Bruichladdich Tastings w/ Jim McEwan - Tuesday September 2nd 2014
Posted on September 26, 2014
Jim McEwan is a legend in the whisky industry, and we werre very pleased to host him for another pair of epic tastings at Kensington Wine Market. Words can only partly convey the boundless energy, passion and enthusiasm that this man can boast. We could offer you some lengthy prose detailing the tastings in minutia, but even that would fail to fully convey the excitement of the night's events. So we'll share some of the more memorable moments.
Jim greeted every member of the gathered group as if each one were a close and personal friend. He begins weaving his magic at hello, a taste of what's to come. Jim's narrative is about more than just whisky, one man and one distillery, it the story of an island, its people and tradition. He passionate tells the story of Bruichladdich and it's humble beginnings, painting a picture of a once smaller and neglected distillery. He stretches even further back in time to speak the days when everything was done by hand, and distilling was an art form.  Bruichladdich's new owners decided to stick with tradition and make whisky by hand, when possible with local ingredients. They made it a point of focusing on quality and community.
Jim's narrative slams home the importance they put into the ingredients, the age old techniques passed down from generations before and a personal loving devotion endowed on each and every barrel of whisky filled. While steeping the crowd with the mystique and history of the distillery and its whisky, Jim kept the moved light with well placed jokes that provoked some hearty chuckles. Through the conversations and stories continued Mr. McEwan was careful not to overshadow the evenings other bright stars: the Botanist Gin, and the shinning amber liquids sitting in front of his mesmerized audience. Each whisky was romanced by its maker, and it was impossible to resist their siren calls.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH JIM LEAD THE TOAST!
As the night progressed and the end was near, Jim proposed a chieftain's toast, to battle, to honour and camaraderie which included shouting on everyone's part. and only once the explosive chant was loud was he satisfied. As the cheery crowd left, the binding toast had left it's proclaimers something more than acquaintances, yet something not quite describable. A thanks to Jim McEwan, the Man from Islay for not only an amazing presentation but as well, an experience that we will remember for a long, long time.
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Scotch Malt Whisky Society Canada September 2014 Outturn
Posted on September 9, 2014
Here are September's new releases as sampled at the Kensington Wine Market during the Scotch Malt Whisky Society's September releases tastings at KWM on September 8th, 2014.
36.62: The Italian job - 21 Year - 51.3% - 2nd Fill Hogshead - Speyside - Outturn: 229 Bottles - Panel's Tasting Note: "We were greeted by a fresh, chalky and slightly mineralic aroma; laundry drying in a sea breeze, fresh cut wood and a hint of grappaesque eau de vie. A light sweetness is lingering in the background, refreshers candy and Campino fruit bonbons. Fizzy on the tongueto start, then turning sweeter into grape juice and Rowntree’sRandoms. Herbal flavours follow; ciabatta bread, Parma ham and hard parmesan cheese grated on top. With water becoming even more mineralic, almost flinty, like an austere white Lombardian wine enjoyed on a terrace overlooking Lake Como late in the afternoon. The taste has an intriguing balance of sour cream chips and a honey yogurt ice cream – Salute!" Drinking Tip: "Whilst on holiday in Italy." - $179.99
17.35: Very fruity, very tasty - 11 Year - 56.1% - Refill Barrel - Island/Orkney - Outturn: 242 Bottles - Panel's Tasting Note: "We found lots of good stuff on the nose – honey, toffee, vanilla, Battenberg cake, vanilla and a variety of fruits (pear, apple, tinned pineapple, strawberry, three-fruit marmalade). We also found tarragon, straw, putty, menthol, brass and a stationery cupboard. The palate was tasty – majoring on fruit (star-fruit, rhubarb, peach, pineapple) – but also with gummy bears, ‘soor plooms’ candies, some interesting ginger spice and a salty note. The nose shifted with water – oatcakes, tea caddies and pepper – the centerpiece still a bowl of fruit, but now sharper (gooseberry, lime). The palate became even tastier – Moffat toffees and coke with lime. Orkney’s smaller distillery." Drinking Tip: "To serve before lunch in summer." - $124.99
94.4: Ode to autumn - 24 Year - 52.3% - Refill Hogshead - Highland - Outturn: 201 Bottles - Panel's Tasting Note: "We were greeted by a dusty, warm and malty aroma - like a hayfield at harvest time on a sunny afternoon, or sanding a wooden floor, or dusting off a Scalextric set not used for a long time and having a first go. In the taste sweet and rich with a herbal and fruity note; Italian biscotti biscuits with hazelnuts and dark cherries as well as aniseed, lemon and orange rind. Adding water, roasted red peppers stuffed with herb couscous accompanied by a salty/tangy ginger and lime dressing and the taste salty and sweet like an olive oil and balsamic bread dip. A unique example from the distillery with a unique cooling system for its spirit still - simply running cold water along the sides." Drinking Tip: "After enjoying a lovely autumn day." - ...
COMING SOON: Independent Macallan Tasting - Tuesday Sept 18
Posted on September 6, 2014
There is perhaps no more iconic single malt whisky than The Macallan. It is the Cadillac of single malts and an aspirational brand the world over. We’ll take a look at the distillery, exclusively, with independent bottlings going back to 1970! The tasting will feature whiskies from Gordon & MacPhail's Speymalt range, Master of Malt, First Editions and Old Particular. It will be an excellent tasting.Tue Sept 16 7pm - Only 4 Spots Left! - $80
Register Online or by phone 403-283-8000....
Now Taking Pre-Orders: Kensington Wine Market 2014 Whisky Advent Calendar
Posted on October 25, 2024
Order the Kensington Wine Market 2014 Whisky Advent Calendar
Our Exclusive Advent Whisky Calendar is on sale now! Only 288 units of our “Dram Fine Whisky Calendar†will be produced. Order now to avoid disappointment. Last year our calendar sold out before it arrived!. Each KWM 2014 Whisky Advent Calendar contains 24 unique 50ml whiskies and a specially marked Glencairn glass. The actual list of whisky is a surprise, but here’s a hint, one of the whiskies is 40 years old and retails for more than $700 a bottle (750ml)! This is the perfect pre-Christmas gift for the whisky lover in your life, and a great way to lift your spirits. Slainté! $359.99
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Important Update: Friday August 29th We will open at 1:30PM!
Posted on August 29, 2014
Please be advised the Kensington Wine Market will not open until 1:30PM on Friday August 29th. All of the staff will be attending the funeral of a longtime employee's mother. Sorry for any inconvenience. We will close at the usual time and resume regular hours Saturday. Thank You!...Recent Posts
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