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

Edward Norton leads Chivas Toast and honours FilmAid Christopher Hampton receives Filmmaker Award at the CHARLES FINCH FILMMAKERS DINNER.

As the film world’s elite gathered in Cannes, official Festival sponsor Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky paid tribute to its longstanding charity partner FilmAid at the Charles Finch Annual Filmmakers Dinner, as renowned actor and philanthropist, Edward Norton encouraged the industry to toast the community-spirited side of the world’s silver screen legends with a glass of Chivas Regal 25.

Held against the stunning backdrop of the Riviera and hosted by Charles Finch, the Annual Filmmakers Dinner was the most glamorous and exclusive place to dine at the start of the Festival’s first weekend and the world’s stars and cultural powerhouses were certainly in attendance, including Naomi Watts, Harvey Weinstein, Gael Garcia Bernal, Gemma Arterton, Bryan Ferry, Julian Schnabel, Lea Seydoux, and Gong Li, Daniel Bruhl, and Matt Smith.

Charles Finch of Finch & Partners and Chivas Regal 25 were proud to honour OSCAR-winning filmmakers, Alfonso Cuáron and Christopher Hampton. Hampton is an acclaimed British screenwriter and film director best known for films such as Dangerous Liaisons and Atonement and Cuáron, is perhaps best known for his recent OSCAR win for ‘Best Director’ for Gravity at this year’s Academy Awards. Both recipients were presented with the Filmmakers Award for their exceptional contributions to the film industry over the years. Previous recipients include: Bernardo Bertolucci, Terry Gilliam, Bertrand Tavernier and Jeremy Thomas.

The evening culminated with guest of honour Edward Norton leading a toast and presenting a cheque of $100,000 to Simon Goff of FilmAid on behalf of Chivas Regal 25. Norton is renowned for his award-nominated work both in front and behind the camera, and also for his lifelong support for social activism and philanthropy, and the donation demonstrates Chivas Regal 25’s on-going support for the charity that aims to use the power of film to bring aid, hope and education to refugees and other communities in need of help around the world.

Edward Norton commented: “It is a great pleasure to be here tonight at the Charles Finch Filmmakers Dinner, sponsored by Chivas Regal 25. To be able to present FilmAid with such a generous donation on behalf of Chivas Regal is a great honour. Philanthropy & activism are causes hugely important to me. Increasingly, we are seeing brands addressing social and environmental issues more than ever before. Charitable causes such as Filmaid need support in order to drive awareness and change consumer attitudes and behavior. With the help of partners like Chivas Regal around the world, FilmAid will be able to reach their next milestone.”

Simon Goff, Executive Director of Film Aid commented “At Film Aid we witness the power of film every day – to change lives, shape communities and give voice to refugees. We are very grateful to Chivas Regal for their ongoing support and commitment to our charity.”

Charles Finch, CEO of Finch and Partners commented: “We’re thrilled to be holding the annual Filmmakers dinner at the 67th Cannes Film Festival for the 6th year and we’re delighted that Chivas Regal 25 is supporting us. Since the beginning, we have honoured some incredible filmmakers including, Jeremy Thomas, Bertrand Tavernier, Terry Gilliam, most recently Bernardo Bertolucci, and this year is no exception with Christopher Hampton and Alfonso Cuáron.”

Richard Black, Global Brand Director, Chivas Regal added: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to honour Christopher Hampton and Alfonso Cuáron for their unrivalled contribution to the film industry at the Charles Finch Filmmakers’ Dinner. We are also pleased to be continuing our journey with such a prestigious charity whereby we can help change peoples’ lives through film. We look forward to another legendary year at the Cannes Film Festival.”

Notes

About Chivas Regal 25

Chivas Regal 25 – the pinnacle of the Chivas range – pays homage to the world’s first-ever luxury whisky, the original Chivas Regal blend, shipped from Scotland to New York in 1909. Enjoyed today by elite tastemakers around the globe, it is a unique blend of the finest whiskies, aged for at least a quarter of a century.

Dating back to the 1940s, Festival de Cannes is today considered the most iconic and glamorous film festival in the world. Chivas Regal is now in its sixth year as official partner of the Festival de Cannes – the most exclusive and celebrated international film festival.

Chivas Regal is a truly global brand, selling 4.8 million 9L cases annually in more than 150 countries across Europe, Asia Pacific and Americas. The Chivas Regal range is the epitome of style, substance and exclusivity and includes Chivas Regal 12, 18 and 25 Year Old.

About Finch & Partners

Finch & Partners is an international Creative Brand Consultancy bridging the gap between the world’s leading multinational brands and creative industries.

Finch & Partners was founded by Charles Finch, former Head of International Motion Pictures at the William Morris Agency in June 2005, and today is a creative brand consultancy proudly representing and advising the most distinguished artists, brands and institutions across the world.

From concept and strategy to execution and delivery, Finch & Partners’ fully integrated service offers specialist expertise in global luxury marketing, media management and all aspects of the entertainment business from film and television production to music and live entertainment events.

As a company built for the modern media age, Finch & Partners is at the forefront of branded content creation, capitalising on our experience and expertise to create compelling programming and resonant brand partnerships.

About Finch Foundation

The objective of the Finch Foundation is to use the Finch & Partners network of financially powerful corporations and influential individuals and institutions to further the careers of young visual artists in film and other areas of the arts. About Film Aid FilmAid uses the power of film and media to transcend language and literacy, bringing life-saving information, psychological relief and much-needed hope to refugees and other communities in need around the globe

Chivas Regal 25, the world’s first luxury whisky, were proud to be the official partners of The Rover premiere party starring Guy Pearce and Robert Pattinson at the 67th Festival de Cannes.

Set at the exclusive La Gold Plage (across from the Hotel Martinez), guests mingled with the stars of the movie Robert Pattinson, Guy Pearce and director David Michôd at the official film premiere party. Guests enjoyed specially crafted Chivas cocktails inspired by the glamour of Cannes and the French Riveria before departing to The Palais De Festival for the official screening of The Rover – a drama directed by David Michôd set in the Australian outback.

In addition to this event during the festival, Chivas Regal also host more than 75 VIPs from around the world as part of a unique 24-hour VIP experience that celebrates the legendary glamour of Cannes and Chivas Regal 25. Guests also enjoy a night at the iconic Grand Hyatt Cannes Hôtel Martinez, a red carpet makeover at the Chivas Regal Salon 25, a view of Cannes from the harbour aboard the Chivas 25 Yacht. Guests are also treated to a private dining experience at two Michelin starred La Palme d’Or where they enjoy a bespoke tasting menu, pairing Chivas cocktails with the finest seasonal French Cuisine, created by Chivas Global Brand Ambassador Max Warner and chef Christian Sinicropi.

Richard Black, Brand Director, Chivas Regal said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be part of The Rover film premiere party at Festival de Cannes as part of our whole program. Our Global Brand Ambassador, Max Warner, has created a menu of exquisite cocktails to serve at the party in honour of this event. This is sure to be another legendary year at the festival and we are excited to be part of it again.

”Chivas Regal 25 – the pinnacle of the Chivas range – pays homage to the world’s first-ever luxury whisky, the original Chivas Regal blend, shipped from Scotland to New York in 1909. Enjoyed today by elite tastemakers around the globe, it is a unique blend of the finest whiskies, aged for at least a quarter of a century.

Dating back to the 1940s, Festival de Cannes is today considered the most iconic and glamorous film festival in the world. 

Ardbeg Auriverdes with Dr Bill Lumsden – liquid football!

It’s almost that time of year again – Ardbeg Day, with events happening all around the world.

Each year the distillery releases a limited-edition whisky to commemorate the day (click here for our post on last year’s Ardbog or here for 2012′s Ardbeg Day).

This year’s bottling, being a World Cup year, is named Auriverdes (the nickname of the Brazilian football team) and I was given the opportunity to speak to the Ardbeg (and Glenmorangie) Director of Distilling, Whisky Creation & Whisky Stocks, Dr Bill Lumsden, about the latest release.

A Scot holding aloft the World Cup? Er, no, it’s Dr Bill Lumsden with the new Ardbeg Auriverdes

While it is being released just before the start of the World Cup, the original inspiration for the bottling was nothing to do with it. ‘I wanted to create a particular flavour,’ he told us, ‘the target image in my mind was a basket of soft fruits.’ The whisky was distilled back in 2002 and is 10-11 years old. Its tweak on the regular Ardbeg 10 year old is that it was matured in second fill ex-bourbon casks, each fitted with a specially toasted head – specially toasted in a secret manner.

It slots quite easily in to the general Ardbeg line-up, being inspired by some of the other whiskies that Dr Bill has created over the years, but it is still its own animal. ‘I’m not just doing another Alligator,’ he said, ‘those barrels were unbelievably charred. Auriverdes is altogether more gentle; it is almost my beloved 1977, almost Airigh Nam Beist. It’s a cross between Airigh Nam Beist with a bit of Alligator thrown in.’ Switching from a heavy char to a toast really makes a difference.

Despite not starting out as a World Cup tie-in, it has certainly now become one. Ardbeg Day is now celebrated around the world, and this year’s they will be focusing on football-related events.

Here in the UK, there’s the Ardbeg Peat Football Championship, for which St Andrew’s Square in Edinburgh will be turned into a peat-bog football pitch – all the Ardbeg embassies have been invited to take part, and we will have a TWE team up there on the day (hopefully) doing us proud.

One thing we couldn’t pass up the chance to ask about was the recent auction sales of the special-edition gold bottles of Auriverdes, sent out to a few lucky writers and retailers. While Dr Bill isn’t a big fan of limited editions and single casks, as there are so many loyal fans that won’t get the change to taste them, he understands that certain bottlings will always be collectable. His view on the £2,500 auction prices for the gold Auriverdes bottles was clear – ‘…it was absolutely inevitable that it would happen.’ Ardbeg will certainly be thinking twice about doing something similar again in the future.

Stuart and I were then offered a chance to taste the Auriverdes for ourselves:

Ardbeg Auriverdes. 49.9%. £79.95

Rocky:

Nose: Notes of dark chocolate, mocha, tar, peat and vanilla.

Palate: A creamy texture, with the mocha notes continuing, being joined by liquorice, tropical hints of pineapple and mango, and a whack of vanilla from the bourbon barrels. The peat is on the lighter side for an Ardbeg and isn’t overpowering.

Finish: Pretty long finish with the fruity notes slowly dissipating to leave spicy liquorice and peat smoke.

Comment: The peat is nowhere near as strong as I was expecting, with the toasting balancing it elegantly. This Ardbeg Day release is certainly very different in style to the previous editions, but is just as intriguing.

Stuart:

Nose: Hang on, this is Ardbeg? Much lighter than expected, with the peat fighting for survival against the toasty oak, mocha and peppery notes.

Palate: Creamy coffee to the fore, joined by dark chocolate and mocha, then a refreshing peachy character kicks in alongside peat and black pepper.

Finish: The creamy fruitiness gives way to the trademark (if subdued) Ardbeg peat.

Comment: After some of Ardbeg’s recent big-hitting releases, this is an intriguing, pastel-shaded malt.

It will be available in our shop on Saturday 31 May and online the following day. Bottles are available for pre-order on the website.

Originally published on The Whisky Exchange Blog – Ardbeg Auriverdes with Dr Bill Lumsden – liquid football!

We have received our second Private Weller Antique 107 7 Year Barrel. We will not see any more Weller Antique Private Barrels until the fall. After selling through Ridgemont Reserve 1792 Barrel 17 in under a week we are releasing Barrel 22. Both of these offerings are exceptional; we don’t expect to have them very long. We also have a new barrel of Elijah Craig 12 Year non-chill filtered #689. There are a still a few more barrels we are waiting on: Four Roses, Buffalo Trace and Masterson Rye.

The Balvenie Single Barrel 15 year old sherry cask is now available to order via The Whisky Shop. This unique expression follows up the highly popular first fill 12 year old that was launched last year.

If you only drink one more whisky this year make sure it’s this stunning new release from Balvenie.

Each Balvenie 15 year old is a product of just one single cask with unique, unrepeatable qualities which vary from one cask to the next – no more than 650 hand numbered bottles are drawn from each sherry butt.

It has been matured exclusively in a single European oak sherry butt for at least 15 years. Held in an Oloroso sherry cask, this single malt is characterised by dried fruit richness, nuttiness and spice.

Curated by the nose of our Malt Master David Stewart, Scotland’s longest serving Malt Master with over 50 years service at The Balvenie.

Bottled at a natural cask strength of 47.8% volume.

Simply click here to buy – £80

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