I can think of absolutely no tie-in between Speyside Scotch and Cinco de Mayo. 148 years ago today, a small but doughty Mexican army fought off a much larger French Army who were understandably pissed off at Mexico for not paying their debts and finally had decided to strong-arm the Benito Juárez administration into freeing … Continue reading Aberlour 16 Year Old Double Cask Matured – Review
Scotch
Ardbeg 1990 Airigh Nam Beist – Review
Again with the marketing genius...a whisky named after the lurking place of some evil, nameless beast? Strong, smokey spirit recalling a dark, foreboding grotto filled with a nameless dread? Sold! Ring up the bottle, pour me a glass...I'm in. Ardbeg's 1990 Airigh Nam Beist has been aged for 16-18 years in old bourbon barrels and sadly, … Continue reading Ardbeg 1990 Airigh Nam Beist – Review
Nopa: Sherry, Supernova & Firelit Liqueur! – Review
NoPa is a neighborhood in San Francisco, its moniker standing for North of Panhandle, the Panhandle being a thin strip of tree-lined park jutting eastward from beautiful Golden Gate Park. Nopa is also the name for neighborhood's best restaurant and cocktail gathering place. We've dined there several times and have always enjoyed the excellent California … Continue reading Nopa: Sherry, Supernova & Firelit Liqueur! – Review
Caol Ila 12 Year Old – Review
According to my handy, pocket-sized, 6" thick, 15lb., 1961 Websters New International Dictionary (2nd Edition, unabridged), "smoke" is defined thusly: smoke (smōk), n. [AS. smoca; akin to AS. smeocan to smoke, smēcan to smoke, smēc, smyc, smoke, LG. & D. smook smoke, G. schmauch, Gr. smychiein to smolder, Lith. smaugti suffocate, choke.] 1. the gaseous … Continue reading Caol Ila 12 Year Old – Review
Tasting Group 4.3.10 – 5 Single Malts
A group of us got together for the first of hopefully several whisky tastings this past weekend. We all either walked, drove or took public transportation to our meeting place...none of us flew in on a private jet. We were not carried there upon jewel-encrusted sedan chairs. There were no entourages. We kept things pretty … Continue reading Tasting Group 4.3.10 – 5 Single Malts
Talisker 18 Year Old – Review
I've read that on the Eastern shore of the Trotternish peninsula on Skye, there is a rock formation called Elglais Bhreugach, or "false church". It's a largish stone arch that, as you might expect, kind of resembles a church. The local folklore of the spot is that many, many centuries ago it was used for … Continue reading Talisker 18 Year Old – Review
Recap – Laphroaig Tasting with Simon Brooking
The second tasting of last weekend's trio was proof that sometimes joining internet mailing lists really pays off. When I signed up for the "Friends of Laphroaig" mailing list, I figured I might get a standard marketing email or two every now and again, so I was pleasantly suprised to receive their invite to a … Continue reading Recap – Laphroaig Tasting with Simon Brooking
Recap – The Dalmore Tasting with Richard Paterson
“What whiskey will not cure, there is no cure for.” - Irish Proverb With that in mind, I should be cured of all ills and in perfect health after this past weekend's events. Three tastings in 3 nights left me dreaming in amber, smelling peat where there was none and, believe it or not, drinking decidedly … Continue reading Recap – The Dalmore Tasting with Richard Paterson
Highland Park 12 Year Old
There are those scotches, and I won't mention Ardbeg & Laphroaig by name, that really seem to relish knocking the wind out of you. Strong, challenging, complex, and at times overwhelming, but all in a good way. They leave us lying in the dirt with only one shoe on, laughing as they walk away, knowing … Continue reading Highland Park 12 Year Old
Glengoyne 17 Year Old – Review
I sampled Glengoyne's 17 Year Old tasted at Nihon recently. Glengoyne, located North of Glasgow, is known for a slightly more unique approach to its Highland Malts, they use air-dried barley instead of peat smoked dried. Hmmm...no peat? I have to admit, there was a little skepticism mixed in with my curiosity upon learning that. The Nose: … Continue reading Glengoyne 17 Year Old – Review
THE CASKS 