Monthly Archives: January 2024

Whisky of the Month

Highland Park 1989 30 Year Old

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Gordon and Macphail Independent bottled at Cask Strength 51.1 % ABV

This Highland Park 1989 30 Year Old was bottled once again by Gordon and Macphail at a cask strength 51.1 % ABV. Finished in refill Sherry butt casks. This specific version was filled in 1989 and then bottled on March 20, 2019.

Nose: Toffee and coffee bean aromas with a citrus tinge

Palate: Pepperiness backed by orange zest, dark choclate and warming spices

Finish: Long and fruity, smooth sherry warmth, hint of charred oak smoke

It’s not too often we venture into the realm of 30 Year old single malts, but once again we were able to find this gem of an independent bottling from Gordon and Macpail for a reasonable price point whish isn’t too bad when you have a group of people contributing to the purchase. This was the highlight of the night for our 16 year club anniversary. Highland park has long been a club favourite and this expression did not disappoint. A must try for all lovers of Highland Park whisky. Shout out to our whisky procurement point man Chad Nagle, the line up to celebrate our 16 year club anniversary was absolutely fantastic. Cheers to all!

Whisky of the Month

Linkwood 25 Year Old

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Also a Gordon and Macphail independent bottling at 46%

This Linkwood 25 Year was also bottled indpendently by Gordon and Macphail and was sourced for $389.99. This expression was finished for 25 years in refill sherry casks. Normally 99% of Linkwoods whisky is used for blended malts like Johannie Walker and J&B, so Linkwood single malt bottlings are fairly rare to come by. Plus like the Mortlach we felt the value for a 25 Year bottling was excellent.

Nose: Baked apple, raisins, sherry sweetnes and licorice

Palate: sweet spiciness, warm pepper, touch of cinnamin, citrus fruits and a little smokiness

Finish: smooth warmness, nuts and lingering oak, sheery cask finish characteristics all over this one

Again, the value cost for the flavour on this one is amazing. 25 Year old single malt prices are out of touch across the board. Having a bottle of Linkwood at our 16 Year anniversary is a throwback to our inaugural tasting when we had a Linkwood. Nice to see things come full circle 16 years down the road.

Whisky of the Month

Mortlach 25 Year Old

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Gordon and Macphail independent distillery label series bottling at 46%

Mortlach was the first legal distillery in Dufftown and is named after the ancient parrish where the town is located. This wonderful expression was matured in both sherry and bourbon casks during it’s 25 year slumber!

Regular 25 Year bottlings of Mortlach are priced in the $1000 range, so this independent version
from Gordon and Mcphail was a fantastic value at $389.95.

Nose: Rich and full bodied backed by sherry and whisps of orange marmalade. Brown sugar, vanilla and toffee

Palate: Apricots, candied fruit, smooth and creamy mouth feel

Finish: Medium warm fonish, not over powering, slightly dry from the classic sherry maturation, linger of light charred oak for additional body

Certainly one of the favourites from our amazing 16 Year anniversary line up. Recommended that if you can find a bottle to pick it up based on fantastic taste and value proposition of this 25 year old gem.

Whisky of the Month

Balblair 1991

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Bottled at 54.5% on October 7, 2009 with Refill American Hogshead barrels Exclusively for Calgary Co-Op and wines. Bottle donated by member Lee Snetsinger

Nose: Peppercorn, strawberry jam, pear and baking spices

Palate: Vanilla, rich malts, citrus, marmalade

Finish: Dry, warming cocoa with a backing of toffee apples

The wonderfully fruity nose whets the appetite for more. Unfortunately the fruity taste of the nose is missing. The taste is initially a bit sour with a heavy presence of spicy wood which at the cask strength makes sense. Backed by the presence of dry sherry and dark fruits. Berries, plums and a hint of orage are merried together to offer a beautifully well rounded flavour profile.

Balblair distillery is one of the favourites of Lee Snetsinger’s and their bottlings never disssapoints. The cub was quite happy to be able to try out some of Lee’s favourite.

What a way to add to our 16 year tasting extravaganza, thanks Lee!

Whisky of the Month

Edradour Natural Cask Strength Ibisco

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Bottled at 58.9%, 700 ml, Cost to secure $180.00

This Edradour bottling was aged 10 years and a day in 7 different ex-bourbon casks. Here are some of the tasting details on that bottle:

Nose: Vanilla Bean, butterscotch with spicy oak and floral aromas, would recommend comparing before and after addign a drop or two of water

Palate: Full bodied and robust with intense sweet and fruity notes. Vanilla is paired with fresh herbs and spicy oak. The drop or two of water helps to tone down the strength of the alcohol and opens up the flavours

Finish: Medium length, subtle sweetness with warm floral notes

Once again another fine offering from Edradour which specializes in smaller batch offerign and fnishes like this example, quite a way to kick off our 16th anniversary tasting!