Sortilege Maple Syrup & Rye Whisky
$31.49
From the brewery,
"Born of a rigorous distillation and meticulous ageing process, our whisky develops complex flavours during its 1,100 days of maturing in oak barrels. From there, our whisky is masterfully blended with our delicious Quebec maple syrup, which lends Sortilège its unique and authentic flavour."
30% Abv
Kura Pure Malt Whisky
$103.99
Kura Pure Malt is made by Helios Distillery in Okinawa, Japan. It is finished in Japanese Rum Barrels and bottled at 40% ABV.
From the Producer: "Made in the southernmost region of Japan, the exceptional "Kura The Whisky" is the result of careful aging in American White Oak. Finished in Japanese rum casks, its remarkable sweet aroma is accompanied by its distinctive mellow taste."
Pittnauer Pinot Noir
$37.99
One of the stars of Austria's winemaking scene, Gerhard Pittnauer makes modern, powerful reds that showcase the quality of Austria’s indigenous grape varieties. He's located in Burgenland, famous for the amount of sun it gets every year. Their wines are certified biodynamic and organic.
It displays a velvety texture, with abundant cherry/strawberry fruit. It's a vibrant Pinot Noir with great acidity and a surprising amount of depth. It’s one of the lighter styles of red wine that goes perfectly well with fish.
Ardbeg An Oa
$107.99
"An Oa" is named for Islay's wild Mull of Oa on the south-west coast. The prominent headland offers the Kildalton coast a bit of shelter from the tempestuous North Atlantic. The area was in centuries past the scene of much illicit distilling. The whisky is the first new core release in the Ardbeg range for close to a decade. Crafted to offer a more approachable take on Ardbeg whisky, the spirit was matured in a mix of PX Sherry, Virgin Oak and Ex-Bourbon casks. The mix was then rested in the distillery's new Gathering Vat'.
46.6% ABV
Producer Description
"A welcome new addition to the Ultimate range. Ardbeg An Oa is singularly rounded, due in no small part to time spent in our newly established bespoke oak Gathering Vat where whiskies from several cask types - including; sweet Pedro Ximenez; spicy virgin charred oak; and intense ex-bourbon casks, amongst others - familiarise themselves with each other. The result is a dram with smoky power, mellowed by a delectable, smooth sweetness. Hallmark Ardbeg peat,dark chocolate and aniseed are wrapped in smooth, silky butterscotch, black pepper and clove, before rising to an intense crescendo of flavour."
Moon Curser Syrah
$33.59
"A staple of the South Okanagan vineyard scene, this peppery, fruit driven, elegant wine is well worth trying," says the winemaker, and we agree! This fine red is dry and medium-bodied, with pleasant notes of black cherry, black pepper and a subtle floral hint. Pair with anything meaty: slow-roasted lamb, steak or roast beef.
Protea Chenin Blanc
$20.99
A crisp, classy Chenin Blanc from a well-respected producer — and what a brilliant price. Don't miss the mouthwatering notes of pear, melon and flowers; serve chilled and share with good friends.
Millstone Oloroso Sherry Single Malt 46%
$84.99
This Millstone NAS single malt was featured on Day 7 of the Kensington Wine Market 2017 Whisky Advent Calendar. It is bottled at 46%.
Andrew’s Tasting Note
Nose: thick with chocolate, Kahlua and caramel flavoured Baileys; big notes of liquorice Jujubes, polished new leather and brand new rubber boots.
Palate: big, nutty, leathery and earthy; syrupy, juicy dates and more Kahlua; caramel sauce and more cream liqueur tones; the leather and spices build but also some waxy Strawberry Twizzlers; young but layered and rich.
Finish: milk chocolate coats the palate along with caramel Baileys and liquorice Jujubes.
Comment: this is a malt for those looking to get their sherry on… it is big, proud and unapologetic; very Dutch!
Millstone PX Peated Single Malt 46%
$84.99
Produced by the Zuidam family distillery in Baarle-Nassau, Netherlands, this peated Millstone single malt whisky was aged entirely in PX Solera Sherry Casks. Bottled in small batches at 46% ABV.
Evan's Tasting Note
Nose: Rich Sherry notes along with wood and spice notes. Cloves, juniper, star anise, gingerbread, trail mix with raisins and walnuts, maple syrup, and an underlying potpourri and wood smoke.
Palate: The peat comes out more on the palate, with sweet notes from the PX Sherry and a lot of nuttiness. Toasted almonds, walnuts, dates, maple syrup again, earthy tobacco, fruit leather, amaretto, Frangelico, black licorice and Montreal steak spice.
Finish: The earthy smoke from the peat and nutty notes from the sherry linger together nicely.
Comment: This is big sherry with a decent amount of smoke, but very approachable. The spice notes and the smoke keep the PX Sherry influence from going overly sweet and decadent, which is surprising. This could have been over the top, but it finds a nice balance.
Vajra Langhe Nebbiolo
$41.99
One of the best-kept secrets out of Piedmont is the winery G.D. Vajra. Located at 1300ft in elevation and being the highest winery in Barolo they are fortunate enough to have some of the latest ripening grapes in Barolo and also providing smaller berries with thicker skins. A lot of the vineyards were planted in 1947, but the winery itself was not started until 1972 and the first vintage was released in 1978.
"Aldo and Milena Vajra are among the quietest and most introspective of Piedmont’s top echelon growers. It is the wines that do the talking here, and they do that ever so eloquently," according to Robert Parker's Wine Advocate. And from the winemaker: "Ruby red, delicate and at times, transparent. Intense expressive aromas of violets and dried roses are layered over small red berry notes. Silky tannins envelop the palate with personality and vivacious energy."