*Thanks to the good folks at Impex Beverages for the sample. "If you speak to older people on Islay who have worked in distilleries they will generally agree that the best whisky is made in cold weather . I would agree with that but preferably without going to the burst pipes stage." - John MacLellan, … Continue reading Kilchoman Winter 2010 Release
2011 James Beard Finalists
It's that time of year again, no...not President's Day time of year, when we celebrate a group of old white guys, most of whom screwed things up, with big sales on linens and department store clothing made in other countries. No, it's the awards time of year. Some of these awards are vapid and downright … Continue reading 2011 James Beard Finalists
Introduction to Scotch at 18 Reasons
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
Glenfiddich Snow Phoenix – Review
Thanks to Glenfiddich's Mitch Bechard and Chris from WhiskyWall for making sure I got to taste this one. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know it's been a while since I've put something new up, but like the proverbial Phoenix of old, rising from its own ashes, I'm back. Emerging from an ever-mounting pile of newborn baby … Continue reading Glenfiddich Snow Phoenix – Review
Whisky Roundtable #9
Well, that month went by in a hurry. For this month's Roundtable, Karen & Matt from Whisky For Everyone threw us a little curve-ball. Instead of gathering our fascinating and diverse views on Lyne Arm length and a diameter, they asked us to divulge our "dirty little whisky secrets". They wanted to know which run-of-the-mill, … Continue reading Whisky Roundtable #9
Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Black Label – Review
Just to clear a few things up, Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is not named for Celtic's goalkeeper in the 1970 European Championships, Evan Williams, who, despite playing a decent game, gave up what turned out to be the game-winner to the Dutch team Feyenoord in the 117th minute. Evan Williams Bourbon is also … Continue reading Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Black Label – Review
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
Dewar’s 12 Year Old Special Reserve Blended Scotch Whisky
Ol' John Dewar Sr. founded his eponymously named whisky company in 1846, and while it did well enough in those early years, it was really after his death in 1880 that the brand took off internationally thanks to his two sons, John Jr. and Thomas. Thomas ("Tommy" to his bowling buddies) in particular travelled the … Continue reading Dewar’s 12 Year Old Special Reserve Blended Scotch Whisky
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
THE CASKS 