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1257 Kensington Road NW
1 (403) 283-8000 / atyourservice@kensingtonwinemarket.com
This single-cask Canadian whisky was made from a 50/50 mash of peated malt and malted wheat, matured 8 years in a First Fill ex-Bourbon cask. The first 'Excelsior' release from the Maligne Range is a collaboration with Kensington Wine Market, bottled at 48%.
7 years ago Andrew made this whisky with Bryce Parsons at Last Best Brewing in Calgary. The whisky was filled into an ex-Bourbon Barrel, which had previously matured a Jefferson's Reserve Bourbon KWM exclusive bottling. When they made the whisky, they had no idea when, or under what brand it would be bottled.
Way back in October of 2016, Kensington Wine Market had a once used Jefferson's Reserve Bourbon Barrel, from one of our store-exclusive bottlings. It had a lot of life left in it, so we set about finding something to do with it. Working with Bryce from Last Best Brewing & Distilling, it was decided we should fill the cask with spirit. A little more than 8 years later, that whisky is spirit. Limit 1 Per Customer!
This whisky was distilled at Last Best Brewing & Distilling in Calgary, though in time, the brand's spiritual home will be the Maligne Distillery under construction in Jasper.
Producer Description
"Introducing our first Excelsior specialty release, a Canadian whisky that defies tradition with its bold character and distinctive flavour profile. Crafted in collaboration with Kensington Wine Market, this whisky boasts a robust 48% ABV and a unique blend of peated malt and malted wheat, aged in a first-fill Russell Reserve Barrel. Excelsior is the name of a majestic peak over looking the town of Jasper."
About The Maligne Range
"The Maligne Range is an independent Canadian malt whisky-maker and blender. We distill small batch whiskies that are the vital essence of our expressions. These highly-flavoured whiskies from unique grain bills are the character actors on our whisky stage. We allow them to age in oak casks for a minimum of 5 years, affected by the capricious Alberta climate. We then blend with an ensemble cast of blending whiskies – some we distill, others are collaborations with renowned Canadian distilleries. The result is a range of Canadian whiskies that blaze new trails into the remote Western Canadian wilderness of possibility.
"The Maligne Range is the result of decades of experience brewing some of Western Canada’s best craft beers. The people who created Jasper Brewing, Banff Ave Brewing, Last Best Brewing & Distilling, and Campio Brewing have built on their experience and passion for craft spirits with this uniquely Canadian whisky brand. Like those breweries, The Maligne Range aspires to become a community cornerstone through the celebration of the craft of making Canadian whisky.
"In late-spring 2024 we will be inviting visitors to our new home in Jasper. The Maligne Range experience centre will be a celebration of Canadian whisky and elevated dining with a unique Jasper twist. Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Athabasca Valley, our guests will discover the full Maligne Range of products including house exclusives, curated cocktails and gastronomy that complete the experience."
750ml mlAndrew's Tasting Note
Nose: decadent, creamy, and subtly smoky with bright fruits; sour patch gummy bears, lemon tarts, and wine gums; vanilla cupcakes with smoked vanilla icing; a nice balance of round malt and crisp wheat; funk.
Palate: soft, sweet, and fruity with clean smoke; the malted wheat has given the spirit a lovely, silky minerality; more wine gums, sour gummy bears, and lemon drops; Penicillin cocktail; still a little funky, condensed milk and prepackaged vanilla cupcakes; Fisherman's Friends, Dutch licorice, and fennel seeds; clean slightly medicinal smoke.
Finish: fresh, fruity, and subtly smoky with more vanilla, citrus candies, and a soft mouth-coating minerality.
Comment: this is a dangerously easy-drinking, soft, fruity, and subtly peated Canadian whisky; I've been waiting 7 years to see how this would turn out, and it is lovely!
Producer Tasting Note
"The addition of peat to malted wheat whisky lends this expression subdued sweet peat notes, elegantly layered over creamed honey. This is not your typical Canadian whisky—it’s a departure from the ordinary. This Excelsior has a hot bite that greets your palate without overstaying its welcome. The result is a whisky that captivates with its non-traditional approach."
$104.99
Amber Mountain is the third release so far from the Maligne Range Series. Like the Tekarra and Excelsior that preceded it, Amber Mountain also takes its name from a mountain in the Maligne Range, which is in Jasper National Park. The whisky is a blend of malted barley distilled at Calgary's Last Best and mature 100% unmalted rye whisky from an undisclosed Alberta Distillery. Hmm... Batch 01 was bottled on July 21st, 2024 and bottled at 46%.
Producer Description
Named after Amber Mountain, a 2565-metre mountain Summit located in the Maligne Range of Jasper National Park, this whisky is a masterful blend crafted from Premium Alberta Rye and Malted Barley. These hand-selected grains bring forward a refined complexity, perfectly balancing warm spices, gentle sweetness, and a smooth, inviting character. Capturing the essence of Canadian Whisky at its finest - Amber Mountain is both approachable and intriguingly complex. Its seamless blend of accessibility and dept creates a captivating experience that will keep you coming back for more.
