After going to WhiskyFest last year, I thought, "holy crap, malt overload...I don't need to do that again for another 2 or 3 years." Well, about 5 months later, where do I find myself? Yep, another big whisky show, this time around it was the Whiskies of the World Expo (let's call it WoW, shall … Continue reading Recap – Whiskies of the World Expo
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
Bernheim Original Kentucky Wheated Whiskey – Review
I have no idea which grain they're talking about when people sing "amber waves of grain." It could be wheat, I guess...or barley...oats, maybe. Hell, if you leave corn sit around long enough, it'll probably turn a nice golden brown. What do I know, I'm no farmer. I've also never had a chance to sit … Continue reading Bernheim Original Kentucky Wheated Whiskey – Review
Sazerac 18 Year Old Straight Rye Whiskey- Review
Had the chance to taste the Sazerac 18 Year Old Rye at Alembic yesterday. I've heard great things about this one but I have to admit, rye typically isn't my favorite. I like the sharp spiciness or the spicy sharpness, but sometimes wish that quality didn't overwhelm subtler notes as it often does. The Nose: … Continue reading Sazerac 18 Year Old Straight Rye Whiskey- Review
Redbreast 12 Year Old – Review
Happy St. Patrick's Day! A little over 10 years ago, I was sitting in the Mercer Hotel in Dublin with my family in the early evening, enjoying a drink before we went out to find dinner. Being in Ireland, we were possibly drinking Guinness, definitely drinking Jameson and most likey, if memory serves, and it … Continue reading Redbreast 12 Year Old – Review
Upcoming Bay Area Whisky Events, 3.15.10
With the big Whiskies of the World Expo happening in San Francisco on March 27th, there are several related events happening around the same time: Whisky Dinner at Nihon Lounge Hosted by David Perkins of High West and Robin Robinson of Compass Box, this dinner features a 4-course, 12 dish sushi menu paired with either a High … Continue reading Upcoming Bay Area Whisky Events, 3.15.10
Wisconsin Bourbon!
Being a good Wisconsin boy and even more specifically a Milwaukee boy, I'm pretty excited to see the Great Lakes Distillery is creating the state's first bourbon whiskey since prohibition. On March 20 they'll be hosting a release party at the distillery, selling bottles of this special small batch spirit. The distillery has already garnered … Continue reading Wisconsin Bourbon!
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
Nihon Whisky Lounge – Review
"Dangerous" means different things to different people. Some might consider walking across the street dangerous while others don't really see danger coming until it appears as an irate, hungry, 8-foot tall grizzly bear ((Ursus arctos horribilis), barreling towards their remote campsite early in the morning before they've even had a chance to put on coffee. Still … Continue reading Nihon Whisky Lounge – Review
THE CASKS 