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2015 KWM Whisky Calendar Day 1: Balblair 2003

Posted on December 4, 2022

Welcome to the 2015 Kensington Wine Market Whisky Calendar!

 

25 days of Dram Fine Whisky...




Today is the first day of Kensington Wine Market's Whisky Advent 2015. Each day, for the next 25, days we will be talking about and tasting a new whisky. Every morning KWM will be putting details up on our blog for each whisky and the distillery it comes from. It's our hope that you'll share your feedback with us on the whiskies and the Whisky Advent Calendar through our social media channels: Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can comment on our posts, link to us and or use the hashtag: #KWMWhiskyAdvent.



Those of you lucky enough to have a calendar will be opening day one to find the custom logo Glencairn glass, a wee scroll, a discount card and the first whisky, the Balblair 2003. Eager as you may be, I would suggest giving the glass a rinse before digging in. Hang on to the discount card, you can bring it into the store for a discount on any of the whiskies in the 2015 KWM Whisky Advent Calendar. But enough about that and on to the first whisky.



Our first 2015 KWM Whisky Advent whisky hails from the Balblair Distillery in Northern Scotland. Balblair is one of Scotland's oldest distilleries, one of no more than a handful that can trace their origin to the 1700s. Although the distillery's founding date is listed as 1790, there is some evidence that whisky was being produced here as early as 1749. At that time beer was being produced on the site.

The distillery is situated just a 10 minute drive west of Glenmorangie, further up the scenic Dornoch Firth. In 1862 a new railway is built between Inverness and Ardgay, giving the distillery better access to coal and other raw materials. In 1895 the distillery is moved half a mile to the north to make better use of the railway. It would be a short lived venture, the distillery closed in 1911 with the last drop of whisky leaving the warehouses in 1932.



The outbreak of World War II saw the Balblair Distillery grounds taken over as part of the war effort. The distillery would not be returned to more peaceful civilian use until 1948 when a new owner took over with an eye to restarting the distillery. In 1949 production resumed, and has continued to this day. Balblair distillery is part of Inver House Distillers along with Knockdhu (anCnoc), Old Pulteney, Speyburn and Balmenach, which is in turn owned by Thai Beverage.

Prior to 2000 almost all of Balblair's production went into blends, but that started to change in 2000 when Inver House took over ownership. In 2007 the brand was relaunched with a vintage concept similar to Glenrothes, rather than fixed age statement whiskies. The current core range consists of: 1983, 1990, 1999 and 2003. There is also a very limited 1969 vin...

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Iconic Reds - November 26, 2015

Posted on November 27, 2015

Grant Graves
November 26, 2015
While the weather was cool last night the block buster wines we sampled at our Red Wine Icons tasting were able to warm us all.  The lineup included products from many of the best producing regions in the world which demonstrated their power, finesse and their potential for aging, a reflection of why they are considered iconic.  All participants enjoyed themselves and each had a couple of favourites.



So now for the lineup:

2009 Contino Graciano Rioja (Rioja Spain) - $99.99. “The sumptuous 2009 Graciano was raised entirely in new French oak (with 10% Hungarian) for 15 to 16 months. It has a very intense, creme de cassis, blueberry and dark plum-tinged bouquet with a hint of baked cherries. The palate is medium-bodied with a rounded, sensual entry. It is very supple and caressing in the mouth, with beautifully interwoven new oak towards the finish. It is a lush young Graciano that will need 5-6 years aging” Robert Parker

2009 Le Macchiole Messorio (Tuscany, Italy) - $265.99.  “The 2009 Messorio (Merlot) emerges from the glass with dark cherries, plums, mocha, smoke, incense and grilled herbs. This was surprise for those in the group that thought they did not like Merlot”. Robert Parker

2009 Kapcsandy Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Vin (Napa, California) - $434.99. “The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon-Grand Vin opens with a rush of dark red fruit, flowers, spices, new leather and licorice. It is an extremely classy wine graced with exceptional length and tons of polish. The intensity tapers off just a touch on the mid-palate and finish.” Robert Parker

2011 Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou (Saint Julien Bordeaux) - $204.99  “The 2011 Ducru Beaucaillou possesses a dense ruby/purple color along with a beautiful nose of sweet creme de cassis, crushed rock and spring flower aromas. This rich, medium to full-bodied St.-Julien is among the most concentrated wines of the Medoc. Moderate tannin is sweet and well-integrated.” Robert Parker

2004 Reschke Empyrean (Coonawarra, South Australia) - $122.99. “The wine reveals a splendid perfume of smoke, vanilla, scorched earth, black currant, and blackberry liqueur. This is followed by an extracted, thick, rich Cabernet with gobs of dark fruit flavors, superb balance, and a 60-second finish.” Robert Parker

2005 Quintarelli Rosso del Bepi IGT (Vento, Italy) - $204.99  Highly collectible this 2005 begins with a glorious nose, followed by power, concentration, and explosive energy, with dark cherry, leather, and spice, its tannins a perfect blend of smoothness and thickness. Another one for the ages from Quintarelli.

2010 Ornus dell’Ornellaia (Tuscany, Italy) - $119.99, 375 ml bottle  There is abundant vibrant fruit on the nose, with notes of peach jam and honey balanced by not...

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New beer arrivals - November 20th, 2015

Posted on November 22, 2015

Friday November 20, 2015
Shawn Young
Alright, so we're not quite through with the whole slew of new beers over the past few weeks. This ought to clear things up.

Before that though, I was happy to see a few of you at our Wine Fest and Whisky Fest last week. Having both on consecutive days with a sale weekend on their tail made the week a little hectic. There's no rest for the wicked though, as we also have our bubbles festival this week! After that it'll be back to beer central!

But I digress. Let’s get on with the onslaught of beer I have to tell you about.



Cherry Porter by Wild Rose Brewing
This year's edition of our favorite local Christmas brew is back! This big, chocolaty, roasty porter comes in its usual 1L swing top bottle format. ($15.79 for a 1L bottle)

Utah Sage Saison by Epic Brewing
A hugely herbaceous Belgian style Saison made with fresh local herbs. ($14.59 for a 650mL bottle)

Solid! by Gigantic Brewing
Yet another contender in the fruit bomb American wheat ale game, this one is loaded with -you guessed it- fruity hops layered on top of a soft and refreshing wheat ale. ($10.59 for a 650mL bottle)

Monk by Village Brewing
Village has finally released their winter release in an approachable format! This Chai spiced Porter is big enough to share, but so good you won't want to! ($9.39 for a 650mL bottle)

Smoked Hefeweizen by Steel and Oak Brewing
After visiting their humble New Westminster operation this past summer, I was excited to see their beers enter the province. This decently smoked Hefeweizen is one of my Steel and Oak favorites! ($8.39 for a 650mL bottle)

Coffee Pecan Pie Porter by Clown Shoes Brewing
I have to admit, I loved this release SOOO much last year(the perfect example of barrel aging in my humble opinion) that I was a little worried that the addition of coffee this year might ruin it! Luckily though, this one is just as good, if not better! I usually skip the holiday desserts, so this year I'll just have this instead! ($14.59 for a 650mL bottle)

Flight of the Angry Beast by Clown Shoes Brewing
This is a ridiculous blend of an imperial stout and a barley wine, aged in both Bourbon barrels and Scotch whisky barrels. My brain can't even comprehend it... ($20.39 for a 650mL bottle)



Blackcap Raspberry by Cascade Brewing
There are only a hand full of raspberry sours that hit our shelves, and it's so hard to say which one is better. Don't let this one slip through your hands, especially if you are a fan of Cantillon or Dieu du Ciel's Solstice D'Ete. ($39.69 for a 750mL bottle)

Kriek Ale by Cascade Brewing
As a huge fan of Krieks, this is yet another I have to warn you not to miss. rich, tart, and amazing, and -importantly- limited and somewhat rare! ...

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Scotch Malt Whisky Society of Canada, November 2015 Outturn

Posted on November 17, 2015



November 2015 was an exciting release for the Canadian arm of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, launching 8 new single malts in place of the usual 7. Rob & Kelly the Canadian branch founders were concerned that the range was going to be a little disappointing (ha ha) so they released an extra dram... boy were they mistaken! There were some real gems this month with the releases from distilleries 3, 26 and 1 being my favourites in that order. Some of the other strong contenders included 53.222, 66.65 and 48.58. None of the whiskies disappointed with all of them being someone's favourite. We saw good sales across the board for all 8 releases with a few coming close to selling out!

Here are November 2015's Scotch Malt Whisky Society Canada releases:

5.42: Bathed in a baker's shop - 59.5% - 13 Year - Refill Hogshead - Lowland - Profile: Juicy, oak and vanilla - Outturn: 274 Bottles - Panel's Tasting Note: "One panel member came over all broody, reminded of bubble bathed babies wrapped in fresh towels. Others found it very juicy, bouncing with green grape, apple chews and lemonade lollies. Ginger gave a lively spritziness to taste, baby was then soothed by vanilla Jell-O pudding, and peanut butter on bagels. The addition of water opened spearmint, elderflower soap and brioche on waxed paper. Mother hen found her baby swaddled in a newly laundered crochet blanket, while the rest found sweetly iced christening cake decorated with white liies, lychee and pea shoots. A bonny, blooming bairn!" Drinking tip: "A christening perhaps?" - $145
1.185: Russian, Jamaican, Turkish, Thai - 54.5% - 30 Year - Refill Hogshead - Profile: Old & dignified - Outturn: 190 bottles - Panel's tasting note:  "Opulent and elegant, the nose wove a textured fabric of sweetness (fudge, butterscotch, caramel, manuka honey, dark chocolate, peanut brittle) shot through by threads of garden exotics, tobacco leaf, sandalwood, After Eights and soft leather. The palate combined effervescent citric tingles with treacle toffee and old oak – Cossack-dancing Russian caramels smoked cigars while Jamaican gingerbread men limbo-danced on polished floors. The reduced nose evoked Botanic Gardens, cabinet makers, mint and lemon Turkish Delight and Thai spice. The palate – sweetly sophisticated with citric élan – strawberry, blackcurrant and lemon Life Savers, ginger snaps and tobacco – a Marypark marvel worth savouring." Drinking tip:  "A captivating after-dinner dram (preferably on a large yacht)" - $286
48.58: Medieval jousting dram - 63% - 11 Year - 1st Fill Barrel - Speyside - Profile: Spicy & sweet - Outturn: 221 bottles - Panel's tasting note: "The nose was many-faceted – waxy flowers and tree bark soon developed a fruity layer (apple, raspberry, fruit salad) eventually deepening into chocolate-coated toffee, cherry gateau and millionaires’ shortbrea...

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What’s Next - Beer & Cheese! - November 10, 2015

Posted on November 22, 2015

Marty Rozon
Nov 10, 2015

This is the last beer tasting of our fall 2015 schedule, the popular Beer and Cheese. We welcome Adam Liddiard from Peasant Cheese, next door to Kensington Wine Market, and thank him for some great cheese pairings.

Tonight’s beer lineup:

1.  Thiriez/Jester King La Petite Princesse

A collaboration with Jester King, it’s the "sister" of Le Petit Prince; brewed at Thiriez, same recipe, different malt and hop suppliers, and different yeast. A Farmhouse table ale - light, fresh and delicious. Only 2.9% alcohol. This would be great on a summer evening on the patio. Perhaps mid-November is not ideal, but an easy start to the evening.

2. Sierra Nevada Nooner Pilsner

A midday go-to, Nooner is Sierra Nevada's take on the classic German-style pilsner—one of the original session beers. Nooner is easy drinking yet packed with the big flavour of spicy and floral whole-cone hops. It’s great to finally have Sierra Nevada products available in Alberta.

3. Kasteel Cuvee Du Chateau

An unequaled beer, at the top of the Kasteel spectrum. The aroma and flavour of Cuvée are those of a Kasteel Donker, that aged 10 years in the cellars of the castle, noble and strong. This beer is not actually 10 years old, just tastes like old Donker. A lovely dark Belgian ale, lots of malt and sweet molasses notes.

4. Phillips Green Reaper Fresh Hop

Freshly harvested Willamette hops went from vine to beer in less than 24 hours in this newly minted Fresh Hop annual release. It's a craft beer apparition sent to show you the impact that fresh hops can make as it guides your taste buds to the aftertaste.

5. Brewdog Libertine Black Ale

A 7.2% wickedly decadent black beast of a beer that has been hammered with the epic Simcoe hop. With a drinkability that defies its colour and depth of flavour, Libertine delivers a dark hop bomb combining the west coast hop awesomeness of an IPA, the dark and indulgent malt flavours of big stout with a lightness on the palate that bellies the punch that this beer packs. Bags of flavour and loads of hops. I, for one, am glad the Brewdog guys left University science education to brew beer. Easily my favourite of the night.

6. Ninkasi Noir Milk Stout W/Coffee

Noir blends two signature brews of the Pacific Northwest: coffee and beer. This coffee milk stout combines roasted malts with smooth cold brewed coffee from Stumptown Coffee Roasters. A subtle sweetness from milk sugar (lactose) makes this beer reminiscent of the most satisfying cup of joe; distinctive and delectable. This is a big beer, but the lactose softens the coffee edges and makes it so drinkable.

Tonight’s favourites as voted by the tasting participants:

1.    Kasteel Cuvee du Chat...

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