fan of seriously smoky whiskies

The seriously smoky taste of Benromach Peat Smoke is a unique gift for fans of peated whisky. Sweet vanilla, honey and cured meat aromas combine with hints of apricot and lemon and a subtle tobacco note, followed by the rich flavours of cracked pepper, sweet strawberry and orange, hints of aniseed and the lingering edge of bonfire embers. A wonderfully fruity and smoky single malt whisky, perfect on a cold Christmas evening. RRP £37.99.

For further information on Benromach, and to explore the wide range of expressions available alongside stockist information, please visit www.benromach.com.

Introducing…The Cask Club

Just in time for the holidays, we’ve launched the perfect gift for your favorite whisky lover, the Virginia Distillery Company Cask Club.  Purchase a share of a cask and enjoy the journey as the whisky ages.

CLUB MEMBERS RECEIVE:

A 10th of a cask, which guarantees 24 (750ML) bottles of American Single Malt aged in ex-Bourbon casks, aged 4 years

A complimentary tour and tasting for two people

Your name on the “Cask Club” wall at Virginia Distillery Company

Bottled whisky will have an extra label with your name on it

Price: $995 + $49.45 tax    (Retail Value: $1,735)

JOIN THE CLUB

The order is sold through Schneider’s of Capitol Hill and a representative from Schneider’s will be in touch within 2-4 business days to fully confirm the order. The whisky will be available for pick-up or shipping through Schneider’s in DC after bottling.

Please contact casksociety@vadistillery.com for more information

The Malt Messenger 2017 Christmas Gift Guide

There are just 6 shopping days left until Christmas, and that means it is time for the Malt Messenger Christmas Gift Guide… If you need help finding the perfect whisky for entertaining or as a gift, we’ve got you covered. We have a great selection of gift packs, and tons of miniature whiskies. We have also provided or top 5 suggestions by price. Everything from under $75 to the Sky’s the Limit!

Wherever you are reading this. On behalf of myself, and my wonderful team here at Kensington Wine Market, I hope you have a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, and a Safe & Prosperous New Year!

Sláinte!

Andrew Ferguson

Kensington Wine Market

 

Special Offers

1. Mackinlays The Journey: The Shackleton Whisky Volume 2 – We were offered a special price to clear out the last of the Mackinlays the Journey, and we are passing it on to our customers. The whisky is a replica of that which Sir Ernest Shackleton took with him to Antarctica during his 1907 expedition. It is creamy, fruity and subtly smoky. Of the 168 bottles we bought, fewer than 40 are left at the time of writing! – Was $205 – Now $150, while stocks last!
2. Berry’s 25 Year KWM Single Barrel Blend – Our first exclusive cask of Blended Scotch Whisky, bottled for our 25th Anniversary. Andrew sampled 6 different single casks of 25 year old Blended Scotch Whisky in May of 2016. The whiskies had been blended, put back into barrels to marry, and then forgotten. Andrew selected cask number 46572 to be bottled exclusively for KWM, as a 25th Anniversary bottling. The whisky was acquired by Berry Bros. & Rudd in barrel, and is a mystery. Bottled at 46%. Just 222 bottles. – $200 – SAVE 25% Through Christmas!

Gift Packs

1. Tomatin Gift Pack – 3x50ml – 12, 15 & 18 Years – $29
2. Teeling Gift Pack – 3x50ml – Single Grain, Small Batch & Single Malt – $35
3. Wee Whisky Gift Box Small – 4x50ml + Glass – A secret selection of 4 whiskies and a glencairn glass! – $45
4. Glenmorangie Gift Pack – 4x50ml – Original, Lasanta, Quinta Ruban & Nectar D’Or – $55
5. Kilchoman Twin Gift Pack – 2x200ml – Kilchoman Sanaig & Machir Bay – $75
6. Bruichladdich Wee Laddie Pack – 3x200ml
7. Wee Whisky Gift Box Large – 8x50ml + Glass – A secret selection of 8 whiskies and a glencairn glass! – $90
8. Scotch Malt Whisky Society Membership Kit – Membership to the World’s largest whisky club comes with a notebook, pin, 3x100ml single cask, cask strength, single malt whiskies and so much more. www.smws.ca . – $230

Under $75

1. Dillon’s Rye Whisky – Fantastic price, better packaging, a great product at the price, and a distillery to keep an eye on! – $36
2. New York Distilling Ragtime Rye – A pre-Prohibition style American rye, made with New York grain, and an homage to the era’s whiskey cocktail culture. – $66
3. Deanston 12 Year – This was a hit in the early days of the 2017 KWM Whisky Advent Calendar, and is a bargain for the price. – $70
4. Nikka From the Barrel – Still one of the best value whiskies on the market, a high proof and very complex Japanese blend. – $62
5. Compass Box Great King Street Glasgow – A more sherried and slightly peatier offering than the regular GKS, a bit grittier like Glasgow itself! – $59

Under $100

1. The Ileach Cask Strength – Still one of our best value single malts, this mystery malt (Lagavulin) is both sherried and cask strength. You can’t beat the price. – $80
2. Ardbeg Warehouse Pack – The closest any of us will ever get to owning a warehouse full of whisky. Comes with an Ardbeg 10 Year. – $83
3. Elements of Islay Ci8 – We love the branding of the Elements of Islay whiskies, and the whiskies even more. This is a small batch cask strength Caol Ila, and it is delish! – $87
4. Shelter Point Montfort Lot 141 Single Grain – The closest analogy is probably Irish single pot still whisky, rather than Scottish grain. Regardless this is delicious, and you need one! – $88
5. Wyoming Wild Rose Country Single Barrel Bourbon – Easily my favourite Bourbon in the store, they hit it out of the park with this single barrel. Decadent & spicy, more coming on Wednesday!!! – $92

Under $150

1. Blanton’s Gold Bourbon – Is Blanton’s the next Pappy? Allocations are getting tighter and tighter, but we’ve secured enough to get us through the Holidays. This is one of the finest whiskies made by Buffalo Trace! – $102
2. Dailuaine 2004 KWM Cask – Our final single cask of 2017 is our first from the Dailuaine Distillery. Very floral with loads of white fruits, vanilla and floral tones. – $120
3. Arran 1996 KWM Cask 964 – One of two 20 year old Sherry Hogshead matured Arrans we bottled this fall. This is the less sherried of the two, and somewhat counterintuitively it is also my favourite. – $150
4. Arran 1996 KWM Cask 1649 – This is the more sherried of the two casks, and the one that looks likely to sell out first. Only 40 bottles left. – $150
5. Tomatin 1996 KWM Cask – Our first ever single cask from Tomatin is flying off the shelves. Finished for 5 years in a PX Sherry Puncheon it is so jammy you’ll want to spread it on toast! – $150

Under $200

1. Compass Box Kensington Wine Market 25th Anniversary Blend – There is no other whisky in the store I am more proud of than our Compass Box blend. Getting to work with John Glaser on it was the experience of a lifetime. It is beautiful whisky, and has sold for over 3 times our retail price at auction in the UK! – $160
2. Craigellachie 17 Year – Like the rest of the distillery range this is a phenomenol whisky. If you haven’t tried it, you must! – $173
3. Elements of Islay Oc4 – This whisky has one of my sommeliers spinning around in circles saying things like: tight, insane and sicko… these are all compliments. – $190
4. Old Malt Cask Bowmore 21 Year KWM Cask – This is the Bowmore you are looking for, and it only took us 10 years of searching to find it. Sadly there are just a little over 60 bottles left! – $200
5. Kilchoman 2007 KWM Cask 10 Year – Our first ever 10 year old Kilchoman single cask, is the oldest Kilchoman ever to be sold in Canada. It does not disappoint. – $200

Under $250

1. Cadenhead Glen Moray 1992 KWM 25th Anniversary – If you are in search of a light, complex and satisfying malt, you would be hard pressed to do better than this. It is also superb value for a 25 year old! – $205
2. anCnoc 24 Year – Another excellent value old single malt, the anCnoc 24 Year is bottled at 46% after maturing in sherry and bourbon casks. – $210
3. Kavalan Solist Peaty Cask – Matured in casks which had previously matured a peated Islay single malt, the Kavalan Solist Peaty is a cask strength, single cask whisky, and my favourite recent release from the distillery. – $215
4. Redbreast 21 Year – Hands down my favourite Irish whiskey. This single pot still Irish whiskey is very well priced for its age, there is a severe shortage of older whiskies. – $220
5. Compass Box The Double Single 2017 – Those who say simplicity is the ultimate sophistication would find comfort in this elegant Compass Box Blend. One single malt and one grain, doesn’t get any simpler than that! – $250

Under $300

1. Adelphi Bowmore 1997 – A big sherried Bowmore, single cask and cask strength. Only 18 bottles came in to the shop! – $280
2. Glenfarclas 25 Year KWM Cask Strength – At just $20 more than the regular Glenfarclas 25 Year, this is phenomenal value. Rich, layered and elegant. – $285
3. Kavalan Solist Vinho Celebrating Canada Cask – A more delicate and nuanced twist on the Vinho that was named World Whisky of the Year. We think it is even better, and it is exclusive to Canada! – $285
4. Ledaig 19 Year Marsala Finish – Only 24 bottles of this whisky found their way exclusively to KWM. Ashy, fruity and honeyed with earthy spices. – $285
5. Amrut Greedy Angels 8 Year – This heavenly malt is one of the oldest Amruts ever bottled. It is sublime. – $300

Under $500

1. Archives Bladnoch 1990 – The label, from the “Fishes of Samoa” line is unique, and the whisky more so. Light, tropical and smooth. – $340
2. Cadenhead Creations 1980 Rich Fruity Sherry – Don’t think Blended Scotch has anything to offer to single malt aficionados? This creative blend will set you straight. – $350
3. Springbank 21 Year 2015 – The best 21 year old we’ve seen from Springbank in years, getting close to as good as the legendary 21 year olds releases in the early 2000s. – $385
4. Cadenhead Small Batch Mortlach 1987 – Just over 1/3 the price of the distillery bottled 25 year old, but cask strength, 30 years old, and a much better whisky! – $425 – Only 2 left! 
5. Berry’s 40 Year KWM 25th Anniversary Blend – Quite simply put this a bargain for a 40 year old whisky that tastes like the middle aged love child of Macallan & Highland Park that it is. Malt heavy, we’re not sure if there is any grain in this at all – $430

Under $800

1. Glendronach Batch 15 1990 – You could have 3 of these for the price of a Macallan 25 Year, and this is bottled at cask strength. Only a handful left. – $590 – Only 1 left! 
2. Laphroaig 25 Year 2016 – The best of the vintage 25 year old we’ve seen from the distillery in 3 or 4 years. Update packaging too. – $670
3. G&M Rare Old Littlemill 1991 – Are Littlemill bottlings the next Brora or Port Ellen? If so this is the best priced Littlemill there is. – $700 – Only 2 left! 
4. Kavalan Solist Moscatel – Part of Kavalans premium lineup, this single cask, cask strength Taiwanese whisky was matured in Ex-Moscatel sherry casks. – $580
5. Glenmorangie Grand Vintage Malt 1990 – The replacement for the Quarter Century is still 25 years old, but will now be sourced from a single vintage. The first is 1990 and it is lovely. Very fruity, layered, elegant and smooth. – $785

Under $1200

1. Ardbeg Twentysomething 23 Year – The oldest Ardbeg to come to Canada since the legendary Ardbeg Double Barrel. This whisky is exclusively available to Ardbeg Committee members! – $875
2. Highland Park 30 Year – One of my favourite whiskies for over a decade now, we haven’t seen this in a long time. – $960
3. Cadenhead Small Batch Convalmore 1977 40 Year – Releases as a part of Cadenhead’s 175^th Anniversary Small Batch release. Only 18 bottles have come to Canada. – $1000 – Just 1 left!
4. BenRiach Batch 13 1977 Cask 3111 – Bottled at an extremely low cask strength of 43.1% after finishing in a Tawny Port Hogshead. – $1050
5. Glenfarclas 1981 Family Collection – The oldest ever Port Matured Glenfarclas was bottled in honour of the late George S Grant. – $1100 – Only 1 left! 

Sky’s The Limit

1. Laphroaig 27 Year – At least partly matured in Quarter casks, this 27 year old Laphroaig has an extremely low cask strength due to the barrel mix. – $1430
2. Laphroaig 30 Year – This is a stunning malt bottled last year, a step up on the 32 year old released the year before. – $1450
3. Macllan 25 Year – We only see these a few times a year! – $1600
4. G&M Rare Old Port Ellen 1980 – This is the best priced Port Ellen we have seen in year, and it is excellent. – $1900 – Only 1 left! 
5. Ardbeg 1815– Less than a handful of bottles of one of the rarest Ardbegs ever bottled are coming to Canada. Bottled to celebrate Ardbeg’s 200^th Anniversary. – $8000

 

2018 MS Calgary Whisky Festival Update 

Tickets more than half sold out!

Calgary’s biggest and best whisky festival is just a little over 5 weeks away, and we have an exciting lineup this year. The event will take place again at Arts Commons, in the Foyer of the Jack Singer Concert Hall on Thursday February 18 2017. We are expecting a sell out crowd of 550 participants, with a range of 250+ whiskies for sampling. There are also Master Classes and a VIP Hour available for a little extra. Last year’s event was a massive success, raising over $50,000.00 for the MS Society.

There are three classes of tickets available.

1. VIP Early Entry – Includes the VIP Hour and Cut Crystal Glencairn Tasting Glass – $175 – Only 51 Left
2. VIP Early Entry with VIP Master Class – Includes the VIP Hour, Cut Crystal Glencairn Tasting Glass & a VIP Master Old Pulteney Master Class (5:00) Including the 35 Year and soon to be Launched 25 Year & 1983 Vintage – $200 – Only 17 Left
3. General Admission – 6:30 Includes a standard Glencarin Tasting Glass – $125

There are also two Master Classes:

Tickets are available exclusively through the MS Society www.calgarywhiskyfestival.ca for more information or click here if you would like to jump straight to purchasing tickets!

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 and don’t include GST. In the case of discrepancies in pricing, the price in our in store point of sale will be taken as correct.

Thanks for reading the Malt Messenger.

Slainte!

Andrew Ferguson

Owner & Scotchguy

Kensington Wine Market

403-283-8000

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Kensington Wine Market

403-283-8000

KWM Whisky Advent 2017 Day 20 – G&M Auchroisk 2005

We have our second Connoisseurs Choice whisky of KWM Whisky Advent 2017 tonight, for Day 20 we are featuring the Gordon Macphail Auchroisk 2005. We’ll get into the whisky, but first a little about Gordon Macphail. The firm opened its doors for the first time on the 24th May 1895 as reported in the Elgin Courant: “in New, Centrical, and Commodious Premises, No’s 38 and 40 South Street… a Family Grocers, Tea, Wine & Spirit Merchants”. The firm was founded by James Gordon and John Alexander MacPhail, and one of their first employees was a 15 year old John Urquhart. One of his jobs was to help select and purchase casks of malt whisky for the shop. John also helped create house blends for the firm’s many customers in the north of Scotland.

When Mr. MacPhail retired in March of 1915 John Urquhart was made a partner. Two weeks later he became the senior partner when James Gordon suddenly passed away. The business has been in the Urquhart family ever since, currently in its 4th generation. John continued to grow the whisky brokering side of the business begun by James Gordon and began filling his own casks of whisky from distilleries across Scotland. This is a practice the firm continues to this day, setting them apart from other independent bottlers. Most of the casks were Ex-Sherry casks acquired by the firm through their wine business. John Urquhart also began the practice of laying down stocks of whisky for extended periods of time, an uncommon practice.

John’s three children joined him in his business beginning in the 1930s with George and Betty in 1933 and Gordon in 1950. By the 1950′s Gordon & MacPhail had the largest range of bottled whisky held by any firm in the world. Few distilleries bottled their own whiskies as single malts in that day. In the 1960s distilleries like Glenfiddich, Glenlivet, Macallan, Glenmorangie and Bowmore began bottling their own single malts and promoting them globally. During the same period George Urquhart released a new line of single malts under the Connoisseurs Choice range which caught on very quickly in markets across Western Europe and the US.

About the Connoisseurs Choice line (Courtesy Gordon Macphail): “In the 1960s George Urquhart, one of the first of four generations of the Urquhart family to shape the future of Gordon & MacPhail, pioneered a range of single malt Scotch whiskies, which he selected, matured, and bottled. In doing so, he effectively invented a category in a market previously focused entirely on blended whiskies. The ‘Connoisseurs Choice’ range broke innovative new ground, giving a platform to many of Scotland’s single malt distilleries from across all regions, some of which had never before been bottled as a single malt. Over the past five decades, we have maintained our belief that every distillery has a personality of its own. The collection of whiskies in the ‘Connoisseurs Choice’ range is constantly evolving, aiming always to highlight the unique characteristics of the individual distilleries.”

Auchroisk distillery was built in 1974 by J&B (Justerini & Brooks), located in the heart of the Speyside, in the hills between Rothes & Keith. Auchroisk is a whisky almost never seen, save from independent bottlers like Gordon & MacPhail. Its pronunciation, “oth-rusk”, is also a bit challenging for many. The distillery is owned today by Diageo and is primarily produced for blends.

Gordon Macphail Connoisseurs Choice Auchroisk 2005 – 46% – Refill American Oak Hogsheads – Andrew’s Tasting Note: “Nose: very honeyed, vanilla cream liqueur, sandalwood, woodshop dust and a bag full of assorted Jelly Bellys; fresh cut wet grass and chocolate Jell-O pudding cups. Palate: round, creamy, malty and toasty; loads of wood: freshly sanded maple, singed oak and sandalwood incense; still honeyed, fruit candies and Jell-O pudding. Finish: light, fresh, floral and malty. Comment: Auchroisk does well in Ex-Bourbon, more so than Sherry IMHO; sadly this is not a whisky we will have for sale in minis or full size bottles; it is a WAC exclusive!” – $N/A

Hidden in the dense melting pot of Speyside, there lies several hidden and unknown gems, this little bottle is one of them. Glen Elgin, a distillery that is not only underrated but also misunderstood. Diageo own a whole host of distilleries and this guy, a long with Clynelish, Dailuaine and North British go under he radar to nearly all whisky drinkers. This is an easy contender for the big sherry crown that is normally held by Glenfarclas, Macallan and Dalmore, but much more affordable although not easily available. As you may be able to tell, i’m quite a fan of this distillery and hopefully, if you get your hands on it, you will be as well! Cheers!

https://youtu.be/eUEaCTiE6ak

Malt Messenger No. 82 – The Last Full Malt Messenger of 2017;

It may not feel like it, but Winter is Coming, as is Christmas for that matter. Balmy though it may be out there, we are in fact in the holiday homestretch. There are, in the parlance, but 11 shopping days left until Christmas… Our promised Christmas music moratorium from the last Malt Messenger is over. We are now well into the month, and the speakers are crooning with Bing Crosby, Michael Bubble and yes even Mariah Carey. If you hear non Christmas themed music in the shop it is probably Evan’s fault so feel free to blame (or thank) him.

Lots of new whisky and other spirits to tell you about in the last Full Malt Messenger of 2017. First, an update on the Kensington Wine Market 2017 Whisky Advent Calendar. We did sell out in late November, however, we actually held 2 back in case of a clerical error. So, we have 2 Whisky Advent calendars available, first come, first serve, for $375+gst. I would suggest calling, 403-283-8000 if you would like one of them, rather than ordering online or wandering into the shop. If you haven’t been following along, we have been posting about the Kensington Wine Market 2017 Whisky Advent whiskies every day of advent on our blog.  

I also have an update on the 2018 MS Calgary Whisky Festival. We are just a little over 5 weeks away from the 7th Annual event. Last year’s Festival raised $50,000.00 for the MS Society. This years event is close to 60% sold. It will feature more than 200 whiskies. More details below.

Stuck for a great gift idea? We have been given a very good deal to clear out the inventory of the Mackinlay’s The Journey, Shackleton Whisky 2nd Edition, and we are passing it on to our customers. The whisky, which originally sold for $205 is available for $150 while supplies last. We bought the last 168 bottles, and in just a few days more than 100 of them have already sold! Lots more details and a link to some videos below.

The staff have been impatiently waiting for our latest Kilchoman cask, which finally arrived at the distillery this past Friday. The Kilchoman 2007 KWM 25th Anniversary Cask is our 6th from the small island distillery. It is not only the oldest Kilchoman we’ve ever bottled, but at 10 years of age, it is also the oldest Kilchoman to ever be sold in Canada! It is so savoury and lush. This is the mature Kilchoman that we all knew would emerge someday, and it would seem the future is now! More details below.

Yesterday we received what we expect will be our final exclusive cask of 2017, the Cadenhead Dailuaine 2004 KWM Cask. This 12 year old is just our 2nd ever exclusive cask from Cadenhead, Scotland’s oldest independent bottler, and our first ever exclusive single cask of Dailuaine. It is very fresh, creamy and floral. More details below.

Looking for a quick and easy whisky gift? We have put together the 2017 KWM Wee Whisky Gift Boxes. These ready to gift boxes include a Glencairn glass, and a selection of 50ml whiskies. The 4 bottle box is $45, and a savings of $13. The 8 bottle box is $90 and a savings of $20. More details below.

On the new whiskies front we have a new limited edition Springbank, the Springbank 14 Year Bourbon Wood. There are also two new limited edition Kilchomans: the Kilchoman 2009 Vintage and Red Wine Cask Matured (limit 1 per customer). We are also expecting tomorrow a new vintage of the Gordon Macphail Distillery Label Imperial, 1997.

If you are looking to spend some big bucks, there is a serious new Ardbeg available. The Ardbeg 1815 is the other 200th Anniversary Ardbeg release, a grand total of 400 bottles of which were released in 2015. For the first two years it was exclusive distillery visitor center, it has just been released to us. There is also a very limited 39 year old Benromach 1977 Heritage single cask release. Fewer bottles of each whisky have come to Alberta, than fingers on a single hand. More details below.

There are also new whiskies from Edradour, the Ballechin, Orphan Barrel and Glenmorangie. Lots to digest.

It has I hope you enjoy this full 82nd edition of the Malt Messenger.

Sláinte!

In This Edition

1. Special Offer: Mackinlay’s The Journey (AKA Shackleton Whisky Vol. 2)
2. Introducing Our 1st 10 Year KWM Exclusive Kilchoman Cask
3. Introducing Our Cadenhead Dailuaine 2004 KWM Cask
4. Introducing Our 2nd KWM / Last Best Collaboration Gin
5. Wee Whisky Christmas Gift Boxes
6. SAVE 25% on These 2 KWM 25th Anniversary Favourites!
7. Introducing Springbank Bourbon 14 Year
8. Two New Limited Kilchomans
9. Introducing Gordon Macphail Distillery Label Imperail 1997
10. Introducing: Ardbeg 1815
11. Introducing: Benromach Heritage 1977
12. Two Massive New Edradours
13. Introducing: The Orphan Barrel Entrapment 25 Year
14. Glenmorangie Bacalta is Here!
15. Calgary MS Festival Update

Andrew Ferguson

Kensington Wine Market

PS – Don’t forget you can follow me on Twitter:

@scotch_guy, Instagram: @thescotch_guy/

or @kwmwhisky and Facebook: facebook.com/scotch.guy.1

Special Offer: Mackinlay’s “The Journey” AKA The Shackleton Whisky Vol 2 

SAVE Over 25% on the Original Retail Price 

We have been offered a substantial discount to move the last of this whisky. Orginally priced at $205 it is now $150! 

This is the second batch of the Mackinlay’s Rare Old, also known as the Shackleton Whisky. The original release was exclusive Kensington and one of our best ever selling whiskies. The whisky is a replica of the one Shackleton’s 1907 expedition took to Antarctic. The expedition abandoned some of their whisky under their hut, where it remained undiscovered until 2007.

Three crates of whisky had to be abandoned to the Antarctic winter in 1907. They were discovered a few short years ago, and two of the bottles were given to Whyte and MacKay, owners of the rights to the MacKinlays brand. Their master blender Richard Patterson, known as “nose” – has painstakingly recreated the whiskies by blending together a number of Highland whiskies.

Mackinlay’s “The Journey” – 47.1% – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Nose: Soft, elegant and refined. Delicate crushed apple, pear and fresh pineapple. Notes of oak shavings and smoke. Hints of vanilla, creamy caramel and nutmeg. Palate: Plenty of impact on the palate; a tantalising array of flavours,harmonious and exhilarating.” – $150

About the Packaging: Box: A unique, stand-out hexagonal “shipping case” with an open “see me” window on the front panel. The raffia-encasing of the product is reminiscent of the original straw-bound bottles discovered in the Antartic. A holographic badge issues authenticity.

The Bottle: A painstaking process was followed to ensure all bubbles and imperfections in the original were replicated. In effect, the glass manufacturer turned off all the modern-day quality controls.

Label Set: All lettering was meticulously drawn by hand to ensure a perfect match to the original. Paperstocks were selected to perform as the original stocks of over a century ago.

Order a bottle here!

 

Introducing Out 1st 10 Year KWM Exclusive Kilchoman Cask 

The First 10 Year Kilchoman to be Sold in Canada! 

Our first exclusive 10-year-old single cask of Kilchoman whisky. It is also the first 10 Year Old Kilchoman to be sold in Canada! Bottled at 56.6% after maturing in an Ex-Bourbon barrel. There are just 212 bottles. This is our 6th exclusive cask from Kilchoman, selected by the whisky team at KWM and bottled to mark our 25th Anniversary!

Kilchoman 2007 KWM 25th Anniversary 10 Year – 56.6% – Ex-Bourbon Barrel – My Tasting Note: “Nose: creamy, decadent and briny with a whiff of smoke from the coals of a smouldering beach fire; classic Kilchoman fresh lemon, goat cheese and Old English Butterscotch; smoked mussels and pan seared scallops. Palate: big, sweet, oily and malty; sweet vanilla and butterscotch morph into tendrils of vanilla, chewy malt and tarry-medicinal-peat; more lemon and goat cheese, firm toasted oak, fennel and Dutch licorice; underneath it all a thick layer of ripe orchard fruits. Finish: bold, long and rich yet smooth and so so salty: more Dutch licorice, juicy malt and tarry-peat; the smouldering beach fire returns with some sweet vanilla, lemon and orchard fruit. Comment: we are honoured that Anthony Wills was willing to share one of these precious early vintage Kilchomans will us; bottled just days past its 10th birthday!” – $200

 

Introducing Cadenhead Deanston 2004 KWM Cask 

Our second ever exclusive cask from Cadenhead, and our first ever Deanston! 

Our 1st ever KWM exclusive single cask of Dailuaine, and our 2nd cask from WM Cadenhead. The whisky has been bottled at 55.9% after maturing 12 year in a very active Refill Hogshead. This whisky was featured on Day 1 of our 2017 Whisky Advent Calendar.

Cadenhead Dailuaine 2004 KWM Cask – 55.9% – 12 Year – Bourbon Hogshead – My Tasting Note:  “Nose: soft fruity and cream; waxy with loads of white chocolate, fresh cut flowers and glazed croissants; notes of melon and apricot with Marcona almonds and a touch of white pepper. Palate: round, creamy and fruity with a hint of salt and building spice; very lush and rich for a refill Hogshead at this age; juicy malt, more melon and apricots, glazed croissants and poached pear with a dab of blue cheese; loads of white chocolate, almonds, honey and toasted oak. Finish: long, fruity and floral with loads of white chocolate, toasted oak spice, fading soft fruits and salt. Comment: this is a rare example of a cask we bottled from a single sample… I think the lads at Cadenhead knew we were going to love it; they were not wrong!” – $120

Wee Whisky Christmas Gift Boxes

A Ready to Go Whisky Gift at Two Price Points 

For the third year in a row we have put together a pair of Wee Whisky gift boxes. Both include a KWM Glencairn Glass and either 4 or 8 50ml whiskies. The Small Wee Whisky Gift Box, with 4 bottles, sells for $45 (a savings of $3), and the Large Wee Whisky Gift Box, with 8 bottles, sells for $90 (a savings of $20).

1. Wee Whisky Gift Box Small – $45
2. Wee Whisky Gift Box Large – $90

*Please note, not suitable for shipping.

 

SAVE On These Two KWM 25th Anniversary Favourites 

Save 25% on our 25th Anniversary Tawny Port and 25 Year Berry’s Blend 

We have two KWM 25th Anniversary Exclusives on special until Christmas, our 20 Year Tawny Port and our Berry’s 25 Year Blend.

1.  Berry’s 25 Year KWM Single Barrel Blend – 46% – Our first exclusive cask of Blended Scotch Whisky, bottled for our 25th Anniversary. Andrew sampled 6 different single casks of 25 year old Blended Scotch Whisky in May of 2016. The whiskies had been blended, put back into barrels to marry, and then forgotten. Andrew selected cask number 46572 to be bottled exclusively for KWM, as a 25th Anniversary bottling. The whisky was acquired by Berry Bros. & Rudd in barrel, and is a mystery. Bottled at 46%. Just 222 bottles. – My Tasting Note: Nose: beeswax, creamy vanilla, white fruits and floral rose petals; marcona almonds, juicy citrus, honeydew melon and Jujubes; silky, soft and smooth. Palate: very silky, creamy and fruity, decadent and rich; then the spices roll in like a wave boldly but evenly breaking all the way down a beach; more Jujubes, tropical fruits, creamy vanilla, beeswax and creamed heather honey; still nutty with bright juicy orange, floral tones, marcona almonds and more honeydew melon; lovely mouthfeel. Finish: long, coating, creamy, decadent and spicy; lush, floral and creamy with fading fruits and decadent tones. Comment: a stunningly beautiful blend, layered, tropical and fruity; a very fitting 25th Anniversary bottling for our shop, but don’t take our word for it, pop in for a taste!” – Regular $200 – Now $150 (Until Christmas)
2. KWM 25th Anniversary 20 Year Tawny Port – 20% – Andrew blended this tawny port with the help of the experts at Taylor Fladgate to be bottled for our 25th Anniversary. his 20 Year Tawny 25th Anniversary celebration Port comes from Taylor Fladgate’s cellars in Vila Nova di Gaia.  The blend was created especially for KWM and the average age of the tawny in the blend is 20 years old.  Approved by the Port Wine Institute, as all things Port must be, we are just tickled port to be able to offer this special bottle to all of our loyal customers. The color is bright and lively amber showing characteristic brown caramel tones on heh rim. The nose offers dry white raisins and stewed prunes with brandied cherries and dark chocolate. The taste is lovely and subtle, good acidity, some nice walnut hues, and picks up on the Christmas cake spice theme. – Regular $70 – Now $52.50 (Until Christmas)

 

Introducing the Springbank 14 Year Bourbon Wood 

Only 9000 Bottles Released with a Tiny Fraction of that  for Alberta 

A new Bourbon matured limited edition release of Springbank. Bottled at 55.8%. 9000 bottles released Worldwide!

Springbank 14 Year Bourbon Wood – 55.8% – Matured in Ex-Bourbon – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Nose: This unique Campbeltown Malt starts off with cream, vanilla extract and yogurt. Salted popcorn, toffee and marshmallows follow the ever present creaminess. American cream soda, sugar doughnuts, with a heathery influence. Palate: Yogurt and thick cream continue from the nose with an introduction of honey, syrup and liquorice. Gentle notes and sweet apples, almonds and dried bananas. A light dusting of icing sugar and lemon zest. Finish: A touch of smoke and dry peat builds with a gentle sea breeze from Campbeltown Loch. Briny and light mineral flavours complete this excellent dram.” – $122

 

Two New Limited Edition Kilchomans 

Available in Very Limited Quantities 

The two latest limited editions from the tiny Islay distillery of Kilchoman are here. The first, a 2009 vintage of Kilchoman is only the 4th released in recent years, beginning with the 2006. Unlikely the previous vintages it is not a true 2009 vintage as a few older casks from 2008 were also added to give greater depth! Most of the whisky is from first fill and refill Ex-Bourbon, with three Oloroso Sherry Butts also used. 46%. The other is the latest Kilchoman wine cask release, this one from a parcel of Portugese red wine casks. Only 90 of the 7000 bottles released are coming to Alberta!

1.  Kilchoman Red Wine – 50% – Matured in Red Wine Casks – Distiller’s Tasting Note: Nose: Buttery and creamy with peat smoke lingering in the background. Palate: Sweet and rounded with bitter chocolate, licorice and integrated peat smoke. Finish: Clean and sweet with a rich texture and long finish. – $140 – 1 per customer!
2. Kilchoman 2009 – 46% – Ex-Bourbon & Sherry – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Nose: lemon, citrus and butterscotch notes are prominent with soft peaty aromas in the background. Palate: soft sweetness first and peat smoke and ripe fruit notes following. Finish: long, clean and sweet with peat smoke and soft fruits at the end.” – $118

 

 

Introducing: Gordon Macphail Distillery Label Imperial 1997  

Is Imperial the next closed distillery to suffer Whiskyflation?! 

Imperial is likely to be the next closed distillery whisky to fall victim to out of control Whiskyflation. I am by the way claiming credit for that word… Imperial was closed in 1998 and demolished in 2013 after it was discovered the distillery was not in good enough condition to reopen. The very modern “green distillery” Dalmunach was built in its place!

Gordon Macphail Imperial 1997 – 43% – First Fill & Refill Sherry – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose without Water Sweet Sherry influences with vanilla, red apple, and dried fruit aromas. Plum and chopped walnut notes develop lifted by a touch of lemon peel. Palate without Water Sweet initially followed by cracked black pepper, orange, and hints of chocolate. Liquorice undertones mingle with charred oak on the finish. Nose with Water Aromas of prunes in syrup, raspberry, and cocoa powder combine with brown sugar. A subtle crystallised rose petal note is detected. Palate with Water Sweet and creamy with hints of cinnamon spice, dried cherry, and orange flavours mingle with chocolate on the tongue. A subtle hint of leather leads to oak on the finish. Body Medium. Finish Long and fruity with lingering spice.” – $275

 

Introducing: Ardbeg 1815 

The Other 200th Anniversary Ardbeg Bottling 

It has taken more than 2 years to find their way to Canada, but the Ardbeg 1815 is finally here. KWM has access to just 2 bottles. This whisky was released on Ardbeg Day 2015 to mark the distillery’s 200th Anniversary. Unlike the Perpetuum which was a global release, the 400 bottles produced of the Ardbeg 1815 were initially only available at the distillery. When I asked how many had come to Canada, I was told: “Less than a handful!” by the importer. Details on the whisky are somewhat scarce. It was bottled at 33 years of age and 50.1% after maturing in Ex-Bourbon and Ex-Sherry. The whiskies were distilled in 1974 and 1975 and spent 8 years “marrying” in glass vessels to preserve the spirit.

About the Whisky (From the Producer): “Created from two parcels of stock laid down in during a period when Ardbeg was saved twice from oblivion – the diverse aromas and tastes of Ardbeg 1815 perfectly encapsulate the single malt’s irreplaceable island spirit. A few years after these whisky parcels were distilled, the Distillery entered the most turbulent period in its history closing between 1981-1989.  Ardbeg closed it’s door again in 1996, perhaps forever.  Thankfully, a small number of casks were saved by those who prized the spirit and believed Ardbeg would be resurrected, which it was in 1997. In 2008 the precious whisky held within these casks once again required protection, as Dr Bill Lumsden identified that the casks ‘had reached their best’ and rather than sacrifice the whisky to the angels or to other effects of age, bottled the liquid to preserve its perfection, decanting by hand so not a drop was lost. The whisky has been held at the Distillery ever since, awaiting an occasion worthy of its release.”

Ardbeg 1815 – 50.1% – Matured in Ex-Bourbon 1975 and Ex-Sherry 1975 – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Nose: A beautiful fragrance of sweet wood smoke to start with, interwoven with a pungent aroma  reminiscent of rum and raisin ice cream. Then comes an array of scents from the bakery, croissants, brioche and freshly baked bread. Befitting a whisky of this vintage, rich notes and dark chocolate truffle are encountered, along with black cherry and aniseed. Taste: A texture which is creamy and smooth carries into a breath-taking spectrum of flavours, jasmine and Lapsang Souchong teas, abundant sweet toffee notes, a cornucopia of spices (cinnamon, star anise, pepper & mixed spice) and juicy ripe Seville oranges. The smoke is almost unbelievably well integrated, persisting through the sumptuous taste experience, yet never overpowering the other myriad and complex flavours. Finish: Long, with an abundance of raisins and dates. A finish as sweet as the memories it leaves behind.” – $8000

 

Introducing Benromach 1977 Heritage 

Only 3 Bottles Coming to Alberta 

Only 3 bottles are coming to Alberta of this limited edition 39 year old whisky! Distilled in 1977 the whisky was matured in a single cask, 1268, a Refill American Oak Hogshead. It maintained an impressive 56% abv!

Benromach 1977 – 56% – Refill American Oak Hogshead 1268 – Producer Tasting Note: “Pour your dram of Benromach 1977, cask number 1268, and prepare your senses to encounter an experience as rare as this gorgeous whisky. First, lift your glass to the light and appreciate the beautiful dark gold hue created by lingering for 39 years in a single Refill American Hogshead as the whisky grew and matured in character. Take a short inhalation, savouring the AROMAS WITHOUT WATER… enjoy the vibrant notes of sweet honey, apricot conserve, orange zest and butterscotch, mingling with developing hints of toasted oak and a delicate menthol edge. Now take a sip. Savour the sweetness leading to a touch of pepper on the tongue followed by notes of ripe banana and luscious passion fruit. Citrus undertones and dried tobacco mingle with toasted oak leading to a fresh menthol finish. Add A FEW DROPS OF WATER and take time to enjoy the nose as it develops… sweet, subtle coconut and exotic fruits combine with ginger and lime aromas. Now lift it to your lips and enjoy a slow sip… a smooth sweetness emerges with warm bursts of white pepper and overtones of pear, kiwi and lime. Finally, dried tobacco and a trace of toasted oak on the finish. Exquisite. Tell us what you think.” – $3000

 

Two Massive New Edradours 

Both “Straight from the Cask”!  

Only 60 bottles each of these enormous new Edradours are coming to Alberta. Both are full term maturations in their respective casks, bottled at cask strength from a single cask and bottle in 500ml bottles. And both whiskies are huge! In the case of the Ballechin (peated Edradour), this is the first time they have ever bottled it in the SFTC line!

Edradour SFTC Sherry 10 Year – 59.4% – Sherry Butt 395 – Distilled: December 2006. Bottled: 11 of September 2017 – 500ml – My Tasting Note: “Nose: wet jujubes, leather and nutty oloroso sherry tones; dark chocolate, tobacco and cooked figs; woody with a hint of espresso. Palate: big, thick, spicy and oily; maple syrup, pecan pie and more cooked (slightly burnt) figs; espresso beans covered in dark chocolate; Jujube-like candied fruits with some fresh California orange. Finish: medium, warming and spicy; the big leathery sherry tones and chocolate espresso are in charge. Comment: very sherried, just on the right side of over the top; perfect for fans of sherry bombs and anyone looking for a proper cigar malt.” – $135

1. The Ballechin SFTC Burgundy 11 Year – 55.2% – Bordeaux Cask #383 – Distilled: December 6 2005 – Bottled: September 11 2017 – 500ml –  Andrew’s Tasting Note: Nose: big, thick, oily and perfumed; firm leather, dried dark fruits and wine tannins; malt and smoke emerge from underneath; red berry fruits and Maroccan marmalade. Palate: big, massive actually, bordering on Octomore territory here; loads of chewy barley and heavy ashy smoke; very spicy with more firm wine tannins and peppery spicy; dried dark and jammy red-berry fruits; firm leather. Finish: ashy smoke lingers long with big leather and spice; long and lasting. Comment: this is a massive whisky, a nuclear bomb in the mouth; get your protective gear on and strap in!” – $135

 

Introducing: The Orphan Barrel Entrapment 25 Year 

The 1st Canadian Whisky in the Orphan Barrel Series

This 25 Year Old Crown Royal is lovely, pricey, but a lovely whisky! This is the 11th release in the Orphan barrel series, but the first to be made of Canadian whisky. It is from a mash of 97% corn and 3% malted barley. If you were ever wondering who much malted barley you need to ferment a mash of mostly corn, now you know. The whisky is from Crown Royal’s distillery in Gimly Manitoba. It was bottled at 41% after maturing 25 years in American oak.

Orphan Barrel Entrapment – 41% – Matured in American Oak – My Tasting Note: “Nose: very decadent, big hits of double caramel corn, silky tendrils of honey and toasted oak; apple crumble with loads of brown sugar and cinnamon; a touch on the oil sie; Aunt Jemima’s Syrup and Werther’s caramels. Palate: soft, still silky with honey and floral tones; light, delicate and layered; overripe plums, prunes and cooked raisins with milk chocolate and some decadent spice; the caramel corn is still there as is the apple crumble with loads of brown sugar. Finish: medium-short, but very pleasant and elegant. Comment: this is a lovely Canadian whisky, the classic corn profile has been filled out nicely with very balanced oak integration.” – $205

 

Introducing: Glenmorangie Private Collection Bacalta 

A Madeira finished extension to the Private Collection series! 

The 8th instalment of Glenmorangie’s annual Private Collection releases is the “Bacalta”, Scots Gaelic for baked. The whisky was matured in Ex-Bourbon and finished in bespoke heavily toasted American oak casks, seasoned in Madeira with “Malmsey – the sweetest and most prized of the Madeira wines.” The whisky is bottled at 46% with natural colouring and without chill-filtering. 91pts Whisky Advocate

 Glenmorangie Bacalta – 46% – Finished in Madeira Casks – Andrew’s Tasting Note: “Nose: butter tarts, ginger-molasses cookies and candied orange chunks; leathery with some tobacco, lemon drops and grapefruit juice. Palate: sweet and creamy with a lush vanilla base, overlayed with crisp decadent spice; candied ginger, fennel, clove and all-spice; loads of orange: candied and lightly burnt orange rind; Demerara sugars with some firm leather and dry tobacco. Finish: medium long it remains creamy, coating and decadent with some firm spice. Comment: the Madeira has given the whisky a very spicy edge; I love the crisp, decadent spice, but this is not IMHO the best of the Private Collections line to date; good but not great!” – $120

91pts Whisky Advocate: “The 8th Private Edition release. This one is finished in sun-baked casks which previously contained Malmsey Madeira. A predominantly sweet and fruity whisky, with caramel, honeyed almonds, peaches in syrup, and orange scone. Soft, soothing finish. Delicious!”

 

2018 MS Calgary Whisky Festival Update 

Tickets more than half sold out!

Calgary’s biggest and best whisky festival is just a little over 5 weeks away, and we have an exciting lineup this year. The event will take place again at Arts Commons, in the Foyer of the Jack Singer Concert Hall on Thursday February 18 2017. We are expecting a sell out crowd of 550 participants, with a range of 250+ whiskies for sampling. There are also Master Classes and a VIP Hour available for a little extra. Last year’s event was a massive success, raising over $50,000.00 for the MS Society.

There are three classes of tickets available.

1. VIP Early Entry – Includes the VIP Hour and Cut Crystal Glencairn Tasting Glass – $175 – Only 51 Left
2. VIP Early Entry with VIP Master Class – Includes the VIP Hour, Cut Crystal Glencairn Tasting Glass & a VIP Master Old Pulteney Master Class (5:00) Including the 35 Year and soon to be Launched 25 Year & 1983 Vintage – $200 – Only 17 Left
3. General Admission – 6:30 Includes a standard Glencarin Tasting Glass – $125

There are also two Master Classes:

Tickets are available exclusively through the MS Society www.calgarywhiskyfestival.ca for more information or click here if you would like to jump straight to purchasing tickets!

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 and don’t include GST. In the case of discrepancies in pricing, the price in our in store point of sale will be taken as correct.

Thanks for reading the Malt Messenger.

Slainte!

Andrew Ferguson

Owner & Scotchguy

Kensington Wine Market

403-283-8000

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Kensington Wine Market

403-283-8000

Sullivans Cove French Oak Cask TD0117

A small number of bottles of this rare malt is now available from our online store.

“This is a classic example of our French Oak style”.  Patrick Maguire, Head Distiller.

Please click on the link below to purchase.

*We do not guarantee delivery by Christmas

PURCHASE NOW

KWM Whisky Advent 2017 Day 19 – Isle of Arran 14 Year

The Isle of Arran Distillery is located – unsurprisingly – on the Isle of Arran. The island lies just east of Campbeltown and well east of Islay and the distillery itself resides on the north of the island at Lochranza. Arran distillery is relatively young by Scottish standards. Having started production in 1995 this is relatively true in the grand scheme of things and given the history boasted by many of Scotland’s other distilleries.

Arran Distillery has been in operation for 21 years and has been successful enough for its private ownership group to work on building a second distillery on the same Island – this one in the south overlooking the cliffs at Lagg. A ground-breaking ceremony at the new site took place on February 16th of this year. The plan is to focus on peated whisky at the new distillery once it is up and running.

Kensington Wine Market has been lucky enough to have a very good relationship with Arran and its representatives for a long time. We just bottled our 9th and 10th single casks with them. Joining our peated 7-year-old single casks are two 20-year-old unpeated malts both aged in separate sherry hogsheads and showing different facets of the Arran house style.

The core range of Arran consists of the 10, the 14 and 18-year-old and a few regular cask finish bottlings such as Port and Amarone. They also release the moderately peated Machrie Moor line and the Robert Burns line of Single Malt and Blended Scotch. Today’s Advent bottle is the Arran 14 year bottled at 46% ABV

Arran 14 Year – 46% – Mautred in Ex-Bourbon & Ex-Sherry – Evan’s Tasting Note: “Nose: Ginger and lime, pineapple, green mango, pear – such a plethora of orchard and tropical fruit. Vanilla, Elderflower, chamomile, buttercream and almonds, Fruit Loops cereal in milk. Everything is bright and fresh. Palate: Creamy entry with ginger heat before fruit and nut notes join the fray. Chili and lime coated almonds, grapefruit, pineapple, chamomile again, pistachios, walnuts, light toasty oak, passion fruit and more mango. Finish: Both creamy and tangy all the way down. The texture is lovely and the green notes and acidity make the front of your tongue tingle. Comments: As a long-time fan of Arran I feel like this is where the rubber meets the road in the regular lineup. The 10 year old is solid notes but this 14 year exhibits my favorite style from the distillery with its burst of tropical fruit and ginger notes plus the amazing creamy texture.” – $80 for 700ml

 

Rare wartime whisky wins gold packaging award

at The Spirits Design Masters 2017

Leading malt whisky specialist Gordon & MacPhail is celebrating winning Gold in the Scotch whisky category of The Spirits Design Masters 2017, one of the most respected and high profile trade competitions in the industry.

The design was conceived for the company’s exceptionally rare wartime single cask bottling which was released as part of the company’s ‘Private Collection’ range.

Every detail of Private Collection Glenlivet 1943 by Gordon & MacPhail alludes to the decades of experience and patience poured into nurturing the whisky to maturation. Launched in October 2017, it is one of the oldest and most exclusive single malt whiskies in the world.

Designed by Gordon & MacPhail, the whisky is presented in a bespoke handcrafted wooden box. The unique closure, a section of the meandering River Spey, represents both the journey through time and the physical journey of the cask from its place of birth at The Glenlivet Distillery to its final resting place in Gordon & MacPhail’s Elgin warehouses.

A four-tier oak wooden base is also dually symbolic. Four elements are used to create the whisky: water, barley, yeast, and wood. Four generations of the Urquhart family, owners of Gordon & MacPhail, nurtured this special cask for seven decades.

Taking centre stage inside the presentation box, atop the wooden base that also serves as an elevated plinth, sits the hand-blown bespoke decanter. Each individually numbered bottle is engraved and infilled with gold. The gold base and stopper have been engraved with the contour lines of the hills and glens surrounding The Glenlivet Distillery.

The inside of the box is lined with a plush lining, also engraved with contours. Nestled within is an eloquent and visually atmospheric commemorative book written by whisky author Jonny McCormick. Opposite lies a traditionally printed certificate of authenticity signed and numbered by Stephen Rankin, director and member of the Urquhart family.

Margaret Ho, Designer at Gordon & MacPhail, said: “We wanted to communicate the rarity and exclusivity of this incredible whisky through the packaging’s touchpoints. We also created an immersive and sensory experience before the consumer took their first long-anticipated taste. From the touch of the engraved contour lines to the sound of the decanter closure releasing the first delicious notes of the whisky inside, the packaging excites the full range of senses.”

Ian Chapman, Director of Marketing for Gordon & MacPhail, said: “This award is testament to the skills and dedication of our in-house design and wider team who worked incredibly hard to capture the unique essence and heritage of this rare single malt whisky.

“Laid down by the first and second generation of the Urquhart family and bottled by the fourth generation, this spirit has an incredible story to tell. Distilled when the world was in the midst of rationing and divided in conflict, whisky today is a wonderfully unifying drink and we wanted the packaging to communicate not only its exclusivity but also its journey through the past seventy years.”

Notes

Gordon & MacPhail

Gordon & MacPhail is a family-owned Scotch whisky specialist which has been based in Elgin, Moray, since 1895. Four generations of the Urquhart family have continued the tradition of maturing the finest and rarest Scotch whiskies.

Since its foundation, Gordon & MacPhail has carefully nurtured relationships with Scottish distillers. These included The Macallan, The Glenlivet, Glen Grant, Linkwood, and Mortlach in Speyside as well as a number of other distilleries from across Scotland. From the beginning, Gordon & MacPhail has carefully matched spirit to the highest quality oak casks. These casks are sent to distilleries throughout Scotland, filled with new-make spirit, and matured either at the distillery of origin or in the firm’s own bonded warehouses in Elgin.

Now one of the world’s leading malt whisky specialists, Gordon & MacPhail exports to more than 60 countries. It offers more than 300 presentations of own-bottled single malts. In 2009, Gordon & MacPhail was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade; an honour that was bestowed on the business again in 2013 with a visit from HRH The Princess Royal.

In 1993 Gordon & MacPhail purchased Benromach Distillery and re-equipped it before it was officially opened by HRH Prince Charles in 1998. A four-star visitor centre is open to the public throughout the year for tours and tastings. Benromach distillery is a member of the world-famous malt whisky trail.

The Glenlivet Distillery

George Smith, founder of The Glenlivet Distillery, came from a long line of illicit distillers. In 1817, Smith leased land at Upper Drumin Farm where he continued the family tradition to supplement his crofter’s wage. In 1823, the Excise Act was pushed through Parliament championed by the Duke of Gordon – Smith’s landlord. Gordon not only persuaded Smith to take out the first licence in the parish of Glenlivet but he also contributed to the distillery build at Drumin. This distillery would produce a spirit that defined Speyside whisky of its day.

Due to the success and popularity of the Glenlivet Distillery, several distilleries in the region appended the name Glenlivet to their own. In 1884, a landmark decision ruled that only Smith’s single malt could call itself ‘The Glenlivet’.