Boutique-y Clynelish 20 Year KWM Cask
$219.99
It is finally here... we have been teasing and talking about this whisky for months, and it was worth the wait. We are thrilled to introduce you to our first ever KWM exlcusive single cask from That Boutique-y Whisky Company. Although the bottle doesn't explicitly tell you which "Highland" distillery the whisky is from, there are clues on the label... 578 bottles have been filled exclusively for Kensington Wine Market at 51%. But we have nothing holding us back from telling you that Boutique-y Highland #2 is Clynelish... That's right, this is 20 year old Clynelish!
Andrew's Note on the Whisky & Label
Could that be a cat in the clouds, a Wild Highland Cat perhaps? Is it not strange to see a waxy candle-powered balloon? Incidentally, it is lifting the KWM whisky team aloft. And what of the monument? If we told you it was a controversial monument near the town of Golspie dedicated to the infamous Duke of Sutherland, would that give you all the information you need to know? What Highland Distillery has a Wild Highland Cat as its symbol, a waxy profile, and an infamous Duke as its founder?
This label is a cheeky take on a shared memory, with embellishments, embedded details, and Easter eggs, in the tradition of the best Boutique-y Whisky Company Labels. More importantly, it tells a story, which is personally important to my family. My mother was born into the Clann Gunn in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. Her ancestors roamed swaths of what is now Caithness and Sutherland in northern Scotland. That is until they were compelled to leave Scotland in the late 18th century, cruelly and rudely displaced to make way for sheep during the early days of the Highland Clearances.
On the label there is a ship at sea, heading to Canada presumably, as hinted at by the flags (the Canadian flag as it is today was only introduced in 1965). On the flat coastal plain at the base of the mountains sheep can be seen grazing. In front of the monument stand a pair of Canadians stand in hockey jerseys. Sam Simmons, Head of Whisky at Atom Brands, and a native Torontonian, stands closest to the monument in what appears to be a hockey jersey. Further back, a native Calgarian, yours truly can be seen waving a white hat, an iconic symbol of "Cowtown", whilst sporting a local hockey team jersey of his own. In the balloon Keith, Evan, Shawn & Curt can be seen waving at Andrew & Sam below. Speaking of those two, what are they doing atop Ben Bhraggie? Funny story that.
When TBWC offered us this cask of Highland Malt, they asked us what we wanted on the label, and I had a cheeky idea. In 2006 I made my first trip to Scotland, and on that trip, I hiked up Ben Bhraggie, a small mountain (really a foothill by Canadian standards) to see the monument of the infamous Duke. Someone had spraypainted the word "Monster" in neon green at the base. When I was sure no one was looking I dropped trow and relieved myself on it. I sent Sam an email of this tale, my connection to the area and my idea for the label. I was sure it was just a little too edgy...
Minutes later my phone was ringing... it was 3 AM in the UK, but Sam wanted to make sure I had seen his reply. He too had hiked Ben Bhraggie in 2005, and he had also paid his own respects to the infamous Duke of Sutherland...
One last little nugget, Keith, who is a personal trainer and headed to Beijing as a Team Canada Skeleton coach, felt his arm didn't look appropriately burly, in an early draft of the label. So we had the artist, Emily Chappell, 'bugs bunny' his arm... In case it isn't already apparent, nothing is sacred (especially when it comes to The Duke of Sutherland and Keith's pipes)!
And the rest as they say is history. On the back of every bottle, That Boutique-y Whisky Company includes the following text: "We are passionate about great whisky, we don't take ourselves too seriously and we LOVE a good story." No wonder these chaps are such a great fit to work with!
G&M CC Clynelish 2008 WOTWC Cask
$249.99
This 2008 vintage Clynelish was matured 17 years in a Refill Sherry Hogshead before bottling at 57.3%. The cask was selected by Matt at Whisky on the West Coast as a Western Canada exclusive bottling.
Clynelish 10 Year Special Releases 2023
$254.99
First Fill Bourbon American Oak. What a perfect way to showcase 'the waxy one'. Unquestionably, one of the most exciting of the 2023 Special Releases.
57.5% abv
Macbeth Act 2 Clynelish 14 Year
$223.99
Macbeth Act Two - Clynelish 14 Year - The Household: Servant - 55.1% - First Fill ex-Bourbon Barrels
87.52pts Whiskybase
Clynelish 18 Year Special Release 2025
$359.99
This 18 year old Clynelish has been released by Diageo as part of the 2025 Special Releases. Nicknamed 'Waxen Sun', the whisky was matured in Refill Cask, and includes spirit from "cut point experiments". 51.6%
Producer Description
"The signature character of Clynelish Distillery is imbued with a sweet, tropical vibrancy from a unique experiment, in which a cut of the liquid is drawn early in the distillation process, when tropical flavour notes are prevalent. We call this the ‘Pineapple Cut’. Matured for at least 18 years in refill casks, notes of lush, ripe pineapple enliven the taste of wax and honey. Experience the feeling of that perfect place in the sun."
Clynelish 14 Year
$109.99
Although the current Clynelish distillery was founded in 1967, it's origin can be traced to it's now demolished sister distillery, Brora. Founded in 1819 it was originally known as Clynelish. Interestingly in the 18thC. it was held in such high regard that the whisky was privately sold. Today the majority of Clynelish is destined for blending, with only a small amount for bottling as single malt.
Producer Description
Clynelish whisky is closer to an Island style than other mainland malts, with a complex and fragrant nose and an agreeable, long finish that leaves a lingering fresh-fruity flavour. This 14-year-old is a less heavyweight whisky that's deliciously drinkable and makes it an excellent aperitif.
Clynelish Distillers Edition
$104.99
Only 60 bottles have come into Alberta and KWM has snagged 30 of them! This Oloroso Seco finished Clynelish has been bottled at 46%. My tasting note: "Nose: Orange notes, orange citrus, candied orange and dried orange peel; the waxy honeyed notes Clynelish is famous for come out with patience and some ginge spice; Palate: creamy and spicy with more candied orange, orange peel, dried ginger and thick-waxy-creamy-unpasteurized honey; the spices take over on the second sip with some dried fruits; Finish: coating, waxy and spicy fruits!"
Clynelish Select Reserve
$1,199.99
Limited to 2946 bottles, this limited edition official bottle of Clynelish was bottled in 2015 at 56.1% ABV.