Malt Messenger No. 73 – Spring Tasting Schedule & Exciting New Whiskies

This edition of the Malt Messenger has some exciting new whisky releases included in it, but the even bigger news is that our full Spring Tasting Schedule is now out, and open for registration! I have provided detailed descriptions of all of our Spring 2017 whisky and spirits tastings below. You can register in store, by phone 403-283-8000 or online!

Hunter’s Classic Malts  tasting on the 11th is almost sold out, but there is much more in store this month. The nine oldest whiskies of the Glendronach Batch 14 Vertical will be sampled on April 13, and we have a very cool Chateau Montifaud Cognac tasting coming up on Thursday the 20th with Sophie Cabanes from the distillery. It has been a while since we’ve shown some love to Asian whiskies, and so we have planned an East of Scotland tasting scheduled for Tuesday April 25. That tasting will feature some rare new single malts from Kavalan and Amrut, as well as some cool Japanese and Australian whiskies. And that is just April…

May and June are loaded with even more great whisky and spirits events to help us mark our 25th Anniversary. On Friday May 26th George Grant will be in store for a pair of back to back Glenfarclas Tastings. In June we are welcoming John Glaser of Compass Box to KWM for a pair of tastings to launch our Compass Box KWM Collaboration Blend! There are more details on all of the above events and many more below. Don’t hesitate too long to book your tickets for the Spring Single Malt Festival,Thursday June 8, it always sells out early!

In other whisky event news, Kensington Wine Market and the Scotch Malt Whisky Society have paired with Ghost River Theater for a unique tasting opportunity on Tuesday May 2 at Last Best Brewery. This Multi-Sensory Scotch Whisky Tasting will include 5 Scotch Malt Whisky Society single malts in a one of a kind tasting experience. Tickets are $150 with all proceeds going to Ghost River Theater. Tickets for Tasting Scotch are available online! KWM’s last collaboration tasting with Ghost River was a hit and we expect this event will be too. More details below.

Our own Evan Eckersley will be at Phil & Sebastian’s Marda Loop pouring Scotch Whisky and a unique KWM cocktail at The Night Cap Club on Thursday April 6. A picture of his range and more details can be found below.

On the new whisky side of things, there is a lot to tell you about. First and foremost we have two new exclusive blends, selected by yours truly and bottled by Berry Bros & Rudd for our 25th Anniversary. The first is very unusual, a Berry’s 25 Year KWM Single Barrel Blend, bottled at 46% and very well priced at $200. This was one of at least 6 casks Berry’s had acquired of whisky blended and then forgotten in barrel. A very serendipitous opportunity as the whisky in the casks was on the verge of turning 25 years old. The second blend is an oldie, but a goodie, Berry’s 40 Year KWM 25th Anniversary Blend, 46%, $430. This is almost certainly the least expensive 40 year old whisky you are likely to ever see again, and it is excellent! More details on both whiskies are below, and they are open for sampling in the shop. So don’t be shy, pop into the store for a taste!

But, as the old advertising slogan goes, that is not all… we have a lot of other exciting new whiskies to tell you about in this Malt Messenger from Macallan, Laphroaig, Teeling, Adelphi, Amrut and Glenrothes.

Truly lots to whet your palate and appetite. I hope you enjoy this Malt Messenger!

Slàinte!

In This Edition

1. 2017 Spring Tasting Schedule is Now Online!
2. Ghost River Theater Multi-Sensory Whisky Tasting Experience
3. Join Evan at Phil & Sebastian’s Marda Loop This Thursday
4. Introducing 2 New KWM 25th Anniversary Blends
5. Introducing Macallan 12 Year Double Cask
6. Introducing Laphroaig 25 Year 2015
7. Two New Old Teeling Single Malts
8. New Whiskies from Adelphi
9. New Whiskies from Amrut
10. A Trio of New Glenrothes

Andrew Ferguson

Kensington Wine Market

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

@scotch_guy, Instagram: @thescotch_guy/

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

2017 Spring Tasting Schedule Is Now Online 

Lots of great events to ring in our 25th Anniversary!

2017 is our 25th Anniversary, and we are celebrating with an incredible range of wine, whisky, beer and spirits tastings. You can view all of our tastings online! Here are the Spring Schedule whisky and spirits tastings:

1. Classic Malts – Tuesday April 11 – Our introduction to the world of Single Malt Scotch whisky. You’ll learn about different styles and regions while enjoying a fine range of drams. – $35
2. Glendronach Batch 14 – Thursday April 13 – The 9 oldest whiskies from Glendronach’s 14th release of single casks. You’ll be in sherry-bomb heaven as we sample vintages 1985 and 1990 through to 1996. – $150
3. Chateau Montifaud Cognacs – Thursday April 20 – Welcome our first exclusive bottling of this 1992 Cognac to mark our 25th Anniversary!  Please join us for a master class directed by Sophie Cabanes from Chateau Montifaud. – $35
4. East of Scotland – Tuesday April 25 – While the Japanese have been making world class whisky for nearly 100 years, India, Taiwan and Australia are recent arrivals to the game and deservedly gaining an international reputation too! – $100
5. Hidden Gems of the Highlands – Thursday April 27 – Blair Athol, Glenturret, Aberfeldy and Royal Brackla are but a few of the stalwart, little known, Highland distilleries we’ll feature shedding light on some lesser known distilleries. – $60
6. Cinco de Mayo – Thursday May 4 – Join us for a fiesta celebrating Mexican independence and their national drinks, tequila and mezcal! We’ll sample a range of Blanco, Reposado and Anejo tequilas. – $40
7. American Whiskey – Thursday May 11 – There is more to American whiskey than just Bourbon. We’ll explore a range of American whiskies along with some exciting new craft spirits. – $35
8. 25th Anniversary Special Tasting – Friday May 19 – Join us for a unique tasting to celebrate KWM’s exclusive 25^th Anniversary bottlings: Port, Whisky, Cognac and Armagnac, all bottled just for us. Special one night only discount of 25% on 25^th Anniversary purchases (in store only)! Stand up format, includes a glass; drop in between 6 and 9, there may be cake! – $25
9. Glenfarclas with George Grant – Friday May 26 4PM or 7PM – George Grant is coming to town to help us celebrate our 25^th Anniversary and we’ll have a stellar range of whiskies to mark the occasion, including some old Family Cask bottlings. Anniversary tasting glass included. – $50
10. Rare Malts 1992 Vintage Edition – Tuesday May 30 – KWM opened its doors in 1992! To help celebrate 25 fabulous years, we’ll be sampling a range of 1992 vintage single malts. – $80
11. Ardbeg Day 2017 – Saturday June 3 1PM or 3PM – Help us celebrate Ardbeg Day 2017 at KWM, as we mark the launch of the new Ardbeg Kelpie. This tasting will be a one hour Master Class featuring 6 whiskies including Dark Cove and Perpetuum. – $20
12. Spring Single Malt Festival – Thursday June 8 – Our annual festival of all things malt whisky will feature at least 100 single malts more Scotland and around the world. It sells out quickly, so don’t hesitate. 25^th Anniversary tasting glass included. – $60
13. Compass Box KWM Blend Launch – Tuesday June 13 5PM or 8PM – It has been a few years since John Glaser of Compass Box has been in Calgary. He’s coming to town to help us launch an exclusive collaboration blend marking our 25^th Anniversary. – $30
14. Master Malt 25 Year Old Edition – Friday June 23 – To celebrate Kensington Wine Market’s 25 years in business we’ll be sampling a range of 7 25 year old single malts. – $100
15. The Spirit of Canada – Thursday June 29 – Canadian whisky has caught the world’s attention in the last few years, just as a surge of craft Canadian whiskies are about to hit the market. We’ll feature some of the best new releases! – $35

Call 403-283-8000 to register, or register online!

______________________________

Ghost River Theater Multi-Sensory Whisky Tasting Experience 

In Partnership with the Scotch Malt Whisky Society Canada and Kensington Wine Market 

Kensington Wine Market and the Scotch Malt Whisky Society Canada have partnered with Ghost River Theater to put on a special multi-sensory whisky tasting at Last Best Brewery. The event, a fundraiser for Ghost River Theater will take place at 6:30 on Tuesday May 2nd. Tickets are $150 and very limited. For more information and to buy tickets to go to Brown Paper Tickets! 

Register Now!

______________________________

Join Evan at Phil & Sebastian’s Marda Loop This Thursday! 

For The Night Cap Club Scotch Whisky Tasting

We are thrilled to be participating in our third Phil & Sebastian Night Cap Club Tasting this Thursday at the Marda Loop location. Evan will be pouring a range of Scotch whiskies and mixing up a custom KWM cocktail. Evan is working on a unique example of the Penicillin, based around Ardbeg Perpetuum. Call Josie to register at 403.437.2944 or email: josie@philsebastian.com .  Register Now!

Introducing Two New KWM 25th Anniversary Blends 

A 25 Year Single Cask Blend and an Amazing Value 40 Year Old

While visiting Berry Bros. & Rudd in London last year, I was presented with a couple of very unique opportunities. Berry Bros., in addition to being England’s oldest wine merchants (they have been in business since the 1600s), also owns the Glenrothes brand, and is an independent bottler. I was there sampling potential exclusive single malt bottlings and single casks options for KWM when I was presented with a rare opportunity. Berry’s had acquired six single casks of Blended Scotch Whisky. Little was known of the provenance of the casks, only that they were approaching 25 years of age. Given Berry’s relationship with the Edrington Group there is a good chance they contain Macallan, Glenrothes and Glenturret, perhaps even a little Highland Park.

As Kensington Wine Market was fast approaching its 25th Anniversary

(May 2017), they thought I might be interested in bottling my own 25 year old single cask Blended Scotch whisky; they were right. Single barrel blends are very unusual, and the samples I reviewed did not disappoint. And so I selected the best of the six available casks to be bottled for KWM as a 25th Anniversary exclusive. But that was not the only surprise they had in store for me, they also had a small parcel of well-priced 40 year old Blended Scotch Whisky, bottled at 46%, that they were also happy to offer us. How could we resist? And so this is how it came to pass that Kensington Wine Market has had bottled exclusively two exclusive Blended Scotch Whiskies to mark our 25th Anniversary. As always with our single casks, it should go without saying that they are both excellent, but you don’t take my word for it, pop into the shop for a taste!

1.  Berry’s 25 Year KWM Single Barrel Blend – 46% –  Just 220 Bottles! – Andrew’s 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 mouth-feel. 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, and one we are proud to put our name on!” – $200
2.  Berry’s 40 Year KWM 25th Anniversary Blend – 46% – Just 120 Bottles! – Andrew’s Tasting Note: “Nose: Christmas cake, new leather sofas, old Armagnac and paring dark chocolate with Cuban cigars; on top of the candied fruits there is some bright orange and more delicate tropical tones: mango and papaya; silky caramel and creamy vanillas emerge later with some light but crisp spices. Palate: big, rich, fruity and spicy; huge Christmas cake notes merge into espresso beans and more soft but crisp spices; the second sip settles down into tobacco, dark bakers chocolate and loads of fruit: some candied, dried dark fruits and the more delicate tropical ones from the nose; more hints of old Armagnac, there also notes of jujubes soaked in nutty Oloroso sherry. Finish: long, coating, fruity and spicy; dark chocolate, sherry, tobacco and oranges mingle and fade into the distance with the faintest whiff of smoke! Comment: this is a beautiful old whisky in the vein of 25+ year old Glendronachs, the long lost Gordon Macphail Strathisla 40 Year and sherried old Glenfarclas… we can only begin to speculate on the component whiskies, who doesn’t love a little mystery?!” – $430

______________________________

Introducing Laphroaig 25 Year 2015 

The latest release in the ever popular franchise!

The 2015 edition has just landed, bottled at 46.8% after maturing in a mix of Oloroso Sherry and American Oak casks. I am looking for reviews of the 2015 Edition, there are not many out there; hope to give the whisky my own soon!

Laphroaig 25 Year 2015 – 46.8% – Sherry & Bourbon – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: At bottling strength the aroma seems quite closed giving only a rich, sweet scent but a touch of water releases all the multitude of different flavours. The initial sweet, sherry sweetness is quickly followed by the time-honoured Islay peat tang. After this opening burst of flavour there is a smooth fruit ripeness that complements the tang of salt in the background. Body: Rich round and full. Palate: The burst of peat that fills the mouth is quickly restrained by a sherry sweetness that slowly develops into spicy apple fruitiness. Finish: Very long and warming leaving a distinct tang of Islay.” – $650

Call 403-283-8000 to register, or register online!

______________________________

Introducing Macallan 12 Year Double Cask

Save $5 by Ordering Before April 13

The first new Macallan bottled with an age statement is due in store tomorrow, and there is a special price on it for the first two weeks. The importer is offering a special price and so we are passing it on to our customers. The regular retail price will be $95.99+GST, but while supplies last we are happy to offer it at $90.99+GST. The price is in effect until April 13 or while supplies last! 40% abv.

90pts Whisky Advocate (Spring 2017): “This straddles the existing Sherry Oak and Fine Oak ranges by being a mix of spirit matured in both European and American oak sherry casks. Earthy sherry and old leather on the nose, with toffee, polished oak, and cherry blossom. Medium to full-bodied, with sherry, orange, cocoa, nutty vanilla, and developing wood spices on the honeyed palate. The finish is creamy, with insistent spices, cocoa, and tangy oak.” – $91+GST Introductory Price!

From the Producer: “An exciting new age statement expression from Macallan that’s matured in a combination of American and European Sherry Oak for a minimum of 12 years. The best of two worlds and a new take on the signature style of Macallan. It is often said that when two worlds come together, they create something magical, or simply extraordinary.  For Macallan, this is the absolute truth behind their new 12 year old single malt; The Macallan Double Cask.  This is a single malt which tells the story of a journey; a story which brings together different worlds.  To create Double Cask, they bring new oak from America across thousands of miles to Spain, where oak casks are crafted and sherry seasoned before travelling to their distillery on Speyside to mature for 12 years.  These whiskies are then harmoniously united with those aged in the very best sherry seasoned European oak casks.  This union reveals an unmatched investment in time and extraordinary commitment to mastery for which The Macallan has been known since 1824.  Exclusively sherry seasoned, he Macallan Double Cask 12 Year Old delivers a distinct American oak style, reflecting a perfect harmony of flavors and nature colour.  The delicate flavour of American oak – vanilla, citrus and light oak – rises in prominence as the traditional Macallan character of rich fruit, sherry and wood spice affords a familiar back drop.  This is a flavour combination which is guaranteed until he very last drop.”

______________________________

Two New Old Teeling Single Malts 

Both Very Limited, 24 and 33 Year Olds

Only a couple of bottles of the 33 year old, and at most a couple dozen of the 24 year old have come to Alberta! The 1983 must be from Bushmills, the whisky pre-dates the opening of the Cooley Distillery (1989) by more than half a decade! Both whiskies are very rare, the 24 Year Old was the Best Irish Single Malt at the 2016 World Whiskies Awards!

1. Teeling 24 Year – 46% – 5000 Bottles Produced – 1991 Vintage – Matured in Ex-Bourbon – Finished in Sauternes – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Aromas of white grapes, cut grass, apricots and white chocolate. Taste: Silky smooth, with flavours of fig jam, honey, apricots, white chocolate and crisp saltiness at the end to balance the sweetness off. Finish: Long and mellow.” – $510
2. Teeling 33 Year – 42.9% – 275 Total Bottles – 1983 Vintage – Matured in 2 Ex-Bourbon Barrels – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Vanilla, cream, orange, toast, jam. Taste: Light and fresh, well balanced sweetness blends into notes of vanilla, sandalwood, allspice, and orchard fruits. Finish: Deep and inviting as the spice comes back and then goes away again.” – $4999.99

______________________________

New Whiskies from Adelphi 

8 New Releases Including Some Very Unusual Ones!

Adelphi is one of the most consistent independent bottlers we deal with and one of the most innovative. We love the fusion whiskies they’ve produced like the Scotch/Japanese  hybrid The Glover and the new Scotch/Indian hybrid The Kincardine. We have some cellar releases from Adelphi this time around too, including a 1978 Glenlivet and 1980 Inchgower, both bottled nearly a decade ago! Most exciting is the new release of Ardnamurchan spirit, an innovative not quite whisky from one of Scotland’s newest distilleries. Don’t let the age get you down, it is very interesting stuff!

1. Ardnamurchan Spirit 2016 AD – 53% – Not yet whisky… – Only 2500 bottles were released world-wide, far outstripping the distillery’s supply. 36 of these are coming to KWM. 29 First Fill Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez Sherry octaves (80L casks) filled in June 2015 and October 2014 containing both peated and unpeated spirit were married and further matured for 3 months in Ex-Pedro Ximenez Butts before bottling at 53%. It is not quite whisky yet, but it looks and sounds tasty! Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: It has a dense, sweet nose of Acacia honey and salted caramel. Palate: A mouth filling texture of minty toffee and a maritime, smoky richness with a kick of chili pepper. Finish: Licorice and eucalyptus combine with vivid peat smoke, from a working malt kiln, on the finish.” – $95 – Only 30 bottles!
2. Adelphi Caol Ila 2003 – 59.8% – 13 Year –  Sherry Hogshead – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Definitely Caol Ila: footbaths and carbolic soap, coal tar, smoked cheddar, spearmint and industrial cleaner; then the sweet notes arrive with Garibaldi biscuits, and extra icing sugar. Smokey bacon is also in evidence. Palate: On the palate, the smokey bacon is now coated in chocolate, with coal ash, cocoa, seaside fire embers, and a decent kick of chilli pepper. The maritme notes increase, becoming almost edible with Nori seaweed. Finish: Bags of sweet smoke in the long finish, with dark chocolate and cherries and plenty of bonfires. Powerful stuff. – $145
3. Adelphi Clynelish 1996 – 53.4% – 19 Year – Cask 11455 – My Tasting Note: “Nose: honeyed, beeswax, rose petals and loads of fruit: melons, citrus and dried apricots; decadent sugars, white chocolate and caramel chews. Palate: big, creamy, fruity and spicy; toasty, very decadent, lots of layers; creamed honey, more beeswax, floral tones and sweet spices; still floral, more rose petals and sliced ginger. Finish: long, coating, honeyed and spicy; stays sweet and fruity. Comment: classic late teens Clynelish… fruity with lots of layers.” – $205
4. Adelphi Glenborrodale Batch 3 – 46% – 8 Year – Producer’s Tasting Note: “Citrus zest with rum and raisin fudge from Mrs Miggins Fudge Emporium; squares of after dinner chocolates with the slightest wisp of smoke from the log fire.” – $95
5. Adelphi Glenlivet 1978 – 52.1% – 29 Year – Producer Tasting Note: “A fresh nose, with Speyside pear-drops. Marshmallows behind and mellow soft fruits, brown apples, desiccated coconut and marzipan. Eve’s pudding? Surprisingly lively for its age at natural strength, although more wood-notes emerge when water is added: varnished wood, the inside of an old desk drawer. After a while the fruitiness returns in the form of apple-flavoured Chewitts. ‘A warm summer’s day among whin bushes’. The taste is much sweeter than the nose suggests, with tablet (Strathavon Toffee), grated coconut and boat varnish, but also fresh and tingling. Mellow but vibrant.” – $460 – Only 8 bottles, 4 left!
6. Adelphi Inchgower 1980 – 59.8% – 26 Year – Sherry Cask – Producer Tasting Note: “What an incredible colour! Molasses with magenta lights; Coke and crimson… The first-fill ex-sherry butt has done the business, and only yielded 223 bottles. Concentrated nectar. The nose is cherries covered in dark chocolate and treacle toffee, but dry overall, and nose-drying. The taste at natural strength is big and sweet, with traces of brimstone and a long bitter-chocolate finish. Curiously mentholated and mouth-cooling as well. Water raises sulphur initially, but this soon blows off, leaving a roasting tin, de-glazed with red wine and redcurrant jelly after over-cooking a rib of beef or a haunch of venison. The taste at reduced strength holds up well, with a big mouth-feel, tannic dryness, a very long finish and a lingering taste of dark chocolate. A massive whisky, and one to savour long into the night!” – $610 – Only 4 bottles, SOLD OUT!
7. Adelphi Kincardine 7 Year – 52.9% – 7 Year –  A Marriage of Glen Elgin, Macallan & Amrut – My Tasting Note: “Nose: doughy, creamy and toasty; wine gums, melon, new leather, crisp citrus and powdered sugar; loads of spice: curried and decadent; almond brittle and macadamia nut butter. Palate: creamy, decadent, vanilla, honeyed and very spicy, hot in fact: chili oils and cayenne pepper; wet leaf litter, earthy tones, musty oak and coffee grounds; more wine gums, citrus and juicy malt. Finish: long, coating, decadent and spicy; fruity and more hot chili oils. Comment: rich, fruity, juicy and spicy, this is a lovely malt, with character well beyond its years! – $210 – Only 20 bottles.
8. Adelphi Liddesdale 10 Year – 46% – 21 Year – Producer’s Tasting Note: “Distillery: A box of assorted chocolates by the fire; orange, grapefruit and pineapple with a dusting of cocoa; honeycomb and hazelnut to follow finishing with the surprise strawberry ganache and a grind of pepper.” – $180 – Only 12 bottles.

______________________________

New Whiskies from Amrut 

Two Very Different and Limited Releases!

A pair of new releases from Amrut are here. They are very rare and will be in high demand. We are only getting a handful of each. The prices are high, but are a reflection of the rarity and demand for these whiskies. To be fair to everyone they are limited to 1 per customer!

1.  Amrut Single Malt Double Cask – 46% – A marriage of old Indian whisky from 1 Ex-Bourbon and 1 Ex-Sherry cask – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Chocolate, cigarettes, ash, sunflowers, currant, raisins. Taste: Ash, peach, brown sugar, raisin, malt. Finish: Ginger, raisin, plum, salt, chocolate, brown sugar, sugared lemon peel.” – $240
2. Amrut Single Malt Rye – 50% – European Rye & New American Oak – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: pineapple bread, Mango cake, stewed guava, papaya chutney. The balance between the tropical fruits and the rye’s breadiness. Taste: Imparting tropical flavours, lavender and aniseeds with hint of medicinal flavours. Finish: Bready flavours and lotus seeds.” – $240           

______________________________

A Trio of New Glenrothes 

A 1976 Single Cask and 2nd Editions of 1992 and 1988

These three malts are the first new Glenrothes vintage release we’ve seen in a few years. There are 2nd editions of the 1988 and 1992 vintages. Most interestingly there is a single cask 1976 vintage. The 1976 and 1988 bottlings are both very limited. Just 4 and 5 bottles of each are available!

1. Glenrothes 1992 2nd Edition – 44.3% – 21 Year – Refill Sherry Butts & American Oak Hogsheads – Producer Tasting Notes: “Nose: Fruity citrus notes, vanilla and a hint of lychee. Palate: Sweet, vanilla and lemon peel with a touch of creamed coconut. Finish: Long and lingering.” – $180
2. Glenrothes 1988 2nd Edition – 44.1% – 27 Year – First Fill American Oak Sherry & Refill Sherry Butts – Producer Tasting Notes: “Nose: Nutmeg, fruit cake, nuts and dark honey. Palate: As above and rich, creamy vanilla. Finish: Full, lingering dried fruits and spice.” – $550
3. Glenrothes 1976 – 43.6% – 38 Year – 227 Bottles – 2nd Fill American Oak Hogshead — Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: vanilla, floral, fruity. Palate: cloves, slightly oak, almonds and marzipan. Finish: lemon peel, vanilla, cedar wood!” – $1100

 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

http://www.kensingtonwinemarket.com.

Kensington Wine Market

403-283-8000

We have new stuff!
New bottles at Park Ave.

What’s new?

Our bottles are being rearranged to accommodate new arrivals. Instead of looking at the shelves with wonder and asking Marlon to climb the ladder ~ we thought we’d share them with you in the comfort of an email blast.

Happy Spring to you all!
Please contact us with any questions.

PS: Our huge Passover selection is now on display 🙂

Cheers!
Jonathan, Eric & Marlon
The Park Avenue Liquor Shop
270 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10016
212-685-2442
jonathan@parkaveliquor.com
eric@parkaveliquor.com
whiskyconn@gmail.com (Marlon)
www.parkaveliquor.com

~ Brooklyn Small Batch Co. ~
‘New York State Bourbon’

This Single Barrel newcomer is aged in virgin American oak barrels before spending an additional 16 months in Port casks. This first batch has been selling very steadily here at the store for good reason.  “A heady nose redolent of nutty aromas, American oak, roastd peanut shells & searing corn syrup, gives way to a finish of toffee & Port dipped cookies.”  BTW: It’s Gluten-Free and Kosher certified. PRICE: $24 for 375ml bottle

 

~ Rampur Distillery ~
Vintage Select Casks

“Rampur Distillery was the original name for Radico Khaitan, India’s fourth largest spirits company. It has been making whisky for more than half a century, and started producing malted barley for its blends in 1990, but only launched its first single malt for export in 2016. This is a creamy and malty whisky with notes of vanilla, apricot and apple.” PRICE: $62/btl

~ Black Dirt Bourbon ~
Single Barrel, NY

Distilled in the heart of the Black Dirt region of New York, each barrel of their bourbon is crafted from distinct mash bills. The whiskey is aged a minimum of two years in new charred oak, and hand-selected for its own unique flavor. PRICE: $26 for 375ml bottle

~ Tomintoul ~
14 Year Old
(Kosher)

We’ll let the 2012 Whisky Bible tell you about this new item.  “Just how many variations on a honeyed theme can you get? Here I count at least five, each wave coming in after the other; medium length but sheer quality all the way. Bird’s custard mixing dreamily with drier, playfully spiced, oaky vanillas… not a single weakness. Just magnificent whisky bottled the way it is meant to be.” ~ Jim Murray (95 points)  PRICE: $65/btl ON SALE

~ Boondocks 8 Yr Old Bourbon ~
Port Cask Finish

This is Park Ave’s first statement from Boondocks ~ and what a statement it is!  The 8 year old brings candied apricots, a bunch of tropical fruit basket and sultanas to the nose. On the palate – a soft heat delivers maraschino cherries, ‘Big-Red gum’ and some all-spice into a satisfying finish.  PRICE: $55/btl

Due to ever-changing inventory, we cannot guarantee bottle availability. We are not responsible for any typographical errors or the petition to make MLB Opening Day a National Holiday (though it SHOULD be!). Please contact the store with any questions.

 The Park Avenue Liquor Shop

| 212-685-2442 | 212-689-6247 | parkaveliquor.com

They’ve always called me, the Piano Man………Nah, not really. Welcome everyone! This week we’re taking a look at the Glenmornagie Bacalta! I know there have been a few reviews of this already, but i thought i’d share my two cents worth. Finished in Malmsey Madeira casks for an extra sweet and luxurious finish, this whisky has elements of creamed toffee, mint, honey and all the dried stone fruit that the world has to offer. Check out the video, leave some feedback and have a great day! Enjoy

https://youtu.be/Y0RbbDYLdsY

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

Spirit of Freedom 62

The latest whisky in the Spirit of Freedom series, this expression is a blend of 62 different Scotch whiskies in recognition of the Scottish ballot in the UK’s EU membership referendum of June 23rd 2016, in which the people of Scotland voted by 62%-38% to stay in the EU. Sweet and fresh on the nose with minty undertones, becoming fruity with apricot, pear and banana. The palate is light and fruity with melon and raspberries washed with vanilla cream, before a moreish and buttery finish.

£28.99 Pre-Order Now

Orders will be dispatched w/c 10th April

We’ve have some exciting finds you want to miss including a new offering from Michel Couvreur, some regional blended malts from Douglas Laing, a Whistle Pig release, a dinner with the grappa savant Jacopo Poli, and, lastly, an assortment of sale items with deep discounts you won’t want to miss. There’s so much here we’ll dispense with long intro and get right into it…

K&L’s SMOKY, SHERRIED CUVEE FROM MICHEL COUVREUR RETURNS!

From the underground Burgundian cellars of Michel Couvreur, we’re happy to announce the return of our immensely-popular, super-sherried, super-peaty blend of luscious single malts! Not only are we back with a new batch, we’ve managed to shave an extra ten dollars of the price thanks to our direct business with Couvreur moving forward. Using only old sherry butts, in which the sherry has soaked in for at least thirty to forty years, Couvreur has some of the heaviest and richest Scotch single malt whiskies on the planet. The whiskies are tinkered down from Scotland and then aged in the cave at Couvreur until they’re ready for blending. We’ve been working directly with Couvreur for three years now and our customers have come to depend on our K&L blend over time. It’s currently the only whisky we have here at K&L that is as lush and sherried as it is smoky and peaty!

The chance to work with Michel Couvreur on a special K&L whisky project was something that we had been dreaming of for years. We had heard the stories. This crazy Belgian had moved to Burgundy in the ’60s, carved out a wine cellar inside a mountain, only to fill it with Scottish single malt whisky instead of Pinot Noir. He set up camp in Beaune, ordered new-make spirit to be delivered by tanker, and drove down to Jerez himself, selecting his own sherry butts to insure only the finest quality casks for his contracted spirit. Unfortunately, Michel Couvreur passed away in 2013 from pancreatic cancer, thus ending the career of one of the industry’s most courageous pioneers. Luckily for us, however, apprentice Jean-Arnaud has carried on after studying under Michel for more than a decade. When we visited the underground cave, we were all in total awe. The tunnels of dripping stone go on forever, and the amount of whisky stored in this secret lair is jawdropping. We put our trust completely in Jean-Arnaud and are happy we did. Our peated version of the incredible sherry expression is a seamless creation that drinks like the best version of Johnnie Black ever, mixed with the most supple and soft expressions of Macallan. It’s a lush, unfiltered, creamy, caramel-laden dream of a whisky composed only of malts 12 years and older. There’s a bit of peat on the finish, but the soft sherry is the star. (NOTE: do NOT cut the hard wax seal, use a wine opener to go through it as it’s sealed with a wine cork, not a standard cap)

Michel Couvreur “Peaty Overaged” K&L Exclusive Malt Whisky (750ml) $79.99

DOUGLAS LAING’S DELICIOUS REGIONAL BLENDED MALTS

As many of you know, we’ve been working directly with Douglas Laing for many years now for our independently-bottled Old Particular casks. What you may not have known, is that Douglas Laing was and has always been primarily a blending house and Fred Laing is one hell of a blender. In Compass Box style, Douglas Laing has put together a series of blended malts (much the Couvreur above, meaning no grain whisky, only single malts) that showcase the regional styles of Scotland. Not only are the whiskies absolutely delicious, they’re indicative of an era that is beginning to fade. Because Scotland’s focus with modern connoisseurs has shifted to single malts over the last decade, the distilleries are less motivated to create one singular style anymore. At this point there are dozens of distilleries that make both light and heavy whiskies, peated and unpeated whiskies, and both sherried and unsherried malts. There was a time, however, when Scotland’s five main regions (leaving out Campbeltown) were very specific. Highland’s were lithe and elegant, Speysides were sherried and rich, Lowlands were light and fruity, Islands were salty, and Islay malts were peaty. Back when blending houses were still contracting their whiskies (today they outright own their means of production), they would put together recipes for blends based on these styles. You still find old recipes that say things like: two parts Speyside, one part Lowland, one part Islay. It’s from Scotch whisky’s history of blending and from the lessons taught to Fred by his father Douglas that the regional malts were born. And let me tell you…they’re absolutely delicious!!

Douglas Laing’s Epicurean Lowland Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $46.99

Our friends at Douglas Laing in Glasgow, with whom we do the Old Particular bottlings, have put together a series of regional malt blends that wonderfully showcase the stylistic flavor profiles of Scotlands main whisky producing sectors. Not only are the whiskies accurate reflections of a dying era in Scotch whisky production, they’re some of the tastiest and most enjoyable whiskies we’ve discovered in ages. The Epicurean is the “Lowland” expression that absolutely brims with fresh fruit, sweet barley, and hard candy. It’s a barley-rich malt that is likely a mix of Auchentoshan and Glenkinchie (or maybe even Bladnoch), but while we can’t say for sure, we can say with absolute certainty that this is a must try whisky for those looking for something fun and delicious.

Douglas Laing’s Rock Oyster Island Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $54.99

The Rock Oyster is an Island blend that uses whisky from the Arran and Jura distilleries, along with other malts from the islands of Islay and Orkney. The whisky is an explosion of sea salt, wave soaked rocks, smoke, honey, peat, ash, and pepper. It’s a textural malt as well, one that envelops the palate under all that potent island flavor.

Douglas Laing’s Scallywag Speyside Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $64.99

The Scallywag is the Speyside entry in the series and uses whiskies from Macallan, Mortlach, and Glenrothes to create a sherry-matured delight. It’s full of rich vanilla, chocolate, fudge, and orange zest with a bit of tobacco and fruit cake on the finish. A classic Speyside malt if there ever was one!

Douglas Laing’s Timorous Beastie Highland Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $54.99

The Timorous Beastie is the Highland edition that uses whiskies from Blair Athol, Glen Garioch, Dalmore, and Glengoyne to compose an elegant and finely-tuned Highland expressions. There are flavors of sweet barley, honey, sweet fruit, and cereal grains on both the palate and finish. The texture is also as soft as silk.

Douglas Laing’s Big Peat Islay Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $64.99

The Big Peat is a blend of Islay’s finest distilleries: Ardbeg, Caol Ila, Bowmore and the rare Port Ellen, it is exactly what you expect when you taste it. The aromas are of smoke, and salty seaweed with a slight medicinal note, and the palate shows more campfire smoke with a saline and herbal character. The finish is rockin’ and the length on it is incredible. It lingers in your mouth for minutes as hints of fresh chopped spearmint and pepper start to appear. This is an aptly named whisky that is very much a big and peaty drink.

WHISTLE PIG RELEASES NEW “FARMSTOCK” RYE

Whistle Pig’s new Farmstock release is the Vermont distillery’s first expression to contain whiskey from its own stocks, giving fans of the brand a chance to taste something homegrown. The blend uses 20% one year old rye from Whistle Pig, 49% five year old Canadian rye from Alberta, and 31% twelve year old rye from Indiana to create a blend that wonderfully balances the spice and the pure rye flavor of the youth with the richness and texture of maturity. Both the Whistle Pig and Canadian rye whiskies were aged in Vermont oak as well, adding an extra dimension to the locality of the flavor. The profile is bready and spicy on the nose, but the mouthfeel maintains its richness from the older components. It’s a fantastic new release from the producer that should make fans of potent and flavorful rye whiskies quite happy.

Whistle Pig “Farmstock” Rye Whiskey (750ml) $84.99

ALSO AVAILABLE:

Whistle Pig 10 Year Old Straight Rye Whiskey (750ml) $69.99

Whistle Pig 12 Year “Old World Marriage” Canadian Rye Whiskey (750ml) $119.99

Whistle Pig “Vermont Oak Finish” 15 Year Old Straight Rye Whiskey (750ml) $199.99

Whistle Pig “Boss Hog” Straight Rye Canadian Whiskey (750ml) $299.99

NEW TO THE PARTY

Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Decades – This is the second release of the Wild Turkey Master’s Keep line. This time it is a blend of 10 to 20-year-old bourbons and is being received as the best of the recent limited releases from Wild Turkey Distillery. It has all the delicious characteristics of well-aged bourbon (vanilla, caramel, leather, hints of citrus and spice), yet is softer in oaky tannins than previous releases. This selection is a must for any bourbon collector, aficionado, and Wild Turkey fan.

Glenmorangie Bacalta Single Malt – Here’s the newest release from Glenmorangie’s annual Private Edition Range. Bacalta is the Gaelic name for ‘baked’, referencing the Malmsey Madeira wine cask this whisky was finished in. (Full Madeira wine barrels are typically allowed to bake in the sun for a period of time to age the wine) This release is being reviewed quite favorably across the board. The Madeira finish makes for a fuller bodied whisky that holds big and ample flavors of fruit and baking spice characteristics alike. This is being touted as a must have for Glenmorangie fans and lovers of delicious one-off single malt whiskies.

Glen Garioch Wine Cask Matured Single Malt – Here’s another wine cask finished single malt. This time the producer is Glen Garioch (pronounced gaery) and the wine cask used to finish the whisky was a red Bordeaux barrel. The result is a delightful berries and spice combination with a little chocolate and ginger spice on the finish. Overall, this is a treat from Glen Garioch.

thepartysource.com

95 Riviera Drive, Bellevue,

KY 41073  (859) 291-4007

Ralfy adds old stuff to newer stuff to create a new-and-old malt moment with Ralfy Review 637 – Aberlour 12yo @ 40%vol

March Quarterly Newsletter

Springbank Society

As promised on the brief newsletter that told you about the Spirit of Freedom release, you are going to be hearing from me quite a lot over the next few months and the main purpose of this newsletter is to tell you why I am going to be such a persistent presence in your lives.

However, for any new members, allow me to take a moment or two to explain how these “quarterly” newsletters differ from our regular communications. Firstly, while I endeavour to send out something like this around every 3 months, that is a very rough timescale and I usually wait until I have a lot to tell you, just like now. Included in this email we have dates and destinations for trips and events that our Sales team are doing, a quick mention of upcoming releases from the distillery, an update on the next Society release and a reminder for people to sign up to the society section of our website.

It is a busy time here at Springbank and Glengyle and we have a number of releases coming up, as I will detail below. Also, we are not far from the festival and I hope to see as many of you as possible there.

Let’s get started…

Upcoming trips and Events

This section is dedicated to listing the upcoming events our sales team shall be attending in the next few months. Hopefully some of you will be able to meet members of our team who are always happy to talk about Springbank and Kilkerran.

If you would like more information on an event feel free to contact me (especially as we move closer to the time) and hopefully the relevant team member will be able to provide me with more details.

31st March – 1st April: Melanie is the Springbank representative at Whiskyschiff Luzern and Ronan is going for Kilkerran.

28th April – Ranald is doing a Springbank tasting with Cadenhead’s Whisky Shop Edinburgh.

29th April – Grant is off to Bristol Whisky Festival for both Springbank and Kilkerran – Whisky Lounge.

2nd-5th May – Ronan is going on a tasting tour of Belgium.

6th May – Grant is back on the road again, this time attending the Spirit of Stirling Whisky Festival on Saturday May 6th.

6th-7th May – Ranald is heading over to Germany for Kieler Whiskymesse.

13th May – Ranald is away again, this time at TB Watson’s Festival of Gin and Rum in Dumfries.

24th-26th May – Campbeltown Malts Festival

3rd June – Grant will be representing us at the Ayr Whisky Festival.

24th June – This time Grant will be at the Stoke Whisky Festival on Saturday 24th June. Grant will always be happy to talk Springbank, Kilkerran and all things Campbeltown.

Further details about upcoming events and trips can be found on our website: http://www.springbankwhisky.com/events/

Upcoming Releases

Just to be clear, at the time of writing, these products are not available to purchase.

The (extremely vague) dates given refer to the UK release date. All other markets/countries will vary. Announcement emails will be sent to members at the time of release, detailing each bottling.

April 2017

Hazelburn Sherry Wood 13yo 47.1%

Kilkerran 8yo Cask Strength 56.2%

Longrow 18yo

May 2017

Longrow Red 13yo 51.3%

Springbank 21yo

Obviously, due to this email being written in advance, these details may change although we all certainly hope they do not deviate in a significant way.

And, of course, the next Society bottle is out during this time too!

Next Society Bottles

Preparations for the next Society bottle are well underway.

In a few weeks time, you will all receive a “coming soon” email telling you all about the bottle and instructions on how to go about securing a bottle – I will make sure this is very clear. This process is being implemented due to feedback from members who felt that the announcement appearing suddenly with less warning meant that people who were unable to check their email regularly, perhaps due to work commitments, were being unfairly handicapped. Therefore, as mentioned, we will be sending a “coming soon” email.

All details about the Society bottle and how to get yourself one will be in the “coming soon” email.

And finally, I wanted to remind everyone that has not signed up to the Society section of our website that they are missing out if they don’t!

As well as keeping the general news section of our website up to date with news from the distillery and new releases as they happen, we also have a dedicated news section for our special Society Members. In this section you will be able to keep up to date with the latest special Society bottlings and be the first to find out news. Of course, when we have very important information to give you such as a new Society bottling or any new release from the distillery then this information will continue to be emailed but other day-to-day news will be added to the website. We also add newsletters to this section shortly after we send the email out just in case you miss them, you know they will always be on the Society section of the site.

I would urge all members to register for an online account to keep up to date with the news as it happens. To create an account please follow these instructions:

• Go to www.springbankwhisky.com
• Click on the ‘Society’ tab along the top of the page
• Click on the ‘Confirm Log-In Details’ orange tab
• Please enter all the information that is required
• Once you have submitted this information, a notification should be displayed to tell you that an email has been sent to your given email address and it will ask you to verify this email address
• Please open this email in your email account and click the link to verify your email
• Once you have done this, I will receive a notification informing me that a new member has signed up to the website so I will then activate your account for online use
• When your account has been activated, you will be able to read all news stories in the Society section. To log in, just click the ‘Log-In to Society News’ tab where you will just be asked to enter your username and password for access.

Slainte

Nathan

For the Springbank Society

Please contact Nathan at society@springbank.scot  to join the Springbank Society

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/officialspringbankwhisky/

Twitter – https://twitter.com/Springbank1828 (@springbank1828)

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/springbankwhisky1828/

Macallan 1998 Speymalt

Limited availability!

We’ve got limited stock available of this superb release from Independent whisky guru’s Gordon & MacPhail. Distilled in 1998 and bottled in 2016, this Speymalt from Macallan distillery offers tremendous value for money, considering the whisky has been matured in cask for around 18 years.

£69.95