I'll be leading an Introduction to Scotch class at 18 Reasons next Tuesday, February 22. We'll take a quick run through the garden of Scotch Whisky history, talk a bit about how the stuff is made, and then taste our way through the six main regions. For this class, I'll be pouring representative, affordable, and … Continue reading Introduction to Scotch at 18 Reasons
Events
Robbie Burns Night…
San Francisco is a hell of long way from Ayrshire or Dumfries but here's a hearty sláinte mhaith to all celebrating Scotland's great bard tonight. Seemingly saddled with a cold from the deepest wells of hell, I'll be toasting the man with some tea, a bit of Echinacea tincture, and if I'm lucky, a wee … Continue reading Robbie Burns Night…
Whisk(e)y classes at 18 Reasons
"He who can, does. He who cannot, teaches." - George Bernard Shaw, Man and Superman (1903) "Maxims for Revolutionists" Among the many things I cannot do are: wrestle a bear and win, hurl 1000 lb boulders from a high peak down upon unsuspecting villagers, knit a sweater, get any satisfaction, understand any math past high school geometry, … Continue reading Whisk(e)y classes at 18 Reasons
Bay Area Whisky Events, January 2011
A new year, a new month, a couple of whisky events here in the Bay Area to check out... Robert Burns Supper with Robin Coupar presented by Skyy Spirits and Whiskies of the World Expo "A traditional Burns Supper to honor Scotland's beloved Bard. The evening includes a Bag Piper to parade the Haggis, the … Continue reading Bay Area Whisky Events, January 2011
2010 SMWS Extravaganza San Francisco – Recap
Thank you very much to the Scotch Malt Whisky Society of America for the opportunity to attend the Extravaganza as press. The etymology of the word extravaganza reads (at least from several online sources) thusly: "from 1754, with reference to peculiar behavior; from 1794, of a fantastic type of performance or writing, from It. extravaganza, … Continue reading 2010 SMWS Extravaganza San Francisco – Recap
Bay Area Whisky Events (Last Minute Version)
Because Mondays and, very often, Tuesdays can really suck, those in the Bay Area may find themselves in need of a wee nip...or several wee nips to see themselves through to Wednesday and beyond. Tomorrow night (I said last minute) in San Jose there's a Glenmorangie tasting with Dr. Bill Lumsden himself and Tuesday night … Continue reading Bay Area Whisky Events (Last Minute Version)
Kilchoman Single Cask Release for the Whisky Shop
I had the privilege of meeting Kilchoman's Owner and Director, Anthony Wills today at San Francisco's The Whisky Shop. Mr. Wills is making a quick tour of the U.S. to promote Kilchoman's Summer 2010 Release here in the states as well as offering single cask bottlings to a select few purveyors. The Whisky Shop is … Continue reading Kilchoman Single Cask Release for the Whisky Shop
Recap – Bruichladdich Tasting with Jim McEwan, 11.1.10
I'm not usually one of those types that are checking their phones every other minute, but with the San Francisco Giants on their way to winning the World Series, it was hard not to check the score...repeatedly...during the first half of the recent Bruichladdich tasting at the City Club of San Francisco. The irony here … Continue reading Recap – Bruichladdich Tasting with Jim McEwan, 11.1.10
Bay Area Whisky Events, November 2010
Feeling unfulfilled after WhiskyFest? Not a one of the 270 whiskies hit the spot, eh? Was the $150 VIP ticket chump change and are you looking to unload more cash so as not to be burdened by the evil temptations of the all (not so) mighty dollar? Here are a couple of suggestions: -------------------------------------------------------- … Continue reading Bay Area Whisky Events, November 2010
WhiskyFest SF 2010 Wrap-up
Before we get into this any further, let me just lay out my WhiskyFest plan for next year: 1. Actually spend a few minutes making a serious game plan as to what to taste instead of talking about making a game plan and then running around like an idiot. 2. Eat more. 3. As nice … Continue reading WhiskyFest SF 2010 Wrap-up
THE CASKS 