I don't know who Saint Andrew was, I've never met the guy. He apparently was one of the 12 disciples, brother to Saint Peter, a fisherman, and could, in a pinch, play third base because he had a decent throwing arm. Like many saints of the day, Saint Andrew spent a lot of time travelling … Continue reading Springbank 15 Year Old – Review
Wild Turkey Rare Breed Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Review
Somehow this seemed a somewhat appropriate whisky to review for Thanksgiving weekend... I'm not entirely sure that Wild Turkey Rare Breed is still part of Wild Turkey's line, but I see it on shelves fairly often so I figure it's fair game. This one is a blend, a cuvée if you will, of the 6 … Continue reading Wild Turkey Rare Breed Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Review
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
Nøgne Ø Winter Ale -Islay Edition
Alright, Nøgne Ø, how the hell did you get into the beer section (bottom third of the left half) of my brain? Along with your always excellent logo and label design, and your penchant for making fantastic beers (Sunturnbrew, for example), now you've gone and aged some of your Winter Ale in Islay whisky barrels? A Norwegian … Continue reading Nøgne Ø Winter Ale -Islay Edition
Notes from the 11/10/10 Signatory Tasting, Round II
Signatory 1997 Cragganmore 13 Year Old A darling of Speyside, Cragganmore was long known as an indispensible malt for blends until becoming part of Diageo's Classic Malt series in 1988. It still seems to fly under the radar a bit, though the distillery's 12 Year Old is a highly regarded, complex dram. This independent edition … Continue reading Notes from the 11/10/10 Signatory Tasting, Round II
Notes from The 11/10/10 Signatory Tasting, Round I
Notes from Round I of the recent Signatory tasting with Ed Kohl at San Francisco's City Club. This was a great evening with excellent malts, tasty appetizers, and good company. I owe a big thank you to Sam Filmus of Impex Beverages and JVS Imports for the invitation! ---------- Signatory 1991 Highland Park 18 Year … Continue reading Notes from The 11/10/10 Signatory Tasting, Round I
Kilchoman Single Cask Release, The Whisky Shop Edition – Review
I hate to gloat, especially since friends and family back in the Midwest received an early snow this past weekend, complete with power KO'ing fury and wet, slushy stuff that I'm sure made driving fun, but we've had an exceptional past several days here in San Francisco. Sunny, temps in the mid-70's, not much wind...in … Continue reading Kilchoman Single Cask Release, The Whisky Shop Edition – Review
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)
Notes from the Bruichladdich Tasting, Round III
Round III of notes from a recent Bruichladdich tasting: Bruichladdich 1989, 19 Year Old "Black Art" Right off the bat, let me mention that Black Art has perhaps the coolest packaging of any spirit I've come across. Granted, it's not very traditional as far as Scotch goes, nor does it do much to show off the … Continue reading Notes from the Bruichladdich Tasting, Round III
Notes from the Bruichladdich Tasting, Round II
Round II of notes from a recent Bruichladdich tasting focuses on 3 uniquely finished expressions: Bruichladdich 16 Year Old, Cuvee E, Chateau D'Yquem Sauternes Cask Sauternes is Bordeaux's exceptional trademark sweet wine, and Chateau D'Yquem stands far enough above the others to earn the ranking of Premier Cru Supérieur. Sauternes is the best-known example … Continue reading Notes from the Bruichladdich Tasting, Round II
THE CASKS 