www.ralfy.com continues exploring obscure, less-known single malts with Whisky Review 460 – Royal Brackla Cask Malt 16yo @ (Adelphi)

Loch Fyne Whiskies ‘The Balvenie Single Barrel 15 Year Old Sherry Cask’ 

Join us as we sit down with the exquisite Balvenie Single Barrel 15 Year Old Sherry Cask; it makes for great company! Read full review…(Please click on the link to read the full article)

THE LINK 

david@lfw.co.uk
Loch Fyne Whiskies

WEST COAST WHISKY TOUR, MAY 2014. 

Our friends from Finland (Malt Whisky Association of Finland) once again came on tour with us, this time for a scenic west coast whisky tour. 

We started in Glasgow, driving to Oban, where the first distillery visit had been arranged; Oban distillery, a good tour and taste.  At 5pm we had a whisky tasting at the Oban whisky/wine shop, 3 good drams including Tobermory, really good! Group dinner followed, a good first day! 

Taking the 09.55 ferry to the Isle of Mull, first stop; Duart castle, home to the Macleans! A good and interesting tour here we had 7 in the group purchase the Maclean gathering special whisky; chosen by Charlie Maclean, and Adelphi 18 yo Tobermory. As Paul was on hand, he introduced his chief to the group, who signed the bottles!  Nice touch, he has not signed that many, so a good keepsake. From here to Tobermory, our next distillery tour. We all stayed in Tob overnight, met up at Macgochans pub for dinner and drinks, many thanks Neil for the drams! 

Day 3 we had to alter plans somewhat (in advance 2 days earlier) as calmac had changed the ferry to a much smaller boat, for the sail to Ardnamurchan, meaning we had sent our coach the night before on a round trip, to meet us at the ferry next day – it couldnee fit on this wee ferry! After a dram on the ferry, we met the coach and drove via tiny roads to Adelphi distillery, for a good tour and a great tasting. Not quite up and running yet, but we did taste two really good drams before sadly departing.  From here to Glenuig and lunch! Before our next and final ferry to the Isle of Skye. First call on the island; Gaelic whiskies, a good range of whisky at this independent bottler.  Highlight (for the very few) was a 30 year old, now no longer available – superb! From here the hour drive to our hotel, which by the way, had 400 whiskies behind the bar!

Day 4 we headed down to Talisker distillery – why are we here so early (09.30) Liz asked me, to get an early tour and a longer day I said, she didnee believe me – until we went in at 09.30!!! Lesley did a great job on our extended tour and extended taste! Many thanks Lesley, see you again soon. Leaving here for the road bridge and our lunch stop Eilean Donan castle.  Through some rain we headed to Loch Ness, staying at Drumnadrochit, dining at Fiddlers.  Jon did a great job, lots of great food and whisky, gin, wine and beers! Thanks for my aged drams Jon, went down smooth! A good night! 

Leaving at 9am, we headed through Inverness down to Perth for lunch, followed by the visit to Scotland’s smallest distillery; Strathearn (not, as the signs says still, Edradour), here Tony took us through the processes he uses, very traditional, tasted many gins, took lots of photos, a farm setting, surrounded by horses and cattle (smells).  Alas – from here we drove to Glasgow were there was a Scottish Cup Final being played at Parkhead – the Perth team, St Johnstone won! A final tasting at the hotel by a good friend of ours, with some very exclusive drams, we cannot mention – too exclusive! Then to waxy O’Connors pub for dinner.  A grand tour, we hope all went back to Finland happy – we do know a lot of whisky bottles went back! 

 Message from Mika Jansson, Finland; What a fab tour it was, many many MANY thanks to Liz and Paul!!! We all had a grand time, and saw many a beautiful places! 

The tour was worked with Mika Jansson in Finland, designed and operated by www.mcleanscotland.com

Story by Paul McLean

www.mcleanscotland.com

www.angelswhiskyclub.com

facebook; McLean whisky tours – more photos on facebook

Sunday 25 May 2014, Paul travels to the capital.

I caught the 09.36 train to Edinburgh frae Perth, the train that stopped at EVERY station in between, too just over 2 hours! Och well, got there at last, took a taxi to the first hotel in the west end – dropping off tour notes for guests. Then to the south of the city, another hotel, more tour notes. Headed then towards the venue for the Stramash whisky fest. Took an early lunch, healthy stuff to line my belly to make ready for the juice to follow. A wee bit early so took photos of the Edin University – part of it, really good Georgian buildings.  Nearing 12.20 I thought “to hell with this waiting aboot” and went to the door, some big ape asked what I wanted, luckily I was wearing my Glen Moray jacket “am setting up on the stand with Glen Moray mate” he let me in, some security eh! Even later as I went to get my tickets, none there, I had pre – arranged for these months back and was told they would be there – nope! Anyhow, went in early, saw a few old pals and took some pix and had a few drams. After a few hello’s I flew over to to the Japanese whisky table, Suntory. A friend from the Highlander was ambassador for Suntory, hell’s and chatted bewfore a good slug of Hakushu Distillers Reserve, interesting, I hadnee seen this before, a green bottle, 12 year old single malt, from the mountain distillery, it was herbal? Wee bit of smoke, fruity and a wee bit minty. Apparently, it has only been available in Europe one month, so very pleased to try it.  I did go back later for more! I also enjoyed the 12 year old Hibiki, banana, pepper, fruits, almost a sweet and sour, lovely! I like the bottle also! There then followed samples of Glen Moray, who were a busy table as usual, drifted over to Stewart at GlenDronch/BenRiach/Glenglassaugh table… “where’s the kilt Stew?”, a smile… “just home from China, its in the cleaners, mingin!” I do like the sherry finish to the drams here, tried all 3 labels on the stand, top end; sherry hogshead, 35 year old Glenglassaugh – thanks Stew! Superb.  The festival opened and filled quickly, but – not as mad as Saturday many told me. There’s a suggestion folks; if you attend next year, try out the Sunday, no as crowded.

A good venue, the Surgeons Building, but fer an old codger like me, too many stairs! Sat doon wi a dram and made these notes, took it easy. As mentioned, Sunday is easier, especially for first timers, but still awash with the Scottish juice. Plenty of opportunity to get a dram from each table.  Other tables there of note, Glenfiddich, Deanston, Drambuie, Scallywag, Famaous Grouse, Dewars and so on … a good fest for a first time reveller I would say, not panicked like Speyside or Islay, nice and easy (Sunday). By the time I escaped it was raining. Then debunked around the corner to a favourite capital pub, the Brass Monkey, a traditional pub, not touristy, good ales, drams and spirits of all kind, good staff too! As it was chuckin it doon wi rain, it was the nearest I could fall into – honest! Enjoyed a Silent Sun beer and a chat with a local and the staff, shared some fun here, stayed longer than planned – I only went in oot of the rain and to make a few notes. Er, the toilets are something to be seen! Say no more. I decided enough was enough and took a taxi towards the train station, still pouring down, at the traffic lights I said to the driver “this will do mate, thanks”. Got out at the Balmoral 5 star hotel – I needed to do some research here at their whisky bar. Over 400 drams on offer, leave some for another day perhaps. Started with a Glengoyne 1985 summer release, butterscotch, fruits and lovely! Michal was on duty at the bar, very good, he knew his tuff and fed me stories and drams; Signet is superb! Most of the bottles are “behind bars” (d’you like that?) and found easily by the staff, a relaxing but high end bar – a nice touch, when you order a dram, you also get almonds and chocolates etc, nice touch. This bar has been assisted by Diageo and Glenmorangie, evident when you look at the bottles in the menu.

Again, stayed longer here than intended – research is a hard job, serious research is even harder, I put myself through the wringer on your behalf, hope all appreciate this. The station is just around the corner, wandering through the rain I found the platforms and ticket barriers, asking “where is the Perth train please?” I was shown a platform to the left, I think the guy was havin a laugh, I woke up an hour later in the Borders! Wrong train, took me ages then to get home on two more trains, once home – rain – I looked longingly at a bottle of red wine, but that’s all I did; look. Bed!

Paul McLean

www.mcleanscotland.com    www.angelswhiskyclub.com

www.ralfy.com takes a trip to the obscure side of malts with Whisky Review 459 – Allt-A-Bhainne 21yo cask Malt (Cadenheads)

BACK IN STOCK

Japan – Single Malt Scotch

• Suntory Yamazaki 12 year old Japanese Single Malt Whiskey 750ml – 8 available ($59.99)

United States – Bourbon and Rye

• Angel’s Envy 100 Proof Rye Whiskey 750ml (one bottle limit) ($67.99)

• Eagle Rare Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon 750ml – 10 available ($26.99)

K&L Wine Merchants
http://www.klwines.com/
Phone: 877-KLWines (toll free 877-559-4637)
Email: wine@klwines.com
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

Tomorrow is Ardbeg Day, and today is your final opportunity to register for the soccer match, the tasting or both. You can do so by phone 403-283-8000, or online by clicking here! The Ardbeg Day Soccer Match will take place at a booked field by the store. At present there are just a handful of tickets left. $20 will get you a numbered game shirt, a wee Ardbeg glass, and some other swag. The match will take place between 11:30 and 1:30PM. Participants will be emailed directions to the field. Ardbeg Day Festivities will be held at a lovely private venue a few blocks from the store. Once again, participants will be notified of the location by email, as we won’t be selling tickets at the door. Ardbeg Day Festivities will take place from 2-5PM, include a tasting, games and BBQ from Brazen Food Truck. The after party will move to Buchanan’s Chophouse thereafter! All this for just $40!

We have a lot of other great tastings coming up in the months ahead, including our sold out Spring Single Malt Festival, Ancient Malts and Lost in Translation. You can register for these events and see more info on them on our Tasting Page. A slew of exciting new whiskies will be trickling in over the months to come for these and other events. I’ve included a little teaser list of these below!

I don’t want you to get the impression we’ve been resting on our laurels by simply mentioning the future! We’ve had a number of excellent tastings over the last couple of months, and you can read up on them on our Store Blog. There is a write up on everything from Classic Malts, to the Scotch Malt Whisky Society and Glencadam/Tomintoul with tasting notes and links to the products on our site. We try to update it every couple of days so check it out!

Finally, I took a little time last night to write up a few tasting notes, including one on the new Brora 35 Year. It is a stunning dram, and flying off our shelves. I hope you enjoy this Malt Messenger Bulletin.

Slainte!

Andrew Ferguson
Kensington Wine Market

PS- PS – Don’t forget you can follow me on Twitter: twitter.com/scotch_guy and Facebook: facebook.com/scotch.guy.1 
www.fergusonwhiskytours.com

Ardbeg Day 2014

Festivities Kick Off Saturday May 31

As Canada’s first Ardbeg Embassy, Kensington Wine Market is playing host to Ardbeg Day Festivities in Calgary May 31. The distillery’s Ardbeg Day release this year is the Auriverdes, or Green and Gold. This is a nod to the World Cup of Soccer in Brazil, but also to Ardbeg’s iconic green bottle and golden nectar. The theme this year is soccer, and that will be no different here in Calgary. We’re organizing a match of Ardbeg Green vs. Gold soccer at a field near Kensington Wine Market. Participation costs $20, but will include a special t-shirt, some swag and a dram or two. Two teams of 15 will be assembled in the school yard fashion from those who register. Limited to 28 participants. It’s been a wild spring here, and in the Scottish tradition the game will go ahead come bad or worse weather!

Later in the day festivities will to the Kensington Wine Market where we’ll be hosting fun activities between 2 and 5. There Ardbeg range will be available for tasting, along with new Auriverdes and some Ardbeg cocktails. Braizen Meats will be on hand serving up BBQ and there will be fun games. Registration costs $40 and is limited to around 60 participants. You need not register for one to participate in the other. The Kensington event registration includes a cocktail and appetizers at Buchanan’s Chophouse which is hosting the after party, from 5PM on.

Don’t hesitate in purchasing your Ardbeg Day tickets. Events are expected to fill quickly.

1. Ardbeg Day Soccer Match – 11:30-1:30 Saturday May 31 – 5 Spots Left! – $20
2. Ardbeg Day at KWM – 2:00-5:00 Saturday May 31 – Only 15 Spots Left – $40

Call 403-283-8000 to register or do so on our website at https://www.kensingtonwinemarket.com/tastings/register.php.

Tasting Notes on Some Posh New Whiskies

A couple of Cadenheads, Brora, Talisker and the Tomatin 1977

We have been selling the Brora 35 Year at an impressive clip. It doesn’t hurt that it has been very well reviewed by the like of Serge at Whisky Fun, who gave it 95pts. Nor does it hurt that it is selling for nearly double the price around the world. I decided I needed to get some tasting notes off my belt last night, and the following 5 are what I got up to. Tasted in the order presented below they were all great, but the Brora stood out. Who knows if, or when we’ll ever see another official release, and at what price… The Cadenheads are the first of a range of new KWM exclusives. The Talisker is the 2011 edition! Enjoy:

1. Cadenhead Linkwood-Glenlivet 1987 26 Year – 56.8% – Sherry Butts – 972 Bottles – My Tasting Note: “Nose: floral, toasty and citric with a hint of pine; French bakery notes, fruit flan, orange and melon; Palate: lush, coating and toasty with more French baked goods, candied orange and melons; becomes more floral, with white chocolate and juicy oak; the spices develop in layers first candied ginger, then cloves, cinnamon and finally black pepper; Finish: long, coating and toasty with drying oak, floral tones, gentle spice and a return of the hints of pine. – $284.99
2. Cadenhead Auchroisk 1989 24 Year – 57.5% – Sherry Butts – 1140 Bottles – My Tasting Notes: “Nose: leathery and earthy with raisins, dates and figs, roasted nuts and under ripe oranges; rich Oloroso sherry notes and musty old oak; Palate: big-nutty-Oloroso sherry, firm leather, damp tobacco, cloves, black licorice, burnt orange peel and black pepper; burnt raisins, bacon wrapped dates and Christmas cake; Finish: long, rich, nutty and leathery with fading raisins and Christmas cake.” – $190.99
3. Tomintoul 1977 35 Year – 54.9% – Sherry Butt # 3691 – 312 Bottles – ONLY 1 Left! – My Tasting Note: “Nose: starts with soft leather, upon which tropical fruits, deft dark sugars and elegant spices are delicately layered; mango, papaya and pineapple, ginger, cinnamon and cardamom; candied fruits, dried orange and floral honey; Palate: sweet, layered and very fruity; layers of soft tobacco, supple leather and more tropical fruits: more mango, papaya and pineapple; layers of spices: starting with ginger and cinnamon, evolving towards anise and clove; a whisky of enormous depth, there are Demerara and brown sugars, candied fruits and hints of Christmas cake; Finish: long fruity and rich; the layers of the palate slowly and elegantly fade away with more tropical fruits, coating leather and spices. – $849.99
4. Talisker 25 Year 2011 Ed. – 45.8% – 5772 Bottles – My Tasting Note: “Nose: waxy with brown sugar, browning apples, soft earthy smoke, briny coastal notes and hot spices; cantaloupe, mandarin orange and clean smoke; Palate: buttery, creamy, tropical, waxy and smoky with a hint of briny coastal notes; so soft, with such clean smoke, honey comb and clotted cream; the peat is deft with clean smoke; more melon, browning apple, mandarin orange and hot spices like chilli flakes; Finish: long, coating, creamy and subtly smoke with fading salty smoke. – $249.99
5. Brora 35 Year – 49.9% – 1977 – Bottle No. 9 of 2944 – My Tasting Note: “Nose: classic Brora beeswax, subtle smoke and soft tropical fruits: melons, mango and papaya; elegant maritime notes: steamed mussels and pan seared scallops; very creamy and cleanly smoked, this is one elegant older whisky; Palate: sweet, liquid honey, beeswax and mouth-watering fruits: more melons, mangos and papaya, but also candied apple and poached pear; the clean smoke reappears with more sweet pan seared scallops and salty mussels; the peat grows and becomes earthier with a touch of anise; Finish: long and coating with more beeswax, clean smoke and maritime notes; hard to imagine Brora getting much better than this! – $949.99

Whiskies to Keep Your Eyes Open For in the Weeks and Months Ahead!

Cadenhead, Springbank, Nikka, Yamazaki, Bruichladdich & More:

Here’s just a taste:

1. Hazelburn Rundlets & Kilderkins – $103.99
2. Longrow Red Shiraz – $87.99
3. Springbank Gaja Cask – $103.99
4. Adelphi Clynelish 1997 – $110.99
5. Adelphi Macallan 1988 – $199.99
6. Adelphi Miltonduff 1981 – $166.99
7. Adelphi Nightcap 4 – $191.99
8. Benromach 1969 – $1299.99 – KWM Exclusive
9. Bowmore Small Batch Reserve – $51.99
10. Bruichladdich Black Art 4 – $174.99
11. Bruichladdich Octomore 6.1 – $131.99
12. Cadenhead BenRiach 1996 – $111.99 – KWM Exclusive
13. Cadenhead Bladnoch 1992 – $143.99 – KWM Exclusive
14. Cadenhead Bowmore 2001 – $91.99 – KWM Exclusive
15. Cadenhead Deanston 1994 – $129.99 – KWM Exclusive
16. Cadenhead Dufftown 1979 – $401.99 – KWM Exclusive
17. Cadenhead Glen Garioch 1990 – $195.99 – KWM Exclusive
18. Cadenhead Glen Grant 1989 – $209.99 – KWM Exclusive
19. Cadenhead Glenfiddich 1973 – $1099.99 – KWM Exclusive Only 6 Available!
20. Cadenhead North British 1989 – $159.99 – KWM Exclusive
21. Cadenhead Tomatin 1994 – $112.99 – KWM Exclusive
22. Chichibu Port Pipe – $109.99 – KWM Exclusive
23. First Edition Macallan 1993 – $289.99 – KWM Exclusive
24. Nikka Pure Malt Red – $67.99 – KWM Exclusive
25. Nikka Coffey Grain 1999 – $364.99 – KWM Exclusive Only 6 Available!
26. Nikka Coffey Grain – $88.99 – KWM Exclusive
27. Nikka Coffey Malt 1998 – $215.99 – KWM Exclusive
28. Nikka Coffey Malt – $88.99 – KWM Exclusive
29. Yamazaki Bourbon Barrel – $262.99 – KWM Exclusive Only 3 Available!
30. Yamazaki 1993 Private Cask – $1349.99 – KWM Exclusive Only 6 Available!

Ferguson Whisky Tours

Islay September 7-13 2014 or Kentucky October 5-10 2014

Only 2 spots left for Islay in September! Interested in joining me on one of my fantastic whisky adventures? It’s too late to join me in Speyside this May, but not too late to take part in my Islay and Kentucky Tours, departing in September and October respectively. More details on these tours will be available on my website in the coming weeks. www.fergusonwhiskytours.com

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, 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
Manager & Scotchguy
Kensington Wine Market
403-283-8000
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
www.kensingtonwinemarket.com

Owner & Opperator
Ferguson’s Whisky Tours
www.fergusonwhiskytours.com
scotchguide@fergusonwhiskytours.com

Kensington Wine Market
403-283-8000

Competition results: 66 Year Old Whisky

On 13 May 2014 Gordon & MacPhail and Wealth Solutions has launched a limited edition 66-year old whisky from the Glen Grant Distillery. Only 160 numbered decanters have been released for sale. The whisky was officially launched in Polonia Palace Hotel in Warsaw.

The Glen Grant 1948 66 YO whisky is definitely an extraordinary alcoholic beverage and such beverages always taste best in a selected company. For that reason Wealth Solutions decided it to share with a whisky lover who will convince us that he or she can truly appreciate the old Scottish alcoholic beverages and that whisky is their true passion.

All decanters with the 66-year old Glen Grant whisky were sold during the advance sale preceding the official premiere of the spirit. However, Wealth Solutions decided to choose the owner of the last one from among those who witnessed the entire event on-line and took part in a special competition. Its participants were asked to answer just one question: What does whisky mean in your life?

The Grand Prix: the last decanter of Glen Grant 1948 66 YO whisky, number 109 – is awarded to:

Jean-Luc Thiebaut 

The awarded answer:

Whisky, let’s grow old together. Like the highlands and the heather.

We’ve made it this far. From the barrel to the bar.

All the years I was poor. Like the maltings on the floor.

All the friends that we lost. In the warehouse and the dust.

Like the sunset on her hair. The angels took their share.

Whisky, let’s grow old together.

We thank all participants who took part in that extraordinary event and sent their answers. It was a huge challenge to choose the best one. Even the more so we congratulate the winner. Also watch a special movie recapitulating the entire project and showing the world premiere of Glen Grant 1948 66 YO whisky.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGeTNhnUihg&feature=youtu.be

Slainte!

The Wealth Solutions Team

THE SULTAN’S TREASURE CHEST: CLAN CASK ENDS & JUNE PREVIEWS

Open the treasure chest to find your ideal booty – wave good bye to the Whisky Clans with two brilliantly priced Clan Cask End Parcels and say hello to 3 brand new bottlings for June. Be transported by magic carpet to an exotic land of evocative flavours: caramel wafers with barbecued meats in an ‘Autumnal fairground dram’ or fresh apples and herbs ‘Like summer’. Whether you love battling for your rare Clan Parcel or conjuring up seasons past, make sure you get one of these treasures in your chest…

Old & dignified

39.96 The Sultan’s Treasure Chest
The Panel were transported by magic carpet to an exotic land. It was like opening a old cedar treasure chest filled with aromas…
Age: 29
Outturn:131
Cask: Refill ex-bourbon hogshead

BUY £131.10

Lightly peated

66.48 Autumn fairground dram
The nose delivered clean, mild smoke, then woody autumnal notes of coppiced hazel, beech-mast and bonfires. There was peat-smoke on the palate too – but it was also surprisingly sweet…
Age: 11
Outturn: 218
Cask: Refill ex-bourbon barrel

BUY £45.00

Spicy & sweet

G7.6 Like summer
The nose began with fresh, airy notes of apple, glue, and pine (‘a herb garden near a forest’) but like the first drops of summer rain, lumps of sweetness landed…
Age: 21
Outturn:217
Cask: Refill ex-bourbon barrel

BUY £69.80

Browse all bottlings

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

A quick note from Mike at the Whisky Shop Dufftown;

Here is a link to our latest Newsletter. There’s a look back at Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 2014 and the latest on our programme of events for The Whisky Shop Dufftown Autumn Festival 2014. We hope to have tickets on sale from 2 June 2014 at 8:00 pm.

I hope you enjoy it.

Many Thanks

Mike

http://www.whiskyshopdufftown.com/category/news/