Happy 4th of July to our friends in the United States of America!

Whisky Earns Environmental Award

A whisky distiller has won an environmental award from Scottish farmers for its green credentials and barley provisioning policy.

The Scottish Farmer awarded Environmentally Aware Supplier of the Year 2010 to Islays Bruichladdich distillery for its organic single malt, using Scottish barley and supporting local farmers in remote, rural areas.

The privately-owned Hebridean distillery annually commissions 2000 tons of heritage and modern barley varieties from 23 Scottish farms, including 14 on the Isle of Islay itself.

Bruichladdich MD, Mark Reynier, said: “Provenance is very important to us in these days of bland globalisation. From barley to barrel to bottle we have total traceability and variety, so our customers can enjoy maximum authenticity and flavour.”

“We highly value our farmer relationships and are honoured to have been recognised by this environmental award. Single malt whisky is made from water and barley; we think it should be exclusively Scottish-grown barley; it is after all called Scotch.”

www.bruichladdich.com

Johnnie Walker Black Label $24.99

Jack Daniels Black 1.75L $33.99

Dewar’s White Label 1.75L $27.99

Canadian LTD 1.75L…$10.99
Jim Beam Bourbon 1.75L…$21.99
Johnnie Walker Red Label 1.75L…$26.99
Maker’s Mark Bourbon…$20.99
Seagram’s VO Canadian 1.75L…$17.99

Visit Binny’s at www.binnys.com

Exclusive Bottling for Companions of the Quaich

To celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Companions of the Quaich Bowmore has labelled 300 bottles of their Craftsman’s Collection bottling for the club. The bottling is normally only available at the distillery for around £120, but is available to members of the Companions of the Quaich through the Kensington Wine Market for the low low price of $120 + GST. These 300 bottles are from a total run of around 3000 bottles and are available only in limited quantities. About 240 of the 300 bottles are already spoken for.
 
BOWMORE CRAFTSMAN’S COLLECTION – MALTMAN’S SELECTION – 3000 bottles:

Colour – Warm deep amber.
Nose – Aromas of demerara sugar, prunes and cherry chocolate liqueurs are complemented with lightly smoked oak chips.
Palate – Incredibly complex with rich cocoa butter, burnt zesty orange peel and delicious dark chocolate underpinned with a dry peat smokiness.
The finish is long and sweet with just a hint of peat smoke.

To Order Please Contact Andrew Ferguson at the Kensington Wine Market in Calgary.
403-283-8000
www.kensingtonwinemarket.com
scotchguy@kensingtonwinemarket.com

Single Malts Newsletter
New Website Launch
June 2010
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Greetings!

Welcome to the Single Malts Direct newsletter.

I am delighted to bring you some exciting news. Our newly designed, all singing all dancing website is live now!

We have been working on this for the last few months so please have a visit and let us have your comments.

There are a lot of new functions and a great new account facility. Please read on to discover these fantastic new additions.
 
So Whats New??
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Live Chat –

You can now talk to us live and our helpful staff will help you with choosing a whisky or with any queries. We are available to chat between the hours of 9am to 5pm UK time and will soon be extending this to 24 hours.

New Improved Account Facility –

With our new account function you now have the ability to view you order history, manage your product reviews and wish list, review saved items in your cart, check your gift card balance. You now have much more control over your personal account.

The Malt Blog –

Check out our new blog for tasting notes, new product releases and industry news. The blog is updated weekly with fresh content and news hot from the press.

Product Alerts –

Every product has an Rss alert feed so you can sign up to be notified of price changes, special offers and stock availability.
Coming Soon!!
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Whisky Wizard –

Are you looking for a whisky but there are so many to choose from? Well our in-house experts will advise you with our Whisky Wizard function we will be categorising whiskies in terms of flavour and region, how they match with food, whiskies to use for mixing and cocktails and how they match to your favourite malt.

Design Your Own Label –

Looking to add a personal touch to your whisky? Soon you will be able to do so with our label designer where you can choose from a number of templates and create your own custom label which will then be applied to a whisky from our own special bottlings. A great idea for birthdays, anniversaries or for any occasion.

Tartan Drinks –

With every known Tartan available we can offer your own clan tartan on a special label. You can personalise the label to have any text you wish. Choose from the selection of exceptional whiskies we have available. A fantastic gift for clan (family) gatherings!

Corporate Drinks –

We offer a corporate personal label service where you can create a label or have us create a label for you. Perfect for company anniversaries, celebrations and other major corporate events. We bottle from one label to thousands of cases. There is no order too large or small!

Look out for the next newsletter which will contain more details.
 
Introductory Offer!!
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Exclusive to newsletter subscribers only!

This week get a 29% discount off our very own Whiskies of Scotland Macallan 17 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

Add the product to the shopping cart and enter the discount code SMD17YO in the discount code section.

 
Contact Information
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phone: 0845 6066145
email: info@singlemaltsdirect.com

website http://www.singlemaltsdirect.com/

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According to new research commissioned by Chivas Brothers, 94% of consumers believe the age statement serves as an indicator of quality, 93% believe that older whiskies are better quality and 89% actively look for an age statement when making a decision to purchase.

However, there is a global lack of knowledge about what the age statement actually means: only 10% understand that it refers to the youngest whisky in the bottle, nearly half (48%) believe an age statement refers to the average age and 35% believe it signifies the oldest whisky present. The Scotch Whisky Regulations (2009) make clear what an age statement means – the age of the youngest whisky in the bottle.

Chivas Brothers, Distiller of the Year 2009, is responding with a campaign called The Age Matters, which will manifest itself through stand-alone activity as well as through integration across the company’s aged whisky portfolio, which includes Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, The Glenlivet and Royal Salute brands.

The aim of the campaign is to enable consumers to understand fully the age statement and to appreciate the value of the premium product they are purchasing.

One of the greatest influences on the flavour of whisky comes from maturation. Much of the complexity of Scotch whisky comes mainly from its time in oak casks in Scotland; with outstanding spirit and excellent wood management, it follows that the longer the maturation period, the more complex the whisky.

From 1 July 2010, consumers will be encouraged to look for age statements on Scotch whisky, via point-of-sale materials, advertising and public relations. A logo using the language Guaranteed Age Whisky has been created for use in retail, and will be visible in the environment of Chivas Brothers brands that carry an age statement.

Christian Porta, Chairman and CEO of Chivas Brothers Limited, said: “The revelation that so many existing whisky drinkers do not understand that the age statement refers to the youngest age of the whisky shows that there is an opportunity for us to inform them.

“In an age when consumers of luxury goods increasingly demand transparency and authenticity from brands, it is vital that we empower consumers with knowledge, so that they fully understand the value of what they are buying.”

Notes:Details of further consumer engagement activity will be released in due course.

With more than 85% of the market share of Scotch whisky aged 21 years old and over, Chivas Brothers has a long history of expertise in producing award-winning, high aged whisky brands.

The research was commissioned by Chivas Brothers Limited and conducted by an independent market research agency, Buzzback, between 3 June 2010 and 9 June 2010.

The sample consisted of more than 2,000 respondents in nine countries each evaluating a set of statements. All respondents were male and aged 21+ (or 25+ in India). All have purchased whisky in the past month. Countries: France, the UK, the US, India, Korea, Russia, Mexico, China, Brazil. Additional findings included:

• 94% of consumers believe that age is an important indicator of quality

• 93% believe that older whiskies are better quality

• 92% prefer to buy whisky with a clear age statement

• 97% agreed that whiskies that claim to be aged should clearly state the age on the bottle

• 89% look for an age statement when buying whisky

• 86% expect to pay a price premium for whiskies with an age statement

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard – the world’s co-leader in wine and spirits. Chivas Brothers is the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky and premium gin. Its portfolio includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Beefeater Gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth Gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport.

Dear Malt Messenger Subscribers,

HAPPY

DAY!

I don’t want to take much time away from your celebration of our Nation’s 143rd birthday—the Queen is in country, everyone’s partying and having a great time—but I have some big news that can’t wait until next week’s Malt Messenger… we have Ardbeg Corryvreckan! That’s right, the Ardbeg that many of you have been hounding me for, for months is here. It just arrived in store yesterday, and it’s fantastic.  I’ll have my own tasting note for you in the next Malt Messenger. The bottles won’t last. We managed to get our hands on 60 bottles and between walk in customers, those who’d pre-ordered bottles and those in the know we have fewer than 30 bottles left. They are limited to 2 bottles per person, and you can find more information on it, as well as scores from John Hansel and Jim Murray below.

It couldn’t be Canada Day with a mention of Canadian whisky. Canada’s sole distillery to have bottled single malt whisky, Glenora Distillery in Cape Breton Nova Scotia won a landmark court case against the Scotch Whisky Association this year. To celebrate they launched a special edition 15 year old. I wrote about it in the last Malt Messenger and thought in honour of our Nation’s birthday I would bring it out one more time.

There’s nothing wrong with a little national pride, and so if you happen to be in the neighbourhood today come by for a taste of Canadian whisky… and maybe a little of the Corryvreckan. We’re open 12 to 6 and I’m on guard of the whisky section for you!

Slainte!

Andrew Ferguson

THIS JUST IN: Ardbeg Corryvreckan – $109.99

Ardbeg is one of Scotland’s most iconic distilleries and has a cult following as strong as any other. The Corryvreckan, like the Supernova and the Very Young before it started out as small batch bottlings which were restricted to members of the more than 50,000 strong, Ardbeg committee. The Corryvreckan bottling has caused quite a stir, and I’ve had customers asking for it for more than a year. It came somewhat as a surprise when I learned a few weeks back that a small allocation of the Corryvreckan was on its way here. 180 bottles for the whole Province, and we’ve managed to get our hands on 60 of them…

The Corryvreckan is named after the tidal whirlpool which forms between the Isles of Jura and Scarba off the western coast of the Kintyre Peninsula and east of Islay. In Scots Gaelic the Corryvreckan means the “Cauldron of the Speckled Seas”. The water way is considered very treacherous, having shipwrecked many a vessel in its strong currents. Peak tides can generate waves of more than 30 feet. Most famously George Orwell and his son were shipwrecked for a short period on a rocky islet south of the whirlpool. While rumours that the Royal Navy considers the passage un-navigable are exaggerated, it does never the less consider the gulf of Corryvreckan extremely dangerous, and recommends that only those with local knowledge and advanced skills should even attempt it.

Ardbeg chose to call their bottling Corryvreckan because its raw power and mystery mirror the “Big Untamed” spirit of Ardbeg. First launched for the Ardbeg Committee in 2008 the bottling replaces the Airigh Nam Beist and contingent on supplies is supposed to be a regularly available product. The whisky has been bottled at a strength of 57.1%, after maturing in predominantly French oak with some Bourbon casks. Jim Murray scored it 96.5pts in his 2010 Whisky Bible, saying: “I doubt if even the feared whirlpool is this deep and perplexing.” John Hansel of Malt Advocate also judged the whisky highly at 96pts; his tasting note follows courtesy of www.maltadvocate.com :

“Powerful, muscular, well-textured, and invigorating. Even within the realm of Ardbeg, this one stands out. The more aggressive notes of coal tar, damp kiln, anise, and smoked seaweed are supported by an array of fruit (black raspberry, black cherry, plum), dark chocolate, espresso, molasses, bacon fat, kalamata olive, and warming cinnamon on the finish. Quite stunning!”

Limited to 2 bottles per customer!

Glen Breton Battle of the Glens 15 Year – $132.49

Glenora distillery in Glenville, Nova Scotia, is Canada’s first single malt distillery. Established in 1990 the distillery released its first single malt whisky, Glen Breton 10 Year in 2000. The whisky, made in the style of single malt Scotch whisky, was clearly marked as a Canadian product. A whisky may only be called Scotch if it is made in Scotland, and Glenora, conscious of that, labelled their product clearly as “Canada’s Only Single Malt Whisky”; the bottle and box both prominently displaying a maple leaf.

Never the less the product caught the attention of the Scotch Whisky Association, or SWA, a very powerful industry funded body which lobbies the UK and EU governments on behalf of the Scotch industry and which directs and funds legal actions against both domestic and international “threats” to the industry. Most of the time the SWA uses its power and resources to combat counterfeit and knockoff Scotch whisky mainly produced and available in developing countries.

However the SWA, which is mostly funded and directed by the multinational beverage giants who dominate the Scotch whisky industry, often uses (or tries to use) its clout against the smaller players in its neighbourhood like Springbank, Arran, Bruichladdich and Compass Box. These smaller players, who generally produce better quality (non-chillfiltered, and no added colouring) and more innovative (different cask types and combinations) products, are seen as a threat to staler big volume brands owned by the likes of Diageo, Pernod Richard and William Grant and Sons. The SWA also goes after producers of single malt whiskies in other countries who they feel are intentionally—or not—misleading consumers into thinking their products are Scotch whisky. Enter Glenora distillery and Glen Breton single malt.

In 2001 the SWA launched a legal fight with Glenora, claiming their product, Glen Breton, was misleading consumers into thinking it was Scotch. The SWA took umbrage with the distillery’s use of the word “glen” which they believe should be reserved for the naming of whiskies from Scotland where the term originates. Glenora took the position that “glen” is an established name in the province of Nova Scotia, and in particular on Cape Breton Island, and that they should be allowed to use it. An opinion I happen to share. In 2007 the Trademark Opposition Board ruled in their favour. In 2008 a Federal Court overturned the ruling. Later that same year Glenora applied to the Federal Court of Appeal which early in 2009 gave another ruling in its favour.  But this David and Goliath story wasn’t over yet; 5 months after losing at the court of appeal the SWA figured it would go for broke by appealing to the Supreme Court of Canada.

Finally, in June of 2009, after nearly 10 years of legal challenges and hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees that this small distillery could ill afford, the SWA’s appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada was dismissed without reason and costs were awarded to Glenora throughout. To celebrate their victory and an end to the legal wrangling which very nearly left them financially crippled the distillery has released 4000 bottles of a special edition 15 year old, called, The Battle of the Glens. This bottling will be very limited in Alberta. Kensington Wine Market has purchased just 20 bottles which will be retailing for $132.49. The Distillery’s Tasting Note Follows:

Colour: A rare dissolution of gold – at break of dawn, the first brushing of the sun upon the snow-covered lakes of the Bras d’Or;

Nose: Subtle, summer-cut applewood, with undertones of Highland honey;

Taste: Taking by surprise, come the waves of malt, powerful, but without overbearing, then a complex orchard of flavour;

Finish: Rich, almost lubricious mouthfeel, The malt withdraws into heat, resolving into the warm caress of an enduring companion, Peat character is very subtle – rather wisps of hardwood smoke, evoking memories of autumn leaves;

Balance: The play between lightness of the whisky and the strength of the malt is a work of harmony….and mystery…….

If you have any whisky questions or comments concerning The Malt Messenger please contact me by e-mail, phone, or drop by the store. Feel free to forward me any whisky news you feel should be included in a future issue of The Malt Messenger; it might just get included.

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!

Thanks for reading the Malt Messenger!

Slainte!

Andrew Ferguson
KWM Scotchguy

403-283-8000
888-283-9004
1257 Kensington Rd. NW
Calgary, AB, Canada
T2N 3P8

scotchguy@kensingtonwinemarket.com

Maltstock – Newsflash

Camping  
 
For those of you who prefer to camp close to Maltstock, instead of staying at the venue in small dorms, we now are able to offer you that possibility. Opposite of the Maltstock venue is a campsite, “Dennenbos”. There’s no discount for camping instead of staying at the Maltstock venue. If you would like to camp we need to know well in advance. There’s a limited number of camping spots available.

When you book you Maltstock tickets, just mention in the reamrks field that you would like to camp. If you already have bought your Maltstock tickets, just send us an e-mail.

The campsite is not part of the Maltstock venue. The Maltstock venue will close it’s gates between 01.00 and 09.00. There are facilities near the campsite. There will be no Maltstock crew present on the campsite.

Hope to see you all in September. If you haven’t bought your Maltstock tickets yet, just go to our online webshop, register first and than get your tickets. We already have people coming from Holland, Belgium, Germany, UK, Czech republic and Slovenia. For the full program and the free tastings please check our website.

See you in September, see you at Maltstock!

Arthur, Bob, Eline, Rogier & Teun
info@maltstock.com

www.maltstock.com
the relaxed whiskyweekend

GoLite Utopia 2 Person Tent

Following the successful launch of our unique, distinctive and stylish Whisky Kilt in November 2009, Whisky Kilt is now pleased to announce the launch of:-

Whisky Tartan Home Furnishing products. Made from the same finest quality 13oz tartan – woven from new Scottish wool by one of Scotland’s oldest weaving companies, and now made into home styling accessories – a perfect present for birthdays, anniversaries, or corporate gifts.

Our square and bolster cushions will enhance many room decors and bring a lively comment from friends and visitors, particularly those who are whisky aficionados’ !! Whisky Tartan incorporates the names of some of Scotland’s finest distilleries woven into the pattern. The eye catching tartan is in a background of jacquard brown and oatmeal, woven with colours of sage and burgundy.

Whisky Tartan Fabric Alongside our Home Furnishing Products we are also now making the fabric available. You too can then enjoy ‘accent’ furnishing, or re-upholstering a favourite chair or bench cushion.

Whisky Kilt Our first product quite naturally was our Whisky Kilt and is made from the finest quality 13oz Whisky Tartan. Using new Scottish wool and Made in Scotland, this is a creation that combines two of Scotland’s greatest icons – its national drink and its national dress! We use 8 yards of material and all our seams are hand finished.

“Very occasionally you see something new, innovative and unique. The Whisky Kilt was one of those rare occasions!” Quote by Iain Weir, Director of Marketing Ian Macleod Distillers Ltd.

Visit http://www.whiskykilt.com/section.php?xSec=2&xPage=1 to order your Whisky Kilt

Willett Family Estate 6 Year Old Single Barrel Straight Kentucky Bourbon

$49.99

This remarkably complex bourbon is beautifully spiced, showing citrus with a touch of vanilla.  The mid-palate slowly goes towards toasted coconut and almonds.  Amazing flavors for a young whiskey.  With a feisty finish that packs lots of heat, this one’s not for the fainthearted. 

Barrel #703
59.5% ABV.

History

The Willett family distillers brought their distilling knowledge with them from England to the American Colonies in the early 1600’s.  Before coming to the colonies, they had utilized their knowledge and practiced their talents for many years.  They distilled brandy in France, where the Family originated. 

In Bardstown, KY  the “Bourbon Center” of the world- the Willett family became involved with developing several of the most famous bourbon distilleries of the area.  In the early 1900’s they decided to build their family owned and operated distillery.  In 1935 they named the distillery “The Willett Distilling Company”and has been operated by several generations of Willett family distillers since its very beginning.  Today the distillery is home to “Kentucky Bourbon Distiller, Ltd” and is still run by a member of the Willett family.

Visit D&M at www.dandm.com