CRAIGELLACHIE® LAUNCHES CASK FINISHING COLLECTION INSPIRED BY ITS ‘WORM TUBS’

31^st March 2022 – John Dewar & Sons announces the first expression to be released in the Craigellachie  Cask Collection, Craigellachie 13 Years Old Armagnac Cask Finish.

To curate the new series, Craigellachie – inspired by the distillery’s use of old-fashioned *worm tub condensers – have sourced casks for finishing from producers of oak-aged spirits, who also stick to traditional methods, and like the muscular Speysider, use a ‘worm tub’ to create their liquid wares.

Using casks from distilleries who make a ‘heavier’ style of spirit, which can stand up to the Single Malt’s distinct character, Craigellachie’s Malt Master, Stephanie Macleod is able to demonstrate her expertise and skill in the art of maturation and wood management. Carefully hand-picking casks based on personal experience, and prior knowledge of working with certain types and styles.

Stephanie Macleod comments: “Craigellachie is a distinctly bold and brooding malt; full-bodied and meaty so we are using these cask types to complement and elevate the signature character of the distillery, not mask it, to add an extra dimension of flavour and intrigue.”

For the inaugural edition in the Cask Collection, the award-winning 13-year-old Craigellachie Single Malt, initially matured in American Oak – a combination of re-fill and re-char Bourbon barrels – has been laid to rest in Bas-Armagnac casks sourced from the northernmost part of Gascony, in France, for just over a year, to undergo a second period of maturation.

Often overshadowed by Cognac, Armagnac is a far older and more distinctive French brandy with its very own customary production process. Distilled just once through a specially made continuous still and in most cases, a traditionally constructed Alembic Armagnaçaise; a portable wood-fired still designed to be transported to the small farms who produce Armagnac. Unlike most spirits, makers of Armagnac don’t take cuts throughout distillation retaining volatile elements that are usually removed, giving the spirit more character and complexity. Rougher at first, a young Armagnac tastes of fire and earth. But after ageing in French oak, often for decades, the spirit is tamed and softened, becoming marvellously nuanced.

Finishing in former French Bas Armagnac barrels has softly rounded Craigellachie’s weighty style with warming notes of baked apples, dusted with heady cinnamon. Rich flavours of caramel shortcake are offset by signature syrupy pineapples and fiery bonfire night aromas.

Craigellachie 13 Years Old Armagnac Cask, is bottled at 46% ABV and has a RRP of: £52.99 / €49.99 / $65USD. The expression will initially be available in the UK, Germany and France from April, before being rolled out in the US and Taiwan later in the year.

ABOUT CRAIGELLACHIE SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY:

CRAIGELLACHIE began production in 1891, built by Peter Mackie and Alexander Edward high on the craggy rock upon which the village of Craigellachie stands, above the confluence of two great rivers in the very heart of Speyside.

Described as “old-fashioned” even in 1891, staying true to traditions the distillery still uses worm tubs to cool the sprit, bestowing extra flavour and creating a distinctive muscular character to rival whisky twice its age. CRAIGELLACHIE is famously robust and challenging in style.

The brand’s core portfolio is comprised of CRAIGELLACHIE 13 Years Old, CRAIGELLACHIE 17 Years Old and CRAIGELLACHIE 23 Years Old.

The single malt brand of CRAIGELLACHIE is part of the portfolio of Bacardi Limited, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited. 

*WHAT IS A WORM TUB?

Worm tubs are a type of condenser, also known as coil condensers. A ‘Worm’ is the old English term for serpent, the original name for the coiled tube. A traditional way of turning spirit vapour back into liquid. The lyne arm at the top of the still is connected to a long, coiled copper pipe (worm) that sits in a huge vat of cold water (tub). These long copper tubes snake back and forth, gradually getting narrower. As the vapour travels down the worm, it condenses back into liquid form.

There are only a handful of distilleries that still use this old-fashioned method to condense their spirits, with most now preferring the more modern and efficient ‘shell and tube’ approach. They are much more expensive to maintain than modern condensers, but as their long tubes provide less copper contact than modern condensers, which would otherwise reduce the distillate’s sulphur content, they bestow the spirit with extra flavour, creating a new-make with a distinctive, muscular (sulphuric) character. 

WHAT IS ARMAGNAC?

Armagnac is made in the Gascony region of France to the south of Bordeaux (split into three areas: Bas Armagnac, Tenareze and Haut Armagnac). The Bas-Armagnac area has 57% of vineyards and is said to produce the best Armagnacs. Armagnac is a grape Brandy produced primarily from four grape varieties (Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche, Baco 22a And Colombard), although 10 are permitted. Distilled just once through a specially made continuous still and in most cases, a traditionally constructed Alembic Armagnaçaise; a portable wood fired still designed to be transported round villages to the small farms who produce Armagnac. A fuller-bodied (some would say rustic) style of brandy when compared to Cognac, like whisky it is often aged in oak for many years (decades in some cases) and makes an excellent digestif.

We’ve got a good-sized Malt Messenger for you here, but perhaps not as big as it could have been. It is also a little later than hoped, but that couldn’t be avoided. Things have been busy at the ol’ KWM homestead, mostly with some behind the scenes projects that will help to streamline our growing business as we transition into the post-Covid era and the long promised “new normal.”

I’m sure a lot of you are wondering about in-store tastings, and when they might resume. Originally we had hoped to start rolling out some events after Easter, but that was before the Dodge Ramming of our front entrance, and the complications that have come from it. They say never say never, and while it is possible that we may be able to offer a limited number of sit down tastings in May or June, we can’t be sure of that right now.

One thing that is for sure, is we have a 30th Anniversary coming up in 5 short weeks and regardless of the upheaval, we are going to celebrate. We are planning a month of events, both ticketed and drop in, including some Wine and Whisky Festivals. More to come on that and our 30th Anniversary in general, in the next Malt Messenger.

There are lots of cool new things in-store, and even more arriving soon. We have new whiskies from Archives, Two Brewers, High Coast, Doc Swinson’s Bourbon Collection, and James Eadie. We also have some returned and ballot bottles from Glengoyne and GlenDronach.

The list of soon-to-arrive whiskies below from Benromach and Gordon & MacPhail is just the tip of the iceberg. It has been a quiet couple of months on the ‘new whiskies’ front, but that is about to change. We are also expecting a shipment of Signatory and Edradour whiskies in the next couple of weeks.

In addition to loads of new whiskies, we are eagerly anticipating a number of new KWM Exclusive Casks from Benromach, Bruichladdich, Daftmill, GlenAllachie, and Tomatin. We also have a stunning bespoke new Compass Box 30th Anniversary Blended Malt, which we created with James Saxon and John Glaser. More on these exciting new exclusives in future Malt Messengers.

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…).

Sincerely,

Andrew Ferguson

Kensington Wine Market

1. New Archives and Whiskybase Whiskies

2. Two Brewers Release 31

3. New Whiskies from High Coast Distillery

4. Introducing: Doc Swinson’s Collection Bourbons

5. Glengoyne 21 & 25 Years Are Back

6. GlenDronach 12 & 15 Year Are Back

7. Coming Soon from Benromach

8. Coming Soon from Gordon & MacPhail

9. Introducing: James Eadie Trade Mark X

10.                Upcoming Tastings

11.                On Sale

New Archives & Whiskybase Whiskies

Archives is an independent bottling range from Whiskybase, famous for its bottlings featuring old illustrations of fish, snakes, and other animals. There is some really cool stuff here, and it is very limited. Don’t be surprised if more than a few of these end up in future tastings.

1. Archives Balcones 2017 – This 3 year old American single malt was distilled at the Balcones Distillery in Texas in 2017, was matured in a first-fill American oak barrel, before bottling in 2021 at 62.9%. Bottled under the Venomous Snakes range, the label features an Elaps Corallinus “drawn by L.J. Fitzinger in 1867 and published over 150 years ago in “Naturgeschichte der Wirbelthiere.” 87.7pts Whiskybase – $165 – SOLD OUT

2. Archives Benrinnes 1997 – Distilled in 1997, matured in a Hogshead cask, and bottled in 2021 after 23 years at 56%, under the Fishes of Samoa range. The image on the label is a Pterois Radiata “drawn by Hamburg L. Friederichsen and published in 1873 in “Journal des Museum Godeffroy.” 90pts Whiskybase – $350

3. Archives Burnside 1996 – Bottled under the Brittish Dragonflies series, this 25 year old “Blended Malt” was distilled in 1996, matured in a Hogshead and bottled in 2021 at 54.7%. Burnside is usually a euphemism for teaspooned Balvenie. So Balvenie with a dash of Glenfiddich perhaps? The label features a Uropetala Carovei “drawn by G.V. Hudson and published over 100 years ago in “An elementary manuel of New Zealand entomology.” 89.59pts Whisky Base. – $295

4. Archives Caol Ila 2007 – Distilled in 2007, this 12 year old Caol Ila matured in a Hogshead before bottling at 57.4%. Bottled under the Fishes of Samoa series the fish on the label is a Diodon Hystrix “published over 200 years ago in Unterhaltungen aus der Naturgeschichte: Der Fische.” 85.89pts Whiskybase – $190

5. Archives Glen Moray 2007 – Bottled under the Fishes of Samoa series, this 13 year old Glen Moray was distilled in 2007, matured in an ex-Bourbon barrel, and bottled in 2021 at 58.8%. The label features Chactodon Aureus “published in 1813 in The naturalist’s miscellany, or Coloured figures of natural objects.” 87pts Whiskybase – $150

6. Whiskybase Glentauchers – Bottled to celebrate the Whiskybase database hitting 180,000 bottles. Distilled in 1996, matured in an ex-Bourbon barrel, and bottled in 2021 at 46.8%. 88.68pts Whiskybase – $370

7. Archives Glentauchers 1989 – This 31 year old Glentauchers was distilled in 1989, matured in an ex-Bourbon Barrel, and bottled in 2021 at 43.7%. Bottled under “The Fishes of Samoa” the label features a Pterois Volitans “drawn by P.A.J. Drapier and published in 1853 in “Dictionaire classique des sciences naturelles.” 90pts Whiskybase – $585

8. Archives Irish Single Malt 1990 – This 31 year old Irish Single Malt Whiskey was distilled in 1990, matured in an ex-Bourbon Barrel and bottled in 2021 at 52.9%. Bottled under “The Fishes of Samoa” the label features a Acarauna Major Pinnis Crmutus “drawn by Mark Catesby and published in 1771 in “Histoire naturelle de la Caroline, de la Floride, et des Isles e Bahama.” – $740

9. Archives Linkwood 2008 – Bottled under “The Fishes of Samoa” this 13 year was distilled in 2008 and filled into a Hogshead cask before bottling in 2021 at 56.3%. The label features a “Zeus Faber drawn by Kruger JR and published in 1785 in “Histoire naturelle, generale et particuliere des poissons.” 86.67pts Whisky Base – $165

10. Archives Secret Speyside 1998 – Distilled in 1998 at “a Speyside Distillery,” this 21 year old single malt was bottled at 54% under the Fishes of Samoa series after maturing in a Hogshead cask. The label features a Pennant coralfish “drawn by P. Blecker and published over 100 years aog in “Blecker Atlas ichthyologique.” 87.83pts Whiskybase – $262

11. Archives Speyside 1990 – Distilled in 1990, the whisky matured 30 years in a Hogshead cask before bottling at 50.2% under the Echinoderms from Australia series. The label features an Asterias Rubens “drawn by Ernst Haeckel and published over 100 years ago in Kunstformen der Natur.” 88.86pts Whiskybase – $425

12.  Archives Staoisha 2013 – Distilled in 2013, this peated Bunnahabhain (Staoisha) was filled into an ex-Bourbon Barrel, before bottling in 2021 at 59.1%. Bottled under the Fishes of Samoa series, the label features a Herniochus monoceros “drawn by G. H Ford and published in 1873 in Journal de Museum Godeffroy. – $148

New Two Brewers Release 31

The 31st release of Yukon Single Malt Whisky by Two Brewers is a Classic profile whisky, composed of a number of different mashes, including a sour mash (7%), standard mashes (40%), priming batches (23%) and “not tails” batches (30%). More info on this can be found on our website. Matured in first and second fill casks as well as virgin oak.

Two Brewers Yukon Single Malt Release 31 – 46% – Producer Tasting Note: “Earthy underpinnings support a bright nose, nutty cereal and dark berries. Creamy clover honey tracks from entry, centered as tones of green tea and cedar encompass the palate. Dry grains and oak emerge for the finish, touched by the enduring honey.” – $105

New Whiskies from High Coast Distillery

We have three new whiskies from Sweden’s High Coast Distillery coming in. One is a general release, the two others are Truth Malters bottlings

1. High Coast Solera Single Malt Whisky – 56% – 500ml – ex-Bourbon & Swedish Oak Solera – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Oak, nutmeg, vanilla, coconut, ripe pear. Palate: Honey, clove, anis seeds, fudge, green apples. Finish: Vanilla, black pepper.” – $195

2. High Coast Cigar CLASS Series 02 Peated Bourbon – 60.9% – 6 Years 9.75 Months – Peated to 55ppm – 500ml – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Beautiful rich peat notes – iodine, vanilla, fresh tangy apples, floral notes, wet wood, petrichor. Palate: Sweeter than most would expect. Honey and soft florals timely intermingle with herbal notes bursting on the palate. Finish: Gentle and long with welcomed floral and wood notes and a soft palate oiliness.” $185

3. High Coast Sherry CLASS Series 02 Oloroso Sherry – 62.7% – 6 Years 3 Months – Oloroso Sherry – 500ml – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose:  A rich auburn Oloroso Sherry bomb. Maple taffy, creamy butter, sweet dark cherries, sticky figs, vanilla, and cherry candy. Classic notes of golden raisins, nuts and cloves play in the background. Palate: Less sweet than the nose and an immediate flavour rush on your tongue. Zesty cinnamon, dried apricots, raisins, vanilla, baking spices, sauna wood, and a hint of orange marmalade. Finish: Long and mouth forward – drying on the tongue but juicy behind your lips and around the cheeks. Crawls on the glass with serious legs and character. $192

Introducing: Doc Swinson’s Collection Bourbon

With warehousing and blending done in Ferndale, Washington, Doc Swinson’s is an NDP (Non-Distiller Producer) that specializes in sourcing Bourbon and Rye Whiskies that are then blended into small (sometimes very small) batches and released under one of three ranges. The bottlings are categorized under Doc Swinson’s Flagship, Exploratory, or Rare Release range. Like many independent bottlers of American Whiskey, the venerable MGP Distillery of Indiana seems to be a key component in many of Doc Swinson’s releases.

1. Doc Swinson’s Alter Ego Bourbon – THREE different cask types are used in finishing this Bourbon. Each batch in Doc Swinson’s Alter Ego Bourbon series thus far has used MGP Distillery’s 75% Corn, 21% Rye, 4% Malted Barley mash bill that is aged then finished in a combination of PX Sherry, Oloroso Sherry, and Cognac casks. After finishing the batch is married together in ex-Cognac Foeders before being bottled at 47.9%. – $108

2. Doc Swinson’s Alter Ego Solera Rye – Made from MGP Distillery Rye – and that is a good thing! Doc Swinson’s has started with the exceptional MGP 95% Rye mash bill and blended it together with MGP’s 51% Rye mash bill. Both components are at least five years old before being married into the top row of the Solera system made from casks that previously held rum. The result is a unique take on an American Rye that went south to get a tan and enjoy a Planter’s Punch or three! – $77

3. Doc Swinson’s Blender’s Cut Bourbon – This high-proof Bourbon from Doc Swinson’s is a blend of two high-rye mash bills originally distilled at MGP Distillery of Indiana. The mash bills in question contain 21% and 36% Rye, respectively. The whiskey made is aged for five years before being bottled at a very respectable 57.5%. – $85

4. Doc Swinson’s El Cuerpo Bourbon – Made from barrels of at least 5-year-old Bourbon sourced from MGP Distillery of Indiana before being finished in PX Sherry Butts. The resulting whiskey is bottled at 57% and released in very small batches. – $130

Glengoyne 21 & 25 Year Are Back

But Limited!

I remember a few years back when we could have almost as much of these as we wanted. The secret is out on Glengoyne it seems, with both the 21 and 25 year olds expected to be in short supply in the years ahead. The 21 year is available for purchase, 1 per customer. The 25 year is available by ballot, details below.

1. Glengoyne 21 Year – Formerly the oldest whisky in the distillery’s core range, it is heavily influenced by sherry, matured entirely in first and refill European oak seasoned with sherry. Big, rich and sophisticated malt, bottled at 43%. – $240 – Limit 1 Per Customer!

2. Glengoyne 25 Year – The price has gone up, albeit only a little, especially when compared with the 25 year olds of other distilleries. Bottled at 48%, the whisky is 100% Sherry Oak Matured! – $535 – Available by Ballot

Enter the Ballot Glengoyne 25 &GlenDronach 15

GlenDronach 12 & 15 Year Are Back

But Limited!

It has been at least two years since we last saw the GlenDronach 12 in Alberta. It seems the legal dispute that was tying it up has finally been resolved. We have been getting small allocations of the GlenDronach 15, but they have been limited. The last time we had some we required purchasers to also buy another BenRiach or GlenDronach whisky along with it. We won’t be doing that this time, however, demand will almost certainly exceed supply, so like the Glengoyne 25 year, it will be available by ballot.

1. GlenDronach Original 12 Year – 43% – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Sweet, creamy vanilla, with hints of ginger. Spiced mulled wine and pear. Palate: Rich, creamy, silky-smooth. Warm, rich oak and sherry sweetness, full mouth feel, raisins and soft fruits. Spicy with medium length and a dry finish. Conclusion: Long, full and firm, slightly nutty.” – $105 – Limit 1 Per Customer

2. GlenDronach Revival 15 Year – 46% – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: An intoxicating burst of maraschino cherry, ripe bramble and dark chocolate mint with hints of orange bitters and walnut liqueur. Palate: Honey-glazed apricot and ripe fig with a crescendo of black cherry, angelica and muscovado. Long and enveloping finish with dark manuka honey, herbal bitters and dark chocolate.” – $155 – Available by Ballot!

Enter the Ballot Glengoyne 25 & GlenDronach 15

Coming Soon from Benromach

We have a trio of new releases from Benromach, all of them limited, and accordingly restricted to 1 per customer. ETA is 1-2 weeks!

1. Benromach Contrasts Peat Smoke Sherry Matured 2012 – 46% – Producer Tasting Note: “Aromas: Appealing cinnamon and ginger aromas with rich dark chocolate giving way to soft demerara sugar. Seville orange peel with sweet smoke. Palate: Cocoa powder and sweet, creamy honeycomb accompany stewed red berries. Subtle vanilla and cracked black pepper lead to toasted almonds. Finish: A full finish with Morello cherry, peat smoke and sweetness.” – $95.99 – Limit 1 Per Customer!

2. Benromach Heritage 1977 – We are trying to confirm exactly which one, as there are at least 2 different releases. Regardless, this is a bit of a special treat, as it has been sold out for years, and was discovered by chance in a warehouse… – $2750 – Only 1 Bottle!

3. Benromach Aged 40 Years – 57.1% – First Fill Oloroso Sherry – Producer Tasting Note: “Aromas: Vibrant citrus aromas with ginger, stewed fruits & cinnamon and subtle dark fudge aromas. Rich beeswax polish notes develop with a touch of aged oak. Palate: Intense Seville orange flavours give way to red apple with underlying spices. Demerara sugar and a soft herbal flavour lead to charred oak. Finish: Medium-bodied, citrus zest and oak.” – $2850 – Limit 1 Per Customer!

Coming Soon from Gordon & MacPhail

There are a lot of cool new offerings from Gordon McPhail, including the first two, both Glenlivet released to celebrate the launch of the Generations Glenlivet 80 Year, which we will be rolling out later this month…

There are a few more Glenlivet in the so called “Runway” range, but we are holding a few of them back for a future event.

We have 9 other new releases from the Connoisseurs Choice and Private Collection ranges. All are cask strength with the exception of the “Wood Finished” Caol Ila.

Quantities are limited with just 3-6 bottles of most coming to KWM. Accordingly, many are limited to 1 per customer, and are indicated as such below!

1. G&M CC Runway Glenlivet 2004 – 46% – 16 Year – Refill Bourbon Barrel – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Vibrant tropical fruit and ripe green apples give way to bitter orange. Honeysuckle come to the fore alongside cocoa powder and subtle white pepper. Taste: Rich pineapple and mango accompany flambeed banana. Poached pears develop alongside rich watermelon and toasted oak. Finish: A medium finish with lingering marzipan and citrus”- $199

2. G&M CC Runway Glenlivet 2003 – 46% – 17 Year Refill Bourbon Barrel – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Pineapple and Seville orange zest give way to subtle nuts. Undertones of lemon peel develop accompanied by baked apples and honeycomb. Taste: Smooth, sweet pears lead to grapefruit and soft white pepper. Subtle white chocolate notes transform into a faint herbal edge and charred oak. Finish: A full finish with long lasting vanilla pod and citrus. – $240

3. G&M CC Runway Glenlivet 1993 – 53.1% – 28 Year – Refill American Hogshead #71580 – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Rich honey aromas combine with lime peel and roasted nuts. Taste: Flavours of black pepper lead to tropical fruit and butterscotch. Finish: A medium-bodied finish with lingering citrus. – $479.99 – 89.33pts Whiskybase

4. G&M CC Wood Finish Caol Ila 2007 Hermitage – 45% – 13 Year – Matured in Refill Bourbon / Finished 3 Years in Hermitage Casks – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Fruitcake and cherry aromas combine with sweet smoke. Taste: Cured meat flavours are balanced by summer berries and almond. Finish: A medium bodied finish with lingering bonfire embers.” – $158

5. G&M CC Caol Ila 1997 – 59.9% – 23 Year – First Fill Sherry Butt – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Cured meat aromas lead to baked apple and stewed raisins. Festive spices develop alongside brown sugar and soft lemon peel. Taste: Smooth and smoke; black pepper gives way to mixed nuts and cocoa powder. Subtle citrus notes combine with toasted almonds and red berries. Finish: A long and ashy finish with lingering bonfire embers. “- $335

6. G&M CC Highland Park 1988 – 52.8% – 32 Year – Refill American Oak Hogshead – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Crystalized violets and soft coconut give way to hints of cured meat. White chocolate comes to the fore, followed by subtle notes of bonfire embers. Taste: Sweet and smooth flavours of red apple and malted biscuit. Rich vanilla develops alongside dried banana pieces and light citrus zest. Finish: A medium-bodied finish with lingering soft fruit and smoke.” – $1300 – Limit 1 Per Customer!

7. G&M CC Linkwood 1988 – 55% – 32 Year – First Fill Sherry Butt – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Rich stewed fruit aromas combine with fresh ginger leading to a hint of beeswax polish. Taste: Blackcurrant and raspberry flavours give way to soft dried tobacco notes and mature oak. Finish: A medium-bodied finish with lingering spice and grapefruit zest. – $1319 – 91.71pts Whiskybase

8. G&M CC Mortlach 1989 – 54.2% – Refill Sherry Butt Cask 5304 – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Rich brown sugar and stewed apples lead to glacé cherries and raisins alongside a subtle touch of honey and ginger. Taste: Dark honey and almond flavours lead to raisins, warm ginger and lingering fruit loaf. Finish: A light and delicate finish with soft cherries and toasted almonds.” – $1300 – Limit 1 Per Customer

9. G&M Private Collection Convalmore 1975 – 47.9% – 45 Year – Hogshead – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Citrus aromas, lemon and lime compliment sweet desiccated coconut. White chocolate notes develop alongside soft dark honey and nougat. Taste: Sweet honeycomb flavours combine with soft apple crumble. Finish: Vibrant fruity pears and peaches give way to mature oak and lingering toasted hazelnuts.” – $2900 – Limit 1 Per Customer – 93.5pts Whiskybase

10. G&M Private Collection Glentauchers 1979 – 56.6% – 41 Year – Refill American Hogshead – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Sweet toffee and candied orange aromas with silky white chocolate and sugared violets. Tropical fruit notes come to the fore with hints of coconut and ripe banana. A nutty note lingers in the background. Taste: Intense sweetness to begin then fading to reveal herbal aniseed and peppery notes. Dried tropical fruit; pineapple, lime, and coconut flavours complement madagascan vanilla pod. Finish: Rounded, with lingering vanilla tones with an herbal edge.” – $1850 – 90.67pts Whiskybase

11.  G&M Private Collection Pulteney 1982 – 57.1% – 38 Year – Refill American Hogshead – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: S Rich honey aromas combine with sweet lime zest and vanilla. Taste: Subtle apple notes lead to a hint of fudge. Sweet flavours of honeydew melon and lemon are accompanied by soft white pepper. Finish: Medium bodied finish, smooth with toasted oak.” – $1840

Introducing: James Eaddie Tade Mark X

Trade Mark X is a Blended Scotch Whisky, created by Rupert Patrick, James Eadie’s great-great grandson, based on the recipe in old ledgers and in comparison with a surviving bottle from the 1940s. The blend includes among other things, whisky from two closed distilleries Littlemill and Cambus. The blend is also composed of whiskies from Talisker, Caol Ila, Lagavulin, Aberlour, and Glendronach.

James Eadie Trade Mark X II – 45.6% – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: At first, sweet notes of icing sugar and raisins are present, before oily, lightly peated qualities emerge; soot, soft earth and freshly cut hay. Over time, a combination of dark chocolate, sultanas, prunes, marzipan and subtle hints of chili and salt come to the fore. Palate: Spicy flavours of mint chocolate blend in with syrup, plums, prunes and roasted coffee beans. Gentle peat and soft smoke linger in the background, which introduce a delicious juicy quality. Water brings out thick, rich cream and ripe dark cherries. Finish: The finish is long, syrupy and gently spicy, gradually softening to leave subtle, distinctive stone fruit flavours.” – $72

Upcoming Tastings

Note: we just got word that William H Macy will be a special guest at our Woody Creek tasting on April 5… which is tonight… only 4 sample sets left!

WOODY CREEK DISTILLERY TASTING

·     Date: Tuesday, April 5

·     Time: 8 PM

·     Cost: $25

·     Pick-Up Date: Ready Now!

What’s the deal with Woody Creek Distillery? Besides being plugged shamelessly by the star of Shameless himself – William H. Macy (who will make an appearance during the tasting) – they also make some darn good whiskey! Join us for a run through their lineup including a gin, two Rye and three Bourbon samples from this Colorado Distillery. See what all the hype is about for only 25 bucks!

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK: SCOTCH EDITION

·     Date: Thursday, April 14

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $40

·     Pick-Up Date: Ready Now!

The Scotch Whisky industry has gone through something of a baby boom over the last decade. Step by Step, the whiskies from these new kids on the block are coming of age. Though young, the whiskies from these small independents are Hangin’ Tough in a market dominated by big multinationals. We’ll sample whiskies from Ardnamurchan, Daftmill, Glasgow, Inchdairnie, Isle of Raasay, Lindores Abbey, and Wolfburn. Thursday, April 24, 2022, 7PM.

G&M Distillery Labels with Richard Urquhart

·     Date: Friday, May 6

·     Time: 5 PM

·     Cost: $45

·     Pick-Up Date: Ready Now!

·     Only 15 Spots Left!

The Gordon & MacPhail Distillery Labels range celebrates the ancient relationships it has nurtured with distilleries all over Scotland. It is also a testament to its ongoing practice of purchasing new make spirit from distilleries, rather than mature whisky, and maturing it in its own casks. Richard Urquhart, a 4th generation member of the Urquhart family who own G&M, will guide us through a range of 7 distilleries label bottlings from Ardmore, Glenburgie, Glentauchers, Linkwood and Morltach, including a few 21 and 25 year olds. Friday May 6, 5PM.

Rethinking Whisky: The Lowlands

·     Date: Friday, May 6

·     Time: 5 PM

·     Cost: $45

·     Pick-Up Date: Ready Now!

While we couldn’t convince Andrew to pop the top on a rare old Rosebank for this one, we’re still pretty confident this will be the coolest Lowlands tasting this side of the pond. And if you’re one of those folks still of the opinion that the Lowlands are all flowers and lemons and triple distillation – oh, my! – then we have just the range to shatter your preconceptions. Join Curt and Harmony for a night of ‘out there’ whiskies and an awful lot of chat, as we try to dispel some outdated myths and showcase some of the bottles that have lit us up over the last few months. Participants will sample whiskies up to 35 years of age from Auchentoshan, Bladnoch, Daftmill, Glenkinchie, Inchdairnie, Lindores Abbey and North British. Thursday May 26, 7PM.

!!!On Sale!!!

Deals, deals, deals… especially on Waterford, and more than what I have highlighted below too… you can browse the full sale list online!

1. Waterford Single Farm Hook Head 1.1 – 50% – Complex young Irish single malt produced from barley grown on a single farm, matured in a mix of cask types. – Was $101.99 – Save 20% – Now $76.49

2. Waterford Single Farm Lakefield 1.1 – 50% – Complex young Irish single malt produced from barley grown on a single farm, matured in a mix of cask types. – Was $102.99 – Save 20% – Now $77.24

3. Compass Box Peat Monster – 46% – The Peat Monster combines extremely smoky malt whisky from Islay with medium-peated Highland whiskies to create a balanced and approachable monster, but a monster, nonetheless. Enjoy! – Was $79.99 – Save 25% – Now $55.99

4. Smokehead Rum Rebel Islay Single Malt – 46% – This undisclosed Islay Single Malt is rumoured to come from Ardbeg, and has been finished in rum casks. – Was $92 – Save 20% – Now $72.79

5. Smokehead Sherry Bomb Islay Single Malt – This undisclosed Islay Single Malt is rumoured to come from Ardbeg, and has been finished in sherry casks. – Was $115 – Save 20% – Now $91.99

6. Lismore The Legend 21 Year – 43% – Undisclosed Speyside single malt, from the owners of Glenfarclas, with a soft sherried character. – Was $165 – Save 20% – Now $131.99

7. Jura Seven Wood – 42% – Not content with double wood or triple wood, Jura has gone right to SEVEN WOOD with this bottling. – Was $121.99 – Save 35% – Now $79.29

8. Port Askaig 8 Year – 45.8% – Young, but lovely Caol Ila at a great every day price… even better on SALE. – Was $68.99 – Save 20% – Now $55.19

9. Cragganmore Distillers Edition – 40% (boo) Diageo is still playing catch up, so this is still on sale. – Was $107.99 – Save 25% – Now $80.99

10.    Cragganmore Flavour Led – 55.7% – Old NAS Cragganmore with good reviews that is a lot more palatable on sale than at full price! – Was $1199.99 – Save 30% – Now $839.99

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.

Note we likely cannot offer delivery before Christmas at this point!

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

*All Prices Quoted here are subject to change and do not include GST. In the case of pricing discrepancies, the price at our point of sale will be taken as correct.*

 

40% Off a Collector’s Trophy Whisky from Kavalan
Kavalan Solist “Moscatel” Cask Strength Single Barrel Taiwanese Single Malt Whisky (750ml) (Previously $500) ($299.99)
“The recent release of single casks from the King Car Distillery are without a doubt some of the most special bottlings that have ever come to market.”
— David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

We’ve seen some truly incredible single casks from Kavalan come through our doors over the past several years, but few (if any) of them stack up next to this most recent series of releases. The port pipes, ex-bourbon casks, and sherry butts have always been splendid as expected, but none have actually surprised our spirits team as much as this highly unusual and unique Moscatel cask. Far from an overblown, blousy, floral bomb, there is the typical 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 David Othenin-Girard describes this 2021 SFWSC double Gold Medal winner, “I find a host of outrageous dried and fresh fruit flavors condensed into one of the most precise and delineated deliveries I’ve ever seen.” The truly astounding feature here is the incredible 40%-off pricing that outdoes the market by a long shot. 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 “Moscatel” Cask Strength Single Barrel Taiwanese Single Malt Whisky (750ml) (Previously $500) ($299.99)

93 points Whisky Advocate: “Rich and intense nose, with paradise cake, honey, dried apple, plum, and crème dabricot. The mouthfeel is dry, nutty, and fruity, with a silky consistency. The cask strength is more noticeable here, but as it dissipates, there is some late complexity of plum skin and coffee bean with wave after effortless wave of flavor lasting for minutes on end. Finish is hot and nutty, with moist coffee grains. (JM)” (04/2017)

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: April 04, 2022

The recent release of single casks from the King Car Distillery are without a doubt some of the most special bottlings that have ever come to market. The Moscatel is easily the most approachable and decadent of the new special single casks from Kavalan. I was worried we’d get too much floral, perfumed quality out of this cask, but instead, I find a host of outrageous dried and fresh fruit flavors condensed into one of the most precise and delineated deliveries I’ve ever seen. Expect an intensly concentrated orchard of of figs, plums, guavas, and peaches on your palate. No wonder this whisky won double gold at the SF World Spirits Competition.

Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

Back to its best – GlenDronach Cask Strength

The GlenDronach Cask Strength offers connoisseurs a deep insight into the distillery’s signature character, by bottling at the whisky’s natural cask strength, as was the custom before the turn of the 20th Century.

Add a drop or two of water to reveal a cornucopia of flavour – from dark cherry to honeyed sultana and lingering ginger jam. Such is the reward of our tenth batch of The GlenDronach Cask Strength, a richly sherried Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky matured in fine Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks.

As with all expressions of The GlenDronach, all of the natural colour is drawn from slow maturation in Spanish oak casks.

Order Now – despatching this week

Tasting Notes:

Colour: Chestnut bronze.

Nose: Mocha, apricot and baked orange chocolate cake, with roasted almond, walnut and raisin on a base of aromatic toasted oak.

Palate: Richly spiced fruitcake with nectarine, dark cherry and honeyed sultana.

Finish: Lingering ripe apricot layered with ginger jam and indulgent caramelised date.

SHOP NOW

SHOP NOW

BUY A VOUCHER

St. George’s Distillery Harling Road, Roudham, Norfolk, NR16 2QW

01953 717939

BUNNAHABHAIN

AONADH
10 YEAR OLD

70CL | 56.2%

£99.95

WAS £110

SAVE £10.05

BUY NOW

A 10-year-old limited release from Bunnahabhain, matured in a combination of port and sherry casks. Aromas of rich creamy vanilla, dark berries and subtle oak spice lead to a fruity and spicy palate with flavours of blackberries, cinnamon, roasted nuts and dark chocolate.

https://youtu.be/RTfWr92En2M

It’s been a while since I reviewed a Kilchoman product, and Madeira seems to be the thing at the front of my mind right now. So this offering from the family run marvel is not disappointing! The colour of this product isn’t really shown off in the light of this video, but it has this beautiful pinky/orange hue to it.

A rich tapestry of grilled banana covered in toffee sauce. Orange, lime, kiwi and some pineapple notes make it through the thick fog of peat that sits in the glass; all stormy and dying to jump out. Palate wise, it’s just what you want. Thick, oily and wonderfully ashy in all ways. The indulgent fruitiness disappears and is replaced with this thick, boggy and infamously noticeable peat character. The Madeira casks are working incredibly well, but this is still and Islay whisky, albeit limited to 17,000 bottles across the world.

Cheers!

BONHAMS TO SELL OUTSTANDING COLLECTION OF ULTRA RARE WHISKY

View the catalogue: Bonhams : The Old, the Rare and the Only an extraordinary single owner collection of Whisky, Part 1

London – Bonhams is to sell one of the most exciting and comprehensive collections of rare Whisky, Cognac and Armagnac to appear on the market for many years. The Old, The Rare and The Only: an extraordinary single-owner collection of rare Whisky will be offered over two sales in London on 13 April and 10 June 2022. The private collection took more than 20 years to assemble and includes some of the most desirable and rarest bottles ever to appear at auction.

With more than 400 Single Malts, the collection is a Scotch Whisky time capsule. There are vintages from eight decades from the 1920s to the 2000s with many whiskies matured for up to 60 years and beyond.

Diego Lanza, Bonhams Senior Whisky specialist in London said: “This wonderful compendium of old, rare, and unique aged spirits was put together by an avid collector who travelled the world chasing down the rarest and most desirable bottles of single malts. The quality is staggering and there are bottles on offer of such rarity that collectors can spend a lifetime waiting for them to appear on the market.

Highlights of the 13 April sale include:

Whisky

• Glenfiddich Rare Collection-64 year old-1937. Regarded as the most legendary Glenfiddich ever produced, this is bottle No. 9 of 61 (£80,000-90,000).

• Black Bowmore Aston Martin DB5-31 year old-1964. This legendary Bowmore vintage was first bottled in 1995. Renowned for its unparalleled taste, it was re-bottled in 2020 and is presented in a decanter that incorporates a genuine Aston Martin DB5 piston. It is decanter 19 out 27 (£75,000-85,000). 

• Mortlach-70 year old-1938. One of the oldest single malts ever bottled was distilled in 1938, bottled in 2008 and released in a strictly limited edition of 54 of which this is decanter number 16 (£25,000-35,000).

• Ardbeg Double Barrel-1974. Two bottles from a limited edition of 250 pairs. Presented in an original bespoke leather-bound gun case made by Purdey & Sons, the pair comes with eight engraved sterling silver drinking cups (£20,000-25,000).

• Glenfiddich 1978-32-year-old. The Rafael Medina Edition is incredibly rare, and this is bottle 2 of only 7 in the world (£10,000-12,000).

• The cream of the crop of the Macallan’s legendary 1940s’ production era including The Macallan 1949 Millennium Decanter 50-year-old (£25,000-30,000); The Macallan Select Reserve-51 year old-1948 (£14,000-16,000) and The Macallan Select Reserve-52 year old-1946 (£13,000-15,000). 

• Glenfarclas 60-year-old. Bottled 2014, it is one of 360 bottles (£14,000-16,000).

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest and most renowned auctioneers, offering fine art and collectables, motor cars and a luxury division, including jewellery, watches, wine and whisky. The main salerooms are in London, New York, Los Angeles, Paris and Hong Kong, with auctions also held in Knightsbridge, Edinburgh, and Sydney. With a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 22 countries, Bonhams offers advice and valuation services in 53 specialist areas. For a full list of forthcoming auctions, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit bonhams.com

SCOTTISH ENTREPRENEUR’S DREAM COMES TRUE AT NEW YORK TARTAN DAY PARADE

Proud Scots from an award-winning glassmaking firm will join New York’s Tartan Day Parade for the first time ever this Saturday.

And they hope New Yorkers will love the four-foot-high inflatable Angel, sporting her bespoke tartan scarf, they will be parading along the streets with them.

The trip is a dream come true for Managing Director Karen Somerville and Customer Service Assistant Helen Kerr from whisky-themed giftware company Angels’ Share Glass.

The firm is well known in Scotland for capturing the spirit of a whisky producers’ legend, known as the Angels’ Share, through the creation of handmade glass angels filled and sealed with whisky in a secret process.

Karen and Helen, along with the inflatable Angel which represents the brand, are travelling to New York from Stirling as part of a trade mission aimed at forging new transatlantic links between Scottish and US businesses.

They’ll spend Tartan Week liaising with US retailers and enjoying all the celebrations culminating in the Parade at which they will celebrate Karen’s 50^th birthday and the ninth anniversary of the firm’s launch.

Karen says: “I’m overwhelmed to be taking part in the Parade this weekend and spending Tartan Week in New York.

“This really is a dream come true and a lifelong ambition for me and my team having watched the parade on TV and read about it in magazines over the years.

“We are so excited to be marching through Manhattan amid thousands of other lovers of all things Scottish and we’re hoping our inflatable Angel will help us stand out from the crowd!

“We’ll also be holding our tartan banner to celebrate the launch of our very own Whisky and Water Tartan and hope New Yorkers will get a kick out of seeing us and give us a wave and a cheer when they spot us coming!

“I remember my mentor telling me when I first started the business to imagine one day taking part in the New York Tartan Day Parade as an established Scottish firm.

“I was never sure something so amazing could happen to me but now here we are heading to New York as proud Scots.

“It’s also my 50^th birthday and the ninth anniversary of the launch of Angels’ Share Glass which will make the Parade experience even more special.”

Karen is hoping for the chance to meet Grand Marshal and fellow Scot Karen Gillan during the Parade and gift her a limited-edition whisky-filled glass angel.

She says: “Both mine and Helen’s families are huge Marvel fans and so meeting Karen and getting the chance to speak to her would be amazing.

“I’m really hoping for the opportunity to gift her one of our angels – that would make the whole experience even more memorable.”

The team from Angels’ Share Glass are among 13 Scottish companies selected to travel to New York on a trade mission run by Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce.

FVCC President Lynn Blaikie said: “Karen is amazing and I’m delighted the Angels’ Share team are part of the delegation.

“They are fantastic Ambassadors for Scotland and the handcrafted whisky-related glass gifts they make are unique and something incredibly special to behold.

“I think they will have enormous success with the US retailers they meet during the mission and be a big hit with New Yorkers as they stride through the streets with their inflatable Angel during the Parade.

“We had an incredible level of interest in the New York mission and I wish Angels Share Glass and the other Scottish firms well as they forge exciting new links this week.” 

During the trade mission entrepreneurs from the companies, which include Ardgowan Distillery and Glasgwegin Scottish Gin, will hold meetings with US retailers and showcase their products.

The Angels’ Share Glass creations, which include handmade glass whisky water droppers and tartan accessories, will be featured in a display at a Scotland House pop-up in the Blackbarn Restaurant on East 26^th Street. 

Karen and Helen will also hold meetings with high-profile US whisky retailers and enjoy all the official Tartan Week celebrations and Scottish-themed festivities including a Ceilidh.

Angels’ Share Glass specialises in crafting whisky-based gifts and launched in 2013 with the creation of handmade glass angels filled with the ‘Angels’ Share’ of whisky.

Last year, the family firm created its own tartan – Whisky and Water by Angels’ Share Glass – which reflects the glassmakers’ story and is used to complement its products.

For more information, visit www.angelsshareglass.com

Notes: Angels’ Share Glass is a family-run business based in Bridge of Allan, near Stirling. The firm was co-founded by Karen Somerville and her father Tom Young MBE – a world-renowned Master Craftsman who has been glassblowing and making lamp-work glassware for 60 years. More information about the company can be found at www.angelsshareglass.com

ANDREA MONTAGUE APPOINTED AS HEAD OF ADVOCACY AT EDRINGTON UK

Tuesday 8^th March 2022, London: Edrington UK today announces that Andrea Montague has been appointed Head of Advocacy in a newly created role for the business.

As Edrington UK’s new Head of Advocacy, Andrea will lead and champion brand advocacy, education and training – from bartender engagement activities to customer activations to industry events – across the company’s wide portfolio of premium spirit brands, including The Macallan, Highland Park, The Glenrothes, Brugal 1888, House of Suntory, Courvoisier, Laphroaig and Maker’s Mark amongst others.

With over 15 years’ experience in the drinks industry, Andrea is a respected figure in the spirits category having worked both at some of the most prestigious and highly respected establishments across London, as well as for leading brands, creating global advocacy programmes and education platforms for ambassador teams

With this she brings extensive experience in mentorship and project leadership as she heads up the company’s extensive advocacy team, including Edrington UK’s core Brand Ambassadors, Whisky Specialists and Serve Specialists, uniting them to create one centre of advocacy excellence, driving them to achieve the business’s brand ambitions through best-in-class advocacy and brand building.

Following another challenging start to the year for the hospitality industry, Andrea’s appointment comes during a crucial time as the on-trade looks towards recovery.

Zak Laurence-Whalley, General Manager at Edrington UK, said: “Advocacy has always been at the heart of Edrington UK’s brand-building strategies. We have delivered a wide range of globally recognised advocacy projects across our brands such as the House of Suntory Dojo programme, The Macallan and Rosewood London Partnership, and our bartender community space ‘Tending to the Tenders’ at London Cocktail Week. Andrea’s appointment is a vital step in recognising our advocacy successes to date and demonstrates our commitment to advocacy as a business. 

Consumers are discovering new and vibrant ways to enjoy dark spirits and the opportunity for the category is vast. Edrington UK has an enviable premium dark spirits portfolio, and we are perfectly pla­ced to lead the charge. By investing in high-calibre talent to create and execute our advocacy strategies, we are able to transform the premium spirits category hand-in-hand with our customers. We are excited to see Andrea drive our brand building vision forward.”

Commenting on her new role, Andrea stated: “I am honoured to be appointed as Edrington’s UK’ new Head of Advocacy for the UK. Having spent the last four years dedicating myself to single malts, I am delighted to be working with such a rich, premium dark spirits portfolio. As we continue to accelerate our brands in the premium space, I’m looking forward to bringing my experience to support and unite our advocacy team to drive our business vision forward.”

About Edrington UK

Edrington UK is the UK’s number one whisky supplier, part of the global Edrington family and responsible for the UK sales, marketing, and distribution of a portfolio of premium brands including The Macallan, Highland Park, The Famous Grouse, Naked Malt and Brugal.

As a valued distribution partner of Beam Suntory, Edrington UK also represents many of its brands in the UK marketplace, such as Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Bowmore, Laphroaig, Courvoisier, and The House of Suntory range of Japanese craft spirits.

Edrington UK also handles sales and distribution for a portfolio of liqueurs and specialities including 1826 Cocktails, Sourz, and AfterShock.