tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71978021406082393522024-03-13T13:08:26.234-07:00Mac na BrachaScotch Malt Whisky - the places, the tUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7197802140608239352.post-42903154590137339162014-09-09T06:36:00.000-07:002014-09-09T06:36:48.540-07:00Spirit of Freedom - Vote Yes to that<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />This blog has always been a mixture of opinions - in general - mixed with views on and experiences of the world of whisky and its culture.<br />
<br />
From day one, support and favouritism has been given to the 'wee guy'. We firmly believe that small is beautiful. That doesn't mean that big = ugly but really you can't beat something close and tangible to something that's distant in all meanings of that word.<br />
<br />
Recently, the media made much of 130 'Scottish' companies who opposed Scottish independence and <a href="http://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/referendum-news/in-full-the-list-of-entrepreneurs-backing-a-yes-vote.1409201147">200 who are in favour</a> of it. Amongst the names on both sides were some from the whisky world.<br />
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Two of the names I noticed were Inver House distillers - in opposition to independence - and Springbank who see it as a golder opportunity. Inver House distillers produce many fine whiskies. But, how to they compare to the well respected Springbank?<br />
<br />
This is from Wikipedia's page on Inver House:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Inver House Distillers Limited</b> is a Scottish <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotch_malt_whisky" title="Scotch malt whisky">malt whisky</a> distiller, based in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airdrie,_North_Lanarkshire" title="Airdrie, North Lanarkshire">Airdrie</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Lanarkshire" title="North Lanarkshire">North Lanarkshire</a>. <b>The company is now a subsidiary of <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_Beverages" title="Thai Beverages">Thai Beverages</a>, one of the largest alcoholic-beverage companies in South East Asia,</b> with a market capitalisation in excess of US$4bn. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Inver House Distillers is a leading distiller of <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single_malt" title="Single malt">single malt</a> whisky, owning and operating five distilleries: <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Pulteney_Distillery" title="Old Pulteney Distillery">Old Pulteney Distillery</a>, <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Speyburn-Glenlivet_Distillery" title="The Speyburn-Glenlivet Distillery">The Speyburn-Glenlivet Distillery</a>, <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balblair_Distillery" title="Balblair Distillery">Balblair Distillery</a>, <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knockdhu_Distillery" title="Knockdhu Distillery">Knockdhu Distillery</a> and <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balmenach_Distillery" title="Balmenach Distillery">Balmenach Distillery</a>.</blockquote>
This, from Sprinbank's Wiki page:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Springbank is one of only two distilleries in Scotland to perform every
step in the whisky making process, from malting the barley to bottling
the spirit, on same premises: the other is <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kilchoman_Distillery" title="Kilchoman Distillery">Kilchoman Distillery</a> who also grow their own barley. While a few others still maintain the first step in the process, the <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malting" title="Malting">malting</a> of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barley" title="Barley">barley</a> (which is becoming more rare), Springbank also bottles their own whisky.<br />
<br />
<b>Springbank
is one of the few remaining family owned distilleries</b>. Nearly all of
its whisky is sold as a single malt, with little of it finding its way
into blends. Most blends are produced by larger conglomerates who tend
to use the single malts from the distilleries that they own in their
blends. Springbank produces two of its own blends, 5 year old
Campbeltown Loch, and Mitchell's 12 year old.</blockquote>
So, here we have it. One group of distilleries is owned by a 'faceless' international conglomerate and the other is, well, independent. As to the whiskies themselves, all have their qualities though personally I have found in the last two years that my whisky purchases increasingly include those from the Springbank stable. The new <a href="http://macnabracha.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/longrow-red-in-lochaber.html"><b>Longrow Red</b></a> is likely to be my next.<br />
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Quoted in the <a href="http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/scottish-independence-200-entrepreneurs-back-yes-1-3523223">Scotsman</a>, Neil Clapperton of Springbank:<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>But Mr Clapperton, managing director of Springbank
Distillers, said: “The Scottish whisky industry has nothing to lose and
everything to gain from independence. Whisky is an iconic Scottish
product hugely important to our economy. It accounts for a quarter of
all UK food and drink exports, earning £135 every second.</b><br />
<br />
<b>“We
must do all we can to support every stage of its production here in
Scotland, from our barley farmers through to our whisky producers. I am
certain that is best done as a normal nation with the full powers of an
independent country.”</b><br />
<br />
<b>He warned: “The biggest threat to
the whisky industry comes from the in/out European Union referendum the
UK is planning, and the fact this could close EU influence in getting
whisky into foreign markets.”</b><br />
<br />
<b>In the pro-Yes letter, the
Springbank boss and others state that “independence is in the best
interests of Scotland’s economy and its people”.</b></blockquote>
<br />
As with crofting communities, local ownership has to be the preferred option for whisky distilleries if they seek to benefit the local community as well as those with vested interests, financially, in the business.<br />
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This must count for nations as well. There is always uncertainty and there will be whether or not we vote yes or no to our self-determination - not least will we see a Tory-Ukip coalition in Downing St that takes us out of Europe whether <i>we </i>like it or not. However, at the end of day, do we want to leave control over important issues to a handful of distant millionaires or do we trust ourselves to do what's best for our country.<br />
<br />
Who should deal with...<br />
<ul>
<li>welfare? Who is best placed to provide for our pensioners, working families, disabled, students as well as those without work?</li>
<li>pensions? Why are we working longer and paying more to receive smaller pensions when we can 'afford' an unelected House of Lords with 800 members who receive £800 a day expenses?</li>
<li>political priorities? Is it really necessary for the UK government to spend £billions on Trident and more recently, £4billion on <a href="http://wingsoverscotland.com/a-matter-of-priorities/#more-61053"><b><i>600 </i>armoured vehicles</b></a>?! Or could we provide something more tangible to our citizens in the form of more nurses, doctors, teachers and better public transport?</li>
<li>our wealth? Whisky apparently brings in £130 per second to the London treasury. Oil, tourism, the financial sector, food, research, technologies and renewable energy adds to this wealth. Do we trust ourselves to spend it according to our needs or do we leave it to a succession of Westminster governments who have, arguably, wasted it for the past 40 years?</li>
</ul>
I have always been decided on this issue. But for those who aren't, I am reliably informed that the <a href="http://wingsoverscotland.com/weebluebook/"><b>Wee Blue Book</b></a> is an invaluable source of information on what Scottish self-determination could look like.<br />
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Otherwise, vote <a href="http://www.yesscotland.net/"><b>Yes </b></a>on September 18. Then, enjoy a dram or three at the mother of parties that will follow a Yes vote and look forward to a bright new future. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7197802140608239352.post-33389421689984484292014-04-21T07:53:00.002-07:002014-04-22T14:54:09.844-07:00Redemption in Uigeadail<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDYnWaqlV5ANY7hTfc2NRg2lYenX7tOOneJKZMfZa7kzesDQ3iozWpfX9lJHs_q5PIP7wZeg8AvU-jxUoFUzztYbEl4Yp6fjPURtr26hb56rqSBWJIfIFmsHydgdmfapqjqlPvMWSzUrUj/s1600/ardbeg+uigedail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDYnWaqlV5ANY7hTfc2NRg2lYenX7tOOneJKZMfZa7kzesDQ3iozWpfX9lJHs_q5PIP7wZeg8AvU-jxUoFUzztYbEl4Yp6fjPURtr26hb56rqSBWJIfIFmsHydgdmfapqjqlPvMWSzUrUj/s1600/ardbeg+uigedail.jpg" height="320" title="Ardbeg Uigeadail" width="316" /></a></div>
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Holiday time and a trip through duty-free sees me in 'boy in sweetie shop' mode. Edinburgh Airport's selection doesn't seem to be what it used to though. There is variety but much of it seems to be underwhelming 'travel-retail only' from some of the industry's big guns who jump at the chance to proffer a new name or two with no age-statement and the auld ABV of 40%. Some of it is more or less the same stuff you can buy in a local supermarket except that here you have 'trained' sales-rep types mangling the Gaelic names on the likes of Glenlivet or Glenmorangie.... "La Santa? You mean LASanta?!"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-R0menknmBeZSo0qtVamBY3m4-f5emxlQmthsFwlbLrJhomEQ-pKFKtZuk6kbByvCE5hvSx1KA-rJyA7ej0LMEKw2-YGEwa9zDIEUMbuQg8vcDauGP54zlhPiWFRgsrPgzyG0pQrlLoSp/s1600/tcp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-R0menknmBeZSo0qtVamBY3m4-f5emxlQmthsFwlbLrJhomEQ-pKFKtZuk6kbByvCE5hvSx1KA-rJyA7ej0LMEKw2-YGEwa9zDIEUMbuQg8vcDauGP54zlhPiWFRgsrPgzyG0pQrlLoSp/s1600/tcp.jpg" height="200" width="93" /></a>I had decided beforehand that the bottle to keep me warm on this holiday would be the Bowmore 100 Degrees Proof or maybe the Ardbeg Uigeadail. The absence of the Bowmore rendered the decision an easy one.<br />
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Ardbeg though has been disappointing of late. Last year's purchase of the Corryvreckan was a mistake. It was underwhelming. More so when I had the choice of the Uigeadail. It may be another NoAgeStatement but it's reasonably priced and it's a flaming great dram. It has a fabulously filthy flavour if you excuse the alliteration. Oily with flavours of TCP, dirty leather and the old Portobello swimming baths back when they were filled with seawater from the Firth of Forth. On top of the peat though there's a little sweetness. It's drinkable at the ABV of 54.2% though a smidgen on water does no harm.<br />
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Here's hoping Ardbeg get back to the robust and direct approach to whisky that gave us Renaissance and Airigh nam Beist as well as Uigeadail. An approach that married simplicity with complexity without over the top marketing or cask-strength gimmickry.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7197802140608239352.post-34318773197505801062014-01-02T14:15:00.000-08:002014-01-02T14:16:08.136-08:00Bread, beer and whisky from one year to the next<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
What else do you need for the glum darkness of a Scottish December as it merges into a new year?<br />
<br />
I hardly ever make any sort of bread but seeing a recipe on Innis & Gunn's site for their IPA bread gave me renewed confidence in my baking skills. The recipe <a href="http://www.innisandgunn.com/keep-discovering/blog/beer-bread-and-soup.-the-perfect-lunch"><u>here</u></a>, worked a treat. For good measure, I threw in a variety of other ingredients to add interest to the mix and to 'beef' it up a bit - black Greek olives, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and some battered brazil nuts. I'm not usually an IPA fan - tastes too much like a bunch of flowers for me - but Innis & Gunn's habit of maturing their liquid in casks makes this the most palatable.<br />
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Around the same time, a triple barrelled package with a combined age of 67 arrived from <a href="http://www.whiskybroker.co.uk/index_files/home.htm"><u>Whiskybroker</u></a>. Though myself and others were disappointed that the promised Macallan didn't materialise, due to price apparently, the other releases were both of significant interest and high quality.<br />
<br />
Having exhausted my previous bottle of grain, the Invergordon 25yo was a welcome addition to the shelf. It has all the hallmarks of an aged grain - smooth, creamy with lots of vanilla but this one has a little lemon zest in there.<br />
<br />
In all my years of imbibing, I had never knowingly drank an Auchroisk. Whiskybroker's 21 year old is an excellent place to start. Smooth, sweet and so damn tasty with a wee hint of wood. <br />
<br />
Lastly was the 21yo Ardbeg. Much sought after though more so for the reputation of it and the perceived kudos at having such a bottle on the shelf. The nose is fantastic - lots of peat and saline that takes me back to Airigh nam Beist. As is usual for the age, the peat on the palate is not as pronounced but is there nevertheless. Dignified and quiet and well worth it at the price.<br />
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And there's enough left over for an impending Burns' Nicht.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7197802140608239352.post-10884687154174576372013-10-29T15:51:00.000-07:002013-10-30T01:27:05.773-07:00Speyside #3: Balvenie/ Kininvie and Glen Moray<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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At £35, it ain't cheap compared to some distillery tours. It's also worth every penny. Balvenie may have a reputation as a 'classy' whisky but the tour takes us to all the dusty and damp recesses while coating your tongue with beautiful tasting liquid.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsQnW6_G4zywzJdvG3y5Xzze1W6zMCQk8LJ_5AE7KjIh8uUomOlEJIMdHDB3ZnJ6WPzKa0eUjcWGCY37UrypDn980k_VBrCWz4pzkTnVBiHuK8N0aN9i9U1TJAwBmfOlDIfAIvKJEUyKZ/s1600/balvenie+malting+workers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsQnW6_G4zywzJdvG3y5Xzze1W6zMCQk8LJ_5AE7KjIh8uUomOlEJIMdHDB3ZnJ6WPzKa0eUjcWGCY37UrypDn980k_VBrCWz4pzkTnVBiHuK8N0aN9i9U1TJAwBmfOlDIfAIvKJEUyKZ/s320/balvenie+malting+workers.jpg" title="Malting floor at work" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Malting</td></tr>
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The tour lasts nigh on three hours. Malt is tasted and wash savoured. Practises are explained without too much air brushing. Despite being almost a home boutique distillery, it is admitted that the core expressions for the mass market are tankered off to be bottled near Glasgow.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL9dIkZ9gmwZS-F-jwtnbGcHw8ZTcC951Z_u4XfwahD5KTVpgU2rLqc0AhAxhVQB3K3rEAl8DAZ2b9GBWiXwoLyj3_IyTYx7nd8-pqCIlZZ5YCk8MA4p1zWnrwazDsDouzoqi1q8j34lXg/s1600/balvenie+kiln.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL9dIkZ9gmwZS-F-jwtnbGcHw8ZTcC951Z_u4XfwahD5KTVpgU2rLqc0AhAxhVQB3K3rEAl8DAZ2b9GBWiXwoLyj3_IyTYx7nd8-pqCIlZZ5YCk8MA4p1zWnrwazDsDouzoqi1q8j34lXg/s320/balvenie+kiln.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kiln</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBNjLFfqVohRUZn9nmqA21IlyBFK7Q_1DvO6jomMzhaKVumckX8oaINXGK6IHZkknqpSRLrdlIj07mOhBZf1H8Q8D5270Zbncf6mC1BfVQEZM_EZXJZ3Sl952ab1NOS-6jJygIn63vVFn9/s1600/kininvie+new+washbacks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBNjLFfqVohRUZn9nmqA21IlyBFK7Q_1DvO6jomMzhaKVumckX8oaINXGK6IHZkknqpSRLrdlIj07mOhBZf1H8Q8D5270Zbncf6mC1BfVQEZM_EZXJZ3Sl952ab1NOS-6jJygIn63vVFn9/s200/kininvie+new+washbacks.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kininvie new washbacks</td></tr>
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In the much vaunted Warehouse 24, visitors get a chance to taste three whiskies straight from the cask as well as bottling a 20cl with your chosen liquid. All are around 12yo with one sherry, one first fill bourbon and one refill bourbon. The first fill bourbon is pretty good. The other two are outstanding. Further to this, members of Balvenie's fanclub, 'Warehouse 24', are entitled to a complimentary dram. 'Not bad' I thought. However, when presented with a dram of a 39yo, distilled in 1974, I was more than happy. A superb and classy aged Balvenie with just a hint of peat. Does life get better?<br />
<br />
While on the tour, it was hard to avoid noticing the references here and there to Kininvie - a 'distillery' which I understood to be 'closed'. It is anything but. Whether or not it counts as a separate distillery, I don't know. Maybe it's more like Balvenie's bidie-in that labours away in the background making 'industrial' malt for blending. Whatever, we also get treated to the sight of new washbacks being installed for Kininvie. A statement in itself, no?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8vqPgxZDTahAQo6SoC7Y2pv3JYbZd5yFBlIsfBHU9B0YZ8hsKj5dOAVcrXeEmnlnAoXTLXqsPyoAs8JlOrh2S76t36lMg-q-aHin71NWTZ4c-eS2BS3AuDdoqmNPRcc0TCcEbvtSU0SNz/s1600/balvenie+cooperage+work.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8vqPgxZDTahAQo6SoC7Y2pv3JYbZd5yFBlIsfBHU9B0YZ8hsKj5dOAVcrXeEmnlnAoXTLXqsPyoAs8JlOrh2S76t36lMg-q-aHin71NWTZ4c-eS2BS3AuDdoqmNPRcc0TCcEbvtSU0SNz/s320/balvenie+cooperage+work.jpg" title="Balvenie cooperage" width="246" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At work in the cooperage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUfuobfdbPM0tx334LqJykkmJJXI4GRL26wMU062RkBua9QcUBjQ9M7PJnRN_vHKJvf5qVmcLG79UNEc3yBIu9appy2yDbe7s5bQeDny_wlZJi4Oz2LZFTa4w6zgtTy8PjcuuzhsQZrCEU/s1600/balvenie+stills.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUfuobfdbPM0tx334LqJykkmJJXI4GRL26wMU062RkBua9QcUBjQ9M7PJnRN_vHKJvf5qVmcLG79UNEc3yBIu9appy2yDbe7s5bQeDny_wlZJi4Oz2LZFTa4w6zgtTy8PjcuuzhsQZrCEU/s320/balvenie+stills.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Balvenie stills</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The tour is rounded off with a 5 dram tasting, including the renowned and expensive Tun 1401. What more could a whisky novice or connoisseur wish for?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWuii9IcdOHvoqQ81El2xrHYSE6PpzxzOthiskDKZ-mwnlMp4_LPC7IHhVJKBNd-BlzFGEc5eCOSjBW4FtXAZiZlUI1W04nsQkbG5QlKY6XA_5B6klqapCiXAPFDAwWWEfpvr1cs7SW9Ov/s1600/balvenia+tun+1401+tasting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWuii9IcdOHvoqQ81El2xrHYSE6PpzxzOthiskDKZ-mwnlMp4_LPC7IHhVJKBNd-BlzFGEc5eCOSjBW4FtXAZiZlUI1W04nsQkbG5QlKY6XA_5B6klqapCiXAPFDAwWWEfpvr1cs7SW9Ov/s320/balvenia+tun+1401+tasting.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As it says on the tin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK048orBja-3z5Vylskdgm14MU-Jr6RP96h-Rg40CePhQxsKjgFwTHFiEZVrVhmrF6pzj0zNDfUMgxFqhST1Eo1wW-OvZqzZzARh1nY4BD1XZYGmBAIVfNQDBkTK5j5bHwpR5KGfdXaDj_/s1600/drams+balvenie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK048orBja-3z5Vylskdgm14MU-Jr6RP96h-Rg40CePhQxsKjgFwTHFiEZVrVhmrF6pzj0zNDfUMgxFqhST1Eo1wW-OvZqzZzARh1nY4BD1XZYGmBAIVfNQDBkTK5j5bHwpR5KGfdXaDj_/s320/drams+balvenie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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For us, the whisky day is completed by a visit to Glen Moray. I've always viewed GM as a 'cheap' and perhaps unappealing dram. Possibly because I can recall purchasing a bottle for £14 many years ago and before I my whisky palate had developed. This view changed upon tasting both their peated spirit and 8yo cask-strength Chenin Blanc cask at the <a href="http://macnabracha.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/whisky-fringe-benefits.html"><i>Whisky Fringe</i></a> two years ago.<br />
<br />
Their indepth 'Fifth Chapter' tour being unavailable we were nevertheless determined to visit the shop with a view to purchase something tasty. Unfortunately, the 30yo at £70 had sold out funnily enough. However, a chance to bottle a 9yo straight from a Chenin Blanc cask at £45 was too good to pass up. A lovely, mouth-filling and sweet whisky.<br />
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Respect to Balvenie and Glen Moray.<br />
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<i><a href="http://macnabracha.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/speyside-virginity-lost.html">Speyside virginity lost</a></i><br />
<a href="http://macnabracha.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/speyside-2-lost-and-reborn.html"><i>Speyside #2 - Lost and Reborn</i></a><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7197802140608239352.post-37739848174365785302013-10-24T10:39:00.003-07:002013-10-27T00:26:27.268-07:00Speyside #2 - lost and reborn<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZONtcFykuZk1YXRGR1gywzk9BpOZ18KLXyOor2E5a2rVpotXSfTWfvBiH3wCVwIvgeWRSIAtAZLJN8Xx9bXIkenNmvOxJNBzo2-OkWO_cU9Bw1DJvhko-VcIomzz5sHO4fgY5F2Ot0iJq/s1600/imperian+seann+shanas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZONtcFykuZk1YXRGR1gywzk9BpOZ18KLXyOor2E5a2rVpotXSfTWfvBiH3wCVwIvgeWRSIAtAZLJN8Xx9bXIkenNmvOxJNBzo2-OkWO_cU9Bw1DJvhko-VcIomzz5sHO4fgY5F2Ot0iJq/s400/imperian+seann+shanas.jpg" title="Imperial Distillery old sign" width="400" /></a></div>
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On the road between Ballindalloch, I like it how signs point you to airts and pairts with 'distillery' names such as Benrinnes, Dailuaine, Knockando and Glenallachie. All seem to be closed to visitors though unless you manage to get lucky during the Speyside Whisky fest.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyD56cdf17VH_C7_p2C5K2vYxC_MGwN_VK7c7lGdXgl8FXv3B1BiAtZitUq_UfZ55EWDVS6mHIApBlGXRAK_gpzjvLnWGXf7_KK9DVB79Sccs39i_8WonEaNeWMVYlrxGaC8b0036RSf-g/s1600/sanas+Dailuaine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyD56cdf17VH_C7_p2C5K2vYxC_MGwN_VK7c7lGdXgl8FXv3B1BiAtZitUq_UfZ55EWDVS6mHIApBlGXRAK_gpzjvLnWGXf7_KK9DVB79Sccs39i_8WonEaNeWMVYlrxGaC8b0036RSf-g/s320/sanas+Dailuaine.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHU_-nzaso3h1NtfhPOKHs0XMAsE9GgRsvgbgCAs-HZn0ftT2WF3CRmXYgWWC8xDchgLLVPgAkaYpcd2dvqt_0SmiG5avwNr3vnjFjXLq3olTZsf8qUecXGeEJ4Pc2r5aDZS8FP76dHhOO/s1600/sanas+imperial+chivas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHU_-nzaso3h1NtfhPOKHs0XMAsE9GgRsvgbgCAs-HZn0ftT2WF3CRmXYgWWC8xDchgLLVPgAkaYpcd2dvqt_0SmiG5avwNr3vnjFjXLq3olTZsf8qUecXGeEJ4Pc2r5aDZS8FP76dHhOO/s320/sanas+imperial+chivas.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They once were neighbours.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It doesn't stop you from distillery spotting though. And maybe this is the difference between whisky and train aficionados - getting into a distillery, sniffing the mash tuns, viewing the stills and sampling from the cask in a cold dank warehouse must be the equivalent of driving your own steam engine instead of just watching it from the concrete.<br />
<br />
We take the road to Dailuaine/ Carron and are soon rewarded by the sight of Dailuaine's warehouses. The product of this distillery that I've tasted has so far been pretty good. Not least the recent offering from Whiskybroker. It's certainly a busy place though even though the industrial appearance of the plant leads one to figure that the 'green meadow' or <i>dail uaine</i> (da-il oo-ine-ye) lies outwith the distillery boundaries.<br />
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We follow the steam from Dailuaine further down the glen to find it hanging over the Site Formerly Known as Imperial. Memories of a Gordon&MacPhail 13yo sherry cask Imperial come flooding back. Beautiful stuff, Unfortunately, the status of Imperial went from 'mothballed' to 'demolished' in January of this year.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgH5oFJR9NrEv1cSaOFcNwSaX56FdA1Tzfe-j1JawHmzMCyecHIwDQ5GM1ZCUTfif9wcJi_d3-GS55QEWAxx9muxMokcprPJ9iUixaZWwu4OdIzad0VaiZBTovULguknQVE6m9j87DQ5C-/s1600/imperial+seann+togalaichean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgH5oFJR9NrEv1cSaOFcNwSaX56FdA1Tzfe-j1JawHmzMCyecHIwDQ5GM1ZCUTfif9wcJi_d3-GS55QEWAxx9muxMokcprPJ9iUixaZWwu4OdIzad0VaiZBTovULguknQVE6m9j87DQ5C-/s200/imperial+seann+togalaichean.jpg" title="Imperial warehouses" width="138" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What remains of Imperial</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The dunnage warehouses still stand and perhaps that's a fitting testament to a famous auld whisky. However, a new distillery is rising from the soil. What will it be called? No-one seems to know but one or two locals claim that 'Glen Carron' could be a good bet.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOb4ViR2XRXp3HeVpIgp6bOAyFpG2PiopPkgfPofsHZKa60YxGmsD6YMcz3yvcaj1gBpYDfv2OzmKolUEdmBKPEi2o1qDF9uoE-Wakx2ZDcbvK8zGAH3sqGS_ADOyHAs_IlMFwqqBpUWYu/s1600/imperial+togalach+ur.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOb4ViR2XRXp3HeVpIgp6bOAyFpG2PiopPkgfPofsHZKa60YxGmsD6YMcz3yvcaj1gBpYDfv2OzmKolUEdmBKPEi2o1qDF9uoE-Wakx2ZDcbvK8zGAH3sqGS_ADOyHAs_IlMFwqqBpUWYu/s320/imperial+togalach+ur.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rising from the ashes - Glen Carron?</td></tr>
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One long gone whisky with the parent distillery - buildings at least - still intact is Parkmore. Taking the road from Dufftown past Glenfiddich and Balvenie Castle you soon spot the revived Speyside Railway track parallel to the road. The pagodas of Parkmore stick up from the glen below. Visually, it is a living tourist brochure. Though departed distilleries understandably pull at the heartstrings of many it seems as if Parkmore's product was so poorly regarded that the remaining casks of it were smashed when the distillery ceased distilling. As <a href="http://www.whisky.dufftown.co.uk/distilleries.php"><u><i>Whisky Dufftown</i></u></a> puts it:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Built in 1894, Parkmore has been silent since 1931 because of problems
with its water source. Although the maltings were in use until the late
1960's and the warehouses are still in use today. Parkmore's whisky is
no longer available - it is reputed that all the casks remaining in the
distillery were smashed when it closed.</i></blockquote>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ceNO4ORTqSA9Mf3z9c32JmmxmfLwwk41tm-O7tTd-u5P49Ffuk6-wOgeznRRZBB5M03sqUCA3x7oBuFVIq58ISkVrJ2bkWC7ujFlmfLy4lhIHseQJPAzOXN4HVwh757c9HSAm5oH1HeG/s1600/parkmore+agus+rathad+iarrain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ceNO4ORTqSA9Mf3z9c32JmmxmfLwwk41tm-O7tTd-u5P49Ffuk6-wOgeznRRZBB5M03sqUCA3x7oBuFVIq58ISkVrJ2bkWC7ujFlmfLy4lhIHseQJPAzOXN4HVwh757c9HSAm5oH1HeG/s320/parkmore+agus+rathad+iarrain.jpg" title="Parkmore Distillery" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parkmore's postcard view</td></tr>
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Fleeting visits are paid to Cragganmore and Strathisla as well though time doesn't allow for tours to be undertaken. Craggamore has a few people in already but the welcoming ladies on duty still offer us a dram anyway. Strathisla is a graveyard with one bored guy staffing the visitor centre. Despite the lack of interest from the public and our interest in products and tours, we don't get offered a sniff. It's a PR win for Cragganmore.<br />
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Fortunately, memories of a stingy Strathisla are erased by the following days tour of Balvenie...<br />
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<a href="http://macnabracha.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/speyside-virginity-lost.html"><i>#1 Speyside Virginity Lost </i></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7197802140608239352.post-9100815476462519322013-10-20T14:10:00.001-07:002013-10-20T14:10:11.387-07:00Speyside virginity lost<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6Lc1ZZPnQBd9FWO_DgZ4i8trL0BtG_gXOjujvIZyr_eV1I4uQVUjOMoHNRJGqrDr-fWmne0wnb_JB-RwjFIvqDeQg1gg5iGc8aOS6mITVElB13dYf1efkjFOtLTRdR0HVChuQfRLmDg7/s1600/ballindalloch+station+speyside+way+daithte.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6Lc1ZZPnQBd9FWO_DgZ4i8trL0BtG_gXOjujvIZyr_eV1I4uQVUjOMoHNRJGqrDr-fWmne0wnb_JB-RwjFIvqDeQg1gg5iGc8aOS6mITVElB13dYf1efkjFOtLTRdR0HVChuQfRLmDg7/s400/ballindalloch+station+speyside+way+daithte.jpg" title="Ballindalloch station on the Speyside Way" width="400" /></a></div>
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More or less. Having 'done' Islay as well as the south from Glenkinchie to Bladnoch and the southern and eastern Highlands, my experience of Speyside whisky in its own domain has been pretty fleeting. So, a trip to Speyside for the autumn break beckoned and it didn't disappoint. Even better, the Scottish autumn was glorious.<br />
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The road north from Perth through Blairgowrie and Braemar on the way to <i>Srath Spè</i> is a stunning highway to the north. For a whisky geek the only thing that can better the autumnal trees of Perthshire is the glut of well-kent names on the map as you approach Tomintoul.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://schottland-reise.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSC_0228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="242" src="http://schottland-reise.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/DSC_0228.jpg" title="Allt a' Bhainne in Glen Rinnes" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Speyside sheep block the road to Allt a' Bhainne.</td></tr>
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With our but'n'ben sitting in Glen Rinnes, the first distillery encountered was the auld timer of Tamnavulin in the hamlet of Tomnavulin. To the locals a generation or two back, it was <i>Toman a' Mhuilinn</i> - the little hillock of the mill. Unfortunately to whisky travellers, the sign in English said 'closed to visitors'. Despite this, seeing the source of a famous Scottish whisky, in the flesh so to speak, still gives the whisky geek a wee thrill. It's probably like train-spotting. Within a few miles of the house, we had the aforementioned Tamnavulin, Braeval (or Braes of Glenlivet as it was), Glenlivet, Allt a' Bhainne, Tomintoul, Benrinnes and Glenallachie. Cragganmore, Glenfarclas and the whisky metropolis that is Dufftown were only slightly further afield.<br />
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As we soon found out, this a feature of travel around Speyside. Especially if you take some of the back roads. Distilleries seem to loom up every few minutes.<br />
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Despite most lying in 'hidden' glens it is difficult to find much romance about many of them. Most are simply factories with the kind of architecture you'd expect from factories that were built or re-built in recent decades. For every Strathisla there's an Allt a' Bhainne and Aultmore.<br />
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What counts though is the welcome, the experience and the liquid.<br />
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<a href="http://schottland-reise.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Aberlour-Tasting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="194" src="http://schottland-reise.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Aberlour-Tasting.jpg" title="Tasting at Aberlour" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyho1uYRonCZc39c0Vr1FpWeRPgREJjmSrv7b5XxYWn1BHmQpL1vQFRg8lsjPWUy-eAN6twyMyZpRHVggXYDXk4rbwoQVr1ukHERd2zB7b1y3RqIe_DAtj7eH7AQYivOuIzMyemuO6pxaC/s1600/aberlour+warehouse+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyho1uYRonCZc39c0Vr1FpWeRPgREJjmSrv7b5XxYWn1BHmQpL1vQFRg8lsjPWUy-eAN6twyMyZpRHVggXYDXk4rbwoQVr1ukHERd2zB7b1y3RqIe_DAtj7eH7AQYivOuIzMyemuO6pxaC/s320/aberlour+warehouse+1.jpg" width="138" /></a>First stop for a tour was the famed Aberlour. As the Founder's Tour was all booked, I had to settle for the Aberlour Experience. As experiences go, it's not a bad one. Indeed, for a standard tour it is worth the £12.50. Having been rebuilt after a fire as well as modified and enlarged, the architecture is a bit grim save for one or two buildings of the old 'vernacular' which are more pleasing to the eye. We get a glimpse inside one of the warehouses but that's as far as it goes.<br />
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The tasting though is excellent. 6 drams including a decent measure of new-make spirit. We also get the two single-cask cask-strength drams that are available for bottle your own - these are both 16yo with one first-fill bourbon and one sherry. The bourbon has a nose that I could caress all day - the taste and finish don't reach such heights though. The sherry is an all-round stoater. It is purchased and comes with its very own whisky coffin. The 12yo French release at 43% is like juice in comparison. The 16yo follows before we finish with the mighty A' Bunadh.<br />
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The next day sees us leave one distillery that is very much alive to encounter two that are in different stages of death-rebirth or even a zombie-like purgatory. <br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7197802140608239352.post-34684953664992337852013-08-18T13:33:00.000-07:002013-08-19T12:07:42.459-07:00Whisky Fringe benefits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.adelphidistillery.com/danceywhisky/content/dancey?view=277" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.adelphidistillery.com/danceywhisky/content/dancey?view=277" width="265" /></a></div>
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The coming and going of this year's Whisky Fringe has more or less consigned Summer 2013 to history. Autumnal nights of log fires, drams and Nordic-noir beckons as the nights begin to fair draw in again.<br />
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As always, a superb selection of drams were on offer. Having seen the Spirit of the Fringe awards, I have to admit that most of my drams of the day were not on it. Indeed, perhaps there should also be a 'Stall of the Fringe' award for the table that bears the greatest weight of liquid treasure? If there had been such an award this year then surely the Adelphi display of fire power would've blown most of the others across to Fife or least to an overpriced George St wine bar.<br />
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<a href="http://www.royalmilewhiskies.com/images/banners/tomatin-sotwf-2013_hp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="89" src="http://www.royalmilewhiskies.com/images/banners/tomatin-sotwf-2013_hp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.adelphidistillery.com/">Adelphi </a>seem to have a knack of bottling seriously fine malts. This year's offerings were both fine and interesting. A 6yo Glenrothes sherry cask? Lovely. The sherry theme dominated and did not disappoint. The Bowmore 17 was neck and neck with the Caol Ila 9 for me. It was also good to hear that Adelphi expect distilling to start at their new Ardnamurchan distillery in December of this year.<br />
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I was also more than pleased to discover a preview of the forthcoming Longrow Red #2. Like the <a href="http://macnabracha.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/longrow-red-in-lochaber.html"><u>previous offering</u></a>, this is an 11yo but this one enjoyed its latter years in a Shiraz cask. Wonderful, wonderful stuff yet again from Campbeltown's finest.<br />
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The benefits this year included the chance to sample the Brora 32 as well as Douglas Laing's 15yo Laphroaig.<br />
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On the downside was the Balcones Brimstone. If you forgive the religious analogy, this is more happy-clappy than in-your-face Presbyterian fury. The absence of Laphroaig and Bruichladdich was also noted as was the failure of Glen Moray to supply a sequel to last years superb Chenin Blanc 8yo cask strength. Never mind, at least I have this years Laphroaig Càirdeas Port Cask to welcome in the dark evenings.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7197802140608239352.post-74163943850778643412013-02-11T05:24:00.000-08:002013-10-27T00:26:44.328-07:00Whiskybroker Braes of Glenlivet 23yo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyDF4G0DRGHm2367BXaTNgwhJfiKslZa80x4hzsfm9ffN8KoHKfmCbQLbXEwMaFc2D0A4bps1QUdVxn7lCPi1K9cbXBiWiv_p2eKUtGHYdymFGCDEFFume6fWXXo3LOCUnRbXoHkSgbjeD/s1600/braes+of+glenlivet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyDF4G0DRGHm2367BXaTNgwhJfiKslZa80x4hzsfm9ffN8KoHKfmCbQLbXEwMaFc2D0A4bps1QUdVxn7lCPi1K9cbXBiWiv_p2eKUtGHYdymFGCDEFFume6fWXXo3LOCUnRbXoHkSgbjeD/s400/braes+of+glenlivet.jpg" width="103" /></a></div>
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Don't do notes very often but sharing a dram with a partner who possesses a very advanced sensory system can see vague ideas verbalised in a semi-coherent way. Here goes...<br />
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<b>Braes of Glenlivet (Braeval), Single-cask 23 years old, 54.2%, Hogshead 1074 (Whiskybroker)</b><br />
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Tasted neat<br />
Nose: Lovely! Weetabix, lemon and kiwi with cut grass<br />
Palate: rice-pudding with a kind of citrusy shoe-polish taste and texture or maybe a lemony Cowans' Highland toffee? Quite classy.<br />
Finish: fades slowly with some salt and dark fruits - blueberries, prunes?<br />
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One to sit and savour. Superb value too. What is there not to like?<br />
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Currently available from <a href="http://www.whiskybroker.co.uk/acatalog/Braes_of_Glenlivet.html"><b><u>Whiskybroker </u></b></a>for £44. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7197802140608239352.post-54181090599188569662013-01-25T13:19:00.000-08:002013-02-12T14:45:27.717-08:00Burns Nicht wi nae meat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: small;">Times change. Haggis no longer has to contain the head, the arse and everything in-between of an animal. Veggie <span style="font-size: small;">h</span>aggis is becoming increasingly popular with both vegetarians and squeamish carnivores. Equally, whisky has come a long way since <i>uisge-beatha</i> was a clear fiery liquid that was matured for days, at best, and not years in a variety of exotic casks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">If we're talking about etymology here, then 'meat' originally meant '<a href="http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=meat"><u><b>food</b></u></a>'. In Old English it was 'mete' and Old Irish had 'mat' meaning 'pig' which is possibly the ancestor of today's Gaelic 'muc'.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I say all this as it seems as if some - who may or may not see themselves as 'tradition bearers' - turn their nose up at the idea of a vegetarian Burns Nicht. While Burns was a man of his time and enjoyed his animal flesh, innards etc, he was undoubtedly open-minded and content to embrace diversity.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Suffice to say that Scotland's various winter festivals can be enjoyed by all regardless of diet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The Mac na Bracha household enjoyed a veggie Burns Nicht that included more than one dram of vegan,<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>distilled barley juice.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>To eat</i>: <b>Veggie Haggis</b> - MacSweens is by far the best though other varieties can be bought and unlike meat haggis, it can also be home-made quite easily without the need to blowtorch the skin of an animal, split it's head with an axe and scoop the entrails into a mixing bowl - Hebridean life has been described to me in such detail on more than one occasion btw. <b>Mashed Tatties</b> with olive oil instead of butter. <b>Cubed and caramelised neeps</b>. Most Scots kids can remember being forced to eat neeps at some point in their childhood and may recall that mixing it with the tattie rendered it somewhat palatable. I and others can attest that cubing the offending root and roasting it for nigh on an hour makes it very delicious indeed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">A vegan whisky sauce - rice milk, olive oil, white flour, ground oats, wholegrain mustard, a squeeze of lemon juice and some Laphroaig Quarter Cask - topped off the main course. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">This was followed by Black Crowdie/ Gruth Dubh - traditional soft cottage cheese rolled in oats and black pepper - some Strathdon Blue and Asda's whisky cheddar accompanied by Shetland Oatcakes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>To drink</i>: Innis & Gunn Rum Cask, Crabbies Black, SMWS 25.62 Rosebank 20 yo, Laphroaig Quarter Cask and Whiskybroker Bowmore 14yo.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Music</i>: Dougie MacLean - <i>Tribute</i>. A <a href="http://frightenedrabbit.com/a-frightened-rabbit-ep/"><b>Frightened Rabbit</b></a> EP - <i>Scottish Winds</i> is surely a song that Burns would've been proud of. And as the inhibitions were chased off into the January night by a sweet and smoky Bowmore, <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/artists/a8da1963-11f3-4b42-af24-1bccf7132082"><b>Oi Polloi</b></a>'s <i>Dùisg </i>graced the speakers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Roll on St. Andrew's Day.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7197802140608239352.post-36716136007134651802012-10-08T13:32:00.002-07:002012-10-08T13:32:47.387-07:00Longrow Red in Lochaber<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Whisky is undeniably a product of its environment. In Scotland, in many situations, it is really the only drink to have. Say for example an Autumn break with a bit of walking thrown in and the landscape speaking to you with names such as <i>Buachaille Eite Mòr</i>, <i>Stac a' Chlamhain</i> or <i>an Coire Dubh</i> or the recently rediscovered originals of <i>a' Chàrnaich</i> (Glencoe Village), <i>Baile a' Chaolais</i> or <i>Clo Mhuilinn</i>. In the October sunshine when the mixed woodland around is starting to turn amber, a hipflask of your own last-drop-of-the-bottles-blend cannot be bettered. And, upon retiring to your bothy or cottage, what more could you want than an astoundingly good dram of Longrow?<br />
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Tradition is great. But not as a straightjacket. Whisky is a perfect example of an indigenous cultural product that has embraced the wider world. With Longrow Red, you have a Campeltown whisky that's borrowed from an Australian import of an Old World wine. Funnily enough, the Cabernet Sauvignon casks in which this 11 year old spent 4 years, come from the Long Row range of Ozzie wines.<br />
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And, it's good. Very good.<br />
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So good, that it had the Whisky Frau's nostrils pulsating with joy and her tongue exclaiming that its been a while since she tasted a dram so unusual and yet so damn good. In short, it's got a lot going on.<br />
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On the nose we got red fruits - strawberry compote to be precise for the my partner. The sweetness goes a long way to masking the smoke.<br />
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On the tongue, there's something a bit dirty and oily. An old leather bookmark maybe? Certainly something you can get your teeth into. On top of that there is another helping of fruit with peat. Strawberry bon-bons in peat stoor?<br />
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Finish is longish and unsurprisingly peaty with some more fruit.<br />
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Another superb offering from the Springbank crew - still independent and still going strong.<br />
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Finally, and back to <i>Lochabar</i>, I am ashamed to admit that I had never realised the extent of the Clachaig Inn's whisky menu. There's no point in going over it all here but should you be in the area, I'd recommend the Ben Nevis 25yo cask strength.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7197802140608239352.post-56165549341971941872012-08-06T08:08:00.001-07:002012-08-11T02:14:07.935-07:00Whisky Fringe - only a year away<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So, the Xmas of the whisky year has come and gone. As usual, not one to disappoint despite the new introduction of a standard 1cl measure across the board. I was a bit nonplussed at first but the lower alcohol intake for each dram simply means an opportunity to sample a wider range of malts.<br />
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It was busy with lots of non-Scots in attendance - heard a few 'Glendronak' pronunciations from visitors from the south though the Germans and Spaniards present had no bother with the Scottish '<i>ach</i>'. Lots of female connoisseurs too - the auld days of whisky being principally an auld man's drink are over.<br />
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As to the exhibitors, there seemed to be one or two omissions from last year. Sadly there was no sign of Duncan Taylor or Compass Box and while Gordon & MacPhail were present, it was only in their Benromach guise. That isn't a bad thing but G&M have such a wide and varied range of malts and it was a shame not to taste some of the jewels from their deep treasure-chest. Who can forget last year's cask strength Imperial from 1977?<br />
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Fortunately, there were still some cracking drams on offer.<br />
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My vote, and those of friends, for the Spirit of the Fringe award, went to dark horse that is Glen Moray. The Glen Moray 2003 Chenin Blanc was simply a revelation. Sweet, complex and mouth filling, it had all you want from a dram. A single cask at 60.7%, this will be worth every penny of the £59 they ask for it.<br />
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Glendronach had 4 excellent drams on offer but the 1993 Single Cask 19yo was the pick of the bunch and almost the dram of the Fringe. A true sherry monster, it seemed to expand on the palate until your mouth was filled with clouds of sweet vapour - honey, raisins and prune juice. Drams like this one just make your day.<br />
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Honourable mentions should also go to Adelphi as well as Tomatin with their expensive but elegant 1982 Single Cask. All in all, Tomatin which some may describe as 'unfashionable' along with Glen Moray, had an excellent Fringe. Interesting whiskies poured by an enthusiastic, friendly (imagine that!) and knowledgeable ambassador for the distillery.<br />
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Adelphi chipped in with the likes of the 15yo Clynelish at 54.4%. This had one of the most interesting noses I've even had the pleasure to introduce to my nostrils - big time sweetness dripping with maple syrup, honey and nectar. The palate didn't disappoint either.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC6Hd1G31fuCI8wESaJPSLDFTGIHI6_vrl6fguxL8v6d3L4kKsK5KhDwTSj3qHMqNYXlvGWC0DmlbHBCO8l7AutRf5xT7qupw7NHORPMveMesHMg5pnRN9ijD7NR0NujW_Pt4VypmPeWhS/s1600/glen+moray+chenin+blanc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC6Hd1G31fuCI8wESaJPSLDFTGIHI6_vrl6fguxL8v6d3L4kKsK5KhDwTSj3qHMqNYXlvGWC0DmlbHBCO8l7AutRf5xT7qupw7NHORPMveMesHMg5pnRN9ijD7NR0NujW_Pt4VypmPeWhS/s320/glen+moray+chenin+blanc.jpg" width="160" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drink me.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Other drams that will join the above on my wish list are the Bowmore Tempest, Benromach Sassicaia, Glen Keith 1993 OMC and the 1996 Caol Ila also from OMC.<br />
<br />
The half-time oranges were almost worth the ticket price alone. Two 50yo North British grains?! A 40yo Tomatin?! All of them a joy and privilege to lay on your tongue.<br />
<br />
Those that did disappoint were few and far between but also deserve a mention. Kilchoman 5yo Single Cask is the worst dram I've tasted since the first <a href="http://macnabracha.blogspot.co.uk/2011/12/abhainn-dearg-nice-idea-but-no-thanks.html"><b>Abhainn Dearg</b></a> release. Fiery and hot, it had none of the complexity of a young Ardbeg and even the Glen Moray peated spirit was in a different league from this expensive but poor excuse for a whisky. I love Bunnahabhain usually but I fail to see the excitement in their 25yo. Flat, flat, flat. This is one that should be bottled at cask strength.<br />
<br />
Others that underwhelmed were: Smokehead 18yo - very pleasant but far too tame, especially at £91! Laphroaig 18 knocks the socks of this one. Arran Amarone and BenRiach Solstice were also in the 'pleasant but uninspiring' camp.<br />
<br />
All-in-all another well organised and stimulating Whisky Fringe.<br />
<br />
Hopes for next year? How about a Bladnoch/ Whiskybroker stand to showcase their impressive range of Bladnoch and other bottlings? A well stocked Gordon & MacPhail would also go down a treat. Similarly, a Diageo stall that permits us to sample some of their own gems and not just the usual supermarket heroes we all know anyway. How about a Loch Lomond stall showcasing some crackers from Glen Scotia, Inverleven or the deceased Littlemill? <br />
<br />
On top of that is what really makes a successful Fringe. Friendly staff and not just automatons hired from a PR company go a long way. On this count, both Tomatin and Balvenie did well as did Glen Moray. For that alone, I intend to visit all of these distilleries before the next Fringe comes along.<br />
<br />
Start ticking off the days...<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7197802140608239352.post-37407896353241419372012-07-18T13:36:00.000-07:002012-07-18T13:36:47.989-07:00Bowmore 100 Degrees Proof<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYMRhxjl5GSniPCBsef0gsHTeB_oZzG-1clNlxqkVaK9dmgBl7UnIQh8GKbSFjC0f5zHM75wI-_lnSwBGHZ2zdbXV7uSCtWAMTBJrjSfLbD6qw8jPFu8EpYuCbzq7lkm-6QrQOREFaUpuw/s1600/bowmore+100+proof.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYMRhxjl5GSniPCBsef0gsHTeB_oZzG-1clNlxqkVaK9dmgBl7UnIQh8GKbSFjC0f5zHM75wI-_lnSwBGHZ2zdbXV7uSCtWAMTBJrjSfLbD6qw8jPFu8EpYuCbzq7lkm-6QrQOREFaUpuw/s320/bowmore+100+proof.bmp" width="184" /></a></div>
<br />
Bowmore are going up in my estimation with this own bottling. Previously, I'd found Bowmore's various expressions to be a bit wishy-washy with not much to shout about. Only Mariner at 43% hinted at something more interesting and powerful. Independent bottlings from the likes of Cadenheads and SWMS have been excellent.<br />
<br />
Recently though Bowmore unveiled a series available for purchase at 'travel retail'. After tasting the 100 Degrees Proof offering at Manchester Airport, a purchase had to be made. At £49 for one litre at 57.1% this is pretty good value for a lip smacking cask-strength.<br />
<br />
Took it to a local whisky group and it went down a treat. Lots of salt and a layer of peat ash on the tongue. However, there's also a sweetness in there that you cannot help but like. Most seem surprised as the strength as its quite smooth. I found that a drop of water went down well though.<br />
<br />
Look out for it at your next airport stop and request a sample.<br />
<br />
Here's what others say:<br />
<a href="http://www.connosr.com/reviews/bowmore/100-proof/lovely-cs-bowmore/">http://www.connosr.com/reviews/bowmore/100-proof/lovely-cs-bowmore/</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://whiskyforeveryone.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/new-releases-bowmore-100-proof.html">http://whiskyforeveryone.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/new-releases-bowmore-100-proof.html</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7197802140608239352.post-20651645298344348992012-03-08T16:01:00.000-08:002012-03-08T16:01:20.788-08:00Deanston calling?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpE5gRVhsMh8B9qgLolyneBuPz7j9P-TKcEODMgN-7CAhyphenhyphenGuERvLGn9zEaMBpPTLN4j6LMaezzQC_e5TeF6pXmcBLH3-ZuMOQgOmXfpCNjjtZv67roV780xyWFZQrCK6avxMCjZLBPB92/s1600/deanston+no+answer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpE5gRVhsMh8B9qgLolyneBuPz7j9P-TKcEODMgN-7CAhyphenhyphenGuERvLGn9zEaMBpPTLN4j6LMaezzQC_e5TeF6pXmcBLH3-ZuMOQgOmXfpCNjjtZv67roV780xyWFZQrCK6avxMCjZLBPB92/s200/deanston+no+answer.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
Deanston is an intruiging distillery and a pleasant dram. They have had a promising new website under construction for a while now. They've released a new expression. They want publicity...don't they?<br />
<br />
Myself and a partner, who apart from bringing hundreds of tourists to Scotland each year to visit our distilleries, are compiling a new guide book for visiting Scotland's whisky sites of special interest have been trying to contact this reclusive distillery. Emails and phone-calls are unreturned though.<br />
<br />
Deanston is owned by <a href="http://www.burnstewartdistillers.com/home"><b>Burn Stewart Distillers</b></a> whose stable also includes the rampant and welcoming Bunnahabhain as well as the revitalised Tobermory/ Ledaig. Their youngest distillery though seems a bit shy.<br />
<br />
Has the perilous state of the economy seen things put on ice at Deanston? Watch this space...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7197802140608239352.post-60076485400550069272012-03-05T12:25:00.000-08:002012-03-05T12:25:25.366-08:00Another jewel from Bladnoch?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnUqoHX2zlpvmQogs435QsoBv_sKOXxrJW29x4weMnE86jLZoL9KeZiG1oGv1A0adZVSOkelhhFViPwQ5eBlvU9TwClR1GC0-v2wivJ8NnkJgRNRDTLOIegvWxtzIPUInp_e1r4rytS3Hl/s1600/bladnoch+port+dundas.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnUqoHX2zlpvmQogs435QsoBv_sKOXxrJW29x4weMnE86jLZoL9KeZiG1oGv1A0adZVSOkelhhFViPwQ5eBlvU9TwClR1GC0-v2wivJ8NnkJgRNRDTLOIegvWxtzIPUInp_e1r4rytS3Hl/s400/bladnoch+port+dundas.jpg.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Purveyor of many a fine single-cask bottling at superb prices, not mention the house dram, <a href="http://www.bladnoch.co.uk/"><b>Bladnoch</b></a> Forum has released a new bottle. The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_Dundas"><b>Port Dundas</b></a> 21yo at £33 is not one to be sniffed at. Grain whiskies are somewhat 'in vogue' at the moment as are closed distilleries so its no surprise that this one didn't hang around. As of yet, I await my delivery.<br />
<br />
Recent grains have not disappointed though. Aged grains are undoubtedly the most reliable but some recent goodies at around the 18yo mark have come via the SMWS from the likes of North British, Invergordon and the also defunct Cambus. Most are relatively easy going on the <a href="http://ulpan.co.uk/u/img/sporan.jpg"><i><b>sporan </b></i></a>too, the exception being the excellent Clan Denny Caledonian 45yo at £120 odds.<br />
<br />
Back to Bladnoch though. Most of their Forum Bottlings have been excellent value from money. A 25yo Caol Ila and 28yo <a href="http://macnabracha.blogspot.com/2011/07/several-inches-of-pleasure.html"><b>Inchgower </b></a>come to mind. Only a 20yo Glen Ord didn't set the heather alight though for the price - £36ish - I wasn't complaining. Recent releases have been non-existent though. However, the 'Son of Bladnoch' aka <a href="http://www.whiskybroker.co.uk/acatalog/shophome.html"><b>Whiskybroker </b></a>has stepped in with his own range of cask-strength single malts. More power to their elbows.<br />
<br />
As mentioned before, if you get a chance to visit Scotland's south-west, a visit to <a href="http://macnabracha.blogspot.com/2010/04/bladnoch.html"><b>Bladnoch </b></a>is a must.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7197802140608239352.post-11146751778426312232012-01-27T13:35:00.000-08:002013-10-27T00:28:05.602-07:00Winter fuel: the good and the not<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhViXgM7GuH8O4wm1Ixf9wCSgkQAK3rUski4877fxvKMMjC8L4j-rrFO7yHkZ2RjBAyYK0Nrudx-GVjVdE7t9FdtKXWXrpZf94p8nYmDa3K05Nl4k6KnRNoY1nB4dTlUO9LPxE2D4iGyRiB/s1600/innis-and-gunn.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhViXgM7GuH8O4wm1Ixf9wCSgkQAK3rUski4877fxvKMMjC8L4j-rrFO7yHkZ2RjBAyYK0Nrudx-GVjVdE7t9FdtKXWXrpZf94p8nYmDa3K05Nl4k6KnRNoY1nB4dTlUO9LPxE2D4iGyRiB/s200/innis-and-gunn.png" width="190" /></a></div>
<br />
Funnily enough, our two national alcoholic beverages go down better in the dark months. Scotland has a good reputation for whisky and winter - at least in terms of events. Starting with St Andrew's Day and continuing through the old winter Solstice festival - now known as Christmas - and then to Hogmonay before finishing with Burns' Nicht, Scotland is the place to be for barry booze in the dark months.<br />
<br />
The quality of our beer has been somewhat more mixed though. Recent years has arguably given us an explosion of sorts in the number of ales, porters and lagers available from local or small enterprises. Some of it is every bit as good as anything from Belgium or Germany. Some though is as every bit as bad as what the <i>bodach </i>used to make in his garden shed.<br />
<br />
Here's a sample...<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Innis & Gunn.</b> Wow! Not only is the standard supermarket range expanding but there's always one or two extra special releases at this time of year. The Highland Cask is superb - bursting with all the flavours you'd expect from a beer aged in casks that once held 18 yo whisky. This year has seen several supermarket offers on the Original, Rum Cask and Blonde which cleared the shelves in no time. All of them superb and start at a healthy 6.6% abv.</li>
<li><b>Ola Dubh</b>. 8% abv. Darker than an Auld Reekie close on a January night. The standard is matured in casks that formerly held Highland Park 12. This is a meal in itself from Harvieston Brewery. Usually retails at around £3 but some offers recently had it for a decent £2 odd.</li>
<li><b>Paradox.</b> By Brewdog. Aged in ex-Isle of Arran casks and similar to the Old Dubh above but with a whopping 10% abv. Mouthfilling and satisfying stuff. Try it with veggie haggis. The best product I've tasted from the Brewdog kennels.</li>
<li><b>McEwans Champion</b>. Very malty and with some serious dark fruits in there. Comes across as a traditional bevy that my grandfather might have enjoyed down in darkest Gorgie Dalry. 500ml of 7% Scots ale. Has a slight bitter aftertaste but goes well with scran once again. Widely available at supermarkets and the price has fluctuated somewhat between £1.25 and £2.</li>
</ul>
The sheer amount of ales and porters available now makes it easy to snag a fair amount of driftwood too, if you pardon the nautical theme. Williams Brothers in Alloa are one of the better ones and their <b>Midnight Sun</b> 'dark and spicy' porter is as good as any other on the market. Traquair House and their <b>Jacobite Ale</b> at 8% abv is another hero.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic6c6KUc4AvrZY1S7jNk5fwVrmDy17Izh0mX7_vnMAQM9I8QnrayHmf8ehuHn6G4-BvQ0gLDtfK1YRDVNMQyxvrigbFTZSXJrM2pDOE2grSnifnpnjpyy8ui29bOFtYytklIe0vyNyJ2JQ/s1600/Bunnahabhain600x170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic6c6KUc4AvrZY1S7jNk5fwVrmDy17Izh0mX7_vnMAQM9I8QnrayHmf8ehuHn6G4-BvQ0gLDtfK1YRDVNMQyxvrigbFTZSXJrM2pDOE2grSnifnpnjpyy8ui29bOFtYytklIe0vyNyJ2JQ/s320/Bunnahabhain600x170.jpg" width="93" /></a><br />
Some of micro-breweries can produce the odd guid yin though its fair to say that maybe some should stick to home brewing for their pals. As much as I like the islands, some of the 'local' brews there are underwhelming to say the least. Colonsay make some palatable if uninspiring brew. I've also had the misfortune to taste two of the Islay Ales and the less said about that the better though thankfully Islay's more traditional 'cottage' industries are still producing stunning malt whisky.<br />
<br />
Whisky is for another day though it's only fair to namecheck some that have kept the hame fires burning this winter...<br />
<b>Laphroaig </b>13yo 60.6%, October 2011 bottling from <a href="http://www.wmcadenhead.com/"><b>Cadenheads</b></a>.<br />
<b>Bunnahabhain </b>20yo 49.7%, January 2012 bottling from <a href="http://www.whiskybroker.co.uk/acatalog/shophome.html"><b>Whiskybroker</b></a><br />
<b>Longrow CV</b> 46%, distillery bottling from the <a href="http://www.springbankwhisky.com/longrow/"><b>Springbank </b></a>family<br />
<b>Glen Scotia</b> 12yo, 62%, 'Immense, manly, meaty and peaty -93.48' from <a href="http://www.smws.co.uk/">SMWS</a><br />
<b>Invergordon </b>18yo grain, 'Extraordinary taste intensity - G5.3' from SMWS<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul></ul>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7197802140608239352.post-61155516425478546462011-12-10T08:49:00.000-08:002011-12-10T08:49:32.166-08:00Abhainn Dearg - nice idea but no thanks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiC7vvVgiXgN3sq-Q5zwzWzHcfw_p1euBfXgIz92bKkeewDEHi12p5pd8FI3o4eyQkDmvYeCXRyg09I0AJRxxO4e7lChm-hAmIUkq_lBg_KhN9C6cyirGnt6q9du3j8t2FgzGvogvlEbyq/s1600/abhainn+dearg+uig+leodhais.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiC7vvVgiXgN3sq-Q5zwzWzHcfw_p1euBfXgIz92bKkeewDEHi12p5pd8FI3o4eyQkDmvYeCXRyg09I0AJRxxO4e7lChm-hAmIUkq_lBg_KhN9C6cyirGnt6q9du3j8t2FgzGvogvlEbyq/s400/abhainn+dearg+uig+leodhais.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Its early days and I suppose things can only get better. However, my first two tastings of Abhainn Dearg have left not only a bad taste in the mouth but a reluctance to even countenance buying a dram. Buying a bottle was out of the question anyway. £150 for 50cl of a 3yo whisky stretches my sporan a bit too much.<br />
<br />
Earlier this year, I was intrigued to see a quarter-cask of 9-month old Abhainn Dearg at MacSorelys in Glasgow. It was interesting though I have tasted spirit of a similar age that has been fantastic. Recently, I was very pleased to see a bottle of the recently released 3yo in Queensferry's famous Ferry Tap. In short, it was vile. I actually struggled to finish the dram. It tasted like the contents of the cleaner's pail - dirty, watery and not at all pleasant. A long long way from elegant and pleasant <a href="http://macnabracha.blogspot.com/2010/07/best-peats.html"><b>peaty drams</b></a> of which we now have many.<br />
<br />
As I've not heard anyone else mention this, I wonder if its a case of the emperor's new clothes? If so, apologies for rocking the boat but sometimes a spade has to be called a spade.<br />
<br />
Its a shame as it is one new distillery that I'd really like to succeed. Outer Hebridean malts have been missing from the market for too long. As well as that, new <a href="http://macnabracha.blogspot.com/2011/09/distillery-coming-to-na-hearadh.html">enterprises </a>in these sparsely populated areas are very much welcome. The bottom line is, that if they make unpleasant whisky and sell it at sky-high prices, then that success may be as remote as Uig itself.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7197802140608239352.post-11805026690577592812011-09-20T13:13:00.000-07:002011-09-20T13:13:01.013-07:00Distillery coming to Na Hearadh<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwsEvLk9TRscwxKMW2UDmOYgO7_rQ5AoljreRGVmZoIB6U5AIwc4xKFOneOODyjFbP6Rk-QOF7liJyZRqYXR-sQPVMvsK30GG9bWXLRyFRZdthltIrJYwfMoRmuvBQ69CNK-cITC-fXmaU/s1600/na+hearadh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwsEvLk9TRscwxKMW2UDmOYgO7_rQ5AoljreRGVmZoIB6U5AIwc4xKFOneOODyjFbP6Rk-QOF7liJyZRqYXR-sQPVMvsK30GG9bWXLRyFRZdthltIrJYwfMoRmuvBQ69CNK-cITC-fXmaU/s400/na+hearadh.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Good news today from <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/alba/naidheachdan/story/2011/09/110920_still.shtml">BBC Alba</a></b> that permission has been given for a new distillery on East Loch Tarbert on the Isle of Harris. <i>Eilean na Hearadh</i> for those who don't know is a stunningly beautiful and rugged island but one with an ageing population and few job prospects for locals. The Isle of Harris Distillers company are hoping to create up to 20 jobs. This is major employment for an area that usually sends its youngsters to the mainland for employment or further education.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Its also good to see our uisge-beatha being made again in our Gaelic-speaking heartlands. Further up the coast is an Abhainn Dearg whose first 3-year old malt was recently released on the world. Unfortunately, the price as £150 for only 50cl is a bit steep. Having tasted some Abhainn Dearg 9 month old spirit earlier this year which was best described as 'interesting but rough', it's probably fair to say that AD is a work in progress.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">There are also the persistent rumours of a distillery in Barra. <a href="http://www.uisgebeathananeilean.co.uk/home.html">Uisge-Beatha nan Eilean</a> has apparently been raising funds for some years now and secured planning permission. However, its 'distillery' appears to be little more than a windswept moor at this point in time. Ditto, the late Sir Iain Noble's plans for a new distillery at <a href="http://macnabracha.blogspot.com/2011/04/whisky-on-eilean-cheo.html"><b>Torabhaig</b> </a>on Skye's Sleat peninsula. Another Skye malt would be very welcome.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Here's hoping that there's a new 'archipelago' of island malts which we can savour in years to come as well as a new clutch of distilleries to visit.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7197802140608239352.post-24241197736780099632011-07-18T08:45:00.000-07:002011-07-18T08:45:58.017-07:00Several Inches of pleasure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiafWPVzuKJNlONGr23DZ_qfyYqglyy2quBQ_3JJH7CO8vgkc-3ve49D5CnMq4liCOF-F50sVovZ7AURduQ7vIrmcutnVzzgkn3GT8mxVe1yf_paWlH5QevQZPgmzBTkEcXRaCT1p7ZDIQr/s1600/Inchgower+aosta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiafWPVzuKJNlONGr23DZ_qfyYqglyy2quBQ_3JJH7CO8vgkc-3ve49D5CnMq4liCOF-F50sVovZ7AURduQ7vIrmcutnVzzgkn3GT8mxVe1yf_paWlH5QevQZPgmzBTkEcXRaCT1p7ZDIQr/s320/Inchgower+aosta.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Inchgower must be one of the most underrated of all malts. It is not difficult to purchase from online sources but not much seems to be made of this joy of a whisky though I have yet to taste a mediocre dram from this distillery. Independent bottlings seem to make up most of its available public presence. As most of it goes into Bells, not much more that 1% actually makes it to a single malt. The first time I encountered it though was via the Flora and Fauna bottling released by its owner Diageo. Bottled at a 'low' 43% it was nevertheless a fine dram with a long slightly salty finish that seemed to bungee back to the tongue after you thought it was all over.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">From there, things moved onto a 11yo single cask bottling from Cadenheads which came in at a healthy 61%. A fruity nose with some salt gives way to a creamy palate before finishing like salty throat pastilles. </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEs7j11c21oVDdWXQjJD5p4WV17tTtRTwg0lTtFYo0drpNW3Rs4qLwGb36bTrNb9cEJjtJYSFJRa_7Is2Zai-gf-doHr-jVwRQxcfki5IhlIOgQj-FZF4JLOdRc9sVJ5Uqdct9G0Oz2Wh/s1600/Inchgower+Cadenheads+1989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEs7j11c21oVDdWXQjJD5p4WV17tTtRTwg0lTtFYo0drpNW3Rs4qLwGb36bTrNb9cEJjtJYSFJRa_7Is2Zai-gf-doHr-jVwRQxcfki5IhlIOgQj-FZF4JLOdRc9sVJ5Uqdct9G0Oz2Wh/s200/Inchgower+Cadenheads+1989.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: small;">There was no way I was gonna fork out £250 odd for Diageo's 'Manager's Choice' offering. However, thanks to a Jolly Toper tasting in Edinburgh, I got the chance to try this expensive wee gem. Superb stuff indeed. But was it any better than the Cadenhead's one at £40ish?</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Bladnoch Forum bottlings were always excellent value for money and the 28yo from hogshead 6965 at 50.4% didn't disappoint. Great nose - like spilling mango smoothie on a machair meadow. Another reviewer thought the palate was like eating lemon meringue pie with a metal spoon. I'd go with that but replace the metal spoon with a dollop of molasses. The finish is smooth like a lemony Baileys. Very tasty.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bladnoch as previously mentioned was kickstarted by Raymond Armstrong. Now, his son is in on the business and sells a few casks and bottles under the name of <a href="http://www.whiskybroker.co.uk/">Whisky Broker</a>. He seems to be continuing the trade in good value but good quality whisky if his Inchgower 36yo for a mere £50 is anything to go by. Other 36yo bottlings from the same batch go for between £75 and £115. This one is from hogshead 7756 and was distilled way back in 1974. A <a href="http://www.whiskyfun.com/archivedecember09-1.html#071209">review</a> of a 'sister cask' isn't far of the mark for this one either. Here the nose is a mixture of lemon and honey. Palate is very smooth but light and citrus with some metallic notes and yon Inchgower salt. Finish is medium to long with some grass and brown sugar.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0d43Hv2vsgOGe80N32OCVaVshl34tvhCGg_V1EGRzJ7nZ5hDXvFbuMyyEC3iVRs3uAV8MyNEs6Uag5AaTjDxSkTc7VXRERVOlsEgoDayzMnidCS_sotFDXt3jfRYdHfwwLEWImXYG2zw2/s1600/Inchgower+28+agus+36.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0d43Hv2vsgOGe80N32OCVaVshl34tvhCGg_V1EGRzJ7nZ5hDXvFbuMyyEC3iVRs3uAV8MyNEs6Uag5AaTjDxSkTc7VXRERVOlsEgoDayzMnidCS_sotFDXt3jfRYdHfwwLEWImXYG2zw2/s200/Inchgower+28+agus+36.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The only Inchgower that I haven't been that impressed with was the Scotch Malt Whisky Society's 'Hippie Dram' and that's probably because of the high benchmark set by other bottlings.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Inchgower is an intruiging dram that rarely disappoints and one that I look forward to tasting a lot of in the future. Lastly, here are some interesting articles which give more background to the distillery and status of this whisky:</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><h2 style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.whiskyintelligence.com/2010/11/loch-fyne-whiskies-stocks-inchgower-dewar-rattray-1974-36yo-scotch-whisky-news/">Loch Fyne Whiskies Stocks Inchgower Dewar Rattray 1974 36yo - Scotch Whisky News</a></span></h2><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.maltmadness.com/whisky/inchgower.html"><b>Distillery Profile at Malt Madness</b></a></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="http://www.forscotchlovers.com/distillery_row/distilleries_by_region/speyside/inchgower_distillery">For Scotch Lovers</a></b></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.scotsites.co.uk/ebooks/whiskydistilleries84.htm"><b>1887 account by Alfred Barnard </b></a></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7197802140608239352.post-16132297508422152562011-05-21T10:18:00.000-07:002011-05-21T10:18:45.147-07:00Daftmill - strange topography and a new Fife malt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMq669Be6I5ttkGSo33eOXdnxBnb5lfHjtQvPBdcOEGZ3NN2YZ50kiQp1kJzNyGaykAu6YRQ7DVr3MPqmrIbj0MLRX55pQTtZAm_rcQ0nkVkmHcCQJRkDILREZjc9xiDhdGt4v4QheHzO/s1600/Daftmill1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMq669Be6I5ttkGSo33eOXdnxBnb5lfHjtQvPBdcOEGZ3NN2YZ50kiQp1kJzNyGaykAu6YRQ7DVr3MPqmrIbj0MLRX55pQTtZAm_rcQ0nkVkmHcCQJRkDILREZjc9xiDhdGt4v4QheHzO/s400/Daftmill1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Fife is a strange place. It houses Scotland's oldest university which is also the one of choice for those who don't make it to Oxbridge. It's East Neuk is hoachin' with beautiful old fishing hooses that have been turned into potteries and galleries. The fishwives are thin on the ground these days. Fife was also the only constituency ever to return a Communist MP to the Westminster parliament. It still had a few Communist councillors until recently. It also sent hundreds of volunteers to fight Franco and the rise of fascism in '36 Spain. No reds in today's East Neuk though... Fife like most of Scotland has embraced Salmond's vision for our nation.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Fife now has its own malt whisky distillery - Daftmill - named after a quirk in the local topography whereby the Daft Burn appears to run uphill. Daftmill is actually a working farm though its relationship to the whisky industry is not a new one. For years it has sold award-winning barley to various key players in the industry including Macallan. It maintains that operation but is now operating on a 'traditional' basis. Tradition has it that in the auld days, farmers </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">would, </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">once the season of toil was over turn their hand to whisky distilling during the winter months. This is the plan for Daftmill anyway. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAi-8msrAadAtFdI49Uw7vW-fkGN00ymA0KgKNVtXkdGgKh9EAhDRfkklnUTgQxGU5IKzvv5MvEl6TK9QPJ3s2RvOWCwgsRv76c-Z7Y-vCKmN6HbUdRUbW13IAcY6Lc4skZD2AHrkDbll2/s1600/Daftmill+spirit+safe.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAi-8msrAadAtFdI49Uw7vW-fkGN00ymA0KgKNVtXkdGgKh9EAhDRfkklnUTgQxGU5IKzvv5MvEl6TK9QPJ3s2RvOWCwgsRv76c-Z7Y-vCKmN6HbUdRUbW13IAcY6Lc4skZD2AHrkDbll2/s320/Daftmill+spirit+safe.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Daftmill started distilling in 2005. The oldest whisky currently maturing is 4 years old. Fine stuff it is too. Most of it is in first fill bourbon casks though there are some sherry around. Some new distillers, including a certain small Islay enterprise, have due to the pressures of investment, rushed out new spirit as well as 3 year old bairns. Daftmill hope to wait until ten years before releasing the fruits of their labour onto the market.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The setting for this farm distillery is superb. A large millpond is visible on the approach to the farm steading. Various old buildings have been redeveloped and now house washbacks and stills. An auld byre now acts as the treasury.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Daftmill don't do 'distillery tours' as of yet but a polite email or phone call to the Cuthbert family who have farmed here for six generations could result in an invitation to view the new enterprise. In the company of an interested <a href="http://www.schottland-reise.com/Whiskyreisen.html">German whisky</a> connoisseur and tour operator, I get an indepth viewing from grist to cask sample. Funnily enough, we are told that visitors are few and far between. Surprisingly, certain well known writers in the whisky world have yet to knock on the door. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWrQ3ZXzxg_ROUJ03gjpkXKmws-3y7hFd0gewdUYEYFKnYJB0cZ4uxAFmKDBAg3UiKcDTHv7XHofwqkVGutBIK3XRjmRSej-N5gOInUEN7H9PnM3c6P7_eTnGKAdPzFil3IIdNDJ37_dqT/s1600/Daftmill+casks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWrQ3ZXzxg_ROUJ03gjpkXKmws-3y7hFd0gewdUYEYFKnYJB0cZ4uxAFmKDBAg3UiKcDTHv7XHofwqkVGutBIK3XRjmRSej-N5gOInUEN7H9PnM3c6P7_eTnGKAdPzFil3IIdNDJ37_dqT/s400/Daftmill+casks.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This is certain to change as the date for the first bottling gets closer. I for one feel privileged to have tasted Daftmill in its infancy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Daftmill will be aiming to produce a classic Lowland malt, matured in bourbon casks. We're told that a Rosebank type malt is something that is aimed for. Whatever, we get the current full menu of new make spirit, bourbon and sherry. All are superb.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The sherry cask was my personal favourite though it was probably just a scrotal hair ahead of the bourbon in quality. The other two disagreed. The Daftmill sherry at 4 years old reminded me a lot of Aberlour's lip-smacking A' Bunadh. It has a full, sweet and viscous palate. There was something musty about it too - like an old library with antique leather chairs. Absolutely delicious. If I were to hazard a comparison with other drams then the aforementioned A' Bunadh would be there along with the Gordon & MacPhail 12yo Imperial and possibly even the Edradour Natural Cask Strength.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The bourbon cask was altogether different - lighter and with the expected vanilla and toffee flavours. I was reminded of a Glenkinchie cask strength that I had tried though this didn't find favour with Mr.Cuthbert. He preferred Rosebank as a comparison.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I won't bother regurgitating the history of Daftmill here - their website provides all of that. Should the opportunity present itself though, go and visit it. I for one would welcome the chance to taste a 6 or 7 year old from the cask. Its refreshing to meet ordinary Scots who have the vision and balls to go out and create something of quality. Independent distilleries are very much to be supported. I'm sure that all this fits well into the 'new' Scotland and Salmond's own vision.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.daftmill.com/">Daftmill website</a></b></span><br />
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</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7197802140608239352.post-48340579213131113792011-04-09T14:54:00.000-07:002018-10-04T10:37:54.589-07:00Whisky on Eilean a' Cheo<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguzQAb3RF2f8gpV4FSrbKWRYnvwnxoHnnHFEFNcW7vJ1w5NVtCaO8Bt_jafCn2lxgwWGsej5SWutSMD1Expquw0bfuVJHzMqMFXqryD_7hTDYQaoM5eCrbDL111Q4C4h2NxiRKIrdnI6Pv/s1600/an+t-eilean.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguzQAb3RF2f8gpV4FSrbKWRYnvwnxoHnnHFEFNcW7vJ1w5NVtCaO8Bt_jafCn2lxgwWGsej5SWutSMD1Expquw0bfuVJHzMqMFXqryD_7hTDYQaoM5eCrbDL111Q4C4h2NxiRKIrdnI6Pv/s400/an+t-eilean.gif" width="282" /></a></div>
Always good to get in a distillery or two during the spring break. And its always good to get to the <a href="https://brochan.teemill.com/product/eilean-a-cheo-gaelic-t-shirt/">Isle of Skye</a>. Unlike the much smaller Islay, Skye only has 'two' whiskies though only one has its distillery on the island and only one has its offices based there.</div>
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talisker">Talisker </a>is of course the only distillery and makes up the 'island' element of Diageo's Classic Malt collection. Talisker must be one of the remotest distilleries in Scotland due to the sheer size of Skye and the lack of regular and reliable public transport. The new <a href="http://www.abhainndearg.co.uk/">Abhainn Dearg</a> on Lewis is certainly as remote in geographical terms - tucked away as it is in far flung but beautiful Uig - but <i>Comhairle nan Eilean Siar</i> at least seem to run fairly regular buses to all corners of Lewis and Harris.<br />
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Back to Talisker though and despite having my 'Classic Malts' passport thingy handy, I really don't fancy another sanitised Diageo tour. Especially one that is reputedly less than generous when it comes to tasting the product. Glenkinchie is to be praised for giving the interested whisky student a chance to sample more than one malt from Diageo's vast range. Talisker though, like the disappointing Dalwhinnie, can only muster a thimbleful of its standard malt. For this reason, I phone ahead to book a place on their 'Connoisseurs Tour' which gives you an indepth tour and tasting of five malts from the Talisker stable. This only seems to happen once a week outside the summer season so I satisfy myself with a visit to the shop. Fortunately the local lass behind the counter is very welcoming and allows me to taste the 25yo which as expected is mellow but complex and generally lip smacking. The £150 price tag is beyond my budget though I settled for the equally excellent 57 North. This is far superior to the Talisker Distiller's Edition but is also cheaper and bottled at a higher "special" strength of... 57%.</div>
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As our but 'n ben is situated in Sleat peninsula, we stop of for photo ops at the stunning Eilean Iarmain, home of the <a href="http://www.gaelicwhisky.com/index.asp">Pràban na Linne</a> or the 'Gaelic Whiskies' as its marketed to tourists. This is the whisky company set up by the late Gaelic enthusiast and merchant banker Iain Noble. This is the only whisky with its head office based in the Skye Gaidhealtachd though the whisky itself is something of a mystery to me. They bottle the blends Tè Bheag and Mac na Mara as well as the single malt Poit Dhubh at various ages. Free tastings are available on demand here in their office tucked behind the Hotel Eilean Iarmain and Pràban bar.</div>
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Pràban announced some years ago that they intended to build a <a href="http://www.gaelicwhisky.com/project.asp"><b>new distillery in Sleat</b></a> near the township of Torabhaig which would also give its name to the new malt. Plans were drawn up to utilise an old farm steading not far from the historic Caisteal a' Chamais and planning permission sought. However, this was more than five years ago and to my knowledge nothing more has happened. Iain Noble himself died recently and one hopes that whoever succeeds him at the wheel of Pràban na Linne or his Fearann Eilean Iarmain estate persists with this. A distillery on Sleat would no doubt provide further stimulus to this rural community which has already been revived by Noble's principle legacy here, the <a href="http://www.smo.uhi.ac.uk/index_gd.html">Sabhal Mor Ostaig</a> Gaelic-medium college.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7197802140608239352.post-92059307902260957692010-10-17T09:06:00.000-07:002013-10-27T00:27:23.509-07:00The beer of Brugge and the Garden of Earthly Delights.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Its amazing to think that some people - Little Englanders? - perceive Belgium as 'boring'. Sure, its a bit flat. But any country that can produce the maniacal genius of Hieronymus Bosch, the beauty of Bruges/ Brugge and the sheer quantity of quality beers is worth respect. Being good at empire building aint cool no more.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Apart from being visually stunning, Brugge has its own <a href="http://www.brugswhiskyhuis.be/"><b>Whiskyhuis</b></a>. I was mildly disappointed that this turned out to be a shop and not a bar but it does sell sample drams at reasonable prices. For 2 Euros, you can try the likes of BenRiach Curiositas or the rum finish as well as many standard malts. For a little more, you can have a 26yo Glenesk or a choice from two Littlemills if closed distilleries interest you. There's a Berry Bros Caol Ila and cask strength miniatures from Arran. I understand that tastings are arranged so keep on eye on their website if you plan to visit and want to taste more than beer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">The beers though are stupendous. I didn't see any Stella Artois in Brugge though other well kent names like Leffe and Hoegarden are so ubiquitous here that they sell it in cans for peanuts. I managed to sample 6 or 7 beers during my stay - three nights aint enough - and the pick of the bunch has to be the typically </span><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_993679622"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">trappist</span></b></a></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achel_Brewery"><b> Achel Bruin</b></a> which comes in at the relatively light 8%. A thick creamy head lies on a dark brew and gives the drink the appearance of a Gaelic Coffee. The taste though is superb - apple pie with molasses and yet more apples.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">The local beer comes from the Halve Maan brewery of which the Brugse Zot is the most widely found. Their best though has to be the Straffe Hendrik Brugs Tripel Bier at 9%. Not to be confused with this is the similarly delicious Brugge Tripel - available in pubs and late night supermarkets. The best option though is to visit the legendary </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.brugsbeertje.be/"><b>Café 't Brugs Beertje</b></a> - a cosy wee place that stocks 300 or more beers. On the wall here is a </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">framed </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">memorial to whisky and beer writer Michael Jackson. Another wee howff is the hard to find <a href="http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/83/8378/De_Garre/Bruges"><b>De Garre</b></a>. It lies at the end of a tiny narrow close off the street that connects the main Markt square to the Burg. Its well worth tracking down and the house beer of the same name is another dark and strong beauty. I didn't dare ask for the strength. They also serve 'tapas' of cheese in this ancient looking tavern.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Brugge is a gem of a place and well worth a visit. A weekend isn't enough as there's more than enough streets, bars and cafes to keep you entertained if the museums don't get you. If Brugge gets too much, hire a bike and head to the nearby Damme with its own selection of bars. Have a Westmalle Dunkel at 9% and hope that the canal doesn't get you on the return journey.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7197802140608239352.post-82090852835749839772010-09-06T13:27:00.000-07:002010-09-06T13:27:54.478-07:00Aged malts in Kenmore and Glenturret<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJonUcar-R5tS-6IfQ9YRNvjc_jNKwyLBDrtSjE56L5WFCol66WNylFNbPZlzRf37sTFjJn6THpfMgraA163QDG_KzVic2JDgupM2g1pg_6bXPkvJQr0Wbxne7e3ZNz-S8advQBvJShV3/s1600/glenturret.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJonUcar-R5tS-6IfQ9YRNvjc_jNKwyLBDrtSjE56L5WFCol66WNylFNbPZlzRf37sTFjJn6THpfMgraA163QDG_KzVic2JDgupM2g1pg_6bXPkvJQr0Wbxne7e3ZNz-S8advQBvJShV3/s320/glenturret.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Another wee jaunt to take advantage of our Indian summer sees us pack the tent and head for Highland Perth/Stirlingshire. We make for Kenmore - the <i>ceann mòr</i> or 'great head' of Loch Tay via the appropriately named Glen Quaich. Quaich of course being the Anglicised form of '<i>cuach</i>' or 'drinking cup' with which the Scots drank their whisky on ceremonial occasions.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We pitch up near <i>Tom na Moine</i> - hillock of the peat. Gaelic names seem 'romantic' to those with no knowledge of the tongue and whilst some are descriptive in either beautiful or bizarre ways, most are simply mundane. Our own portable peat comes in the form of Caol Ila Distillers Edition and some Longrow CV. The Longrow is a new dram for me but one I'll seek out in future. It's dark and treacly and I start thinking of a fermented blueberry muffin.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We head to the Kenmore Hotel and are pleased to find a well-stocked bar with many familiar and not so well-kent bottles. I go for two Connoissiers Choice. First is <b>Braes of Glenlivet 1975</b>. The date of distillation awes me to no end. I was a wee lad when this went into the cask. The price at £3.60 for a 32 yo stretches that awe a bit further. This is nice stuff - light but with lots of cereal and vanilla flavours. It prompts a discussion on why distilleries like this (as well as Imperial, Rosebank and others) get closed down, or are not at least given a new lease of life in today's malt-friendly times. I have since read that 'BoG' has reopened but is now known as Braeval.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Next up is the CC <b>Caperdonich</b> from 1980. This one is a comparably youthful 27yo but like the former, is a mothballed distillery. Caperdonich has its fans and was recommended to me at the recent Whisky Fringe. Having tasted this and the CC 1969 40yo, I have to admit to being underwhelmed. It's a little spicy with some toffee in it but the wood is a bit too much for me. The finish could be longer too. I still feel privileged to taste this stuff though.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The trip back the next day sees an impromptu visit to the 'home of the Famous Grouse' at Glenturret. The setting is magnificent. I'm also pleased to try another new dram. The sample of the standard 10yo at 40% is pleasing but not overwhelming. However, a visit to the dramming bar sees us try the humongous single cask 14yo at 59.7%. Its earthy but sweet and fills the mouth. Has a long slightly oily finish. I've never seen this before. Is it a secret or do I have a sheltered life? Who knows but at £80odd for a bottle, the price has tempered my enthusiasm. I am left though wanting to keep an eye out for an independent bottling that's more pocket friendly.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The welcome though at Glenturret is warm and friendly. This welcome on top of the some excellent whisky and stunning scenery reminds me of why people come to Scotland. Just as well, given that our national fitba team is currently sweating over possible defeat to Lichtenstein of all nations!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7197802140608239352.post-64721389378291059542010-07-01T08:27:00.000-07:002010-07-02T11:31:17.487-07:00The best peats?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH_BT3y3wfAFG5K4Rf0TYsmNRSotcz5s-WOX05UfODSAvYei819h4Rbymalok8CLbAC95capCjnuH82njDYDuXCGKbMyCTc2hcLVegfrjXDyDi3fn504ZoBXwnoSsnjpJrBTUrIuyT4zlm/s1600/tilgeil+faid.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH_BT3y3wfAFG5K4Rf0TYsmNRSotcz5s-WOX05UfODSAvYei819h4Rbymalok8CLbAC95capCjnuH82njDYDuXCGKbMyCTc2hcLVegfrjXDyDi3fn504ZoBXwnoSsnjpJrBTUrIuyT4zlm/s400/tilgeil+faid.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488970491547500050" border="0" /></a><br />The better half has just finished taking two dozen German gardening journalists and peat enthusiasts (!) around various topical attractions in Scotland. This included a whisky tasting where the peat enthusiasts, but whisky beginners, got the opportunity to taste the difference peat smoke makes to a whisky.<br /><br />Let's hope they persist in their whisky adventure. Should they in time develop a liking for peaty whisky then perhaps they might want to try the following. The list of course is far from exhaustive and choosing a <span style="font-style: italic;">numero uno</span> is nigh impossible. But as Gaelic lexicographer<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Dwelly"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Edward Dwelly</span></a> said at the beginning of his 1911 dictionary, "<span style="font-style: italic;">Se obair là toiseachadh, se obair beatha criochnachadh</span>" - Beginning is a day's work, finishing takes a lifetime.<br /><br />Here we go...<br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Laphroaig 10</span> - the standard Laphroaig and one to be found in almost all supermarkets. Despite its rather Presbyterian 40% abv, there's no doubting the quality of this dram.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ardbeg 10 </span>- this lip smacker at 46% used to be found in the supermarkets but its owner, a certain Mr Louis Vuitton , is playing funny buggers with its availability and price - more on this another day. Should you see it at around the £30 mark, go for it.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bunnahabhain Toiteach</span> - tasted this at the Whisky Fringe and was bowled over. Not the usual for this distillery but this one has a fat and full peaty palate, oily texture and a finish longer than a <a href="http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/576881"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hibs FC losing streak</span></a> in the Scottish Cup. 46% abv.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Laphroaig 18</span> - One of the best activities in the world must be to get the Post Bus to Ardbeg and walk back to Port Ellen, visiting the 3 southern Islay distilleries at roughly one per mile. This I did last year and upon entering Laphroaig was asked in a native Ileach accent, 'What'll you have?'. I was recommended the 18yo which had only come out the previous week. I bought it at the low price of £42 - not sure why but its now £60+ in the shops. 48% of peaty warmth with chocolate and toffee and yon hint of Laphroaig medicine.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Laphroaig Càirdeas 2010</span> - limited edition at a reasonable £45 from Friends of Laphroaig. Spicy and dry with a creel full of peat.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ardmore SMWS 66.21</span> - "I can't believe its not Islay". Great title. It kicks up a whirlwind of molasses and smoke on the tongue. 21 yo and cask strength. Sadly, its all gone...</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Caol Ila SMWS 53.131</span> - "Turbuso humo". Coming in at a whopping 67.9% you might expect this to be made by Belgian monks. Coal, chilli and barbecued haloumi. More peat than Barvas moor. Fantastic stuff.<br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ardbeg SMWS 33.83</span> - "Oh, for the joys of a long winter night". A low alcohol CS compared to the above. Murray mints rolled in coal dust and given a good sucking while wandering around the peat-infused air of an Uig township - say Bhaltos or Cnip.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Ileach Cask Strength</span> - a Leipziger whisky connoisseur first mentioned this to my partner some years ago. I bought my second bottle in Pitlochry, see previous post, for around £30. Its 58% and reputed to be a Lagavulin. Need I say more?<br /></li></ul>Others to try or buy if you've still got a job in this banker's midden of a recession...<br /><ul><li>Ardbeg - Airigh nam Beist, Uigedail, Renaissance</li><li>Caol Ila - Distiller's Edition</li><li>Talisker 57 North - <span style="font-style: italic;">the best Talisker I've tried</span></li><li>Springbank 10</li><li>Bladnoch 8yo Lightly Peated</li><li>Benriach Curiositas</li><li>Bruichlaiddich - Infinity, Port Sgioba</li><li>Lagavulin - 16yo, Distiller's Edition, 12yo CS - <span style="font-style: italic;">a house without one of these is sad hoose indeed</span><br /></li></ul>There's also the gimmicky Ardbeg Supernova and Bruichladdich Octomore marketed at those 'peat extremists' with more money than myself.<br /><br />Some to avoid buying or at least blag a dram of...<br /><ul><li>Ardbeg SMWS - "A dirty dram for Mary Poppins", the label states that its like 'licking an ashtray' and its not wrong. Not pleasant either.</li><li>Benromach Peat Smoke - not unpleasant but it just doesn't have the depth or finish.</li><li>Smokehead - not bad but lacking in something... body, depth and finish perhaps?</li><li>Port Ellen - hmmmm.... its obviously the closed distillery status that creates the interest here but on the occasions I've tried a PE, I've been underwhelmed. I certainly wouldn't be inspired to part with £130+ for a bottle.</li></ul>Suggested omissions from the above lists are very welcome!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7197802140608239352.post-57701744945995323952010-05-16T10:30:00.000-07:002010-05-16T12:16:17.480-07:00Dalwhinnie - the peak of disappointment<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1SlDlLH0bDTU9mZh8IbW-xdeY3FHp5WvSKVXtj9G6OGyKKOh3GuLFfomLZWJsihgzBmgVtT0YmVF9pVINy41KTlcOI5VH6Dirh4M_8UGE1b_KQaha9QhOz8Kv-KE5NRzZwdXZ9EEsCBUF/s1600/dalwhinnie.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 201px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1SlDlLH0bDTU9mZh8IbW-xdeY3FHp5WvSKVXtj9G6OGyKKOh3GuLFfomLZWJsihgzBmgVtT0YmVF9pVINy41KTlcOI5VH6Dirh4M_8UGE1b_KQaha9QhOz8Kv-KE5NRzZwdXZ9EEsCBUF/s320/dalwhinnie.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471947218634204610" border="0" /></a><br />Leaving Srath Spè and heading south we stop for a break at the Ralia cafe. It turns out to be a wee whisky haven with several shelves of miniatures. It has quite a serious selection - everything from the usual Laphroaig, Glenfiddich to lesser seen specimens like Benriach, including their peaty ones. I opt for a mini from the defunct Dumbarton distillery, Littlemill. It turns out to be a wee honeyed joy. I find out that it rarely garnered good reviews in its hey-day. Shame as i enjoyed it and while i wasn't overwhelmed, I'd still rather that Littlemill was still with us.<br /><br />However, it's onto another Diageo giant. It's a part of the country i know reasonably well. Dalwhinnie used to be a major rest-stop for many travellers on the road north or as i did, on past Loch Lagan and Creag Meagaidh towards Skye . Hell, its bleak though and now even the hotel and cafe seem to have gone the same way as Littlemill.<br /><br />As to the distillery, well, there's not much you can say. Nice setting, good enough whisky but it fits very snugly into Diageo's pristine new world. We get the standard tour with little to really stimulate our interest. Dalwhinnie apparently loses less to the angel's share due the high altitude and the sub-Arctic situation of the local environment. Very good, except that most Dalwhinnie is most likely matured in the somewhat less mountainous and romantic environs of Alloa where several football pitch sized warehouses lie at Diageo's Blackgrange site.<br /><br />Like it's Diageo cousin down the road in Blair Athol, visitors are allowed a safety-conscious view of one warehouse through a pane of glass. Spirits - <span style="font-style: italic;">ho-ho</span> - are raised when a bottle of new make spirit is produced. However, it's not for tasting and only for rubbing on our hands. Are they scared of swine-flu or something?<br /><br />The tour ends with a thimble sized 'dram' in the new visitor centre. All in all, the distillery and its staff were friendly and welcoming enough but everything is just too sterile and choreographed. Unfortunately, it would seem that booking onto a 'connoisseur' tour will only entitle you to sample a greater selection of Diageo brands rather than an in-depth tasting from the cask. Perhaps they have something to learn from the aforementioned GlenDronach.<br /><br />I have since read though that a new manager intends to restore some independent character to Dalwhinnie. Good luck to him.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7197802140608239352.post-78420449206337895032010-04-23T15:20:00.000-07:002010-09-06T13:34:03.317-07:00Doric drams - Ardmore, Glen Garioch and Glendronach<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsFPsh3mocrViv1l15d1MQrG7eNZqTjbra4E9XxDCTPzhe3WPRa03ePuvEnpvVp5vUsI0oZo1_-8dHMBezwNBQOI-84MwWKqm8uzRFXsPgRJMZKLnCBxd8wDcubic4rp9lfF91EWczpJnj/s1600/adrmore.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463456892005867842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsFPsh3mocrViv1l15d1MQrG7eNZqTjbra4E9XxDCTPzhe3WPRa03ePuvEnpvVp5vUsI0oZo1_-8dHMBezwNBQOI-84MwWKqm8uzRFXsPgRJMZKLnCBxd8wDcubic4rp9lfF91EWczpJnj/s320/adrmore.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 188px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 302px;" /></a>The journey continues and as we get further into Aberdeenshire, the landscape flattens out. Its kind of pleasant but not exactly dramatic. To call it 'Highland' is akin to comparing Glenkinchie in East Lothian to Sgurr nan Gillean. Nevertheless, Ardmore, Glen Garioch and Glendronach are all Highland malts and they are somewhere to be found in the maze of roads on our map - a spaghetti junction compared to the simplicity of the Braemar highways and byways.<br />
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We eventually find <span style="font-weight: bold;">Ardmore </span>in the sleepy, and probably 'close-knit' village of Kennethmont. The distillery is certainly tightly knit as far as visitors are concerned. Not a soul is to be seen and phone calls and emails from my business-frau partner went unanswered. You can certainly smell the activity on the breeze though and we counted at least 22 maturation sheds on one side of the road. Shame it is closed to whisky tourists as we would've liked a deek at the source of this interesting dram. One of the best drams I've had was a heavily peated Ardmore at th<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnvG84qmk8KeyrNtD5XWDBlcJQf4wxHvPu_hyf3JG3hqdCs34kbTLr44SeL_mKqDYrLcx15ibybFOjeUH9VzvVzkF3LPwhq8j12677pyPuQyQtkVB70gFTcoW6p5mPuKChT6WfsKiFpS3c/s1600/garioch1.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463457750848777202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnvG84qmk8KeyrNtD5XWDBlcJQf4wxHvPu_hyf3JG3hqdCs34kbTLr44SeL_mKqDYrLcx15ibybFOjeUH9VzvVzkF3LPwhq8j12677pyPuQyQtkVB70gFTcoW6p5mPuKChT6WfsKiFpS3c/s320/garioch1.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 183px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 257px;" /></a>e SMWS which went under the title of 'I can't believe its not Islay'. We later learn that a visitor centre is currently being constructed at Ardmore.<br />
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We then have to ask directions to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Glen Garioch</span> at a friendly bakers in Insch. Aberdeenshire is the source of the oldest written Scots Gaelic but today the lingo of the proles and peasantry is Doric or at least heavily accented Scots English. Whatever, its a pleasure to hear. For some reason though, Garioch is pronounce 'geerie'.<br />
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We find Glen Garioch tucked behind rows of houses and narrow streets in the town of Old Meldrum. Indeed, 'Distillery Road' passes through the complex. Garioch is owned by the same people who run Bowmore and Auchentoshan. Whoever <span style="font-style: italic;">they </span>are, the people we meet here are warm and friendly. They're also whisky enthusiasts and not just tolerant sales people/ tourist guides. We don't get to see the warehouses unfortunately and anyway, like many distilleries, most of the product is shipped off elsewhere to mature. We do get to taste the Garioch 12yo and Reserve. Unfortunately, there's a heavy oak undercurrent in both expressions which puts me off the dram a little. O<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Dcbpf1ew5RjHMxslvAdX18Q7H3NjDBuXpYzBhNOTkMLLNtqXVuDF_DHyIoWxxfHDGBXIk5QJ1huzUWDqLg5Jl6gBEqH-AWsilKSfg3KsWOUTJwoyEcpRfCmEoHPg0w20e0790U_7rmPM/s1600/garioch+stills2.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463466612483898898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Dcbpf1ew5RjHMxslvAdX18Q7H3NjDBuXpYzBhNOTkMLLNtqXVuDF_DHyIoWxxfHDGBXIk5QJ1huzUWDqLg5Jl6gBEqH-AWsilKSfg3KsWOUTJwoyEcpRfCmEoHPg0w20e0790U_7rmPM/s320/garioch+stills2.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 294px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 188px;" /></a>n the plus side, they're both bottled at 48% and are unchillfiltered. I'd love to try one straight from the cask. A great welcome was had here and i hope Garioch goes from strength to strength.<br />
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It's not far to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Glen Dronach</span>. The distillery has a kind of 60s factory appearance, a bit like Caol Ila. They're expecting us and we're quickly ushered onto a tour that's already underway. The guide is a local lass - <span style="font-style: italic;">mare Doric</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">tongue </span>- with an obvious love for whisky and good sense of humour. The tour is detailed and informative though the only glimpse of any casks is through a Diageo-style window in the shop/ dramming room. Another two locals are on the tour and the craic is great though getting 3 or 4 drams to sample certainly helps to break the ice. Again, this East Highland oakiness is present in GD though i certainly like the Grand Cru expression which was released especially for the Danish market.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6gukmRhapzvvgcLbo9BiKC5ssqvgEZxY0pVaOjtwnu72W9HJ3TvxQVM8U4aPrpgrW8JObYdlH8MlGzbKox0BSGp0QLn3n2w2qhk9vFm-ptOi2DQOCpf6BugKeMm9gjUq34QXfRE0qu5f/s1600/glendronach.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463458838965788338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6gukmRhapzvvgcLbo9BiKC5ssqvgEZxY0pVaOjtwnu72W9HJ3TvxQVM8U4aPrpgrW8JObYdlH8MlGzbKox0BSGp0QLn3n2w2qhk9vFm-ptOi2DQOCpf6BugKeMm9gjUq34QXfRE0qu5f/s320/glendronach.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 217px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 148px;" /></a><br />
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Of particular interest to my partner in dramming is the chance for visiting whisky tourists to go on the 'connoisseurs' tour. This involves been taken around by the ex-distillery manager of 40 years experience and getting 6 drams, some drawn straight from the cask. Looks like a return is on the cards. GD is owned by BenRiach and several of the BR range are on offer here too.<br />
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We aim to hit <span style="font-weight: bold;">Cragganmore </span>on the way to our next bed in Nethy Bridge but we are disappointed to find that this Diageo distillery shuts its door at 4. Never mind, we stand around gawking at the collapsed warehouse/ shed which seems to have flattened one car and damaged a forklift too. Meanwhile, I'm still breathing Glen Dronach.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1