Scotch Malt Whisky Society 46.21

$113.39

A BALLERINA IN STILETTOS: An 11 year Speysider at 60.9% from a Refill Sherry Butt. "The palate now suggested duck with orange sauce, syrup of figs and leather thongs -- and seemed to dance around the tongue like a ballerina in stilettos."

Panel's Tasting Note: "The nose was immediately promising – offering buttered popcorn, puff candy, caramel, burnt orange peel, toasted almonds, potpourri, molasses and Christmas essential oils. The palate had good viscosity and an expanding universe of flavours – orange and lemon zest, moist gingerbread, wood-sap, candied angelica,pepper and Lea and Perrins – chewy and tasty, with spicy tingles. The reduced nose found malt, maple syrup on bacon, porridge and a wood-panelled room. The palate now suggested duck with orange sauce, syrup of figs and leather thongs – and seemed to dance around the tongue like a ballerina in stilettos. Named after a tributary of the Spey."

Drinking Tip: "A nice wee dram to provide warmth and contentment in the winter months."

Ardbeg Auriverdes

$161.99

TAKING PRE-ORDERS: Of Ardbeg's 2014 Ardbeg Day Bottling, the Auriverdes. From the Distillery "Ardbeg Auriverdes - nick-named after its golden whisky (auri), and unmistakable green bottle (verde) - is destined to be the star of Ardbeg Day 2014." Estimated Retail price, between $125 and 130. To be confirmed!

Scotch Malt Whisky Society 27.104

$133.19

COWBOY'S DELIGHT: After 15 years in a Refill Sherry Gorda and at 55.6% this is sure to be a stunning Campbeltown dram. "A polished leather saddle (and saddle soap), then marinated pork and a hint of dry tar and burnt buttered toast."

Hepburn's Choice Auchentoshan 11 Year

$76.49

Exclusive to KWM in Alberta, this 46% bottling of Auchentoshan is very fresh, creamy and citrussy. Bottled under the label Hepburn's Choice, by Hunter Laing & Co. It is from a single cask, non-chill filtered and with its natural colour.

Hepburn's Choice Benrinnes 10 Year

$76.49

Benrinnes is not frequently seen bottled as a single malt, even by independent bottlers. This bottling is from a single sherry cask, non-chill filtered and without added colouring. About 60 bottles have come in to Alberta!

Hepburn's Choice Braeval 12 Year

$79.19

Sometimes called the Braes of Glenlivet, Braeval is another single malt seldom seen bottled, even by independent bottlers. It is the highest distillery in Scotland. Bottled at 46% from an Ex-Sherry Butt.

Hepburn's Choice Tamdhu 12 Year

$79.19

There is only ever been one official release of Tamdhu, and even independent bottlings are few and far between. This single cask is limited to just 30 bottles in Alberta, exclusively from KWM! One of Hunter's favourite new bargain whiskies.

Scotch Malt Whisky Society 35.86

$107.99

SUMPTUOUS BREAKFAST DRAM: An 11 year Speysider at 59.3% from a First Fill Sherry Butt. "The palate was ultra-rich--extravagantly boasting its showy wealth of burnt fruit cake, coffee grinds, hot-cross buns, cloves, treacle,orange oil and leather."

Panel's Tasting Note: "The nose suggested sumptuous breakfasts – cinnamon toast, marmalade, bran flakes, prunes, coffee, pancakes with syrup,cranberries and Nutella on toasted bagels; beyond breakfast, some nutty sherry, garam masala, Deep Heat and polished oak. The palate was ultra-rich – extravagantly boasting its showy wealth of burnt fruit cake, coffee grinds, hot-cross buns, cloves, treacle,orange oil and leather. The reduced nose introduced menthol and eucalyptus, liquorice and Bombay mix, while the palate acquired a juicier sweetness – Toblerone, kiwi and liquorice and blackcurrant. The distillery, once a brewery, was previously owned by Thorne’s."

Drinking Tip: "After dinner (or with a sumptuous breakfast)"

Scotch Malt Whisky Society G8.3

$161.09

SURPRISE ME...

A powerful single grain whisky at 59% after 23 years maturing in a refill hogshead cask

Flavour profile:  Sweet, fruity & mellow

Outturn:  250 bottles

Panel's tasting note: "Even at this age the spirit is still spirited; the aroma is of golden syrup and toffee popcorn, with juicy green apples and pears behind; very slightly woody and dusty: ‘a cupboard shelf covered in Fablon.' The taste is sweet and sour - kiwi fruits, lime cordial, Seville orange, sour cherry, stewed tea – with a short finish. Reduced, the aroma initially becomes more oaky (a musty sea chest, a brush shop), then sweeter – lemon puffs, lemon meringue pie. A soft mouth feel; a sweetish start (‘white jelly babies’), then bitter lemon, with a very short finish. This large grain distillery near Alloa, built 1806, closed in 1993."

Drinking tip: "Frozen, as an aperitif"