Valinch & Mallet Jamaica 14 Year
$267.99
To Calgarians and Disney movie fans, Jamaica may be most well-known for its bobsled teams coached by John Candy. It might come as a surprise that this island nation in the Caribbean also produces fantastic rum! This bottling is also called Ester's Delight #2 and was produced by a pot still. Bottled at 56.9% ABV.
Producer Tasting Note
"Pot still. A second seahorse blend had to be made, we missed the first one too much! Same 5 distilleries, same high esters nose and sweet palate. We just Love it! Continental ageing. Artwork by bn+ BRINANOVARA"
Oud Beersel Green Walnut
$37.99
Producer's notes:
After the bottle fermentation this sparkling walnut Lambic of Oud Beersel is called Green Walnut, which is a strong companion for blue-veined cheese, dried ham and salads with nuts. The green walnuts macerate in the Lambic beer enabling them to unfold their taste and flavour.
The initial bitterness which is extracted from the walnuts is tempered during the ripening of the walnut Lambic. This results in a delicate balance between the light sourness of the Lambic beer and the bitterness of the green walnuts. The wooden wine barrels provide a subtle touch of red fruits to the beer.
Tamnavulin 1979
$1,149.99
According to the Malt Whisky Yearbook, Tamnavulin is the fastest growing single malt in Scotland. While historically much of the distillery's production has ended up in Whyte & Mackay blends, it seems as though there's a new vision for the brand. With a capacity of about 4.2 million litres, we should soon be seeing a lot more Tamnavulin. Sadly, the core range is rather lean, but there was also a decade long stock gap from the mid-90s through mid-2000s, so a lot of the spirit is really just coming into its own. Imagine our surprise when this 2018 Taiwan-exclusive bottling appeared in our market. Apparently, this was the last batch they had left from the 1970s. It was matured in a combination of first fill Sherry butts and Bourbon barrels. In their own words: "Initially matured in Bourbon barrels then transferred to 30 Years Old Matusalem Oloroso Sherry butts before being returned to First Fill Bourbon barrels for a final maturation period to conclude the 39 year maturation."
Just gonna say it: this price is way too low.
Non-chill filtered, and bottled at 46.5% abv
Nc'nean Organic Single Malt Scotch
$97.99
Nc'nean is one of the most fascinating distilleries going. Net zero carbon emission, entirely organic, socially aware, and now with legit 'of age' whisky. This core range single malt was matured in a mix of red wine, Oloroso sherry, and ex-American whiskey casks (we assume that means not ex-Bourbon, but don't quote us).
Natural colour, non-chill filtered, and bottled at 46% abv.
Poplar Grove The Legacy
$94.99
Founded in 1993, Poplar Grove Winery is one of the original five wineries on the Naramata Bench. Tony and Barb Holler purchased the winery in 2007. Their sons, Chris, Andrew, Matthew, and Eric farm more than 140 acres of estate vineyards with care. The family is widely recognized for crafting their outstanding signature red blend The Legacy, as well as delicious Cabernet Franc and Merlot-focused wines and an exceptional Pinot Gris. Together they share a commitment to distinctive, genuine wines that reflect the character of the Okanagan Valley.
Amrut Two Continents
$169.99
Good to see this one back. There's only ever been a handful of batches of this expression, so it's extra special to see the prodigal child return.
Amrut Two Continents starts its life in India and, after a period of initial maturation in those warm climes, the casks are shipped to an undisclosed European location for the last little bit of 'growing up'. An interesting concept (something that Scotch whisky could never do), and always well-executed. This is Batch No 4.
Natural colour, non-chill filtered, and bottled at 46% abv.
Vallein Tercinier 1996 Cognac GrCh 49.7%
$244.99
From the Producer
"This Grande Champagne Cognac, aged in French oak barrels in our cellars, has been selected by our cellar master for its gustatory pleasure, beautiful balance and singularity of its aromatic palette."
49.7% ABV
Talisker NAS Special Releases 2023
$189.99
Mid-level peated malt from western Isle of Skye. This non-age stated Talisker seems to be a variant on Port Rhuighe, but cranked up to 59.7% abv. This one should be an absolute powder keg!
Singleton of Glendullan 14 Year SR 2023
$184.99
Maybe the least interesting distillery in this year's outturn, but well-countered by an interesting cask type: Chardonnay de Bourgonge French Oak.
55% abv