In the last Malt Messenger, I shared the good news that our new entrance was nearly completed and that we’d finally be able to pull the store back together. That was sadly a tad premature… We are still at the mercy of supply constraints, and waiting on a pair of security gates… so the saga continues!

But we are rolling with it, and whether the work is done in time or not, we are pushing ahead with our Surprise Summer Sale this coming weekend! Almost everything in-store will be on sale, but there will be a focus on products where we have just a little too much volume. Thanks to the feast-to-famine conditions of supply chains right now, we have been inundated with stock over the last few months. Our warehouse is full to bursting, and we need your help to thin it out a little!

The Surprise Summer Sale runs Friday, August 26 through Sunday, August 28 in-store and online only. A separate Malt Messenger highlighting all of the deals will go out Friday morning!

In case you missed it, and I don’t think many of you have, we launched our GlenAllachie 2006 KWM Cask exactly 20 days ago, and in that time more than 400 of the 686 bottles have sold… at this pace the remainder won’t last long!

Online ordering and in-store purchasing are always our preferences, but if you must, feel free to send me an order by email.

As always, in the event of a discrepancy in price, the point of sale at KWM will be taken as correct.

Sincerely,

Andrew Ferguson

Kensington Wine Market

In This Edition

1. SAVE THE DATE: Summer’s Over Warehouse Sale!

2. In Case You Missed It: Our GlenAllachie 2006 KWM Cask Is Here: And 60% of the Bottles Are Sold!

3. Holyrood Spirits Merchants Blow Out

4. New Tastings

5. Other Upcoming Tastings

SAVE THE DATE: OUR SURPRISE SUMMER SALE IS THIS WEEKEND!

AUGUST 26-28 IN-STORE & ONLINE

Surprise, we’re having a sale… we typically have a storewide sale in August, but the date changes from year to year, just to keep you on your toes. Almost everything in-store will be on sale, with the exception of some new arrivals, like our many new KWM casks.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

OUR GLENALLACHIE 2006 KWM CASK

IS HERE… AND 60% OF THE BOTTLES ARE SOLD!

Our first cask of GlenAllachie arrived in-store a little over a week ago. I could tell you that we intentionally held this newsletter, and my tasting note back to coincide with our virtual launch tasting this Saturday with Ronan Currie, but that would be stretching the truth more than a little. The truth is I’ve been more than a little preoccupied with other things, and I know many of you are in summer mode, and probably not daydreaming as much about whisky as you are most of the year. That hasn’t stopped you from buying it. In just 9 days, close to 1/3 of the whisky has sold.

Distilled in 2006 it has been bottled from an Oloroso Sherry Puncheon (cask 4785) at 15 years of age and 59.2%. 686 bottles!

GlenAllachie 2006 KWM Cask – 59.2% – 15 Year – Oloroso Sherry Puncheon – My Tasting Note: “Nose: it is an unapologetic sherry bomb right from the popping of the cork; loaded with dark fruits: raisins, dates and figs in syrup; classic old-school Christmas cake notes, dark chocolate and warm sticky toffee pudding in treacle sauce; leathery and earthy with some Cuban cigars and Aussie licorice; After Eights. Palate: rich, warming and spicier than expected; more juicy raisins, dates and figs; the oak spices are dark, toasty and decadent; more Aussie licorice with Goodies and candied fennel; the oak is musty with prominent dunnage notes and hand-rolled Cuban cigars; Manuka honey, dark milk chocolate and more After Eights; the Christmas cake and sticky toffee pudding are still there, with the latter drowning in French vanilla ice cream and drizzled with treacle sauce; finally some nutty tones at the back end. Finish: long, rich, warming and spicy with fading fruits, chocolate, and syrup; elegant, flawless sherry tones. Comment: this is proof positive of what we all knew Billy Walker could do with GlenAllachie; when his consortium bought GlenAllachie I said he was going to GlenDronach GlenAllachie, but I think he might even outdone those expectations; this is unquestionably a finish, but it is so well done, and so much more heavily sherried than most of even the best GlenDronach single casks from the glory days in the late 20000s and early 2010s; what a privilege to be able to put our name on something this good… I only hope we’ll get to do it again!” – $182

HOLYROOD SPIRITS MERCHANTS BLOWOUT!

ON SALE BEFORE THE SALE!

Holyrood Distillery is the brainchild of Rob & Kelly Carpenter (pictured with David Robertson, Evan and Andrew), whom many of you will know are the owners of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society Canada. Holyrood opened its doors in the summer of 2019 in a converted 180-year-old train shed in Edinburgh’s Holyrood Park neighbourhood.

Located a short walk from the city’s famous Royal Mile, at the foot of Arthur’s Seat, Holyrood has been laying down casks of whisky for over a year now. While supplies last, all Holyrood products are 30-35% off!

Whisky

The whiskies are all 700mls, created by the team at Holyrood whisky to help tell their story, while their own whisky comes of age.

1. Holyrood Spirits Merchant Fruity Blended Malt Scotch – A Campbeltown Blended Malt created to highlight a “fruity” profile. – Was $60 – SAVE 30% – Now $42

2. Holyrood Spirits Merchant Smoky Blended Malt Scotch – A peated Blended Malt Scotch whisky, created to emphasize it’s “smoky” profile. Was $60 – SAVE 30% – Now $42

3. Holyrood Spirits Merchant Spicy Blended Malt Scotch – A Blended Malt Scotch whisky created from single malts matured in ex-Oloroso Sherry casks. Was $60 – SAVE 30% – Now $42

4. Holyrood Spirits Merchant Sweet Single Grain Scotch – A mystery Single Grain Scotch Whisky which was finished in Alligator Heavy Char Barrels. Bottled at 46%. – Was $60 – SAVE 30% – Now $42

NEW TASTINGS

Our Fall Tasting Schedule is coming soon, but in the meantime, here are a few events to entertain and delight you!

WATERFORD WHISKY WITH MARK REYNIER 

·     Date: Friday, September 16

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $35

·     This is an in-person tasting!

Mark Reynier’s Waterford Distillery is one of the new generation of Irish distilleries and has been making waves in the whisk(e)y world even before its first few releases hit the market a few years ago. Thanks to Waterford’s terrior and single farm-driven approach, the distillery’s first whisky releases have received acclaim from critics and consumers alike. Mark Reynier is finally able to join us in Calgary for a tasting in-store, where we will taste our way through seven different bottlings from Waterford including the Organic Gaia and The Cuvée. Due to time constraints, this tasting is limited to one seating with only 20 spots available, so it is likely to see out quickly!

Friday, September 16th at 7 PM.

OTHER UP-COMING TASTINGS

BOURBON BONDED – 100 SHADES OF PROOF 

·     Date: Friday August 26

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $50

·     Pick-Up Date: Ready Now!

·     Only 4 spots left!

Bonded Bourbon isn’t just a kink – it is a lifestyle! Time to get down and dirty as we explore ties that bind Bottled in Bond American Whiskey history. Prepare to get spanked a bit by these 50% ABV offerings and learn how not to get embarrassed explaining it to friends. All experience levels are welcome – but make sure to have your safe word on the tip of your tongue and ready in case things get a little out of hand.

Bonded experts Evan and Harmony will help you discover the intricacies of Bottled in Bond whiskies, why they are so important and why they came into being way back at the end of the 1800s. The duo will lead you blind through the selected lineup so that all have a chance to let go of our preconceived notions and inhibitions. Who knows – maybe we will even discover some new favourites and learn something about ourselves along the way!

WHISKY – AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 MINUTES 

·     Date: Thursday, September 1

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $40

·     Pick-Up Date: Ready by July 20!

·     Virtual Tasting

Okay – the name is a bit of a fib because we all know KWM has never finished a whisky tasting in only 80 minutes. We don’t plan on changing who we are today – the fun play on words in the title was just too hard to resist! Join Harmony and Evan on a quest ’round this giant blue ball we all reside on.

The goal of this expedition? To explore how single malts fare when made outside of Scotland. Single Malts are synonymously known for being made in Scotland but there is no rule saying they can’t be made in other countries. Let us stamp our whisky passport as we discover 8 exciting Single Malts made from other lesser-known regions of the world – all from the comfort of your own home!

SMWS SEPTEMBER 2022 VIRTUAL OUTTURN TASTING 

·     Date: Wednesday, September 7

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $45

·     Pick-Up Date: Ready Now!

·     Virtual Tasting

Log in, pour your drams and join us from home, the cottage, or work… for the September 2022 Scotch Malt Whisky Society Canada Virtual Outturn Tasting. The KWM team will be your guide as you sample through an exciting range of 7 new, never-before sampled SMWS whiskies. Wednesday, September 7, 7 PM.

You don’t have to be a member to attend, that is unless you’d like to buy a bottle or two! More membership info here!

SMWS SEPTEMBER 2022 IN-PERSON OUTTURN TASTING 

·     Date: Thursday, September 8

·     Time: 6 PM

·     Cost: $55

·     Pick-Up Date: Ready by July 20!

·     In-Person Tasting

While we are not likely to ever go back to offering 4 back to back SMWS tastings every month, we will be offering at least 1 or 2. The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Canada’s September Outturn tasting will feature new, never before featured whiskies. The range will be the same as the virtual tasting the night before but will also include nibbles from our friends at Peasant Cheese, and the comradery that can only come from 20 SMWS Members in our tasting room. Please note we will not be holding back stock of the Outturn bottles specifically to purchase for this in-person tasting, though there will likely be bottles of most whiskies still available. Thursday, September 8, 6 PM.

You don’t have to be a member to attend, that is unless you’d like to buy a bottle or two! More membership info here!

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 10 AM – 8 PM

Thurs & Fri 10 AM – 9 PM

Sat 10 AM – 8 PM

Sun 11 AM to 6 PM

 

Award-winning whisky Glen Scotia launches limited-edition ‘Distillery of the Year’ expression

Glen Scotia has unveiled a new limited-edition 22-year-old ‘Distillery of the Year’ expression that pays homage to the continued success of its Campbeltown distillery.

After winning ‘Scottish Whisky Distillery of the Year’ at the Scottish Whisky Awards in November 2021, the Glen Scotia team have worked over 2022 to create this rare and exclusive release with only 500 bottles available worldwide, priced at £475 for 70cl (54.8% ABV).

It is a perfect representation of the signature Glen Scotia style, using liquid from some of its finest reserves of first-fill bourbon casks and offering the classic tropical fruit and oily coastal notes you’d expect from a Campbeltown Single Malt Whisky. It was bottled in May at cask strength and without added colour.

The new release has been beautifully presented in the brand’s new premium packaging in a striking blue tube which includes an elevated bottle with a shoulder coin and heavy base.

A handful of bottles will be available via ballot from the Glen Scotia website. Limited to one entry per person, the ballot is now open and closes on Sunday 4th September (23.59hrs). Successful entrants will be notified on Monday 5th September. The remaining bottles will be available in limited numbers via whisky specialist retailers worldwide.

Glen Scotia has been producing single malt whisky since 1832 and is one of three surviving distilleries in Campbeltown. The distillery still maintains much of its original design including the fermenters, the stillroom, and the dunnage warehouse dating from the 1830s. To this day, the distillery team follow in the footsteps of their founders, using traditional methods, carefully creating the unique Campbeltown maritime style the brand has become world-famous for.

The distillery has become renowned for its superior whisky-production capabilities. Its 25-year-old was awarded ‘Best in Class’ and therefore the ‘Best Whisky in The World’ at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2021. It was the first time a distillery has taken both the SFWSC and Scottish Whisky Awards’ accolades, let alone in the same year.

Iain McAlister, Master Distiller at Glen Scotia, and his team have been central to the recent success, working with casks carefully cared for over the years by a talented team passionate about keeping the Campbeltown story alive.

Iain McAlister, Master Distiller at Glen Scotia, said: “We are one of the smallest distilleries in Scotland, but with the combination of our team’s craftsmanship and our ambition to take Glen Scotia to the world, we are producing some of the best whisky to have come out of Campbeltown in many years. This is a result of those that came before us and their hard work and knowledge of the craft.

“To win Scottish Whisky Distillery of the Year was a real feat, and we knew we needed to mark it in a special way. This latest release is a fine example and a legacy of a true Campbeltown malt, and we hope collectors and friends of the distillery from around the world will join us in raising a dram of it to the continued success of Glen Scotia.”

For further information visit: www.glenscotia.com/

Ross & Squibb Distillery Announces September Release of Remus Repeal Reserve Series VI

Latest edition comprises a medley of five bourbons aged since 2008-2014 

LAWRENCEBURG, Ind. (Aug. 16, 2022) – Ross & Squibb Distillery announced it will release its Remus Repeal Reserve Series VI Straight Bourbon Whiskey this September. The limited-edition bourbon is the sixth-annual offering of the distillery’s award-winning Remus Repeal Reserve Bourbon collection. Bottled at 100 proof/50% ABV, Remus Repeal Reserve Series VI retails for a suggested $99.99 per 750-ml bottle and will be available in limited quantities in September to coincide with National Bourbon Heritage Month.

Created by master distiller Ian Stirsman and his team of master distillers and master blenders, Series VI comprises five bourbons, aged between 8-14 years, from its 175-year-old Lawrenceburg, Indiana, distillery. Made in a signature high-rye style, the medley changes each year, allowing Stirsman and his team to experiment with their various mash bills and aged reserves. Remus Repeal Reserve Series VI is comprised of 2% 2008 Bourbon (21% Rye), 17% 2012 Bourbon (36% Rye), 27% 2012 Bourbon (21% Rye), 29% 2014 Bourbon (21% Rye) and 25% 2014 Bourbon (36% Rye). Series VI leads with aromas of rich candied fruit with a hint of nutmeg and saddle leather. The initial taste includes candied fruit and fig jam, followed by oak and barrel char, mint and slight caramel, nutmeg, toffee and honey. The finish offers a balance of sweet candied fruit and leather, with lingering sweetness and rye spice.

“The Remus Repeal Reserve series provides our team the opportunity to showcase the incredible array of aged reserves available to work with, as well as our expertise at blending these bourbons to create a special medley each year,” said Stirsman. “Series VI is the latest in this award-winning collection that is certain to be yet another excellent example of what our Remus Repeal collection represents: what great bourbon can be.”

Previous releases of Remus Repeal Reserve have achieved some of the highest recognition in the bourbon category, including winning Best Of Class at the 2021 Sunset International Spirits Competition, being named among the Top 5 American Whiskeys of 2021 by Fred Minnick, and earning 98 points from Tasting Panel Magazine (for both Remus Repeal Reserve Series IV and V).

About George Remus^® Bourbon

George Remus Bourbon is crafted at Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. George Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a high-rye blend of Bourbon whiskies, aged five years, with a hint of vanilla, a maple aroma, and a sweet-yet-characteristic rye flavor (SRP: $39.99/750-ml). Remus Repeal Reserve Series VI is crafted from 2008, 2012and 2014 reserve Bourbons and is available in limited quantities (SRP: $99.99/750-ml bottle). Connect with us: GeorgeRemus.com, @GeorgeRemusBourbon (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube) and @GeorgeRemus (Twitter). G. Remus Distilling Co., Lawrenceburg, IN, 47% ALC/VOL & 50% ALC/VOL. Be Legendary. Sip Responsibly. 

About Luxco

Founded in St. Louis in 1958 by the Lux Family, Luxco is a leading producer, supplier, importer and bottler of beverage alcohol products. Our mission is to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of consumers, associates and business partners. Merged with MGP Ingredients, Inc. in 2021 (Nasdaq: MGPI), Luxco operates as MGP’s Brands Division and manages all MGP/Luxco brands. This extensive and award-winning spirits portfolio includes well-known brands from four distilleries: Bardstown, Kentucky-based Lux Row Distillers, home of Ezra Brooks, Rebel, Blood Oath, David Nicholson and Daviess County; Lebanon, Kentucky-based Limestone Branch Distillery, maker of Yellowstone Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey and Bowling & Burch Gin; Jalisco, Mexico-based Destiladora González Lux, producer of 100% agave tequilas, El Mayor, Exotico and Dos Primos; and Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where the George Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Rossville Union Straight Rye Whiskey are produced. The innovative and high-quality brand portfolio also includes Everclear Grain Alcohol, Pearl Vodka, Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream, The Quiet Man Irish Whiskey, Green Hat Gin and other well-recognized brands. For more information about the company and its brands, visit luxco.com.

 

Whether you’re a rockstar or a lover of rare finds, our latest blends have something to suit all tastes. We’ve been hard at work in our blending rooms reigniting old flames, and reimagining parcels from the past. And now, we’re thrilled to share our latest expressions.

Ultramarine
The rarified one

This is the first of the Extinct Blends Quartet – our ambitious new series of whiskies, inspired by forgotten flavours. With deep layers of coastal smoke and antique Sherry character, Ultramarine bears a flavour that’s just as rare as the name implies.

Available from our web shop and select rest of world regions from October.

Flaming Heart
The anthemic one

Oak, smoke, and fire reunite for the 7th time in the Flaming Heart series. This loud and luxurious version of a Compass Box classic samples smoky notes from previous compositions, while a trio of peated malts makes for a pyrotechnic display of deliciousness.

Available from our web shop and select rest of world regions from September.

Arriving in the US from November.

Compass Box Whisky Co.
Chiswick Studios
9 Power Road
London, England W4 5PY
United Kingdom

IMPORTANT SPRINGBANK UPDATE

The queue outside the shop is already too long for the stock that we have, we would ask that you do not travel to the shop now looking for the release of the two Springbank bottles. We have now drawn the ballot for the two releases. IF you have not yet heard from us about the ballot, I am afraid that you will not have won.

Pulteney 23 Year Old for the United Kingdom Market

Pulteney 23 Year Old

1998 Vintage Singe Cask

Bottled April 2022 from a single refill bourbon barrel by Gordon & MacPhail for the Connoisseurs Choice series. Just 243 bottles exclusive to the United Kingdom market.

Expect grapefruit, lemon, baked apples, cracked black pepper and mixed nuts from this vintage maritime malt.

Buy – Pulteney 23 Years – £206.29 | $207* | €204*

Pulteney Distillery was established by James Henderson in 1826 in the coastal town of Wick, Caithness. Pulteney is a Highland malt whisky distillery equipped with worm tubs to cool the spirit from its single pair of particularly short stills. Thomas Telford designed the lade which originally carried all the water into the distillery, and a fragment of his stone channel survives in the back yard. The Old Pulteney 12 Year Old, 17 Year Yld and 21 Year Old form the core range supported by Clipper and Navigator in the non-aged bottling series.

Where to Sell Whisky Online

When you’re ready to sell your whisky, the easiest way to start is to list it for sale on the Sell My Whisky -Whisky Hammer website. The Whisky Hammer system automatically bids on your behalf and will proceed to the final payment process. You can pay with most major credit cards or PayPal. Whisky Hammer deducts five percent of the total sale price, which is among the lowest in the industry.

You may also list your bottle for free. However, you must make sure that you are of legal age to purchase alcohol. As a result, if you are under the age of 18 years old, you cannot sell your whisky on Whisky Hammer. The site will ask you to provide proof of age before you sell your whisky. The site will charge you 3.5% for credit card payments made outside the UK

Welcome to the first of two episodes of the show featuring Annandale distillery. This weeks episode takes a look at their un-peated range, Man O’ Words.

https://youtu.be/9LKuokQWPfQ

Over 50% Off a Collector’s Dream Single Cask, For a Limited Time
Kavalan “Solist” Amontillado Sherry Cask Strength 56.3% ABV Single Barrel Taiwanese Single Malt Whisky (750ml)
(Previously $600) ($249.99)

“I hope these jaw-dropping releases become available to us regularly at this pricing. That unfortunately is a pipe dream, so we’ll just have to enjoy it while it lasts.”
— David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

At the cornerstone of this coveted whiskey line, the sherry-aged casks present the quintessential Kavalan poise and grace that has won this iconic distillery its countless accolades and awards over the years, including the 2021 Distillery of the Year at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, as well as a near-maniacal following among the most committed collectors. One of two spectacular amontillado-aged single casks recently sourced at utterly mind-boggling pricing, this 56.3% ABV barrel is described by our own David Othenin-Girard as “wildly complex” with an approachability that lends itself to a very broad audience of aficionados. The overtly opulent profile “more than delivers the goods in way that distinguishes it from the other two casks,” as David notes. Collectible whiskies like this very rarely come up at such discounted pricing, so any savvy collector looking to maximize their purchasing power should beat a quick path and secure their bottles today.

Kavalan “Solist” Amontillado Sherry Cask Strength 56.3% ABV Single Barrel Taiwanese Single Malt Whisky (750ml) (Previously $600) ($249.99)

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: August 17, 2022

It’s pretty exciting tasting these Kavalans and doubly so getting to compare similar casks. The two amontillados we have were both distilled in 2010 and bottled at around eight years old in April of 2008. This barrel is slightly lower proof, and the character is distinct from its sister cask. The same burnished color, though. The nose is a big fruit bomb with lots of stewed stone fruit and raisined characteristics—dried plum, baked peaches, molasses syrup, confectionary candies, almond cookies, and sweet tea. On first glance, this barrel is closest to the oloroso stuff but with something extra—a sur-age character that’s unique to amontillado. Big fruity nose translates to a much less spicy palate, with exceptional sweetness and a seriously creamy character. This is likely the most approachable of three Kavalans but by no means a slouch. It’s wildly complex even without the extra savory character of the higher-proof cask. Tough call on which is better, but this is the one I’d recommend if Kavalan has ever felt a little over the top on the tannins for you, as it’s the softest expression of the three barrels we have. It more than delivers the goods in way that distinguishes it from the other two casks.