Thread: Scotch/whiskey of the day

Originally Posted by Orville

Screw it . . . summertime means make room for GIN.

https://t.co/ap5XFBcarH

I HAVE been doing a lot of Gin lately! Hell, it been hot lately okay!


Mike

My Father's Day bottle . . .

https://t.co/SQPlj3agld

Went a little crazy today. Found about 4 of these...

I cracked a bottle of Gentleman Jack last night. Very mellow on the rocks.

East Coast Rye from Glynnevan . . .

https://t.co/Zxmpcq8cfX

A couple Turkeys, for the Turkeys at the meet today.

Thirsty Thursday means a 2 for 1 review of some RUM.

https://t.co/sdEkbDmC6B

I bought a bottle of grant's this morning. Not sure if it was just because of the sleep deprivation, but I fancied something cheap and rough after my night shift rather than something interesting to explore. Something that requires no concentration. I've only had it once before and that was 15 years ago, and I was surprised how fruity and fudgy it was. I've realized I have very low expectations of blended whiskies which isn't always justified, and I tend to be quite pleasantly surprised by them. I'm in two minds as to whether I should expect a little more from them or whether I should keep my expectations low and continue to have them exceeded by cheap but reasonable quality whiskies occasionally. I've also got a bottle or Ardbeg uigeadail on the go, and a norwegian whisky called eiktyrne, which is young and a bit over-sherried but decent. They only started distilling whisky in 2012 so they don't have much age on anything yet, but I think they're quite promising. They also make a very good gin.

Wiser's Rare Cask Series . . . Seasoned Oak, a 19 YO Cdn Whisky.

https://t.co/PVPVIq1bQl

This Whisky Wednesday I just feel like sitting in my chair, and thinking about nothing but what is in my glass. the only drink for that kind of mood is Scotch, in this case Lagavulin 8YO Single Malt. An Islay Malt bottled at 48% that requires one's attention to fully enjoy what is on offer. The tears are thin and streaky in my glencairn, and the spirit is the colour of dried hay.

The nose brings expected peat smoke, even before the glass reaches your lips. Briny notes, too, like smoked bacon. A touch of seaweed/iodine, as well as leather tannins are to be found around the edges of the glass. Don't be too eager to start drinking though . . . your patience is rewarded with scents of fruit and milk chocolate, like the filled chocolates one gets from places like Laura Secord.

So, here I sit, almost 15 minutes into this review, and I still have to take a sip. Campfire smoke is the first thing you will taste, but not so dominant as to overshadow the dark chocolate and fruits noted above. Vanilla becomes evident, with candy apple and ginger flavours comingling to prevent any bitterness from offending. The smoothness with which all these flavours mingle, even at the elevated proof, is really quite wonderful. It is all laid out like a textbook lesson, allowing you to follow along at your leisure. The finish is long lasting, and redolent of the ash and smoke that started the lesson. There is also a warmth that lasts long after the spirit has disappeared. Learning has rarely been this enjoyable.

A few drops of water now, and the smoke clears. Apple peel comes to the fore, hidden until now. Briny notes remain, but now make you think about caramel apples, instead of ocean spray. The effects on taste are similarly altered. Buttery smooth mouthfeel with honey up front, and a spicier tingle on the edges of the tongue. Vanillin is a little stronger now, but the chocolate feel tempers it well. The fruits are muddled somewhat. The finish still has reasonable length, with leather stepping up as the smoke drifts off.

This points out many of the things I am coming to enjoy about Whisky, and Scotch in particular. There are a multitude of sensory experiences to be had in a single glass. Much like a piece of music, many different players come together to create an harmonious whole. One is invited to explore, or simply enjoy, as one chooses. And, in this case, both provide equal measure. I can see this becoming a staple in my bar.