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Whisky Wednesday Reviews Ardbeg Kelpie – Scotch Whisky News

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https://youtu.be/gsQEM_qa6WQ 

THE TIME HAS COME!! The newest Ardbeg release for this year and ladies and gentlemen, its a stunner! I’ve felt a bit deflated over the past few years of limited release, but the Kelpie has destroyed any of these feelings. A main distillation and maturation of whisky that has been stored in Virgin Oak casks from the coast of the Black Sea in Eastern Europe. It proved to be too powerful on its own, so Dr. Bill Lumsden has combined it with some standard Ardbeg 10 to take the intense edge off the sides. I;m genuinely impressed with this whisky; sweet, sour, smokey, spicy, coastal, salty – it’s all i could ever want from an Ardbeg, and it’s got a brilliant story behind it. Well done, Ardbeg. Another stunning showcase of style and originality. Enjoy!

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THE SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY MAKE WHISKY COOL THIS AUGUST WITH ICE DREAM DRAMS -Scotch Whisky News

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THE SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY MAKE WHISKY COOL THIS AUGUST WITH ICE DREAM DRAMS  

12 flavours of whisky ice cream go on sale at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s Kaleidoscope Bar 

From ‘Banana-Dram-A’ and ‘Smoky Lavender Kiss’ to ‘Salty Sea Dog’, and ‘Maple Bacon Crunch’, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society has created 12 unique flavours of whisky ice cream to celebrate the summer.

The 12 ‘Ice Dream Drams’ will be available from Wednesday 9th August at The Society’s recently opened venue, Kaleidoscope Bar at 9A Devonshire Square.

Following the success of the ice cream in Scotland in 2015, The Society has joined forces once again with Scottish ice cream makers S Luca to bring the boozy frozen treats down to London.

The ice creams created by S Luca are made with the Society’s single cask whisky, ranging from 3.7% – 4.9%. They will be on offer in a special ice cream trike in the outdoor courtyard at Devonshire Square.

The ice creams reflect the Society’s flavour-based approach to whisky, which is based on its 12 unique whisky flavour profiles such as Sweet, Fruity and Mellow; Spicy & Sweet; and Young & Spritely. The flavours of whisky ice cream include:

  • Green Goddess – beautifully balanced Lightly Peated whisky ice-cream with a zingy, zen-like lime ripple
  • Banana-Dram-A – banana and marshmallow ice cream made with a Sweet, Fruity and Mellow whisky
  • Smoky Lavender Kiss – lavender ice cream with Palma Violets and a Heavily Peated whisky
  • Snowball Seduction – Oak and Vanilla whisky ice cream with chunks of tongue-teasing coconut snowball
  • Salty Sea Dog – salted caramel ice cream with Oily & Coastal whisky
  • Maple Bacon Crunch – sweet syrup and smoky bacon flavours combined with Peated whisky
  • Chilli Devil – Spicy and Sweet whisky ice cream with a naughty chilli kick

Michael Cook, manger at Kaleidoscope Bar, said: “At the Society we focus on the amazing array of flavours in whisky and our 12 Ice Dream Drams made by S Luca are a great way to explore the different types of flavours you find in whisky.”

www.smws.com/kaleidoscope-london 

Kaleidoscope Bar, 9A Devonshire Square, London EC2M 4YN

@SMWSUK

Notes:

About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

  • The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is an international whisky club that bottles rare single cask, single malt whisky, and a range of other spirits
  • The Society was established in Edinburgh in 1983 and now has more than 26,000 members and branches around the world
  • The Society only ever bottles single casks – each cask is unique, making every Society bottling a limited edition
  • The Society has bottled whisky from more than 132 distilleries in its history
  • The Society releases a new batch of around 30 single cask single malt whiskies every month
  • The Society offers different levels of membership

o   Membership Pioneer with gift box containing three samples, £122

o   Member without gift box, £61.50

o   Sample Subscription – free trial membership.

o   Visit https://www.smws.com/society-membership

  • For more information about the Society, visit www.smws.com 

About S Luca 

  • In 1908, Luca Scappaticcio and his wife, Anastasia, opened the first S. Luca Ice cream parlour in Musselburgh.
  • Made from fresh Scottish double cream and whole milk, S. Luca dairy ice cream is renowned for its smooth, creamy texture and sophisticated taste.
  • The S Luca ice cream recipe has remained largely unchanged and it is still produced in the same factory as it was in Luca Scappaticcio’s day.

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The Whisky Exchange “Whisky finishing – a recipe for success?” – Whisky News

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Whisky finishing – a recipe for success?

Our latest TWE shop tasting featured Irish whiskey producer Teeling, a distiller known for its skill in maturing and ‘finishing’ its whiskey in a variety of casks – some well known, some more obscure. What is finishing? It’s when a distiller decides to age a whisky in a different type of cask to the one it has spent most of its life in. The classic example is a bourbon-cask-matured whisky that has a second maturation in ex-sherry barrels, which typically adds rich notes of dried fruit and spice, but the whole gamut from the drinks world has been tried by distillers, all eager to add elusive extra complexity.

The Teeling tasting got me thinking about the concept of whisky finishing and why distillers do it. My first experience of them was Glenmorangie, probably around the late 1990s – I remember the small sets of bottles in airport duty-free shops, all with neat colour-coded packaging, depending on the finish: Cognac and Sauternes were definitely in there, along with port, and being a fan of all three drinks in their own right, I was intrigued. Glenmorangie was definitely on to something, because these new expressions had the wider attraction of appealing to Cognac, Sauternes and port drinkers. I suspect that most Cognac drinkers would be keen to try a whisky that has spent time in a Cognac cask, if only to satisfy their curiosity.

Glenmorangie was one of the first producers to draw attention to its whisky finishes

Personally, I am immediately drawn to any whisky that has seen some kind of sherry maturation, whether it’s rich, nutty oloroso or even Pedro Ximénez, that dark, sticky wine that resembles engine oil in texture and is like liquid Christmas cake. What sherry casks can give a whisky – wonderfully aromatic Christmas spices and fruity richness – is a huge draw, particularly when those flavours are imparted to peaty drams: an absolutely delicious combination.

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I’m more choosy when it comes to whiskies that spend time in ex-port or red-wine casks, because to my palate at least, the extra layer of fruit sometimes struggles to integrate with the rest of the whisky. One gratifying exception, however, is Teeling’s Single Grain Whiskey, matured exclusively in French-oak casks that used to contain Californian Cabernet Sauvignon. Sampled at our tasting, it was a glorious mix of butter-toffee popcorn, black pepper and red berries, yet still clean and fresh.

Alex Chasko, Teeling’s master distiller and blender, likens finishing to ‘making a curry or a soup – you have to tinker with the recipe. We have 65 different types of cask in our warehouse, and Irish whiskey is a great canvas for them. We’ve even bought some aquavit casks from Sweden, and we’ve tried Calvados casks, too.’

What impressed with the Teeling whiskeys was their balance – not once did I take a sip and felt various flavours fighting to make themselves heard. Teeling’s Single Malt Whiskey is a perfect example. Matured in five different types of wine cask (sherry, port, Madeira, white Burgundy and Cabernet Sauvignon), Alex says it took nine months of trialling and 27 attempts to get it right. The result is a rich whiskey that really dialled up the fruit, whether that fruit was fresh, stewed or spicy.

Balvenie was among the first whisky producers to age its whisky in more than one type of cask, although it didn’t shout about it in the way that Glenmorangie did (and still does). Its Balvenie Classic is one of the most memorable whiskies I’ve ever tried; when I tasted a 1980s’ bottling at a Whisky Show Masterclass, I described it as ‘a thing of beauty, loaded with ginger, cinnamon, stewed fruit and candied orange peel’. It was aged in bourbon casks then finished in sherry oak.

Whenever I try a whisky that has been matured in more than one type of cask, I always ask myself what that second maturation brings to the whisky. Does it make the whisky better? Are the extra flavours beneficial? Next time you sample one, try that approach. You’ll quickly learn which flavours really matter to you when you drink whisky, whether that’s fruit, spice, or smoke.

Ralfy Publishes Ralfy Reveiw #672 – Scotch Whisky News

ralfy-crown 

Ralfy tackles older malt development with Ralfy Review 672 – Glenfarclas 21yo @ 43%vol

 

 

 

Malt Messenger No. 77 by Andrew Ferguson – New KWM Casks, Tastings and Other Whiskies – Whisky News

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Malt Messenger No. 77 – New KWM Casks, Tastings and Other Whiskies

is hard to believe it is already August and that September is just around the corner. Before you know it Whisky Advent 2017 will be here. On that note I have a teaser to share on our Kensington Wine Market 2017 Whisky Advent Calendar. The art work is done… More details below.

We have a pair of great tastings coming up, the first next Tuesday, August : Independents Day, will feature some of the best independent bottlings on the market. Cool whiskies from the likes of Coopers Choice, the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, Gordon Macphail, Signatory, Cadenhead, Old Malt Cask, The Whisky Agency and more… Just $50, for a very interesting range.

We are just two weeks away from our The Whiskies of Summer Festival, on Thursday August 17. This summer whisky festival will feature no fewer than 80 different whiskies including a lot of the new releases which have trickled into the store this summer. In addition to the huge range of whiskies open for sampling, the $50 price includes a KWM 25th Anniversary Glencairn Glass.

Our most exciting news is the launch of two new Kensington Wine Market exclusive Arran casks. These two whiskies are not just the oldest Arrans we’ve ever bottled, but the oldest Arrans to ever come to Canada! Not surprisingly, the whiskies, which are quite different from each other, are superb. That isn’t even the most exciting bit of news on them though: that is their price. These two 20 year old, single cask, cask strength Sherry Hogsheads are just $150+GST / bottle. Possibly the best value single casks we have ever offered! We also have a new 25th Anniversary bottling from German Independent bottler Whisky Fassle. Details on all three can be found below.

There are loads of exciting new whiskies to tell you about in this edition of the Malt Messenger. There is a trio of new Campbeltown malts: Kilkerran 8 Year Cask Strength, Hazelburn 13 Year Sherry and Longrow Red 13 Year Malbec. The latter is nearly sold out, and we just got it… We also have some very well priced new independent bottlings from Cooper’s Choice, both single malts and grains. We are most excited about the Coopers Choice Family Silver 1972 Blend. This 44 year old whisky is composed of two closed distillery whiskies: Lochside (single malt), Garnheath (single grain) as well as grain whisky from the Invergordon distillery. Only 30 bottles have come to Alberta, exclusively to KWM. Half of them are sold!

We have a huge range of new whiskies from Heads & Tails, an Ontario based importer that specializes in independent bottlings from Continental European firms like: Jack Wiebers, Maltbarn, The Whisky Agency, Whisky Base and Whisky Fassle. All told there are 17 new single malts, blended malts and single grains from these firms; mostly old, rare, and always very tasty. They also have some of the most interesting labels in the world of Scotch Whisky! We are dying to try the new The Whisky Agency Speyside 1973 Single Malt, which was scored at 92pts by Serge @ Whisky Fun. 

There are a pair of new Teeling Irish Whiskies in the shop. The Teeling Revival 13 Year Vol. 3 has been finished in Pineau des Charentes casks. There is also the first release in a new Teeling Series highlighting the differences between different wines casks. Teeling Barbazon Single Malt Series 1 has been matured in Sherry.

The latest annual release, 2017, of Kilchoman Loch Gorm is in. The whisky is the most sought after of the core whiskies in Kilchoman’s stable. It is also one of the rarest. Fewer than 180 bottles find their way to Alberta most years. My tasting note is below.

Last but certainly not least, we have just been given pricing on the most recent release of Glenfarclas Family Casks. The pricing is valid through August 13th. We have to submit our orders to the importer the following day. The whiskies would arrive in November/December.

I hope you enjoy this edition of the Malt Messenger.

Sláinte!

In This Edition

  1. Whisky Advent 2017 Teaser
  2. Independents Day Tasting
  3. Whiskies of Summer Festival
  4. NEW KWM Exclusive Arran Casks
  5. NEW KWM Exclusive Whisky Fassle Blended Malt
  6. NEW Whiskies From Springbank & Glengyle
  7. NEW Cooper’s Choice Bottlings Including a KWM Exclusive
  8. NEW Whiskies From Heads & Tails
  9. NEW Teeling Whiskies
  10. Kilchoman Loch Gorm 2017
  11. Glenfarclas Family Cask Pricing

Andrew Ferguson

Kensington Wine Market

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

@scotch_guy, Instagram: @thescotch_guy/

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Whisky Advent 2017 Teaser

Pre-orders start next week!

We couldn’t resist sharing the artwork for our 2017 Whisky Advent Calendar. In the four years we have been producing our own Calendar, this is the best yet! This year’s Calendar features 25 all new whiskies, not featured in any of the previous 3 editions. It also includes our first Canadian, and Dutch whiskies. We are feeling very nostalgic, in the midst of celebrating our 25th Anniversary. We wanted the design to reflect that, and we think our designer delivered. Here is a teaser image of our Kensington Wine Market 2017 Whisky Advent Calendar.

We will formally begin taking pre-orders for the Kensington Wine Market 2017 Whisky Advent Calendar on Monday August 7; but we will track any requests made before then. In the meantime we are diligently working to finalize the price!

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Independents Day, Tasting 

Tuesday August 8, $50

With the price of distillery bottlings soaring, Independent Bottlers are offering some of the best value single malt whiskies, especially when it comes to mature bottlings. Join us for an exploration of independently bottled single malts from some of our favourite bottlers including: the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, Gordon Macphail, Signatory Vintage, Old Malt Cask, Coppers Choice, Maltbarn, The Whisky Agency and more!

Call 403-283-8000 or register online!

 

The Whiskies of Summer Festival 

Thursday August 17 2017 – $50 Including a Glencairn Glass 

This festival style tasting will feature 80-100 whiskies with a high proportion of single malts, highlighting some of the newest arrivals in store. We have several new KWM exclusive casks, Gather your friends and fellow whisky connoisseurs for a night of great whisky.

Call 403-283-8000 or register online!

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Two New Amazing Value KWM Exclusive Arran Casks 

Both 20 Year Old Sherry Hogshead Casks, at Cask Strength and just $150! 

Arran has been one of our favourite malts for a long time now. The distillery is now in its 22nd year and it is still one of our best value propositions. When we ask for cask samples from the distillery, to select our own casks, rather than having a hard time selecting, we have a hard time turning casks down. That’s why when presented with the opportunity to bottle our first 20 year old Arran, the oldest bottling of Arran yet to come to Canada, we couldn’t settle on just one cask we had to have two. These are our 9th and 10th exclusive single casks of Arran at KWM!

  1. Arran 1996 KWM 20 Year Cask 964 – 52.5% – Sherry Hogshead – 262 Bottles – Distilled: 12/08/1996 – Bottled: 05/04/2017 – Andrew’s Tasting Note: “Nose: bright, floral and citrussy; lemon slices, peeled orange and tangerines; cinnamon spiced honey butter and soft leather leads to appricots and dried dark fruits; all along there is a creamy base with bright floral top notes. Palate: very honeyed: liquid, honey butter and honey sticks; more orange and tangerines, big juicy citrus tones and a base of creamy, floral vanilla bean (American oak?); chewy with sweet waxy Starburst fruit candies and a touch of darker dried fruits; more dried apricot and soft silky leather; some gentle earthy tones and soft leather hinting at sherry seasoning and dunnage warehouse maturation. Finish: long, sweet, coating and citrussy with more bright floral tones and all kinds of honey. Comment: despite its age which has given it a silky backbone, this malt is still bright, fresh and layered; it is to borrow a phrase, eminently quaffable; perhaps dangerously so!” – $150
  2. Arran 1996 KWM 20 Year Cask 1649 – 50.8% – Sherry Hogshead – 233 Bottles – Distilled: 28/10/1996 – Bottled: 05/04/2017 – Andrew’s Tasting Note: “Nose: jujubes, melon, Seville orange and soft polished leather; bread and butter pudding with a side of Christmas cake; very jammy: raspberry, strawberry, plums and figs; infused dark chocolate, toasted oak and honey; darker than cask 964, but far from over the top. Palate: round, fruity, citric and honeyed(it is after-all still an Arran) with lovely decadent spices, dark sugars and more soft polished leather; the fruit and spice infused dark chocolate is still there with more jammy tones (mixed berry and fig being the most prominent); the oak notes are soft, silky and balanced. Finish: long, coating and decadent with loads of fruit, honey, chocolate and gentle oak spices. Comment: like the sister cask, 1649 is also fresh, silky; layered; darker in profile it is a more traditional sherry matured whisky; darker, spicier and more decadent but still complex.” – $150

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NEW Whisky-Fassle ‘extra old’ Blended Malt 

Only 42 Bottles Filled Exclusively for KWM’s 25th Anniversary!

This curious blended malt was offered to us by Whisky Fassel, a boutique German independent bottler and blender of Scotch Whisky. They were established in 2006, and that is about all I can tell you about them. Only 42 bottles of this curious whisky were offered to and have been bottled for KWM for our 25th Anniversary. The strength is 45.4%, possibly cask strength as the producer says: “matured very long in a sherry butt bottled 2016.” It doesn’t have our logo on it, as that looked too busy, so you’ll have to take our word for it… but it does say “bottled for Canada”! Oh and there is some sort of mallard duck on the label.

I included the original proposed KWM version of the logo on the right as proof of intent.

Whisky-Fassle Blended Malt KWM 25th Anniversary – 45.4% – Sherry Butt – 42 Bottles – Andrew’s Tasting Note: “Nose: big, thick and chewy; chocolate fudge, gentle ashy smoke and a cedar spice box full of decadent spices; warmed brown sugar and candied ginger; orange peels and a touch of mincemeat. Palate: round and fruity; dark, rich and layered; building gentle, ashy peat-smoke and dark bakers chocolate; more mincemeat in a buttery pie crust, bright candied orange peel and big candied fruits; soft sweet cigar tobacco and some late melons. Finish: like a fine Cuban cigar… more dark chocolate, mincemeat, fading gentle ashy peat and again with the melons. Comment: this is a lovely Blended malt, and I suspect another Edrington Group special… it has Macallan, Highland Park and even a touch of Glenrothes on it… regardless it is lovely!” – $220

 

New Whiskies From Springbank & Glengyle 

Hazelburn, Kilkerran and Longrow Oh My! 

There are three new single malts from the J.A. Mitchel & Co. family, Springbank and Glengyle distilleries. These Campbeltonian malts are very limited, with no more than 120 bottles having come to Canada.

  1. Kilkerran 8 Year Cask Strength – 52.6% – Matured in Ex-Bourbon – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Nose: The peat aroma from the lightly peated barley is apparent from the off and some of the green apples which are becoming a feature of Kilkerran are also present. This whisky is like a favourite dessert, rhubarb crumble, stewed rhubarb, vanilla and all butter shortbread. Palate: There’s an earthiness and saltiness, exactly what you want to taste in a Campbeltown dram. This is combined with icing sugar and puff candy which gives a sweetness to the whisky, along with milk chocolate and walnut flavours. Finish: The peat remains, along with a sootiness, pencil shavings and a liquorice influenced maltiness.” – $85
  2. Springbank Hazelburn 13 Year Sherry – 47.1% – Matured in Oloroso Sherry – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Nose: Initially raisins, marzipan, Demerara sugar followed by treacle, sticky toffee and wood shavings. Taste: Homemade strawberry jam, sugary and filled with cream, orange zest, brandy snaps and a white chocolate creme brûlée. Finish: Chocolate orange, creamy coffee liqueur, buttered popcorn, cocoa beans and mocha coffee with a delicate finish of sweet orange marmalade.” – $118
  3. Springbank Longrow Red 13 Year Malbec – 51.3% – Matured in ExRed Wine Malbec Casks – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Nose: A very coastal beginning; sea salt with a fresh sea air breeze, then becomes very fruity. Sweet cocktail cherries, blackberries and red currants. A faint and subtle note of cigar boxes and tobacco comes through. Palate: The fruitiness continues with rhubarb crumble, stewed apples and juicy plums. Cured ham follows with a very soft and delicate touch of peat with more coastal, sea salt notes. Finish: Red wine tannins dominate, combined with smouldering campfire smoke and the ever present fresh fruit notes of prunes and cherries.” – $112

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NEW Coopers Choice Whiskies Including a KWM Exclusive 

Some amazing value Single Malts, Single Grains & Introducing the 25th Anniversary Family Silver, a 44 Year old Blend 

First and foremost the Cooper’s Choice 25th Anniversary Family Silver bottling, a 44 year old Blend created with a rare old single malt and two rare old single grains, all distilled in 1972. The blend consists of 40% Lochside 1972 Single Malt, 30% Garnheath 1972 Single Grain; and 30% Invergordon 1972 Single Grain. The whiskies were married in a single cask, yielding just 480 bottles. Only 30 are coming to Alberta, exclusively to KWM.

Cooper’s Choice The Family Silver 1972 Blended Scotch Whisky – 41% – 44 Year – Producer’s Tasting Note: “Nose: Coconut and stewed fruits. Orange blossom. Palate: Oaky vanilla. Peaches. Chocolate orange and tropical fruits. Exceptionally smooth.  Finish: Soft and sweet. The fruit and coconut lingers long in the memory.” – $300

Andrew’s Tasting Note: “Nose: very oily, decadent and juicy; loads of creamed honey, Scottish tablet, floral tones, waxy pears and corn syrup; honeydew melon, peaches and some bright orange. Palate: thick, creamy, coating, decadent and fruity; warm oatmeal with cream and brown sugar; more waxy pears, dried apricot, honeydew melon and orange pith; soft, decadent crisp spices; still sweet and decadent with clean silky grains notes. Finish: long, coating, creamy and silky with floral vanilla and more soft fruits: melon, citrus and apricots. Comment: this whisky is both showing its age, but still very lithe and elegant; there are no bitter edges in this grain forward blend; not mind blowing but very good, especially for the price! – $300

As to the other Cooper’s Choice bottlings, there is Croftenga, a peated single malt from the Loch Lomond distillery, which is fairly rare; and the price on this one is very competitive compared with some others we’ve seen. We also don’t see many bottlings of Ben Nevis anymore, and this 20 year old is very reasonably priced. The Glen Keith is also the most equitably priced bottling from that distillery we’ve seen in a while; although the distillery is still open, it had a long period of closure and its whisky is not often as often see bottled as it was… The distillery did go through period of closure by was recently reopened. The Invergordon at Cask Strength looks like the best deal, a 30 year old for less than $180… and the Cameronbridge actually sold out instantly. Fortunately we were able to find another case. We are expecting just 12 bottles of each whisky, and have just 6 of the Cameronbridge left!

  1. Cooper’s Choice Ben Nevis 1996 –  46% – 20 Year – Sherry Cask – $180
  2. Cooper’s Choice Cameronbridge 1995 – 46% – 21 Year – Hogshead – $120
  3. Cooper’s Choice Croftengea 2006 – 46% – 10 Year – Heavily Peated – $86
  4. Cooper’s Choice Glen Keith 1996 – 46% – 20 Year – Jurancon Finish – $165
  5. Cooper’s Choice Glenlossie 1997 – 46% – 19 Year – Madeira Finish – $163
  6. Cooper’s Choice Invergordon 1984 – 57% – 30 Year – Refill Butt – $178

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NEW Whiskies From Heads & Tails 

Jack Wiebers, Maltbarn, Whisky Fassle & The Whisky Agency 

There is an assortment of very limited and unique new whiskies from Jack Wiebers, Maltbarn, The Whisky Agency and & Whisky Fassle on the market. Look for these to trickle into the shop over the next couple of months. More than half have tasting notes from Serge @ WhiskyFun.org or Ruben @ WhiskyNotes.be . Some of them have gotten very good reviews. The mystery Speyside malt from 1973 is especially interesting. We don’t see many 43 year old, possibly “Glenfarclas” bottlings for around $600 anymore!

Details are thin on some of them, we will be updating our website with them as time permits.

Jack Wiebers

  1. Jack Wiebers Ben Nevis 1996 Old Train Line – 52.9% – 20 Year – Bourbon Barrel – No Tasting Note at this time! – $340
  2. Jack Wiebers Glenrothes 1996 Old Tran Line – 49.1% – 21 Year – Bourbon Cask – No Tasting Note at this time! – $320

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Maltbarn

  1. Maltbarn Capperdonich 1994 – 49.8% – 22 Year – Bourbon Cask – No Tasting Note at this time! – $350
  2. Maltbarn Craigellachie 2007 – 48.6%- 9 Year – Sherry Cask – No Tasting Note at this time! – $200

The Whisky Agency

  1. The Whisky Agency Blended Malt XO Three Rivers Tokyo – 45.8% – Ex-Sherry – No tasting note at present. – $210
  2. The Whisky Agency Cragganmore 1989 – 52.1% – 27 Year – Hogshead – 90pts Serge @ Whisky Fun: “Nose: crustier, maltier, cakier, and above all, more mineral and earthy, while the background remains very orange-y. More multi-dimensional, with also some camphor, humus, damp pipe tobacco, and autumn leaves. The others where more ‘immediate’, perhaps thanks to the sherry, while this one’s more complex. With water: these notes of fresh plaster and wet chalk that I enjoy so much. A little menthol. Mouth (neat): a lot of peppermint, lemon curd, earthy stuff, drops of cough syrup, mint cordial, bitter oranges as always… I find this extremely good, and perhaps a tad more ‘islands’ than the average Cragganmores. With water: I’ll tell you, it loves water. Totally loves water, totally (Donald, come out of this body!) Cointreau and crème de menthe, with a little wax. Finish: long, soothing, herbal, lemony, mineral, Sancerre-y. Comments: an unusual Cragganmore, perhaps ex-Clynelish wood? Right up my alley – and did I tell you that it loves water?” – $385
  3. The Whisky Agency Fettercairn 1988 – 49.9% – 28 Year – Hogshead – No tasting note at present. – $390
  4. The Whisky Agency Glen Elgin 1995 – 53.5% – 21 Year – No oak type specified – No tasting note at present. – $245
  5. The Whisky Agency Irish Malt 1990 – 48.1% – 27 Year – Ex-Bourbon Barrel – 91pts Whisky Notes: “Nose: luscious fruits, ranging from gooseberries to tangerines, lime, pineapples and fresh banana. Also a warmer side of guava and tiny hints of vanilla ice cream. Hints of rapeseed oil. Mouth: pretty stunning (again). Always a pleasure to find so much pineapple, bananas, coconut, mango and lychee in whisky. Simple pleasures. There’s a slight herbal edge which becomes rounder with a drop of water. Finish: long, still tropically fruity but with a drier feel to it now, more coconut and an almost mineral finale.” – $490
  6. The Whisky Agency Irish Malt XO – 45.8% – Average age of 18-30 Years – Bourbon Barrel – A joint bottling with Head’s & Tails – No tasting notes at this time! – $255
  7. The Whisky Agency Mannochmore 1988 – 46% – 28 Year – Hogshead – 87 Points Serge @ Whisky Fun: “Colour: straw. Nose: it’s very fruity! No varnish this time, no nail polish, rather marshmallows aplenty and a rather perfect maltiness, plus green branches and leaves. It’s rather sharp, ‘nervous’, and kind of delicate at the same time. Wulong tea, kiwis, rhubarb… There’s an obvious parentage with the F&F, but this is rather deeper. Old age, I suppose… Mouth: very good, green-fruity, with more kiwis, more grapefruits, and indeed more rhubarb, greengages… It’s got a perfect acidic side, very refreshing, and you don’t even need to add ice. Perfect body. Finish: rather long, superbly acidic and green. And wait, in the aftertaste, some green melons! Comments: an uplifting Mannochmore, and quite bizarrely, the exact opposite of Loch Dhu. Do you know Loch Dhu? Do you know Rosebank?” – 6 Left – $375
  8. The Whisky Agency Speyside 1973 – 46.9% – 43 Year – Hogshead – 92pts Serge @ Whisky Fun: “There’s no doubt whatsoever that this will be excellent. Colour: pale gold. Nose: walnut oil, ink, paraffin, beeswax, plantain bananas, and a wee slice of white ham. Austere, beautifully so. Also leaves, bay leaves, cut grass, and apple peel. Mouth: hell. Mint, sauerkraut, turnips, green olives, green bananas, manioc, turmeric, and some guava juice to make all that sweeter. We’re clearly in riesling territories, and since the bottler is German, I’d say Knipser’s Steinbuckel. Great German Riesling – this from an Alsatian, so take my word! Finish: medium to long, a tad sweeter and rounder. Orange and passion fruit compote, and a wee touch of lavender honey for good measure. Comments: these are the malts to buy these days. There’s no better new old Speysiders, anywhere. Yeah, unless, you know, at auctions for hefty prices… Seriously, buy this if you can find it! Or its siblings…” – $620
  9. The Whisky Agency Teaninich 1973 – 48.8% – 43 Year – Ex-Sherry Butt – Bottled under “The Perfect Dram” Label – Only 1 bottle left! – $650
  10. The Whisky Agency Tennessee Bourbon 2003 – 52.6% – 13 Year – 88pts Whisky Base: “Nose: much more caramel aromas now, with waxed furniture. The polished aspect of oak, rather than the spicy, plankish notes. Very round. Sweet corn. Coconut cream, hints of Mexican chocolate. The most liqueur-like of the three. Almonds and pecans, almost sherried in a way. Mouth: very much on the coconut flakes again. Hints of pomegranates, then the eucalyptus and herbal tea. Cloves. Somehow smoother than you’d expect from a 13 years old bourbon. Finish: long, on polished oak, char and spices.” – $235 

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Whisky Fassle

  1. Whisky Fasle 1964 Single Grain – 47.7% – 52 Year – Ex-Bourbon Barrel – Undisclosed Lowland Grain Distillery – Whisky Notes Tasting Note: “Nose: nicely vannilled and syrupy, with pear juice and warm oak. Hints of both American bourbon and exotic rum. Coconut and bananas flambéed. Hints of pencil shavings. Creamy mocha candy. A little toasted oak and warm brioche. Crushed mint in the back. Easy to like, more complex than expected. Mouth: now more bourbonny than rummy, but still quite smooth. Honey and caramels, vanilla custard, a little leather. Heavily baked cake. Coconut. Maybe some papaya. Certainly influenced by the oak (baking spices) but not tired or woody, very smooth and creamy actually. Finish: long, slightly spicier now (pepper, clove). Something of flan with sweet oranges and burnt sugar.” – Only 12 Bottles – 6 Left – $730
  2.  Whisky Fassle Irish Malt XO – 50.6% – A marriage of Irish Single Malts Distilled 1989-91 and 2000-3 – Bottled 2016 – Whisky Notes Tasting Note: “Nose: fresh, bright and very fruity. Banana, lemon, pineapple, whitecurrant. Rather great. Sweet barley. Hints of lime blossom, grasses, buttercups and light honey. Mouth: same fruitiness. Melons, pears, pineapple, sweetened grapefruit juice too. More of a vague Haribo fruitiness, lacking some of the unique passion fruits of the old (non-blended) Irish malts, if you know what I mean. Some minty notes and young grassy touches. Back to powder sugar and almonds. Hints of vanilla, and perhaps a little latte. Green spices too. Finish: long, on biscuits, fruits and a little green oak.” – Only 12 Bottles – $315
  3. Whisky Fassle KWM ‘extra old’ Blended Malt KWM 25th Anniversary – 45.4% – Sherry Butt – 42 Bottles – Andrew’s Tasting Note: “Nose: big, thick and chewy; chocolate fudge, gentle ashy smoke and a cedar spice box full of decadent spices; warmed brown sugar and candied ginger; orange peels and a touch of mincemeat. Palate: round and fruity; dark, rich and layered; building gentle, ashy peat-smoke and dark bakers chocolate; more mincemeat in a buttery pie crust, bright candied orange peel and big candied fruits; soft sweet cigar tobacco and some late melons. Finish: like a fine Cuban cigar… more dark chocolate, mincemeat, fading gentle ashy peat and again with the melons. Comment: this is a lovely Blended malt, and I suspect another Edrington Group special… it has Macallan, Highland Park and even a touch of Glenrothes on it… regardless it is lovely!” – $220

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NEW Teeling Whiskies 

Two New SIngle Malts from Ireland’s Most Innovative Whisky Firm 

Two new limited edition single malts from the Teeling Distillery have just arrived. The first is the third release in the Teeling Revival Series, Volume 3. The whiskey is a 14 year old finished for a year in Pineau des Charentes casks, after maturing 13 years in Ex-Bourbon. The other malt is the first in the new Barbazon series, released to highlight the influence of different oak types on the maturation of whiskey. The first is matured in ex-Sherry. Both are available now and are not expected to last long!

  1. Teeling Revival Volume 3 14 Year – 46% – Matured in Ex-Bourbon – Finished 1 Year in Pineau des Charentes – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Earthy dried fruit and roasted hazelnut, with marmalade, peach, plum and burnt toffee. Taste: A rich sherry sweetness, red berries, nuttiness and toffee, with a hint of liquorish and clove. Finish: Lingering mixed spice, trail-mix, crisped marshmallow, dry tannins and spice with toasted wood.” – $175
  2.  Teeling Barbazon Single Malt Series 3 – 49.5% – Matured in Ex-Sherry – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Earthy dried fruit and roasted hazelnut, with marmalade, peach, plum and burnt toffee. Taste: A rich sherry sweetness, red berries, nuttiness and toffee, with a hint of liquorish and clove. Finish: Lingering mixed spice, trail-mix, crisped marshmallow, dry tannins and spice with toasted wood.” – $108

Loch Gorm 17

Kilchoman Loch Gorm 2017 

Just landed… it won’t last long!

Loch Gorm was the second core release from the Kilchoman distillery, and it has been one of its most consistently popular, so much so that it is released once a year and sells out almost immediately. The whisky was distilled in 2009, matured in Oloroso Sherry and bottled in 2017 at 46% without colouring or chillfilerting. Alberta’s once annual allocation has arrived, it will not last long.

Kilchoman Loch Gorm 2017 – 46% – Matured in Oloroso Sherry – Andrew’s Tasting Note: “Nose: an Ileach Christmas: Christmas Cake by the peat fire, after a seafood supper, with a healthy sherried dram; cedar spice box, salty Dutch licorice, dark chocolate shavings and tobacco. Palate: round, rich and oily; more Christmas cake, oily peat and salty Dutch licorice; a touch of tar, dark chocolate and loads of spices; the warm cedar note is still there; some subtle citrus tones underneath with a base of juicy malt. Finish: medium long and coating; oily and sherried with gentle peat, salty licorice and more juicy malt. Comment:

this is a very drinkable Loch Gorm, the softest I can remember sampling; truly an Ileach Christmas in a glass! – $118

Producer Description: ” Loch Gorm is the name given to our annually bottled sherry cask matured limited edition. The 2017 edition is the sixth and oldest instalment of the range, having been matured exclusively in Oloroso sherry butts filled in 2009. With the majority of our whisky being matured in ex bourbon barrels, Loch Gorm is the only release to be maturated exclusively in Oloroso sherry casks, only 13,500 bottles will be available worldwide. Like many of our expressions, Loch Gorm releases have been evolving over the years and this, the 2017 edition, is the oldest yet.  This extra maturation has afforded it a full-bodied richness which combines with the peat smoke and fruity flavours typical of Kilchoman to create a truly unique Islay single malt.” – $118

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Glenfarclas Family Cask Pricing 

Taking Requests Until August 13th, for Late Fall Delivery 

We have been offered pricing on available Glenfarclas Family Cask bottlings, including a large number of new bottlings. The Glenfarclas Family Casks have become a global commodity since they were first launched more than a decade ago. They could sell everything they release to Taiwan and Asia, who are the principal driving force on price, but they make an effort to spread it around. Attached you will find pre-order pricing for Glenfarclas Family Casks. Bottles would be delivered in late 2017. You’ll note some of them have surged in the last few years. Vintages with prices which look inflated, are a reflection of the fact the distillery is nearly out of whisky from that year. Please get back to me ASAP, available quantities of some of these whiskies is limited, and this offer was sent out to retailers around the world! The Order Deadline is August 13 2017.

Please note, we used a formula to calculate the pricing, you’ll note it has not been rounded. Prices do not include GST. The pricing is only valid through August 13, 2017, while we put together our order! Bottles should arrive late in the fall. >

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

www.kensingtonwinemarket.com

Kensington Wine Market 403-283-8000

Cadenhead’s 175th Picture This…- Scotch Whisky News

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175th Picture This…

Here we are in the hight of the summer season and obviously still turning out some amazing new single malts. The response to the last outturn took us all by surprise in London as vintage after vintage vanished from the shelves. Taste was the main driving force for the sudden demand that overtook us as customer after customer was blown away. Back in January we did say 2017 was going to be special I think we can agree it’s lived up to all our expectations and more. August sees the largest release of the season, with our small batch range and the 175th Picture Labels.

The Fellowship Of The Cask

In London, a small group who answered a call on Facebook took part in 17 blind samples, from the 17 our group (The Fellowship of the Cask as they are known) selected a top 5 based on taste. No other detail was revealed to them be it age, wood or distillery. They narrowed their top 5 into order with the Glenburgie 25 years old, distilled 1992, bottled a few weeks ago coming out on top. They loved the taste and complexity of the dram and for once they did not go for an Islay!

This same process of selecting and tasting was carried out in each of the Cadenhead’s 9 Shops. We expected a few to go for the same product but they all chose a unique cask, so no issues over who would get their first option! 10 Casks have been bottled, one for each shop plus a Springbank for the first outlet in Aberdeen back in 1842, this also marks the move from Aberdeen to Campbeltown of Cadenhead’s.

All the casks selected are listed at the end of this Newsletter. I bet you guys think this is it for the 175th! Well not quite is all we can say for now…

Now to the whisky and the ones to watch…

When I select a whisky I am looking for taste obviously, age and the cask type…Same as most others no doubt unless it’s a rare cask bottling you want! Lets dig into the taste over the age shall we so where should you start?

Ord 2005 (See notes below), this is a rare highland whisky that’s had several vintages released, each one becomes highly prized due to reviews and tasting room demand. Think summer fruits with a dash of vanilla make this dram drinkable on it’s own or after dinner.

Glen Spey 2001, this has always been a top favourite here in London since way back in 1995! Citrus freshness for a clean palate with a touch of old school elegance, this is a must have dram for all-round drinkers.

Each vintage is exceptional this season, as always our selected top dram will be down to how different it is and what the reaction was. The great thing about whisky is the ever changing tastes we get, so much so we are always updating what was the best in the tasting via our shops Facebook page you will see what others say via Stephen Worrall (Cadenhead’s London) you do need a request to view the full page.

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New K&L Exclusive “Old Particular” Release – Fettercairn 21 Year Old Single Cask – Scotch Whisky News

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While it’s become custom these days for whisky drinkers to pay well over one hundred dollars for 21 year old bottles of single malt, we’re back with another classic single barrel of Highland whisky—at full proof, no less—that will become the go-to bottle of the summer. Fettercairn isn’t a household hold name in the U.S., but in Scotland it’s known for its role in Whyte & Mackay as well as a budding single brand all its own. This particular expression is pure Highland whisky in its purest and most traditional form. Sweet barley, vanilla, flowers, and mealy flavors swirl through the palate and are lifted by the higher proof on the finish. All of this classic complexity clocks in at a cool $79.99, which is why our Old Particular direct barrel program has the attention of the entire whisky drinking nation right now. Not only do our selections receive top marks from top enthusiasts, the prices we’ve been able to offer are unbeatable, meaning this deal will likely sell through as quickly as our previous barrels did.

1995 Fettercairn 21 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky (750ml) ($79.99)

Fettercairn isn’t the most well-known of Scottland’s Highland single malt distilleries, but it’s a well-established part of the Whyte & Mackay empire and is renowned by blenders for its light and malty character. Those who like their Highland malts with plenty of buttery biscuit, sweet vanilla, and a dash of orange blossom will go gaga for this 21 year old barrel strength release, especially as the aforementioned flavors are lifted and vibrant at 51.9% ABV. As has been our strategy over the last few years, we dug through numerous samples of Fettercairn and other lesser-known producers because the price of each cask is linked specifically to the name recognition of the distillery. The result is a cracking 21 year old full proof single barrel edition Fettercairn for an amazing price! Aromas of shortbread and sweet malted barley are brimming upon first nosing, followed by a creamy, bready texture on the palate that spreads out slowly and generously with plenty of richness and classic Highland vanilla. The finish is where the heather, flowers, and orange blossom come into focus with notes of ginger and baking spices. All in all, it’s another great deal from our friends at Old Particular and one overdelivers again for the price.

David Driscoll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 25, 2017

For those who remember the old Gordon & MacPhail bottling of Glenlivet 21 (the one with the old-timey label), this Fettercairn is a dead ringer for that whisky, just at at full proof and for a much better price. I adored that malt when we had it because it was such a throwback, both the bottle and the whisky itself. It was a no-frills Highland expression with pure flavors of barley, vanilla, fruit and biscuit. The Fettercairn has all of that, but with more body and a longer finish from the higher ABV. This whisky isn’t going to change your life, but it’s going to taste damn good on a later summer’s evening when you’ve finished a long day of laying around the house. Again, our Brexit pricing continues to dominate the market. Few whiskies can match this quality at this price.

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 27, 2017

Flavorful and delicate this 21 year old has a lot to offer. It has a beautiful subtle honeyed nose that leads to a round, fruity and malty mouth. It tastes good. A touch of water is needed to soften and open up this single malt.

Andrew Stevens | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 26, 2017

Here is another fantastic bottle to add to the “summer Scotch” collection that we are all building (I am not the only one, right?) Fettercairn is a beautifully balanced, delightfully delicate, and lingeringly long whisky full of light fruits, with vanilla, citrus, hay, and a perfect amount of spice to bring everything to a close. At 21 years this bottle has the right amount of age to soften the cask strength and keep this Scotch oh so sippable and smooth.

Alex Schroeder | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 26, 2017

This is a whisky aged to perfection, so that the flavors of ginger, kiwi, melon, butterscotch, hay and oak work off of each other perfectly to create a delicate, dynamic flavor profile that goes down as smooth as any 51 degree whisky that I have ever tried. This is a fresh and delicious Scotch that is priced well below many lesser bottles on the shelf.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 26, 2017

Having recently counted our Spirits inventory in the Redwood City store I found myself at home this weekend counting inventory on my own shelves. I’m definitely guilty of “collecting” an enormous number of open Scotches and other liquors, cause you never know what you might need to have on hand and we always have such great new stuff coming in. With that being said, this Fettercairn 21 is front and center in my “DRINK ME” section. It’s brimming with everything I could ask for in a lazy summer sipper. Stone fruits: check. Buttermilk biscuits: check. Malty goodness: check. Vanilla: check. Delicacy without sacrificing body: Double Check. Oh and by the way, it’s at full proof and amazingly priced. As soon as I make a new space on the shelf, I’m adding a second one of these because when it’s gone, it’s gone.

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Littlemill 2017 Private Cellar Edition 27 Year Old at Loch Fyne Whiskies – Scotch Whisky News

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Littlemill 2017 Private Cellar Edition 27 Year Old

From the lost distillery of Littlemill, this rare 27 year old expression has been created by master blender, Michael Henry, from casks distilled in May 1990. Eight refill bourbon casks matured for 26 years before being married together in fresh bourbon barrels for 12 months to create this limited edition, bottled at a cask strength of 51.3% abv and presented in a stunning display case with a miniature of the precious liquid and a unique piece of the cask used during maturation.

£2,250 Buy Now Limited to 500 bottles worldwide

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The Whisky Shop “Unique, personal, sophisticated. It’s the perfect gift.” ~ Scotch Whisky News

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Unique, personal, sophisticated.

We’re all hunting for the perfect gift to show that special someone just how much they mean to us, but is it possible? Well, at The Whisky Shop we think we’ve come pretty close to perfect. With our personalised engraving service, extensive single cask selection, craft gins and stylish accessories, there is something to suit the most discerning of drinkers.

Next day UK delivery available International shipping

MAKE IT PERSONAL

Ready to Serve: The New Famous Grouse Experience Website -Scotch Whisky News

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Our new website has slowly been maturing over the past few months and we’re delighted to say it is now ready to serve!

Be sure to check it out HERE. You can now book your tour easily online, choosing both the date and preferred time allowing you to plan your day out in Crieff to the full – and there’s lots to do in the local area so it’s well worth a visit.

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You can now use your mouse to visit The Famous Grouse!

BOOK ONLINE TODAY

The Famous Grouse Experience
The Glenturret Distillery
The Hosh
Crieff, PH7 4HA
United Kingdom


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