It has been a busy week since you last heard from us. We launched the Gordon & MacPhail Glenlivet 80 Year last week, the world’s first 80-year-old whisky. One of the two bottles we were privileged to receive has firmly sold, and sharks are circling the second… it won’t last long, as it is the last of its kind available for sale anywhere in the world!

We have some new whiskies and new tastings to fill you in on, but before we get to that, we have an important “Save the Date” for you. I’ve been alluding to our imminent milestone birthday for the better part of a month now, and as you’re probably aware by now, we are turning 30 years old. And when we have a birthday, we have a sale. Our Annual Birthday Sale is running in-store and online, Friday May 13 through Sunday May 15.

On the note of the sale, nothing in today’s Malt Messenger will be discounted during next week’s sale, so don’t wait for a better price, it isn’t coming!

As to what’s new, how about a new Daftmill? And not only that, but a single cask, bottled exclusively for your plucky friends here at Kensington Wine Market!

We also have a trio of sexy new Kavalan Solists, including the latest annual installment of the Zodiac Series, a Vinho cask bottled for the Year of the Tiger. There are also the first two releases from Truth Malters new Inscription Series, a Solist Bourbon and Solist Port.

The Two Brewers chaps also have a new release, #32.

We also have some new tastings, both in-person, and virtual, but note, none are both!

Lastly the Gordon & MacPhail & Benromach whiskies I told you about in Malt Messenger No. 136 have finally arrived, after an unusually long customers hold… one of the items, the Caol Ila 2007 is still on hold Of the rest, a few are sold out, but there is still stock of some other cool releases!

As always, in the event of a discrepancy in price, the point of sale at KWM will be taken as correct. Please don’t hesitate to email me with any questions, comments, or requests (but online ordering works too, in fact, it might be faster…).

Wishing you all a Happy Easter & Passover from your friends at Kensington Wine Market.

Sincerely,

Andrew Ferguson

Kensington Wine Market

In This Edition

1. Introducing: The Daftmill KWM Cask

2. Three Sexy New Kavalans

3. Two Brewers Release 32

4. New Tastings

5. Other Upcoming Tastings

Introducing: The Daftmill 2008 KWM Cask

When the first release of Daftmill hit our shores we were excited, not least because it was exclusive to KWM in Canada. But the distillery’s story, and the quality of the whisky also caught people’s imagination. It was a privilege to introduce the whisky to the Canadian market.

That first release, and the three which followed, are all small batch bottlings. The fourth, which arrived in-store this morning is a single cask, bottled exclusively for Kensington Wine Market. Despite the price, we are expecting demand to be high, not least because I’ve been deflecting requests for the bottle from people all over the world for the better part of six months. We want this whisky to reach as many people as possible, so we are limiting sales to 1 per customer for the first month. There are just 216 bottles, I cracked one to write a tasting note this morning, and I’m setting two aside for a future tasting with Daftmill founder and owner Francis Cuthbert.

Daftmill 2008 KWM Cask #20 – 56.8% – 13 Year – First Ex-Bourbon Barrel – My Tasting Note: “Nose: juicy malt, granola and soft fruits butt up against firm toasted oak; let it breathe and the nose blooms with floral and fruity tones; rose petals and spring flowers covered in dew; honeydew and canteloupe melons, dried apricot and bitter orange; waxy; earthy dunnage notes and porcini mushrooms; Cherry Nibs and cherry cola round things out. Palate: once again the malt, oak and fruits are at the fore; more granola, malted barley and sweet toasted oak, and a faint touch of lovely funk; on the decadent side of things: honeycomb, almond paste and vanilla bean; the mouthfeel is viscous, spicy, and coating, verging on waxy; more melons, apricot, and citrus fruits: fresh squeeze lemon and lime zest; the cherry tones are still there, more Certs than cola, though the Nibs are still there; cinnamon hearts and candied ginger. Finish: fresh, fruity and toasty, the finish is long, fresh, and coating; decadent spices at the very end. Comment: it is an honour and a privilege to have been offered an exclusive cask of Daftmill; that the whisky happens to be lovely, which is not a surprise, is icing on the cake; this is as naked an expression of Daftmill as we’ve seen yet, bursting with soft, malty, and fruity flavour!” – $260 – Limit 1 Per Customer!

Three Sexy New Kavalans

The annual Lunar Zodiac bottling is here, a Vinho (STR) cask to mark the Year of the Tiger. We also have the first two releases from the Inscription Series, of laser etched bottles! All are limited to 1 per customer for the time being.

1. Kavalan Solist Ex-B TM Inscription 01 – 56.3% – ex-Bourbon Barrel – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Clean & fresh tropical fruitiness with pleasant vanilla, coconut and spices. Palate: Well-balanced natural sweetness, vanilla and oak spices, round and complex with silky smoothness.” – $228 – Limit 1 Per Customer! 

2. Kavalan Solist Port TM Inscription 02 – 57.1% – ex-Port Cask – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: The rich fruity and nutty flavours combined and enhanced by orange and citrus notes that can be enjoyed together with gentle and elegant wood spices of our American oakiness. Palate: Satisfying fruitiness blended with quality chocolate aromas that melt delicately on your palate. A wonderful and long-lasting aftertaste.” – $262 – Limit 1 Per Customer!

3. Kavalan Solist Vinho Year of The Tiger – 57.1% – STR Cask – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: A rich fusion of vanilla and caramelized sugars with dark chocolate on top. Ripe melon and mango together with kiwi and a delicate burst of citrus fruits. Pepper is also present in the background waiting to be noticed. This bouquet is simply a sensational feast to your olfactory organ. Palate: The taste ends with clean and complex flavours embodying all that is best in the finest malt whiskies and enjoying a long aftertaste.” – $335 – Limit 1 Per Customer!

TWO BREWERS YUKON SINGLE MALT RELEASE 32

Two Brewers Yukon Single Malt Release 32 is from their Innovative line, composed of whiskies 7, 9 and 10 years of age, some of them made from roasted malt. There was also some finishing in ex-peated whisky casks! More details on our website!

Two Brewers Yukon Single Malt Release 32 Producer – 43% – Producer Tasting Note: “The bronzed liquid impresses in the glass; currants, tobacco and peanut brittle, notes of earthy clay. The cream bodied dram enters lively and bright, citrus fruit with dates and vanilla. Nutty burnt sugars and drying carbon enfold through the finish, refined in the linger.” – $108

NEW TASTINGS

Please note some of these are in person, and some are virtual. If the tasting is noted as “In Person”, we cannot offer samples!

Of particular note, Ardbeg Day 2022, which consists of two identical Ardbeg Master Classes at KWM followed by a free event at the Palamino later in the day. Master Class participants will have an opportunity to enter a draw for a chance to purchase a bottle of Ardcore. We will do an additional ballot for Ardcore around this time as well, details to be announced in a future Malt Messenger. In the interim, we are not taking requests.

Ardbeg Day 2022 Master Class 1 – 10AM

·     Date: Saturday June 4

·     Time: 10 AM

·     Cost: $30

·     In Person Tasting!

·     Location: KWM

After a two year hiatus, Ardbeg Day is returning to Kensington Wine Market, and as in past years, we’ll be kicking off celebrations with a pair of Master Classes. Participants will sample 6 Ardbegs, including the new release Ardcore, and have a chance to enter a ballot for the opportunity to purchase a bottle. 10 AM, Saturday, June 4.

Ardbeg Day 2022 Master Class 2 – 12PM

·     Date: Saturday June 4

·     Time: 12 PM

·     Cost: $30

·     In Person Tasting!

·     Location: KWM

After a two year hiatus, Ardbeg Day is returning to Kensington Wine Market, and as in past years, we’ll be kicking off celebrations with a pair of Master Classes. Participants will sample 6 Ardbegs, including the new release Ardcore, and have a chance to enter a ballot for the opportunity to purchase a bottle. 12 PM, Saturday, June 4.

Ardbeg Day 2022 – Ardcore Main Event @ The Palamino*

*Note the link takes you to a eventbite page. This is not a KWM organized event… but we’ll be there!

·     Date: Saturday June 4

·     Time: 2 PM

·     Cost: FREE

·     In Person Tasting!

·     Location: The Palamino

“ARDBEG GEARS UP FOR A CELEBRATION LAUNCHING ITS LATEST PUNK ROCK LIMITED EDITION : ARDCORE Held annually on the final Saturday of Islay’s Festival of Music and Malt (Fèis Ìle), Ardbeg Day is a global celebration of all things Ardbeg. This year, join us to celebrate the launch of our latest palate “punk-turing” Limited Edition, Ardcore. Calling all rabble-rousing mass of fans to rock up for the loudest event in the whisky calendar.”

Diving Into Bourbon

·     Date: Thursday June 16

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $40

·     In Person Tasting!

·     Location: KWM

Bourbon is the hottest whiskey around, and summer is the perfect time to drink it! Join Harmony and Evan in a tasting featuring some of the big players in the Bourbon Market. Who knows – maybe they will throw a lesser-known gem or two into the mix as well! 7 PM, Thursday, June 16.

Oddballs: A+ Malts From the B Team Virtual Tasting

·     Date: Tuesday May 20

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $75

·     Pick-Up Date: ETA May 17!

·     Virtual Tasting!

Overlooked, underappreciated, and in some cases, flat out unknown distilleries will be the focus of this tasting featuring some of the most neglected distilleries in the Scotch Whisky world. We had to drag some of these poor unloved drams out from the orphanages, the cupboards under the stairs, and other assorted nooks and crannies, in order to bring you a line-up that is bound to appeal to the most discerning of whisky geeks. 7PM, Tuesday, June 20

To Peat or Not to Peat

·     Date: Thursday, June 23

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $60

·     Virtual Tasting!

The days of a distillery making only one style of whisky seem to be going the way of the Dodo. With the fight for our dollars, many distilleries in Scotland (and elsewhere) have decided to diversify. Making only unpeated or only peated whisky is so last century – why not make both? In this tasting, we will explore four different distilleries that do just that. If our math is correct, that should mean that we will be tasting eight different whiskies! 7 PM, Thursday, June 23

Other Up Coming Tastings

We launched our first in-person events for more than 2 years a couple of weeks back, Whisky Festivals to celebrate our 30th Anniversary. We are working on our lineups for these tastings, but as a teaser, I can tell you there will be bottles open for tasting and purchase at both events, which will not otherwise be available for sale… in case you needed another reason to join us!

30TH ANNIVERSARY WHISKY FESTIVAL NIGHT 1

·     Date: Thursday, May 19, 2022

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $80

·     Pick-Up Date: No pickups… it is in person!

Our Fall and Spring Single Malt Festivals pre-Covid were, to say the least, a hot ticket. Often they would sell out so quickly that we felt compelled to offer a second night. And given that Covid isn’t completely behind us yet, it doesn’t feel right cramming 100 of our whisky friends into the shop just yet. Accordingly, we are offering two more or less identical 30th Anniversary Whisky Festivals, one week apart, for a smaller crowd than usual, to give as many of our whisky friends as possible a chance to attend. As always, our neighbour Peasant Cheese will be lining your stomachs with delicious cheese, charcuterie, sausage rolls, and other treats! Both Festivals are limited to 70 participants and we are asking people to only register for one date or the other, and not both, out of respect for other customers. Thursday, May 19, 7 PM – 9 PM.

ARCHIVES WHISKIES WITH THE WHISKYBASE GUYS

·     Date: Friday May 20

·     Time: 5 PM

·     Cost: $75

·     Pick-Up Date: Ready now!

·     Only 13 spots left!

We recently received a very cool range of whiskies from our friends at Whiskybase, who are best known for their “Fishes of Samoa” series of Archives bottlings. We’ll be joined in the tasting by CJ and Abby of the Whiskybase team, as well as their Canadian importer Igor Kossov. Our range will include: Balcones 2017, Benrinnes 1997, Burnside 1996, Glentauchers 1989, Glentauchers 1996, Irish 1990 and Secret Speyside 1998. Note: the photo was taken before we tweaked the range to add the Irish single malt. This is a truly awesome range you don’t want to miss! Friday, May 20, 5 PM. *Please Note the 5 PM start time!*

The 30 for 30 on 30 – 30th Anniversary Whisky Tasting!

·     Date: Monday, May 30, 2022

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $215

·     Pick-Up Date: Ready now!

·     Only 4 spots left!

We wanted to do an epic range of 30-year-old whiskies and whiskies from 1992, the year we opened to celebrate our 30th Anniversary. We also liked the idea of hosting the tasting on the 30th… just for effect. Our range includes a few bottles we held back just for a special tasting. Our full range is: Archives Secret Speyside 1990, Bowmore 30 Year, GlenAllachie 30 Year, Glenfarclas 30 Year, Peat’s Beast 30 Year, Signatory Jura 1992, Whisky Fassle Aberlour 1990 30 Year, and Whisky Fassle Glen Keith 1992. The tasting also includes a special KWM 30th Anniversary Logo glass… provided they arrive in time! Monday, May 30, 7 PM

FREE DELIVERY

We are proud to offer Free City Wide Delivery on all orders over $100 Monday-Friday!

Orders under $100 are subject to a flat rate $10 delivery fee.

CURBSIDE PICKUP

Physical distancing is made easy with curbside pickup.

Order online or by phone, wait for confirmation your order is ready then call us when you are parked in the back or out front.

Be sure to let us know what your vehicle looks like!

403-283-8000

888-283-9004

Regular Store Hours

Mon – Wed 10AM – 8PM

Thurs & Fri 10AM – 9PM

Sat 10AM – 8 PM

Sun 11PM to 6PM

 

Green roof installed at The Cairn Distillery site 

The Cairn Distillery at Grantown-on-Spey has a new look this month with the installation of its “green” sedum roof – a key feature of the design.

At 900 square metres, it’s one of the largest green roofs ever installed in Cairngorm National Park and was incorporated into the design to allow the building to blend into its local environment.

The green roof uses sedum – a plant which is easy to maintain and requires little water and few nutrients. It is ideal for use in green roofs as it is very resilient and can even survive drought.

The Cairn is a second distillery for renowned whisky experts Gordon & MacPhail. The family firm, that own Benromach Distillery at Forres, announced their intention to build a second distillery in 2018. Work started on site once restrictions on construction were lifted in July 2020.

Ewen Mackintosh, Managing Director, welcomed this important stage in the construction, saying: “The building itself is now wind and watertight and the installation of the sedum roof has transformed it.

“We were originally drawn to this site because of its stunning surroundings and it was important to us the distillery should sit well within this world class landscape. The sedum roof is just one of the design features which makes this possible.”

The sedum roof was installed by Inverness based Wyvis Roofing. Founded in 2012, they have grown to become one of the largest roofing contractors in the region, undertaking roofing projects across the Highlands, Islands, Grampian, and Perthshire. They install a range of roof types for both commercial and residential customers.

The Cairn Distillery, which includes a visitor experience, tasting rooms, bistro and retail space, is due to open in the summer.

Gordon & MacPhail has built strong relationships with its local communities in Forres and Elgin and is determined to maintain that tradition in Grantown on Spey. The distillery will become a major tourist destination on the outskirts of the town and act as a gateway to Speyside.

Notes 

Gordon & MacPhail is a family-owned premium spirits company based in Elgin, Scotland. Owner of Scotch whisky distilleries, Benromach and The Cairn, Gordon & MacPhail is also a Scotch whisky maturation expert, the owner of Scottish Gin brand, Red Door and the operator of a wholesale business in the United Kingdom selling premium Scotch whiskies and spirits, along with a high-quality retail outlet.

The company owns Benromach Distillery located in Forres in Moray.  Benromach Single Malt Scotch Whisky is handcrafted using traditional methods by a small team of distillers using the finest Scottish barley and the purest spring water from the nearby Romach Hills. The multi award-winning portfolio of single malts is enjoyed by whisky drinkers worldwide.

The company launched Red Door in the summer of 2018. Created at Benromach Distillery, this award winning, small batch Scottish gin now forms a strategic part of the company’s product portfolio.

Work commenced in July 2020 on The Cairn, the company’s second distillery, overlooking the River Spey towards the Cairngorms.  The new site will add further distillation capacity and brand ownership to the company’s asset base and is a key part of the plans to continue building a long-term sustainable business.  A high-quality visitor experience offering tours and tastings will also attract visitors from around the world.

Since the founding of the business in 1895, Gordon & MacPhail has sent casks to Scotch whisky distilleries throughout Scotland to be filled with new-make spirit, before being left to mature for many years either at the distillery or in their bonded warehouses in Elgin.  The Gordon & MacPhail portfolio offers some of the world’s rarest and most sought-after Single Malt Scotch Whiskies to discerning whisky drinkers globally.

The company’s wholesale business serves customers throughout the United Kingdom selling Benromach Single Malt, Red Door gin and Gordon & MacPhail whiskies into the on and off trade. The business also exclusively represents a number of ‘distributor’ brands and stocks premium whiskies and spirits.

The retail shop in Elgin remains the ‘spiritual home’ of the business, 125 years after it was first established in 1895. The shop is home to a large selection of Single Malt Scotch Whiskies and is a destination for many whisky aficionados from around the world.

THOMAS S. MOORE PORT FINISHED BOURBON AWARDED GOLD OUTSTANDING AT 2022 INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRITS COMPETITION

 Eight Barton 1792 Distillery bourbons honored in total

BARDSTOWN, Ky (April 28, 2022) Thomas S. Moore Port Finished Bourbon received a Gold Outstanding score at the 2022 International Wine & Spirits Competition, receiving 98 out of 100 points. This honor is given to outstanding spirits that “immediately sets itself apart from others in the category.” In addition to this award, Barton 1792 Distillery bourbons claimed two Gold medals, one Silver medal and four Bronze medals.

Gold Outstanding was awarded to:

• Thomas S. Moore Port Finished Bourbon

Gold medals went to:

• 1792 12 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Thomas S. Moore Chardonnay Finished Bourbon

Silver medal was awarded to:

• 1792 Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Bronze medals went to:

• 1792 Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• 1792 Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• 1792 Sweet Wheat Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• 1792 Bottled-In-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

The International Wine & Spirits Competition uses a double-blind tasting method, in which samples are tasted in pre-poured numbered glasses to ensure judges never see a bottle. Spirits are judged by a panel of world-renowned experts from across the global spirits trade, allowing for group discussion. For more information on the International Wine and Spirits Competition, visit https://www.iwsc.net/.

About Barton 1792 Distillery

Barton 1792 Distillery is part of Barton Brands.  Barton Brands has facilities in Bardstown, Ky., Carson, Calif., and Baltimore, Md. Barton Brands is owned by the Sazerac Company, an American family-owned company based in New Orleans, La. Barton 1792 Distillery was established in 1879 and continues today as the oldest fully-operating Distillery in the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” The Distillery is located on 196 acres and includes 31 warehouses, 22 other buildings, the Morton Spring and the Tom Moore Spring.  Distilling, aging and bottling fine Bourbon whiskey are hallmarks of the historic Barton 1792 Distillery. 1792 Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey is produced at Barton 1792 Distillery, and is named for the year Kentucky became a state. The Distillery has garnered a number of prestigious awards for its whiskies, including its 1792 Full Proof, which was named the World Whiskey of the Year for 2020.  To learn more visit www.1792bourbon.com.

Linkwood 2009

We are incredibly excited to present you with this phenomenal single malt bottled by Berry Bros. & Rudd exclusively for Aberdeen Whisky Shop. This rich Speysider, matured in a First Fill Ex-Bourbon hogshead jumps out of the glass with wood driven aromas of dried vanilla pods, warm sponge cake and sweet baking spices – all suggesting truly excellent quality oak.

NOSE: Peaches, plum jam and a little green apple.

PALATE: Vanilla and chewy fruit cake.

FINISH: Cinnamon, clove and crème brûlée.

Only 120 bottles were produced.

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An Extremely Rare Collectible from a Campbeltown Treasure

2000 Glen Scotia 18 Year Old “Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseur’s Choice” K&L Exclusive Cask #326 Single Refill American Oak Hogshead 

Nonchillfiltered Cask Strength Campbeltown Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($199.99)

“… those who want a malt of character, history, and complex flavors often find themselves in the growing ranks of Glen Scotia fans—especially after tasting such a superlative cask as this one.” — Andrew Whiteley, K&L Spirits Buyer

Pretty much anything from Campbeltown is by default a niche whisky, considering the region is home to just three distilleries nowadays. So, what does that make Glen Scotia’s 2000 cask-strength single malt aged for 18 years in an American oak hogshead? For starters, it’s about as niche as collectible whisky gets. Furthermore, it’s just flat-out delicious. Finally, it’s a once-in-a-blue-moon chance to get supremely aged Scotia malt at an incredible price in a market where this stuff has gone absolutely beyond the price stratosphere elsewhere. This K&L exclusive cask sourced from our friends at the incomparable Gordon & MacPhail perfectly captures the Glen Scotia magic in its signature earthy core, around which swirls a kaleidoscope of aromas and flavors ranging from stone fruits to cocoa dust to sweet cereals to coconut. It’s truly a singular expression from a distillery long treasured by the most clued-in aficionados. This was an unequivocal must-have for our spirits team, and it’s the same for any committed collector of the rarest and most unique Scotch whiskies out there.

2000 Glen Scotia 18 Year Old “Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseur’s Choice” K&L Exclusive Cask #326 Single Refill American Oak Hogshead Nonchillfiltered Cask Strength Campbeltown Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($199.99)

K&L Notes: The wonderful Glen Scotia distillery has long been a favorite of Campbeltown lovers. For ages, the mostly unknown distillery was not open to the general public, and it quietly made excellent if slightly idiosyncratic malt, to be used in blends and sold occasionally as single malt. The distillery was founded in 1832 and is only one of two historic distilleries in the once-important whisky region of Campbeltown to make it through to modern times. It was subject to a management buyout in 1987 and remained in private hands until purchase by the Loch Lomond group in 2014. Since then, it’s been spun off along with its sister distilleries (Loch Lomond and Littlemill) in a private equity buyout. The result is that the small amount of aged whisky that is still in the Glen Scotia warehouse has become extremely valuable. Distillery bottlings are hard to get and single-cask offerings are priced in the stratosphere. That’s only part of why we jumped on this exceptional cask from Gordon & Macphail, at what is a significant discount from stocks that the distillery is offering. The main reason is that this barrel captures the gorgeous style that makes Glen Scotia so special. This style exemplifies the balance between beauty and funk. Gorgeous aromas of honey-drizzled grains and exotic floral character with a base note of earthy spice and toasted coconut. It’s no bomb in any category, but it’s fabulously complex and inviting, showcasing this great distillery in the finest fashion.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: April 20, 2022

So often overlooked due to the fame of its Campbeltown neighbors, Glen Scotia makes terrific whisky with an unusual earthiness. While this flavor profile divides some folks, those who want a malt of character, history, and complex flavors often find themselves in the growing ranks of Glen Scotia fans—especially after tasting such a superlative cask as this one. Gorgeous stone fruits kissed by honey, cinnamon graham crackers, a dusting of dark cocoa, and a little bit of that signature fresh compost earthiness that is so distinctly Glen Scotia all work their way into the nose. The palate reveals a rich tapestry of savory flavors, owing perhaps to a hint of peat and perhaps to the nature of the distillery. A more complex baking spice profile arrives on the mid palate. Granola and more honey keep things feeling sweet and transform into a lovely floral flourish with a reprise of sweet grain and stone fruit. Another knockout from the epic stocks at Gordon & MacPhail at particularly advantageous pricing.

Will Blakely | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 25, 2022

It’s no secret that I’m a fan of virtually everything coming from Campbeltown, so a well-aged and high-proof Glen Scotia sounds like thrilling prospect. I can tell you this bottle did not disappoint in the slightest. From first pour, a touch of smoked meat and coal gas let you know that you are in fact drinking Campbeltown scotch, though that dissipates quickly to reveal honey-coated citrus and apricot. The malt itself is sweet and soft, with stewed stone fruits and a touch of sultana adding to the gorgeous grain character on display. As others have mentioned, a hint of tropical fruit and the smell of coconut husks keep things interesting, and lingering spice wakes up the senses through each sip. That trademark Campbeltown savory flavor remains an important factor for this bottling’s appeal, but I would say this tends toward the more delicate side of malts I’ve tasted from this humble region. And with the difficulty in sourcing whisky from that peninsula in particular, this is one to hoard and savor.

JOHNNIE WALKER TASTING
SOHO WHISKY BAR
9th May 2022 – 6:30pm

 

The story of Johnnie Walker and their whisky history begins, naturally enough, with the man who gave our whisky his name. In 1820, the young farmer’s son started his own grocer’s shop in the thriving town of Kilmarnock. His father had died the year before and the farm sold. It was a tough start in life, but there was always something special about John. A glint in his eye. A fire in his belly.

When John passed away after a full and prosperous life in 1857, he left his son, Alexander, with a very healthy business. These were fast-moving times. Britain was the pulsating heart of an industrial Revolution that was set to change absolutely everything. In Kilmarnock, the railway had arrived, carrying goods to great ships travelling to the four corners of the world. Like his father, Alexander know a good opportunity when he saw one.

In this tasting we will be taking you through the history family and the great drams that they created for us.

Alistair Reynold will be taking us through the following line-up:

Welcome Gold Label Highball
Johnnie Walker Black Label
Johnnie Walker Gold Label
Johnnie Walker Blue Label
Johnnie Walker The Legendary 8

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ABHAINN ARAIG

FEIS ILE 2022 EDITION

70cl | 50.8% ABV

Inspired by the waters of Islay, this velvety rich dram was created to celebrate Fèis Ìle 2022, the most important festival on Islay and within the Whisky community. A perfect marriage of Bunnahabhain spirit, expertly matured in ex-Pedro Ximenez sherry casks (made from the finest specially seasoned European oak) and spirit matured in ex-bourbon & Oloroso sherry casks, to create complexity & balance.

£94.95

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CALVADOS CASK FINISH

FEIS ILE 2022 EDITION

1998 -23 YEAR OLD

70cl | 49.7% ABV

This special edition was created exclusively for Fèis Ìle 2022. Bursting with character, it slumbered peacefully for two decades before spending the last two years of its life in casks which once held the finest French Calvados. This Gallic influence has imbued every golden drop with sublime sweetness; flavours of apples and pears tumbling gently with toffee and oily fruitiness and leading to a strong and spicy finish.

£399.95

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Whisky Hammer sets new world auction record for whisky cask of US$1,295,500

A cask of whisky distilled at The Macallan in 1988 which lay forgotten for over three decades has broken the world record for the most expensive cask of whisky ever sold at auction.

After going under the digital hammer on specialist auction site, Whisky Hammer, the rare cask of 33 year old whisky fetched a world record price of US$1,295,500 (including buyer’s premium), smashing the previous record for a cask sold at auction of $572,000 which was held by Bonhams.

Whisky Hammer confirmed that bids on the cask were placed from keen whisky enthusiasts from many countries, with the eventual winning bid arriving from a US-based private individual.

Held in bond at The Macallan Distillery for almost 34 years, the cask was originally filled on 5 May 1988. The Whisky Hammer April auction included more than 2,000 lots, but it was the Macallan cask which attracted headlines around the world.

The auction closed on the evening of Sunday 24 April, with the winning bid beating the record previously set in 2021 by Bonham’s for the sale of a 30-year-old re-racked Sherry hogshead from Macallan, which fetched $572,000.

Bought for just £5,000 more than three decades ago, the 374-litre refill butt sat forgotten until Macallan reminded the cask seller that it remained maturing in the warehouse. If bottled today, the cask would yield 534 x 70cl bottles of 33-year-old single malt whisky, distilled at The Macallan.  With bottle numbers in mind, the price paid for the cask on a ‘per bottle’ basis of US$2,426 / bottle has also broken the previous record held by Bonhams of US$2,200 / bottle).

Widely regarded as one of the premier producers of single malt whisky, The Macallan has created some of the world’s most coveted whisky. This record-breaking sale follows a trend of The Macallan, and Scottish whisky as a whole, commanding lofty price tags among global collectors and whisky enthusiasts.

Daniel Milne, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Whisky Hammer, said: “When this cask was listed in our auction, we knew it had the potential to make history. To come across a cask of this age, quality and size is extraordinary in itself, enhanced by the fact the liquid was distilled at The Macallan which is reflected in the global attention the cask has attracted.

“It’s been incredibly exciting for everyone at Whisky Hammer to have represented what has become the most expensive cask ever to be sold at auction.”

For further information or to register interest in future auctions, visit whiskyhammer.com

Notes

Whisky Hammer is a family run whisky auction service founded by brothers and keen whisky enthusiasts Daniel and Craig Milne, who are supported by a team of passionate experts acting as trusted advisors to both buyers and sellers.

Whisky Hammer’s monthly auctions bring a range of desirable, rare and collectable bottles to market for buyers, alongside offering a hassle-free premium service for those looking to sell. As a truly global auctioneer with offices in the UK and Hong Kong, Whisky Hammer can deliver whisky and represent sellers worldwide, investing heavily in the safest warehouses on the market to store prized bottles appearing at auction.

The superior service offered by Whisky Hammer means it is trusted by some of the world’s most prominent whisky collectors and sellers, with a 5-star TrustPilot rating.

For more information, visit whiskyhammer.com. 

EARLY TIMES BOTTLED-IN-BOND AWARDED GOLD MEDAL AT 2022 DENVER INTERNATIONAL SPIRITS COMPETITION

BARDSTOWN, Ky (April 26, 2022) The 2022 Denver International Spirits Competition awarded two medals to Early Times whiskeys. A Gold Medal was given to Early Times Bottled-in-Bond, and a Silver medal was awarded to Early Times Kentucky Whiskey.

This iconic American whiskey brand was acquired by the Sazerac Company in 2020 and announced last year that the brand will now be distilled, aged and bottled at the Barton 1792 Distillery.

The Denver International Spirits Competition is the largest professional spirits competition in the Rocky Mountain Region. Winners are selected by a panel of beverage industry professionals who rate entries through a double-blind process. For more information on the Denver International Spirits Competition and a full listing of results, visit http://www.denverspiritscomp.com/.

About Barton 1792 Distillery

Barton 1792 Distillery is part of Barton Brands.  Barton Brands has facilities in Bardstown, Ky., Carson, Calif., and Baltimore, Md. Barton Brands is owned by the Sazerac Company, an American family-owned company based in New Orleans, La. Barton 1792 Distillery was established in 1879 and continues today as the oldest fully-operating Distillery in the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” The Distillery is located on 196 acres and includes 31 warehouses, 22 other buildings, the Morton Spring and the Tom Moore Spring.  Distilling, aging and bottling fine Bourbon whiskey are hallmarks of the historic Barton 1792 Distillery. 1792 Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey is produced at Barton 1792 Distillery, and is named for the year Kentucky became a state. The Distillery has garnered a number of prestigious awards for its whiskies, including its 1792 Full Proof, which was named the World Whiskey of the Year for 2020.  To learn more visit www.1792bourbon.com.

Arran Amarone Cask Finish

Arran Amarone cask finish is a single malt is a part of wine finish collection from Arran distillery. initially matured in traditional oak casks and finished in a selection of Amarone wine barrels from Veneto region in Italy.

Nose: cherry, Turkish delight, chocolate.

Palate: poached pears, a touch of cranberry and honey.

Finish: sweetness, pears, turkish delight, cherries and dark chocolate.

£48.99

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