MORTLACH 16 YEAR OLD

£199

BUY NOW »

‘Treat yourself to this gem, you’ve earned it.’

Springbank 1995 Port Cask

Springbank, The Collector’s Loft, Single Cask

51% vol. / 70cl

£295.00 Ex VAT £245.83

If you try just one whisky this year…

Hamish has managed to unearth very special single cask bottling from Campbeltown’s Springbank distillery. Distilled in December 1995 and filled to a fresh port cask (no. 15/286-11) where it matured for the next twenty years before bottling in October 2016, producing just 216 bottles at a natural cask strength of 51% abv.

Available while stocks last

Nose: Rich treacle, banana, dark fruits.

Taste: Dark chocolate, berries, crème brûlée, a hint of coastal notes.

Finish: A light hint of smoke balanced with more heavy treacle notes.

 

https://youtu.be/lqfDavmT6fc 

Week 4/4 – Finishing up on the biggest and most distinctive flavour in Scotch, peat! Lossit was an Islay distillery but sadly shut down a very long time a go. Check out the video and do visit , Lost Distillery Co’s website for a full run down of their whole range of wonderful whiskies and styles. 

—
Whisky Reviews every Wednesday
Facebook.com/whiskytube
Twitter.com/whiskytube
Youtube.com/whiskywednesday

 

Heaven Hill Distillery Announces Release of 2017 Parker’s Heritage Collection Limited Edition Bottling

Eleventh Edition of annual ultra-premium release will honor late Heaven Hill Distillery Master Distiller Emeritus Parker Beam and continue support of ALS research and patient care

BARDSTOWN, KY— Heaven Hill Distillery announced today the 2017 limited edition release of Parker’s Heritage Collection – an 11-year-old, Single Barrel Bourbon. The eleventh edition will be shipping into select markets across the country beginning in September.

The 2017 edition showcases what Parker felt was one of his greatest achievements throughout his more than 50 years of distilling experience – the introduction of Heaven Hill’s single barrel Bourbons. Aged in Parker’s favorite rickhouse location, Deatsville, the sixth-generation Master Distiller would have described these bottles as “just good Bourbon.” Bottled at 122 proof (61% abv) and non-chill filtered, the Bourbon tastes of heavy spice and oak, with a hint of smoke and raisin, followed by a long and dry finish.

The annual release of Parker’s signature line is one of the most highly anticipated bottlings for whiskey and Bourbon lovers worldwide, as the collection produces an innovative, coveted product each year and now serves as a remembrance of the collection’s namesake. Parker’s Heritage Collection was originally conceived to showcase the extraordinary quality and broad range of Heaven Hill’s American Whiskey holdings, as Heaven Hill boasts the world’s second largest inventory of aging American Whiskey.

The late Heaven Hill Distillery Master Distiller Emeritus Parker Beam, for whom the acclaimed series is named, was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (also called ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease) in 2010. The past four editions from 2013-2016, including the “Promise of Hope” Bourbon, the “Original Batch” Straight Wheat Whiskey, the Kentucky Straight Malt Whiskey, and the 24-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon respectively, have raised over half a million dollars toward ALS research and patient care through contributions made by Heaven Hill for each bottle purchased. Heaven Hill will continue with this cause-related campaign, and will contribute $10 from the average national retail cost of $129.99 of each 750ml bottle sold of this year’s release to the ALS Association. With every past edition of Parker’s Heritage Collection quickly selling out, the company expects to continue to generate significant dollars for this effort in Parker’s memory.

“Through Parker Beam’s leadership and influence, the history of Kentucky Bourbon and Heaven Hill’s American Whiskey heritage has an enduring foundation of quality, transparency, and passion,” said Susan Wahl, Group Product Director at Heaven Hill Distillery. “We are proud to continue offering the Parker’s Heritage collection in his memory and continue to support ALS research and patient care efforts.”

Packaged in the same upscale 750ml bottle as the previous ten editions but with a gray colored label, the Parker’s Heritage Collection 11-Year-Old Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey bottling reflects the care and craftsmanship of its contents. Available in a three bottle case, it will be featured on the shelves and back bars of the nation’s finest spirits retailers and on-premise accounts starting in September. With previous releases having won multiple awards from Whisky Advocate magazine, Whisky Magazine and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the rare bottlings stand as some of the most critically lauded American Whiskeys in recent memory. Past bottlings have won awards ranging from “Best North American Whiskey” to “American Whiskey of the Year” to “Best of Show, Brown Spirits.”

About Heaven Hill Distillery Founded in Kentucky by the Shapira family in 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery continues its legacy as one of the foremost American Whiskey producers. Heaven Hill has cultivated the traditions and history of America’s Native Spirit with its fierce independence, passionate family ownership, dedication to quality, and thoughtful innovation. Today, Heaven Hill Distillery maintains over 1.2 million barrels aging in 54 warehouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson Counties. It is home to an award-winning collection of American Whiskeys including Elijah Craig Bourbon, Larceny Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Pikesville Rye Whiskey, Rittenhouse Rye Whisky and Parker’s Heritage Collection. Heaven Hill Distillery previously held the titles of 2016 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year, 2016 Whiskey Advocate American Whiskey of the Year and 2016 Rye Whiskey of the Year from “Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.” For more information, please visit www.heavenhilldistillery.com.

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely.  Drink Wisely.”

Bourbon vs Scotch: what’s the difference?

To non-whisky drinkers, Scotch and bourbon are the same thing. A dark spirit, made with the same ingredients and aged in the same barrels. Right? Wrong. The two drinks have a lot in common but there’s also a world of difference, which we’ll explain for you.

Location

Scotch: No prizes for guessing this one: Scotch whisky must be made in Scotland. Not only that, to use the term ‘Scotch whisky’ on the label, the whisky must be bottled in Scotland, too (with the exception of blended whisky).

Bourbon: Contrary to popular opinion, bourbon does not have to made in Kentucky. It can, in fact, be made in any US state, but the limestone water found in Kentucky makes it an ideal location – the limestone filters out impurities such as iron.

95% of bourbon is made in Kentucky

INGREDIENTS

Scotch: Scotch single malt whisky must be made with 100% malted barley; grain whisky is generally made with a combination of malted and unmalted barley, as well as wheat.

Bourbon: Bourbon must be made with a basic recipe (‘mash bill’) of at least 51% corn (maize), with the remainder made up of rye, wheat and barley. The greater the proportion of corn in the recipe, the sweeter the bourbon; rye-heavy bourbons will have a spicier taste.

DISTILLATION

Scotch: The method in which Scotch whisky is distilled depends on the style or category: single malts are generally double-distilled (sometimes triple-distilled) in pot stills, while grain whiskies will be distilled in a column still. As always, there are exceptions: Mortlach single malt, for example, uses a complicated ‘2.81’ system involving a combination of pot stills.

Bourbon: Almost all bourbon is firstly distilled in a column still, then the spirit undergoes a second distillation in a modified copper pot still known as a ‘doubler’ (or ‘thumper’).

MATURATION

Scotch: People who make Scotch whisky have a lot to thank the bourbon industry for. Bourbon distillers are only allowed to age their spirit in new oak casks; after they’ve been used once, the casks are no use to them, so the majority gets sold to Scotch producers, who are more than happy to age their whisky inside them. Scotch distillers have much more freedom when it comes to ageing their whisky, and use a huge variety of casks, including those which formerly contained wine, port, or even Cognac.

Bourbon: The other big difference between the Scotch whisky and bourbon is the climate. The warmer temperatures of Kentucky mean that evaporation rates are much higher, so the bourbon matures much quicker than its Scottish equivalent – about twice as fast.

FLAVOUR

It is extremely difficult to talk about a generic style for either Scotch whisky or bourbon, but there are some general flavours you can expect, depending on the style.

Scotch: There is no single generic Scotch whisky style – a light, grassy Speysider has little in common with a robust, peaty monster from Islay. Moreover, due to factors including cask type, peating level and length of maturation, Scotch whiskies can be elegant and floral, rich and spicy, or even have a salty, maritime character.

Bourbon: A bourbon made with a high proportion of corn will taste sweeter than one with a hefty dose of rye. It is also fair to say that bourbons will generally have a sweeter taste than most Scotch whiskies, and will often display notes of toffee, cinnamon and vanilla (the latter from the American oak it is matured in).

When comparing Scotch whisky and bourbon, it is impossible to say whether one is better than the other; it is more a question of which spirit you prefer. Most bourbons are made in an approachable style, but there are plenty of Scotch whiskies that are soft and subtle, too. We would recommend trying a few of each and building your whisky repertoire – we have plenty to choose from! Happy drinking.

Old Pultney 21 Discontinued?

“Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance.”

― Coco Chanel

Supplies of Old Pulteney 21-year-old have been on allocation since it was named ‘World’s Best Whisky’  2012 Scoring a record-equalling 97.5 points out of 100. Old Pulteney 21 was matured in ex-bourbon casks with spirit from ex-Oloroso sherry casks, second fill American oak and Spanish oak first fill. Old Pulteney 21 is excellence in its truest form. The news has left Milroys utterly melconcholic. But wait, there is a whiff of good news.  We have 5 left, some of the last in London.

Grab your now, before they’re all gone

Littlemill 25 Year Old 2015 Release

The Collector’s Loft, Littlemill

50.4% vol. / 70clcl

£2,250.00

Ralfy explains what you need to know with Ralfy review 669 – Advice on drinking old vintage liquors

The month of July is winding down and we are approaching the Dog Days of Summer. The whisky news continues to flow and excitement is building as new whiskies including some long awaited new Kensington Wine Market Exclusive casks start hitting the shelves.

Speaking of the new KWM exclusive casks, we have nearly sold out of our Kensington Wine Market Glenrothes 1997 Cask, $200, which only first arrived in store two and a half weeks ago. Of the 84 total bottles, nearly 60 have sold… There is also our new Cadenhead exclusive cask, which we alluded to in the Bulletin last week.

We launched the Cadenhead Glen Moray 1992 25 Year KWM at a series of tastings last week hosted by Cameron McGeachy from Cadenhead. At $205 it is a very reasonably priced 25 year old single cask, cask strength whisky. It is our latest 25th Anniversary bottling to hit the shop, but not the last…

This coming week we are launching our most limited 25th Anniversary whisky, the Whisky-Fassle ‘extra old’ Blended Malt KWM, $220. Only 42 bottles have been sold to KWM of this very curious, a purportedly very old, Blended Malt. We suspect the whisky to be Edrington Stock, with a cigar ash backbone and lots of sherry. We have a bottle open for sampling in the shop.

Next week we will be introducing the whiskies of Samaroli to the Kensington Wine Market, at a tasting to be co-hosted by Evan Eckersley and Jonathan Bray. We will be sampling a range of new Samaroli whiskies and a couple of others aged up to 26 years of age at Samaroli Malt Whisky & Friends. Just $40.

We have access to some increasingly rare closed distillery whiskies, including Brora, Caperdonich, Rosebank and Port Ellen. The Caperdonich, from Maltbarn, is the first we have seen from this distillery in a couple of years. The other three are from Gordon Macphail’s Rare Old range. They are an unexpected but welcome surprise… and they won’t last long. Just 6 bottles each of the Brora, Port Ellen and Rosebank are coming, and between 3 and 5 bottles of each are already sold!

There is a new range of organic single malt whiskies from Sweden in Alberta. The Spirit of Hven whiskies are lightly peated, highly respected and curiously packaged. The whisky is made on the island of Hven, between Sweden and Denmark. We have samples of a few of them open at the shop including their gin!

The Paul John Whiskies are back in stock at the shop: Brilliance, Edited and Bold. More details on them below, as well as two cask strength bottlings from the distillery which are set to arrive in the next couple of weeks. Only a handful of bottles of Paul John Peated Select Cask, $95, and Classic Select Cask, $90, are coming to Alberta. We will also shortly be announcing a Paul John Master Class with the distillery’s Brand Ambassador Madhu Paul.

The second edition of Shelter Point Single Malt is now in store, and we are shortly expecting some new releases from Duncan Taylor. We have also received a small shipment of EH Taylor and a new release of Stagg Jr.

Last but not least: if you are a fan of either Old Pulteney 17 Year, or Old Pulteney 21 Year, you may want to grab a bottle or two over the next couple of months. The owners of the distiller – Inver House – are retooling its lineup and we have heard these two expressions are soon to be dropped. When the stock currently in Alberta is gone, these malts will be gone forever!

I hope you enjoy this edition of the Malt Messenger.

Sláinte!

In This Edition

1. Samaroli & Friends Tasting Next Week
2. New Cadenhead Glen Moray 1992 KWM Cask 25 Year
3. New Whisky-Fassle ‘extra old’ Blended Malt Whisky
4. Very Rare Closed Distillery Bottlings
5. Introducing Spirit of Hven Whiskies
6. Introducing Paul John Cask Strength
7. Introducing Shelter Point 2nd Release Single Malt
8. New Duncan Taylor Whiskies
9. EH Taylor & Stagg Jr. Bourbons
10. Old Pulteney 17 & 21 Year Olds Discontinued

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

Samaroli Malt Whisky & Friends Tasting Next Week 

With Jonathan Bray & Our Own Evan Eckersley – Just $40 

Samaroli is a well respected name in the world of independent bottlers. Established in 1968 in its home market of Italy, and now available in over 20 countries around the world. We will sample a range of whiskies from Samaroli, and a couple of other bottlings aged up to 26 years of age. Take a break from the sun next week, with some fine Scotch whisky, bottled by an Italian firm.

Samaroli Malt Whisky & Friends – Thursday July 27 – 7 whiskies will be sampled in this tag team tasting of malt whiskies up to 26 years of age… Evan and Jonathan will be your spirit guides on this quest! – $40

Call 403-283-8000 or register online!

 

New Cadenhead Glen Moray 1992 KWM 25 Year 

Our first and only 25 year old anniversary bottling, distilled in 1992 the year KWM was founded!  

One of the most exciting 25th Anniversary releases we’ve received… the whisky is both 25 years old, and distilled in 1992, the year we opened. Matured in refill American oak, bottled at a cask strength 51.1%, just 246 bottles! This is the first cask we’ve bottled with Cadenhead and it won’t be the last, we have a tasty young Dailuaine on the way. It is hard to emphasize how good a deal this whisky is, for a 25 year old single cask, cask strength bottling. We tried to find a 1992 25 year old with several other firms, all of them 50-150% more expensive… The whisky is light, delicate and tropical but very layered. A fine summer sipper!

ore details to come, only time to hammer out a quick tasting note!

Cadenhead Glen Moray 1992 KWM 25 Year – 55.1% – American Oak – Approx 220 Bottles – My Tasting Note: “Nose: doughy, decadent and floral; clotted cream, crystallized honey and creme brule; very delicate and tropical: melon, mango and juicy orange; a silky creamy base. Palate: soft, silky, floral, elegant and still very delicate; thin tendrils of honey, clotted cream and vanilla lead into the soft subtle tropical fruits and orange; both cantaloupe and honeydew melons, firm but balanced toasted oak and Demerara sugars; light but coating with lots of layers. Finish: long and very delicate it is both drying and coating with more soft oak tones, tropical fruits and decadent vanilla-cream. Comment: we patiently waited for this whisky to reach 25 years of age, and we’ve glad we did; it is a fine summer whisky, great value for a 25 year old single cask, and it won’t disappoint! – $205

 

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

Very Rare Closed Distillery Bottlings 

Brora, Port Ellen and Rosebank from Gordon Macphail & a Maltbarn Caperdonich

These ones arrived out of the blue… I was not expecting them, but who am I to look a gift horse in the mouth! We are getting no more than 6 bottles each of Gordon Macphail Rare Old Brora 1982, Port Ellen 1980 and Rosebank 1990. The pricing on the Brora is frankly a lot lower than expected as is the Port Ellen. Most independent bottlers have been aggressively jacking up their Port Ellen pricing, Douglas Laing and Hunter Laing in particular. This is to say nothing of Diageo who’s Port Ellens now sell for as much as decent used car. The Rosebank jumped substantially in price, but Rosebank has all but dried up these days. The only Rosebank we’ve even seen in recent years has been from Gordon Macphail, and the quantities are limited. Canada’s allocation is no more than a couple dozen bottles a year! Here are the details, and prices. Let me know ASAP if there is anything of interest. I expect these will go quickly!

Brora

Brora Courtesy Gordon MacPhail:

“In the annals of Scotch whisky history, many noted distilleries have stood out above and beyond the pack for their distinct flavour, or personality. Brora, first founded as the Clynelish distillery back in 1819, then taking the name Brora in the late 1960s, is one such distillery. However, the reason for its undisputed reverence is largely down to its untimely closure back in the early 1980s and the subsequent decades have seen this lost highlander truly become a sorely-missed classic.  The site of Brora lies next to its ultimate predecessor, a newly opened ‘Clynelish’ in the late 1960s, but the two whiskies are very different from a flavour perspective. Brora has matured into a phenomenal malt whisky, with a unique maltiness and rich, highly distinctive oak-driven backbone. Whilst this classic may never live and breathe again, the remaining stocks are unquestionably some of the finest whiskies one will ever encounter.”

Rare Old Brora 1982 – 46% – Refill Sherry puncheon – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose without Water Fragrant green apple aromas enhanced with lemon and lime and subtle menthol notes. A sweetness develops with hints of milk chocolate. Palate without Water White pepper, ripe banana, blueberry, and cardamom spice flavours are complemented by an underlying peat smoke edge. Nose with Water Subtle vanilla with fresh green apple, pear, and orange notes complemented by hints of Parma Violets. Palate with Water Peppery with hints of banana, dark chocolate, and orange zest. An undertone of dried tobacco is present. Body Light to medium. Finish Medium in length, smooth and creamy with traces of smoke.” – $1200 – Only 1/6 Left!

Port Ellen

Port Ellen Courtesy Gordon Macphail: “Time is, in many ways, a great leveller and allows one to reflect on the past with a sense of perspective. When considering Port Ellen, Islay’s undisputed lost classic, had those in authority been able to search into the future before finally taking the decision to close the distillery back in 1983 due to economic issues, then maybe the distillery would still be producing its characterful single malt for a new generation of whisky drinkers. Despite its closure, a small number of casks are still maturing away and today, Port Ellen has a extra special reverence reserved for it. It exudes a refined elegance unlike any other Islay malt: aromas of chamois leather, lemon zest and cracked black pepper mix with a heady phenolic smoke, to produce a whisky, which many connoisseurs consider to be one of the finest ever bottled. Truly a lost classic, never to be repeated.”

Rare Old Port Ellen – 46% – Refill American Oak – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose without Water Vanilla ice cream, ripe pear, and cinnamon aromas mingle with dried tobacco and charred oak. Palate without Water Ground white pepper leads to sweet red berries, dried mango, and kiwi flavours. A rich smoky edge is present giving way to a subtle aniseed edge. Nose with Water Floral elements with hints of lavender and violet. Green apple, tangerine, and red grape are complemented by green tea aromas. Palate with Water Sweet initially with candied fruits giving way to a touch of liquorice and salt. Peat smoke lingers. Body Medium. Finish Medium in length, drying with plenty of peat smoke influences.” – $1900 – 3/6 left!

Rosebank Type caption tewww.discoverrosebank.comxt here.Rosebank Courtesy Gordon Macphail: “Situated on the banks of the Forth and Clyde canal close to the River Carron, the distillery has the advantage of being near a main road and a coalfield thus enabling it to have cheaply transported fuel. The main reason this site was chosen for a distillery as early as 1817 was because of the ‘inexhaustible supply of water’ from the Glenbirnie rivulet, a tributary of the River Carron.Like other Lowland distilleries, Rosebank operated a triple distillation process. It was rebuilt in a modern form in the 1800s and comprises two ranges of buildings divided by the canal. The distillery closed in 1993.”

Rare Old Rosebank 1990 – 46% – Refill Sherry and American hogsheads – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose without Water Hints of lavender, rose petals, and beeswax polish combine with lingering hints of lemon, green apple, and ripe pear. Palate without Water Cracked black pepper with hints of red apple, orange peel, and almonds are complemented by a creamy milk chocolate edge. Nose with Water Lime, plum, and mandarin aromas initially. Delicate hints of pine needles and eucalyptus develop. Palate with Water Fruity flavours emerge – banana, gooseberry, and kiwi. These are complemented by an underlying honeycomb sweetness. Body Light to medium. Finish Medium with a fruity and spicy edge.” – $940 – 3/6 left!

Caperdonich Distillery

Not a Gordon Macphail bottling, but from a closed distillery none the less, we also have a Maltbarn 1994 Caperdonich single cask. Capperdonich used to be one of the more common independent bottlings, though the stock has all but dried up in the last few years. The distillery was opened in 1897 at the start of the first Scotch Whisky Boom. It was an adjunct to Glen Grant distillery located just across the road in Rothes. The distillery only operated for three years until 1902 when it was forced to close by the Pattison Whisky Crash. During its few years of operation, it was known as Glen Grant Number 2. When it reopened in 1965 at the start of the next major whisky boom, it was renamed Caperdonich, as by that time two distilleries could not bear the same name. The distillery was closed again in 2002, dismantled, and the buildings are now occupied by Forsyths who produce stills and other copper-work for the industry. This Maltbarn bottling is the first Caperdonich we have seen in a number of years.

Maltbarn Caperdonich 1994 – 49.8% – 22 Year – Bourbon Barrel No. 69 – Tasting Note & More Details Coming Soon – $350

Introducing: The Spirit of Hven Whiskies 

New Organic Single Malts from Sweden!

New Swedish single malt whiskies bottled in curious wax sealed 500ml flask shaped bottles. The whiskies are all made from organic malt and bottled without colouring or chill-filtering.From the Importer: “Recently named the 2017 European Distillery of the Year at the Wizards of Whisky awards,  the Spirit of Hven (pronounced “V – N”) is located on the island of Hven between Denmark and Sweden. The distillery produces a range of all-organic craft spirits that are now, for the first time, available in Alberta. The “Seven Stars” series are special releases, and the last of the of the second (Merak), third (Phecda), and fifth (Alioth) editions are now available in limited quantities.”

• Spirit of Hven Tycho’s Star – 41.8% – Producer Description: “The core of the single malt range from Hven is this medium-peated whisky. It is bright and nutty with hints of grain and chocolate. Tycho’s Star is bottled at site on Hven at 41,8 vol%, without carbon- or chill filtering, no colouring or additives. It is Organic certified, completely natural, as it should be. Every bottle is individually numbered and controlled before being dipped in wax by hand.” – $165
• Spirit of Hven Seven Stars Merak – 45.0% – Producer Description: “This Whisky is the second release in the “Seven Stars” series from Spirit of Hven. It is a medium smoky Single Malt Whisky, created from barley to bottle at the small family owned distillery situated on the island of Hven. As the predecessor Dubhe , this whisky called Merak is soft and round with a youthful freshness. It has distinct but smooth smokiness, which in combination with liquorice and leather notes gives a rich mouth feel. Maturation involves American, French, and Spanish oak, the American contri butes toffee and vanilla, the French provides liquorice and peppery notes, Spanish oak keep the others in balance giving herbs and dried fruit .” – $165
• Spirit of Hven Seven Stars Phceda – 45.0% – Producer Description: “As its predecessors Dubhe and Merak, this whisky Phecda is fine-tuned and gentle with a youthful freshness even if it shows a bit more maturity than the earlier two. During maturation the phenols, primarily the ones characterized with scent of leather and liquorice notes, have accentuated, giving a more full bodied mouthfeel. Maturation was conducted on Quercus Muehlenbergii from Missouri and Quercus Petraea from Allier. The American oak gives toffee and vanilla, and the French oak, liqourice and pepperiness.” – $165
• Spirit of Hven Seven Stars Alioth – 45.0% – Producer Description: “This whisky is the fifth in the Spirit of Hven “Seven Stars” series. It is a moderately peated single malt whisky, made from grain to bottle in the small family owned distillery situated on the island of Hven in the strait between Denmark and Sweden. It has got its name from the star Alioth  in the asterism Ursa Major (the Plough). The name derives from the Arabic, alyat, meaning “the tail of a sheep” referring to the position in the asterism. Alioth is the brightest star in the constellation and no.31 amongst stars visible from earth.” – $165

Introducing Paul John Cask Strength 

One Classic, One Peated, Both Very Limited!

Paul John Distillery in Goa, India, has been making a name for itself over the last few years. So far there has only been a trickle of the whisky into Alberta, including the Bold, Edited and Brilliance expressions. I had a chance to sample the range at the Victoria Whisky Festival, and they did not disappoint. Two cask strength bottlings are about to land in Alberta, in very small quantities. They won’t last long.

• Paul John Classic Select Cask – 55.2% – Matured in American Oak – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Nose: Fruity, malty aromas are intertwined with honey. A hint of bourbon teases your senses. Palate: With the very first sip, flavours of malted barley greet you. A heady mix of bourbon and manuka honey-liquorice makes for an attractive spine. And while you relish this experience, the unexpected flavour of toasted honeycomb takes you by surprise. Finish: This Single Malt has an absolutely elegant finish, with juicy Demerara tones ensuring a soft, friendly finish.” – $90
• Paul John Peated Select Cask – 55.5% – Matured in Ex-Bourbon – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Nose: The smoky, sweet and earthy fragrances have mellow resonances of spice. Palate: As the crisp Muscovado and Demerara sugars create layered nuances, the smokiness of the Single Malt sets in, creating a perfect balance. A hint of spice radiates from the hickory and Dominican-style cocoa. Finish: The delicate finish of this Single Malt has notes of Dominican cocoa laced with the tart edge of marmalade.” – $95

We also have the following 3 other Paul John Single Malts in stock:

• Paul John Edited – 46% – Matured in Ex-Bourbon – Lightly Peated – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Nose: Honey and cocoa are laced with a hint of smokiness and a shot of espresso. A deeper whiff reveals fruity fragrances. Palate: The grassy flavours of barley show up first, but gently make way for subtle peat notes. They slowly dissolve and pave the way for a rush of mint and mocha. Finish: The finish is long and drawn out. You can sense a hint of spice and chocolate mint as it ends on gentle peat notes. – $69
• Paul John Brilliance – 46% – Matured in Ex-Bourbon – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Nose: The Demerara sugars give off a whiff of sweet fragrances, with a hint of cinnamon, dash of honey and faint spices. Palate: Sweet and spice and all things nice, make this Single Malt. The honey-like smoothness is offset by the crunchy-bar-like crispness. Somewhere, there is also a tinge of cocoa. Finish: Brilliance has a smooth and beautifully relaxed finish, with a hint of mild spices and deep intense vanilla.” – $63
• Paul John Bold – 46% Matured in Ex-Bourbon – Peated – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Nose: After the slightest whiff of smoke, a dizzying array of Manuka honey, prickly spice and bourboneque red liquorice takes over. Palate: This melt-in-the-mouth malt has the most profound flavours crashing in like waves. At first, the delivery feels sublimely silky and studded with oak-like honey. And just when you think you’ve savoured it all, you are surprised by a hefty second wave of spice. This is followed by a cloudy, smoky feel that coats the roof of the mouth and leaves a tidal wave of dry molasses, peaty soot and a degree of copper in its wake. Finish: Bold has a light finish with a tinge of copper slowly making its presence known. You can also sense a gorgeous smoked mocha shaped by delicate and intricate spices.” – $75

Introducing: Shelter Point Single Malt 2nd Release 

The Second Single Malt from Vancouver Island’s Farm to Bottle Distillery

The second release of Shelter Point Single Malt has been bottled at 46% after maturing in Jack Daniels barrels. The whisky is made from two row barley, grown on the distillery’s farm, doubled distilled in copper pot stills, matured and bottled on site. Rumour has it the whisky was matured exclusively in ex-Jack Daniels casks.Shelter Point 2nd Release Single Malt – 46% – Andrew’s Tasting Note: “Nose: fresh, toasty and honeyed; a touch of sour orange opens into oatmeal-raisin cookies right out of the over and corn syrup; a touch vegetal and quite malty with aloe-like oils. Palate: still fresh, malty and honeyed; the corn syrup is still there with some simple syrup and melons; the orange note is drying with some Demerara sugar and Russian coffee dregs; still vegetal and floral with loads of toasty oak; the oatmeal-raisin cookies are still there, right out of the oven… not enough raisins though! Finish: clean, crisp and toasty; more malty tones, sugars and honey with a floral finale. Comment: more mature by a hair than the first release; further proof that they are on the right track!” – $83

NEW Duncan Taylor Whiskies 

4 Interesting Single Malts

Duncan Taylor’s whisky prices have been rising like a helium balloon the last 4-5 years. We’ve found a few we believe we can work with though. Not a lot of details at this time (I’ve asked for them). But the pricing on the two dimensions bottlings is very good. The Miltonduff is of great interest to me. In my humble opinion it is one of the most underappreciated malts of Scotland. I haven’t come across many that I don’t love!

• Duncan Taylor Dimensions Glen Grant 23 Year – 52.8% – Trying to track down more info! – $205
• Duncan Taylor Dimensions Glen Spey 23 Year – 53.6% – 1991 – Outturn 260 bottles – $200
• Duncan Taylor Glen Moray 26 Year Single Cask – 45.7% – 1988 – Outturn 190 bottles – Matured in Sherry Oak – $450
• Duncan Taylor Miltonduff 31 Year Single Cask – 51.2% – Trying to track down more info! – $530

JUST BACK Two EH Taylors and a new Stagg Jr.  

Three very sought after, and limited Bourbons at least in Canada!

We are getting a small quantity of EH Taylor Single Barrel and Small Batch Bourbons. They are limited in quantity, and they won’t last long… But nothing new there!

• EH Taylor Single Barrel – 50% – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “The aroma carries lightly toasted oak, with dried figs and butterscotch. One sip brings flavors of sweetness balanced with tobacco and dark spices. The finish is just long enough to prepare the palette for another sip. The bottle itself is a likeness to Colonel Taylor’s original design used over a century ago.” – $100
• EH Taylor Small Batch – 50% – Distiller’ s Tasting Note: “Tastes of caramel corn sweetness, mingled with butterscotch and licorice. The aftertaste is a soft mouth-feel that turns into subtle spices of pepper and tobacco.” – $100
• Stagg Jr. 66.25% – 66.25% – The younger brother of George T. Stagg from Buffalo Trace distillery / Sazerac Company. It is around 8 to 9 years old and is high alcohol like its older sibling. Stagg Jr. Bourbon is a small batch barrel proof Bourbon produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery. – Producer Tasting Note: “Rich, sweet, chocolate and brown sugar flavors mingle in perfect balance with the bold rye spiciness. The boundless finish lingers with hints of cherries, cloves and smokiness.” – $85

Old Pulteney 17 & 21 Year Olds  Set to be discontinued, get em while you can!

Two of our customers’ favourite whiskies are set to be discontinued. The Old Pulteney 17 and 21 year olds will be gone forever in short order; there a limited stocks left in Alberta. Rumour has it the 17 Year is set to become an 18 year old and the 21 Year a 22 year old, likely with a price bump. Demand for these whiskies globally has been very high over the last few years, and the owners have decided to switch things up a little. If either of these are your go to malts, you may want to stock up!

• Old Pulteney 17 Year – 46% – American & European Oak – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Nose: Sweet with traces of apples and pears: slightly woody with a hint of butterscotch. Taste: Sweet with soft fruits: kiwi, guava, peach.” – $135
• Old Pulteney 21 Year – 46% – American & European Oak (with a higher proportion of sherry than the 17) – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Nose: Full bodied with traces of fruits (apples and pears); slightly fragrant with spicy overtones. Palate: Creamy, toffee, vanilla, baked red apple with a hint of smokiness and a dry finish.” – $190

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

403-283-8000Calgary, Alberta, Canada

RALFY helps to solve the problem of an awkward malt with Ralfy Review 668 – Highland Park 2007 9yo @ 59.2%vol (G&MacP)