The surge in popularity of Bourbon both domestically and internationally has led many of the Bourbon and American Whiskey brands at Heaven Hill Distillery to experience sustained double digit growth. One brand in particular that has grown in popularity during this resurgence is Elijah Craig Small Batch.

Since its launch in 1986, Elijah Craig Small Batch has become known in Bourbon circles as a brand with a high quality to value ratio. This was in part due to the fact that it carried a 12-year-old age statement. However, as the brand continues to grow significantly, Heaven Hill’s stocks of 12-year-old barrels has been under increasing pressure. Therefore, after careful deliberation and with a view towards making the brand available to more, not less consumers, Heaven Hill has made the decision to bottle Elijah Craig in small batches using Bourbon that has been aged between 8 to 12 years.

Starting this week, Heaven Hill will begin shipping Elijah Craig Small Batch as an 8 to 12-year-old Bourbon and will remove the 12-year-old age statement from the back label. This will allow us to continue to make Elijah Craig Small Batch available and not have to limit its accessibility to consumers or have outages at the shelf.

Overall, Heaven Hill does intend to retain age-stated Bourbons within the Elijah Craig brand franchise. By making the age adjustment to Elijah Craig Small Batch, it will allow a marked increase in allocations of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof which will continue to carry a 12-year-old age statement and, over time, increase availability of Elijah Craig 18-Year-Old Single Barrel that was just re-released this past fall after a 3 year hiatus.

With the second-largest inventory of Bourbon in the world and knowing that that each barrel, no matter the age, matures at different rates depending on its location, Heaven Hill is confident that through our stringent barrel selection process, we will be able to maintain the desired taste profile and quality that has made Elijah Craig Small Batch one of the most critically acclaimed Bourbons in the world. More importantly, we are dedicated to being transparent in this change and providing consumers with as much information as reasonably possible

Burns Night – poetry an’ whisky gang thegither!

This evening is one of the most important in the Scottish whisky drinking calendar: Burns Night. It’s important enough that I’ve written about it for three of the past four years here on the blog (2012, 2014, 2015) and if it were not for the cold I am currently suffering from, I’d be filling my face with haggis and whisky tonight.

The wild haggis in its native habitat, as captured on film by StaraBlazkova

While I normally try and recommend something that isn’t whisky to accompany your dinner, this time I’m going to leave it to you: drink whatever you want, as long as it’s not pre-revolution French wine or brandy – Burns would not have approved. Instead, here are some ideas for accompanying your dinner, drinks and all.

While toasts are important at a Burns supper – you can find some of the whisky industry’s favourites here – and a paraded haggis is essential, for me a rousing rendition of at least one of Burns’ poems is the centrepiece which everything else hangs from.

I was spoiled early on in my Burns Night career, experiencing Address to a Haggis spoken by Clark McGinn, professional Burns-inator, and Franchi Ferla, Simply Whisky‘s master of performance poetry. Since then I’ve been working on my Scots accent and pronunciation of ‘Fair fa’ your honest, sonsie face’ with little effect, and I still sound like a very English person with a mouth full of marbles. So, for those like me who don’t want to mangle the bard’s words, here are some suitable bits of video to play at appropriate moments during your dinner.

Firstly, here’s authentic Scotsman and Glenfiddich brand ambassador Mark Thomson – who I interviewed last year – kilted up, waving a knife and addressing a haggis:

If you’re after something longer with a story, then Tam O’Shanter is excellent. It might be more appropriate for Hallowe’en, but I’ll take any excuse to listen to it. Here’s an great reading by the late Tom Fleming:

And last, but far from least, here’s something new. Not by Burns, but inspired by his work – an ode to Laphroaig by stand-up poet Elvis McGonagall:

Whatever you’re eating or drinking this evening, take a moment to raise a glass in honour of Burns. A complex man: poet, farmer, exciseman, socialist (maybe) and cultural icon. But most importantly for us, someone who liked ‘guid auld scotch drink‘.

Malt Messenger Bulletin – Year End Inventory Sale! This Weekend Only – January 29-31

It is that time of year again… Burns Day is behind us, the Christmas credit card bills are in and KWM’s fiscal year end is just around the corner. We have a proposition that is a win win for both our customers and the store. We are putting on a huge sale… our annual Year End Inventory Sale! You get a great deal and we have less inventory to count on Monday.

Today, Friday January 29, through midnight Sunday January 31 all wine, beer and whisky is on sale (with a few exceptions). You will save 15 to 25% on in-stock wines, 10-35% on in-stock whiskies and 5% on beer. The Sale is In Store and Online only. No phone orders please!

Hope to see you this weekend!

Andrew Ferguson

Kensington Wine Market

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

twitter.com/scotch_guy, Instagram: instagram.com/kensingtonwm/

and Facebook: facebook.com/scotch.guy.1 .

www.fergusonwhiskytours.com

Kensington Wine Market403-283-8000

Year End Inventory Sale List

Whiskies discounted 10-35%…

Sale Terms:

This weekend only, now through midnight Sunday January 31, save 10-35% on the whiskies listed below. In addition, all wine is 15-25% off and all beer at least 5% off.

1. All Wine is at least 15% off with some much better deals.
2. All Whisk(e)y is at least 10% off with some discounted up to 35%, with a few exceptions.
3. Scotch Malt Whisky Society Whiskies and Membership Kits are not on sale!
4. Sale is in store and online only. No phone orders please! You may reply by email.
5. Payment must be provided at the time of purchase for online and email orders. No layaways.
6. Sale is on in stock items only, with the exception of KWM exclusives, which we will honour the discount, should we run out. These items have been bolded.
7. The sale prices will not be extended beyond Sunday January 31, or be applied retroactively.
8. n the event of a discrepancy in price the POS will be taken as correct.

SAVE 15%

1. Armorik Classic Breton Single Malt – Regular $70
2. BenRiach 15 Year PX – Regular $90
3. BenRiach 1979 Cask 517 – Regular $650
4. BenRiach 1987 Cask 3825 – Regular $310
5. BenRiach 1996 KWM Cask 189 – Regular $220
6. BenRiach 1998 Cask 6394 – Regular $180
7. BenRiach 1999 Cask 8687 – Regular $178
8. Benromach Chateau Cissac – Regular $100
9. Berry’s Miltonduff 1995 KWM Cask – Regular $170
10. Cadenhead Small Batch Cragganmore 1999 – Regular $115
11. Cadenhead Small Batch Glengoyne 2001 – Regular $110
12. Cadenhead Small Batch Glen Spey 1995 – Regular $154
13. Cadenhead Small Batch Glendullan 1996 – Regular $150
14. Cadenhead Small Batch Glen Garioch 1991 – Regular $210
15. Cadenhead Small Batch Glenlossie 1993 – Regular $175
16. Cadenhead Small Batch Miltonduff 1978 – Regular $620
17. Cadenhead Small Batch North British 1985 – Regular $220
18. Canadian Club 100% Rye – Regular $30
19. Canadian Club Classic 12 Year – Regular $30
20. Creative Whisky Company Bowmore 2002 – Regular $133
21. Creative Whisky Company Exclusive Blend 1991 – Regular $113
22. Creative Whisky Company Glen Garioch 1994 – Regular $160
23. Creative Whisky Company Glenturret 1994 – Regular $160
24. Creative Whisky Company Tobermory 1994 – Regular $145
25. First Edition Auchentoshan – Regular $150
26. First Edition Glen Garioch 1990 – Regular $205
27. First Edition Tormore 26 Year – Regular $250
28. G&M Connoisseurs Choice Auchroisk 1996 – Regular $140
29. G&M Connoisseurs Choice Caol Ila 2003 – Regular $100
30. G&M Connoisseurs Choice Inchgower 2000 – Regular $108
31. G&M Connoisseurs Choice Ledaig 1999 – Regular $120
32. G&M Glentuachers 1994 – Regular $120
33. G&M Glenturret 2000 – Regular $110
34. Glendronach 1972 Cask 706 – Regular $2500
35. Glendronach 1990 Cask 1375 – Regular $375
36. Glendronach 1994 Cask 1051 – Regular $289
37. Glendronach 1994 Cask 3398 – Regular $290
38. Glendronach 1995 Cask 3806 – Regular $280
39. Glendronach 1995 Cask 4034 – Regular $280
40. Glendronach 1995 Cask 444 – Regular $281
41. Glendronach 2003 Cask 934 – Regular $175
42. Glendronach 2004 Cask 5524 – Regular $174
43. Glenmorangie Companta – Regular $115
44. Hammer Head 1989 Czech Whisky – Regular $90
45. Hudson Baby Bourbon – Regular $70
46. Hudson New York Corn Spirit – Regular $52
47. Mackinlay’s Shackleton The Journey – Regular $205
48. Master of Malt Braes of Glenlivet – Regular $150
49. Michter’s US*1 American Whiskey – Regular $75
50. Prichard’s Double Chocolate Bourbon – Regular $135
51. Prichard’s Tennessee Single Malt – Regular $89
52. Signatory Dufftown 1997 – Regular $180
53. Signatory Glen Keith 1995 – Regular $120
54. Signatory Glentauchers 1996 – Regular $180
55. Signatory Highland Park 1990 – Regular $305
56. Signatory Mortlach 1990 – Regular $290

SAVE 20%

1. Ardbeg 10 Year 50ml – Regular $8.50
2. Bernheim Kentucky Wheat KWM Cask – Regular $70
3. Big Peat Santa 2012 – Regular $88
4. Cadenhead Small Batch Alt a Bhaine 1992 – Regular $185
5. Cadenhead Small Batch Auchentoshan 1992 – Regular $210
6. Cadenhead Small Batch Glenrothes 1990 – Regular $235
7. Cadenhead Small Batch Glenallachie 1992 – Regular $190
8. Cadenhead Small Batch Glen Keith 1973 – Regular $710
9. Cadenhead Small Batch Glenallachie 1992 – Regular $190
10. Cadenhead Small Batch Royal Brackla 1984 – Regular $440
11. Cadenhead Small Batch Teaninich 1983 – Regular $440
12. Darkness Dailuaine 15 Year – Regular $185
13. G&M Glenrothes 1997 Quaich Cask – Regular $185
14. Glencadam 32 Year Decanter – Regular $630
15. Glendornach 2003 KWM Virgin Oak Cask 1750 – Regular $140
16. Glenfarclas 21 Year 50 ml – Regular $19
17. Glenfarclas 25 Year 50ml – Regular $20
18. Glenfarclas Family Cask 1975 – Regular $1675
19. Glenfarclas Family Cask 1976 – Regular $1000
20. Glenfarclas Family Cask 1985 – Regular $700
21. Johnny Walker Odyssey – Regular $2100
22. Jura Boutique Barrels 1995 KWM Cask – Regular $160
23. Kilchoman 2010 KWM Cask 440 – Regular $140
24. Kilchoman 2010 KWM Cask 440 50ml – Regular $15
25. Strictly Limited Speyside 18 Year – Regular $150
26. St. Vivant Millesime Armagnac 1934 – Regular $985
27. St. Vivant Millesime Armagnac 1955 – Regular $750
28. St. Vivant Millesime Armagnac 1985 – Regular $126
29. Wee Whisky Gift Box 2015 (by KWM) – Regular $80
30. Wemyss 1992 Licorice Spiral – Regular $146
31. Wemyss 1998 Pastile Bouquet – Regular $189

SAVE 25%

1. A.D. Rattray Bowmore 1999 – Regular $195 *Only 2 left!
2. Arran Robbie Burns Blended Scotch Whisky – Regular $36
3. Cadenhead Small Batch Auchroisk 1992 – Regular $191
4. Cadenhead Small Batch Mannochmore 1977 – Regular $650
5. Caol Ila 15 Year – Regular $140
6. Coopers Choice Royal Brackla 1997 – Regular $150
7. Glendronach 8 Year The Hielan – Regular $64
8. Glenrothes Sherry Reserve – Regular $75
9. Johnnie Walker Black Label – Regular $52
10. Kilchoman Loch Gorm 50ml – Regular $15
11. Samaroli 1997 Isle of Jura – Regular $164
12. Samaroli Sherry 22 Year – Regular $250
13. Secret Spirits Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar 2015 – Regular $440
14. Signatory Glenlivet 1981 32 Year – Regular $380
15. Strathmill 25 Year – Regular $520

SAVE 30%

1. Darkness Tomintoul 18 Year – Regular $185

SAVE 35%

1. G&M Glen Grant 60 Year Diamond Jubilee – $14,000.00

Check out all of our sale items online: kensingtonwinemarket.com/products/on-sale/

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.

Sláinte!

Andrew Ferguson

Manager & Scotchguy

Kensington Wine Market

403-283-8000

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

www.kensingtonwinemarket.com

Owner & Operator

Ferguson’s Whisky Tours

www.fergusonwhiskytours.com

scotchguide@fergusonwhiskytours.com

Echlinville Distillery First Edition Private Reserve Cask Offer

At Echlinville our aim is to produce a premium high quality whiskey using barley grown and malted on the family farm. We strive to control the process from raw materials in the field, to the final drop reaching the glass affording us total traceability and authenticity. Our whiskey is produced by a passionate team committed to achieving excellence.

To celebrate becoming Northern Ireland’s first licensed Irish Whiskey Distillery in over 125 years an inaugural distillation of only 144 premium casks over three sizes will be selectively made available to Whiskey connoisseurs and collectors.
We can accommodate guests keen to make their own whiskey, they will have access to their own still and a member of our team for guidance.

For full details or a brochure contact suzanne@echlinville.com

Our extraordinary new still house is not only a functional space for production but can easily lend itself to entertaining guests and our tours can offer a real insight into the workings of an operational distillery.  This project has definitely put Echlinville on the map as a must see for Whiskey enthusiasts as it can offer visitors a truly bespoke experience. The official opening of the still house is planned for March 2016 and by Easter 2016 the site will be ready to take group bookings offering various packages depending on the visitors needs.

For further details contact the Echlinville office on 02842738597 or email info@echlinville.com.

Malt Messenger Bulletin – Year End Inventory Sale! This Weekend Only – January 29-31

It is that time of year again… Burns Day is behind us, the Christmas credit card bills are in and KWM’s fiscal year end is just around the corner. We have a proposition that is a win win for both our customers and the store. We are putting on a huge sale… our annual Year End Inventory Sale! You get a great deal and we have less inventory to count on Monday.

Today, Friday January 29, through midnight Sunday January 31 all wine, beer and whisky is on sale (with a few exceptions). You will save 15 to 25% on in-stock wines, 10-35% on in-stock whiskies and 5% on beer. The Sale is In Store and Online only. No phone orders please!

Hope to see you this weekend!

Andrew Ferguson

Kensington Wine Market

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

twitter.com/scotch_guy, Instagram: instagram.com/kensingtonwm/

and Facebook: facebook.com/scotch.guy.1 .

www.fergusonwhiskytours.com   

Kensington Wine Market403-283-8000

Year End Inventory Sale List  

Whiskies discounted 10-35%…   

Sale Terms:

This weekend only, now through midnight Sunday January 31, save 10-35% on the whiskies listed below. In addition, all wine is 15-25% off and all beer at least 5% off.

1. All Wine is at least 15% off with some much better deals.
2. All Whisk(e)y is at least 10% off with some discounted up to 35%, with a few exceptions.
3. Scotch Malt Whisky Society Whiskies and Membership Kits are not on sale!
4. Sale is in store and online only. No phone orders please! You may reply by email.
5. Payment must be provided at the time of purchase for online and email orders. No layaways.
6. Sale is on in stock items only, with the exception of KWM exclusives, which we will honour the discount, should we run out. These items have been bolded.
7. The sale prices will not be extended beyond Sunday January 31, or be applied retroactively.
8. n the event of a discrepancy in price the POS will be taken as correct.

SAVE 15%

1. Armorik Classic Breton Single Malt – Regular $70
2. BenRiach 15 Year PX – Regular $90
3. BenRiach 1979 Cask 517 – Regular $650
4. BenRiach 1987 Cask 3825 – Regular $310
5. BenRiach 1996 KWM Cask 189 – Regular $220
6. BenRiach 1998 Cask 6394 – Regular $180
7. BenRiach 1999 Cask 8687 – Regular $178
8. Benromach Chateau Cissac – Regular $100
9. Berry’s Miltonduff 1995 KWM Cask – Regular $170
10. Cadenhead Small Batch Cragganmore 1999  – Regular $115
11. Cadenhead Small Batch Glengoyne 2001 – Regular $110
12. Cadenhead Small Batch Glen Spey 1995 – Regular $154
13. Cadenhead Small Batch Glendullan 1996 – Regular $150
14. Cadenhead Small Batch Glen Garioch 1991 – Regular $210
15. Cadenhead Small Batch Glenlossie 1993 – Regular $175
16. Cadenhead Small Batch Miltonduff 1978 – Regular $620
17. Cadenhead Small Batch North British 1985 – Regular $220
18. Canadian Club 100% Rye – Regular $30
19. Canadian Club Classic 12 Year – Regular $30
20. Creative Whisky Company Bowmore 2002 – Regular $133
21. Creative Whisky Company Exclusive Blend 1991 – Regular $113
22. Creative Whisky Company Glen Garioch 1994 – Regular $160
23. Creative Whisky Company Glenturret 1994 – Regular $160
24. Creative Whisky Company Tobermory 1994 – Regular $145
25. First Edition Auchentoshan – Regular $150
26. First Edition Glen Garioch 1990 – Regular $205
27. First Edition Tormore 26 Year  – Regular $250
28. G&M Connoisseurs Choice Auchroisk 1996 – Regular $140
29. G&M Connoisseurs Choice Caol Ila 2003 – Regular $100
30. G&M Connoisseurs Choice Inchgower 2000 – Regular $108
31. G&M Connoisseurs Choice Ledaig 1999 – Regular $120
32. G&M Glentuachers 1994 – Regular $120
33. G&M Glenturret 2000 – Regular $110
34. Glendronach 1972 Cask 706 – Regular $2500
35. Glendronach 1990 Cask 1375 – Regular $375
36. Glendronach 1994 Cask 1051 – Regular $289
37. Glendronach 1994 Cask 3398 – Regular $290
38. Glendronach 1995 Cask 3806 – Regular $280
39. Glendronach 1995 Cask 4034 – Regular $280
40. Glendronach 1995 Cask 444 – Regular $281
41. Glendronach 2003 Cask 934 – Regular $175
42. Glendronach 2004 Cask 5524 – Regular $174
43. Glenmorangie Companta – Regular $115
44. Hammer Head 1989 Czech Whisky – Regular $90
45. Hudson Baby Bourbon – Regular $70
46. Hudson New York Corn Spirit – Regular $52
47. Mackinlay’s Shackleton The Journey – Regular $205
48. Master of Malt Braes of Glenlivet – Regular $150
49. Michter’s US*1 American Whiskey – Regular $75
50. Prichard’s Double Chocolate Bourbon – Regular $135
51. Prichard’s Tennessee Single Malt – Regular $89
52. Signatory Dufftown 1997 – Regular $180
53. Signatory Glen Keith 1995 – Regular $120
54. Signatory Glentauchers 1996 – Regular $180
55. Signatory Highland Park 1990 – Regular $305
56. Signatory Mortlach 1990 – Regular $290

SAVE 20%

1. Ardbeg 10 Year 50ml – Regular $8.50
2. Bernheim Kentucky Wheat KWM Cask – Regular $70
3. Big Peat Santa 2012 – Regular $88
4. Cadenhead Small Batch Alt a Bhaine 1992 – Regular $185
5. Cadenhead Small Batch Auchentoshan 1992 – Regular $210
6. Cadenhead Small Batch Glenrothes 1990 – Regular $235
7. Cadenhead Small Batch Glenallachie 1992 – Regular $190
8. Cadenhead Small Batch Glen Keith 1973 – Regular $710
9. Cadenhead Small Batch Glenallachie 1992 – Regular $190
10. Cadenhead Small Batch Royal Brackla 1984 – Regular $440
11. Cadenhead Small Batch Teaninich 1983 – Regular $440
12. Darkness Dailuaine 15 Year – Regular $185
13. G&M Glenrothes 1997 Quaich Cask – Regular $185
14. Glencadam 32 Year Decanter – Regular $630
15. Glendornach 2003 KWM Virgin Oak Cask 1750 – Regular $140
16. Glenfarclas 21 Year 50 ml – Regular $19
17. Glenfarclas 25 Year 50ml – Regular $20
18. Glenfarclas Family Cask 1975 – Regular $1675
19. Glenfarclas Family Cask 1976 – Regular $1000
20. Glenfarclas Family Cask 1985 – Regular $700
21. Johnny Walker Odyssey – Regular $2100
22. Jura Boutique Barrels 1995 KWM Cask – Regular $160
23. Kilchoman 2010 KWM Cask 440 – Regular $140
24. Kilchoman 2010 KWM Cask 440 50ml – Regular $15
25. Strictly Limited Speyside 18 Year – Regular $150
26. St. Vivant Millesime Armagnac 1934 – Regular $985
27. St. Vivant Millesime Armagnac 1955 – Regular $750
28. St. Vivant Millesime Armagnac 1985 – Regular $126
29. Wee Whisky Gift Box 2015 (by KWM) – Regular $80
30. Wemyss 1992 Licorice Spiral – Regular $146
31. Wemyss 1998 Pastile Bouquet – Regular $189

SAVE 25%

1. A.D. Rattray Bowmore 1999 – Regular $195 *Only 2 left!
2. Arran Robbie Burns Blended Scotch Whisky – Regular $36
3. Cadenhead Small Batch Auchroisk 1992 – Regular $191
4. Cadenhead Small Batch Mannochmore 1977 – Regular $650
5. Caol Ila 15 Year – Regular $140
6. Coopers Choice Royal Brackla 1997 – Regular $150
7. Glendronach 8 Year The Hielan – Regular $64
8. Glenrothes Sherry Reserve – Regular $75
9. Johnnie Walker Black Label – Regular $52
10. Kilchoman Loch Gorm 50ml – Regular $15
11. Samaroli 1997 Isle of Jura – Regular $164
12. Samaroli Sherry 22 Year – Regular $250
13. Secret Spirits Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar 2015  – Regular $440
14. Signatory Glenlivet 1981 32 Year – Regular $380
15. Strathmill 25 Year – Regular $520

SAVE 30%

1. Darkness Tomintoul 18 Year – Regular $185

SAVE 35%

1. G&M Glen Grant 60 Year Diamond Jubilee – $14,000.00

 Check out all of our sale items online: kensingtonwinemarket.com/products/on-sale/

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.

Sláinte!

Andrew Ferguson

Manager & Scotchguy

Kensington Wine Market

403-283-8000

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

www.kensingtonwinemarket.com

Owner & Operator

Ferguson’s Whisky Tours

www.fergusonwhiskytours.com

scotchguide@fergusonwhiskytours.com

Wemyss Malts First Single Cask Release of 2016

Independent bottler, Wemyss Malts, is thrilled to announce its first Single Cask release of 2016. Six casks have been selected to showcase the best of Speyside, Islay and The Highlands and, ranging in age from 13 to 25 years old. There are a number of highlights including cask strength “Coastal Confection” from Islay.

William Wemyss, Founder and Managing Director at Wemyss Malts, commented: “In this most recent release we have selected some fantastic whiskies which exemplify the quality of the casks we source for our single cask bottlings. They offer a unique snapshot of Scotland’s distilleries and I’m sure our customers will be delighted with the selection.”

The full cask list of this release comprises:

“Sizzling Charcoal” 1997 single cask from Bunnahabhain Distillery, Islay,

“Coastal Confection” 1996 single cask from Bowmore Distillery, Islay, Cask Strength

“The Highland Mariner 1997 single cask from Clynelish Distillery, Highlands

“Fallen Apples” 1989 singe cask from Glen Garioch Distillery, Highlands

“Barrista’s Dram” 2002 single cask from Craigellachie Distillery, Speyside

“Toasted Anise” 1996 single cask from Glenrothes Distillery, Speyside

Each cask has been selected and named by the Wemyss tasting panel, under the watchful eye of industry aficionado Charlie Maclean.   There are only a few hundred bottles from each cask and the suggested retail prices range from £55 to £110. These bottlings will be available in selected retailers in the UK, EU and key Asian markets.

Notes:

• Edinburgh based Wemyss Malts is owned by the Wemyss family and their family seat is Wemyss Castle in Fife where they’ve lived since the 1300s.
• Wemyss Malts has an ongoing blended malt whisky range comprising: The Spice King, The Peat Chimney and The Hive; single malt single cask bottlings and blended Scotch range, Lord Elcho.
• The Wemyss family premium wines and spirits brands also include boutique gin Darnley’s View, together with the premium wine estate of Rimauresq Cru Classé in Cotes de Provence.
• The family has opened a single malt distillery at Kingsbarns, near St. Andrews in Fife

http://www.kingsbarnsdistillery.com/

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!! 

Welcome to our newsletter for this record breaking, spectacular, simply awesome 58th auction.

Big Peatrie is as excited as he has ever been by this month’s auction and has whittled down his favourites to a carefully selected few and you can catch up with this preview vLog here.

The most straightforward way of guiding you through this auction is by distillery and to avoid favouritism this month we shall begin at the beginning of the alphabet and point out the highlights on the way.

First stop on our wonderful trip is Ardbeg and they bring us a 40 year old, a Sestante bottling of Ardbeg distilled in 1963, a single cask bottled by Signatory distilled in 1967, a wonderful Provenance Third release.

Bass brings us the Bass Prince’s Ale, the holy grail of beer to some, there’s a Black Bruichladdich, a 32 year old bottled for Jack Wiebers. Bowmore is well represented with a 40 year old from 1955, a Bowmore Sherriff’s, and two Bicentenaries.

Cadenhead’s brings us a Glenturret, Caperdonich, Ardbeg in those lovely dumpy bottles. Glen Grant brings us drams that are 38 and 45 years old and some that were distilled in 1948 and 1949. Glenfarclas brings us a 58 year old bottled for Wealth Solutions and a 50 year old decanter.

Glenfiddich chips in with three bottles from the 60s, 1961, 1963 & 1964, as well as a 40 year old and an Ultimate 38 Year Old. Glenlivet brings us drams from 1938, 1940 and 1949 as well as the Glenlivet Vintages collection.

Karuizawa is once again at the forefront of our wishlist with a host of Karuizawa Ghosts Series 2nd Edition, as well as a host of Nohs, Samurais, a Geisha and a vast array of single casks.

Macallan has an embarrassment of riches including 1937 decanter, a bottle distilled in 1946, one from 1951, three 1963s, as well as phalanx of Photographers and a Fine and Rare Mini collection.

Port Ellen heads up our lost distillery section, with notable contributions from Brora, Littlemill, Rosebank, Millburn and Glenury Royal.

Finally Yamazaki has three 25 year olds and one 25 year old Limited Edition.

PHEW!!!!

As always there is a plethora of great drinking drams and great examples of liquid history available for you all to peruse at your leisure and bid away to your hearts’ content.

All the best from us here at SWA HQ!

J. & G. Grant are delighted to have won numerous awards for their whisky over the duration of 2015. Glenfarclas started off the year with a Highly Commended Nomination as an Icon of Whisky in the hugely popular Whisky Magazine. The Glenfarclas range as a whole has shown considerable success across several of its core range products in both spirits competitions and whisky fairs abroad. Most notably the Glenfarclas 30 Years Old achieved a Double Gold Award at Stockholm Beer & Whisky Fair, followed by the 21 Years Old being voted Best Whisky at Oslo Whisky Fair in October. Younger Glenfarclas products have also shared the spotlight with both Glenfarclas 10 Years Old & 12 Years Old winning Silver in the 2015 International Wine & Spirit Competition.

This year, reviews in Jim Murray’s recently released 2016 Whisky Bible include awards for the unique collection of Family Casks. The Family Casks 1957 (cask no. 2110, Release SP15) was nominated Single Cask Whisky of the Year scoring 96.5/100 in which Jim Murray comments “I struck lucky with this, as it ticks every single box that a great malt might, and there is not a single cross to be found.” The Family Casks 1985 (cask no. 2593, Release SP15) also won Best Single Cask Whisky aged between 28-34 Years (again scoring 96.5/100) and was described as “one of the most supremely balanced Glenfarclases of all time”. Similar results were awarded to core range products such as the 12 Years Old & 40 Years Old which both scored 94/100, in addition to the iconic 105 Cask Strength winning 95.5/100 respectively.

Slàinte to a successful year!

Glenfarclas
Email: info@glenfarclas.co.uk
Website: www.glenfarclas.co.uk
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/glenfarclas/
Tel: +44 (0) 1807 500257
Fax: +44 (0) 1807 500234
Address: Glenfarclas Distillery, Ballindalloch, Banffshire AB37 9BD, UK

Mark Reynier of Waterford Distillery Interviewed at Malt

Mark Reynier, former CEO of Bruichladdich and now the man in charge of Waterford Distillery, is now interviewed at whisky website Malt. In this in-depth interview he talks about his new venture into Irish whiskey at Waterford, why he’s so focussed on barley, and how he felt when Bruichladdich was sold to Rémy Cointreau.

To read the interview visit malt-review.com.

For more information email maltreview@gmail.com

(Link to interview: http://malt-review.com/2016/01/25/interview-with-mark-reynier )

‘THE ONE’ TAKES CENTRE STAGE AS THE OFFICIAL WHISKY TO THE BEST OF BRITISH AT THE NATIONAL TELEVISION AWARDS 

The award-winning British Isles blended whisky, The ONE produced by The Lakes Distillery blended with the who’s who of British talent as the official Whisky of the 21^st National Television Awards’ VIP After Show Party.

Award winners including Ant & Dec, Billy Connolly, Suranne Jones and Danny Dyer along with the cast of shows including Doctor Foster, This Morning and Strictly Come Dancing celebrated their wins with a dram of The ONE.

“As an award winning newcomer in the artisan craft business The ONE is the perfect pairing as the official Whisky to the worthy winners of the National Television Awards”, said Paul Currie, founder and managing director of The Lakes Distillery.

The Lakes Distillery’s artisan spirits are produced on-site at the distillery in The Lake District National Park using water collected just 150m from the site, water which has travelled from sprinkling tarn near England’s highest peak to the Derwent River flowing next to the site. The ONE has won a string of awards in the world’s most authoritative, respected and influential spirits competitions.

The ONE, in tandem with Liquor to Lips, the UK’s leading drinks events, entertainment and marketing consultancy, ensured Award winners will be in esteemed company with Blackdown Artisan Spirits, Peter Spanton Drinks, Neat Tasting Glasses and the Whisky Key providing a bespoke offering to our nations most celebrated Television personalities.

The Lakes Distillery opened its doors to the public in December 2014, shortly after it started production of The Lakes Single Malt, The Lakes Gin and The Lakes Vodka. Visitors to the £7m distillery in Cumbria can follow a world class tour of the production facility, taste the spirits created on site in the award winning artisan bar and Bistro at the Distillery, and go away with a souvenir from the shop selling distillery products and locally produced fare.

More information about the Lakes Distillery is available at http://www.lakesdistillery.com/e-brochure/

More information abbot The Bistro at The Lakes is available at: www.lakesdistillery.com/en/bistro-and-bar

Picture caption: The Lakes Distillery’s award- The ONE at the O2 arena for the 21^st National Television Awards

Notes to Editors:

The ONE, The Lakes Gin, The Lakes Vodka and both the Connoisseurs’ Club and Founders’ Club are available to buy online at http://www.lakesdistillery.com/shop/

The Lakes Distillery

• The Lakes Distillery, England’s newest craft distillery, opened to the public in December 2014. The Lakes Single Malt began production on 16th December 2014 and will be available in 2017. Its blended whisky from the British Isles, called The ONE, the Lakes Gin and the Lakes Vodka are available to buy now.
• Six miles from Keswick along the A66 or a similar distance from Cockermouth The Lakes Distillery is next to Bassenthwaite Lake, in an area of unimaginable beauty encircled by Cumbrian fells
• The experienced team behind the Lakes Distillery includes managing director Paul Currie who co-founded the Arran Distillery, Master Distiller Chris Anderson with over 30 years’ experience and Alan Rutherford a former Production Director of Diageo who renovated the historic buildings of an old Victorian Model Farm next to the famous river Derwent and are producing a new world-class blended whisky, single malt, gin and vodka
• The water from the famous River Derwent, with its source high up in the fells, a team steeped in experience of producing spirits, and perfect conditions for distilling create a very special range of spirits
• The Bistro at The Distillery is overseen by Michelin star chef Terry Laybourne and won OpenTable Diner’s Choice Award for four months running in Cumbria and Keswick. The Bistro at the distillery employs local staff and offers indoor and outdoor dining options.