Last four tastings:
Greg's-Bruchladdich PX
Austin's: Kilchoman Summer 2010
Jordan: Springbank Cask
Justin: Bowmore Cask
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Monday, October 18, 2010
Been a while...(over 4 months!!)
Its been so long that we have talked Scotcheads that I frankly forgot what we are doing here. While you believe that this can't be, I miss our brotherhood's recurring meetings. That said with this round we will be setting dates (with little leeway) in the week following the first round's tasting (i.e., Greg's).
Quick recap from last session at Justin's circa 6.11.10 (that crazy sonabitch). Among the offerings were: PC8, Octomore Orpheus, and Ar2 (an independently bottled Ardbeg, and this club's first independent bottle in rotation). While we all thought the Ar2 was interesting and surprisingly sweet for an Ardbeg, it lacked the punching power of the first two. While Jimmy and Justin selected the PC8 (staying true to the Bruchladdich family tree) and Greg and I opted for the Octomore and its interesting black, sleek bottling and heavy heavy peat, Jordan at the last minute broke with Justin and Jimmy again leaving Austin in the wake (surprise, surprise). This author has become enamored with PC5 and PC6. I recall the blind test being screwed up somehow.
This fall season is going to be fantastic. Guaranteed; like coming in from the off-season.
Upon my return from Vegas, I reflected on all the whiskies I have tasted this year, from locals to Scotland's finest. I reflected how many I have tasted with my brothers here in this club and what each of you have shared with me in terms of spirit and notes. This club has affected me in an extremely positive way (not necessarily my liver), and I look forward to another round with y'all. To the spirit of life...L'Chaim.
As agreed, we will not be taking a summer break for Summer 2011 given our new scheduling mechanic.
ASL
Quick recap from last session at Justin's circa 6.11.10 (that crazy sonabitch). Among the offerings were: PC8, Octomore Orpheus, and Ar2 (an independently bottled Ardbeg, and this club's first independent bottle in rotation). While we all thought the Ar2 was interesting and surprisingly sweet for an Ardbeg, it lacked the punching power of the first two. While Jimmy and Justin selected the PC8 (staying true to the Bruchladdich family tree) and Greg and I opted for the Octomore and its interesting black, sleek bottling and heavy heavy peat, Jordan at the last minute broke with Justin and Jimmy again leaving Austin in the wake (surprise, surprise). This author has become enamored with PC5 and PC6. I recall the blind test being screwed up somehow.
This fall season is going to be fantastic. Guaranteed; like coming in from the off-season.
Upon my return from Vegas, I reflected on all the whiskies I have tasted this year, from locals to Scotland's finest. I reflected how many I have tasted with my brothers here in this club and what each of you have shared with me in terms of spirit and notes. This club has affected me in an extremely positive way (not necessarily my liver), and I look forward to another round with y'all. To the spirit of life...L'Chaim.
As agreed, we will not be taking a summer break for Summer 2011 given our new scheduling mechanic.
ASL
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
One Good Turn, Deserves Another
As we glide over the hump of yet another Round of Scotcheads, our club continues to grow. It grows not by number but by ingenuity, knowledgebase and spirit (no pun intended). We have adopted two new rules:
1) Bottle-sharing: Commencing with Greg's upcoming hosting in our next Round, the host from two prior must bring a bottle as a gift to the host (in this case, Jordan). The following parameters shall apply: (A) the bottle need not be new, but it must be at least 3/4 full (just south of the bottle's shoulders) ; (B) the bottle can be a blend or a single malt, but must be a Scotch Whisky; (C) there is no monetary cap or floor. The giver must get this bottle for the host, not the membership; that is, the host's preferences must be considered in good faith. Consider this our charitable mission....This bottle will be served by the host during his tasting.
2) Knowledge-sharing: In addition to general tasting notes and scorecards to be provided by the host with each hosting, the host must provide a no less than "10 minute" agenda that establishes talking points and Scotch trivia/knowledge and is intended to expand our collective knowledge-base. The mission here is educational. The focus should be facts things that are fundamental but not easily ascertainable. This will be a requirement of each tasting beginning this week.
The Tasting: This evening, Jordan excitedly hosted the four of us, however we had no deadlock regarding our evening's top scotch. Jordan served our first independent bottle, Linkwood 15 (by Gordon McPhail), the long-awaited Lagavulin Distillers Edition (a Diageo Classic Malt made of P.X. (Pedro Ximenez) casks) and a coastal Highland, Clynelish (Klein-LEEsh) 14.
This group of generally Islayheads instead choose a highland malt for the top scotch, the Clynelish. It was a very drinkable scotch with a ton of flavor. It was salty with a lingering full finish. We each decided that this was a very drinkable Scotch after dinner or basically any other time. It was an easy dumping of the first-introduced Linkwood, which really did nothing for any taster. But not as easy was passing on the Lagavulin Distiller's Edition.
Justin and Austin had been raving about the Lagavulin especially after Jordan offered the Lagavulin 16 early in this club's history. The DE, however, was difficult to locate. Justin offered it at his wedding to special guests (including this writer), and it will be forever appreciated.
This peaty malt was perhaps the reddest Islay ive seen (resulting from its PX-ness), however, it just couldn't rise above the evening's top malt. Who's to say Highlands are finished. I think they've only just begun.
1) Bottle-sharing: Commencing with Greg's upcoming hosting in our next Round, the host from two prior must bring a bottle as a gift to the host (in this case, Jordan). The following parameters shall apply: (A) the bottle need not be new, but it must be at least 3/4 full (just south of the bottle's shoulders) ; (B) the bottle can be a blend or a single malt, but must be a Scotch Whisky; (C) there is no monetary cap or floor. The giver must get this bottle for the host, not the membership; that is, the host's preferences must be considered in good faith. Consider this our charitable mission....This bottle will be served by the host during his tasting.
2) Knowledge-sharing: In addition to general tasting notes and scorecards to be provided by the host with each hosting, the host must provide a no less than "10 minute" agenda that establishes talking points and Scotch trivia/knowledge and is intended to expand our collective knowledge-base. The mission here is educational. The focus should be facts things that are fundamental but not easily ascertainable. This will be a requirement of each tasting beginning this week.
The Tasting: This evening, Jordan excitedly hosted the four of us, however we had no deadlock regarding our evening's top scotch. Jordan served our first independent bottle, Linkwood 15 (by Gordon McPhail), the long-awaited Lagavulin Distillers Edition (a Diageo Classic Malt made of P.X. (Pedro Ximenez) casks) and a coastal Highland, Clynelish (Klein-LEEsh) 14.
This group of generally Islayheads instead choose a highland malt for the top scotch, the Clynelish. It was a very drinkable scotch with a ton of flavor. It was salty with a lingering full finish. We each decided that this was a very drinkable Scotch after dinner or basically any other time. It was an easy dumping of the first-introduced Linkwood, which really did nothing for any taster. But not as easy was passing on the Lagavulin Distiller's Edition.
Justin and Austin had been raving about the Lagavulin especially after Jordan offered the Lagavulin 16 early in this club's history. The DE, however, was difficult to locate. Justin offered it at his wedding to special guests (including this writer), and it will be forever appreciated.
This peaty malt was perhaps the reddest Islay ive seen (resulting from its PX-ness), however, it just couldn't rise above the evening's top malt. Who's to say Highlands are finished. I think they've only just begun.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Classic T.A.B.
So occurred our first blind test at Austin's new pad, and our first 24 hour tasting session. The test went as follows: a color wheel and tasting scorecards were presented to the attendee, and the tastee was able to examine the three offerings and tasting notes customarily provided. Then, the host took the three bottles, invited the guests to schmooze out of sight, and began to pour and distribute the three offerings to the attendees tasting stations. The order was written down by the soon to be tipsy-host.
Each party scored each of the three scotches. After all scoring was entered, the attendees gave their desired order of the three scotches. Compare, non-blind tastings where one whisky falls away after initial scoring. The host revealed the preferences and we discussed.
To summarize, Tobermory 15 was the winner. In addition to its super-cool packaging, the breadth of tastes and smells in the bottle shot the whisky to the top of our desired list, and it became the evening's top scotch. Frankly, it became one of my favorite whiskys ever given that it had a wonderful finish and a fantastic nose.
A close second was the Arran Pomerol malt. This host should be commended for the difficulty in finding this Malt Advocate highly rated malt. This, a new offering and newly heard of offering, was frankly "pink" rather than traditional gold. It was really interesting given that it was finished in Bordeaux casks; twas sweet. Very unique. After tasting it again that evening and later, it was quite delish.
Lastly, the disappointment of the evening, was the Bunnahabhain 18. This was the first Islay malt that we all didnt enjoy (or frankly, none of us really enjoyed). It lacked the peat, was too briny/salty, and had no body. It was boring. This author is discovering that the 18 year olds can lack body, whereas the young malts often have some real kick and body. Note Aberfeldy 12, or a recently tasted Ardmore.
While I intended to host a "Purist's Pouring" (see 12/29/09) as we all should, it didnt work out that way. Next time laddies. Next time.
Next Hosting: Rizzutoban's-5.7.10
Each party scored each of the three scotches. After all scoring was entered, the attendees gave their desired order of the three scotches. Compare, non-blind tastings where one whisky falls away after initial scoring. The host revealed the preferences and we discussed.
To summarize, Tobermory 15 was the winner. In addition to its super-cool packaging, the breadth of tastes and smells in the bottle shot the whisky to the top of our desired list, and it became the evening's top scotch. Frankly, it became one of my favorite whiskys ever given that it had a wonderful finish and a fantastic nose.
A close second was the Arran Pomerol malt. This host should be commended for the difficulty in finding this Malt Advocate highly rated malt. This, a new offering and newly heard of offering, was frankly "pink" rather than traditional gold. It was really interesting given that it was finished in Bordeaux casks; twas sweet. Very unique. After tasting it again that evening and later, it was quite delish.
Lastly, the disappointment of the evening, was the Bunnahabhain 18. This was the first Islay malt that we all didnt enjoy (or frankly, none of us really enjoyed). It lacked the peat, was too briny/salty, and had no body. It was boring. This author is discovering that the 18 year olds can lack body, whereas the young malts often have some real kick and body. Note Aberfeldy 12, or a recently tasted Ardmore.
While I intended to host a "Purist's Pouring" (see 12/29/09) as we all should, it didnt work out that way. Next time laddies. Next time.
Next Hosting: Rizzutoban's-5.7.10
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Familiar Names, Unfamiliar Tastes, with an "Asterisk"
Tasliker 10, Aberlour 16, and Benriach 21 were the offerings from Messr. Zuniss, and while we have seen two of these names in play in a prior "life" (aptly used because im sure those earlier bottlings have been completed-I indeed regularly drink Aberlour A'Bunadh) they still packed a punch.
Greg's Benriach offering reminds this author of how the twinkle of this club's eye commenced. See, I hadn't drank too much liquor post college, and couldn't appreciate same, because of a saturated pallette. That is a nice way of saying I drank a shitload of crap liquor.
After reconneting, Greg turned me on to scotch whisky as a easily digestible and palatable spirit; one that I could appreciate. Benriach was the first bottle Greg suggested that I buy, I did, but couldn't stomach it. It didnt take. But Greg persisted and tried techniques to get me hooked, like inviting me to a Marriott Marquis Whiskyfest. And then it happened...(see prior posts).
The "Talisker was still a Talisker" (TM C. BOGREN); and thus, the Aberlour and Benriach remained for competition. Given that we didn't have a guest for the evening, voting became even more important. As usual, we debated heavily; JR and GZ picking the Aberlour, and ASL and JP the Benriach (as I recall). At loggerheads, we had a neverbefore tie. Greg and Austin discussed making a honorary winner the Benriach for the evening, with an asterisk. And we did. I guess it did take. ;)
Greg's Benriach offering reminds this author of how the twinkle of this club's eye commenced. See, I hadn't drank too much liquor post college, and couldn't appreciate same, because of a saturated pallette. That is a nice way of saying I drank a shitload of crap liquor.
After reconneting, Greg turned me on to scotch whisky as a easily digestible and palatable spirit; one that I could appreciate. Benriach was the first bottle Greg suggested that I buy, I did, but couldn't stomach it. It didnt take. But Greg persisted and tried techniques to get me hooked, like inviting me to a Marriott Marquis Whiskyfest. And then it happened...(see prior posts).
The "Talisker was still a Talisker" (TM C. BOGREN); and thus, the Aberlour and Benriach remained for competition. Given that we didn't have a guest for the evening, voting became even more important. As usual, we debated heavily; JR and GZ picking the Aberlour, and ASL and JP the Benriach (as I recall). At loggerheads, we had a neverbefore tie. Greg and Austin discussed making a honorary winner the Benriach for the evening, with an asterisk. And we did. I guess it did take. ;)
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Cho, cho, cho. Merry deliciousness!
2010 began with a blast and while the title hereof suggests a Xmas theme, the new year continued to bring joy and good spirits. This was brother Perri's first hosting and while he generally had espoused the pc5 mantra, he need only say that the "c" was silent in this night's top scotch. Among an Ardbeg Corryvrecken and a Bruchladdich Resurrection (2001), two Islay freshies, our youngest dram, a three year old, was introduced to our crew. Kilchoman [Autumn Release 2009] was offered to much fanfare. Kilchoman is distiller at the newest Islay distillery in dozens of years and is the most-westernly distillery there. We were unsure of what the portly bottle would yield but we were sure excited to see it and more importantly drink it.
Exceeding our expectations, the three year old malt was incredible. It had a smoky nose that was quite pungent, but not overpowering. The peat taste, an Islay trademark, was ever present but quickly disappeared and reappeared once again for a fine finish. To this writer it was one of the first times he ever truly experienced a dram's finish without confusion. This whisky had a beginning, middle and an end. Indeed us five finished the entire bottle.
Up against two other more "senior" Islays made it tough for Kilchoman to come out on top as our night's top scotch. Interestingly, the Ardbeg and the 'laddich were not designated by age. Brother Greg and I later learned at a scotch and cheese tasting at Astor Center, that the distilleries are marketing more heavily now than ever before and leaving off age designations so as to be able to utilize mixtures of aged spirits that make for good whisky, not necessarily old whisky. Obviously, as we have argued (yet agreed) in the past, age means little.
While I have a special place in my heart for the Ardbeg family and am a member of their royal committee, my heart has made space for the newest rookie Islay member, Kilchoman. I highly suggest that serious malt advocates obtain a bottle from this unique shop. If u don't like it, email me for a trade!!!
Let Round 3 begin.
Exceeding our expectations, the three year old malt was incredible. It had a smoky nose that was quite pungent, but not overpowering. The peat taste, an Islay trademark, was ever present but quickly disappeared and reappeared once again for a fine finish. To this writer it was one of the first times he ever truly experienced a dram's finish without confusion. This whisky had a beginning, middle and an end. Indeed us five finished the entire bottle.
Up against two other more "senior" Islays made it tough for Kilchoman to come out on top as our night's top scotch. Interestingly, the Ardbeg and the 'laddich were not designated by age. Brother Greg and I later learned at a scotch and cheese tasting at Astor Center, that the distilleries are marketing more heavily now than ever before and leaving off age designations so as to be able to utilize mixtures of aged spirits that make for good whisky, not necessarily old whisky. Obviously, as we have argued (yet agreed) in the past, age means little.
While I have a special place in my heart for the Ardbeg family and am a member of their royal committee, my heart has made space for the newest rookie Islay member, Kilchoman. I highly suggest that serious malt advocates obtain a bottle from this unique shop. If u don't like it, email me for a trade!!!
Let Round 3 begin.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
A La Rizzut-oban
Ho, Ho, Ho....
Its pretty amazing to me that each time we have an event, our palettes change however slightly. The commentary among us at the great Rizzut-oban's abode clearly noted that former Top Scotches might not have won if they were in the running today against some full bodied Islay malt or an obscure (yet, not necessarily aged) spirit. Much like a contest of the great former athletes against today's beasts. (It should be noted though that many of our brethern continue to order old top scotches at our local whisky holes).
This tasting exhibited some true lovelies and, special thanks to Mr. Rizzuto go out from all of us: Springbank 15, Caol Ila 18, and GlenFarclas 105. The winner, again unsurprisingly to my dismay, was the GlenFarclas. I will agree that this full bodied and heavy spirit exhibited a true golden color, a fresh yet bold taste, and captured the interest of all at the table. However, when I tasted the Caol Ila 18, I had that feeling when I tasted the Bowmore 18 (a sister Islay malt). I said to myself and the crew, this was one of the best scotches I had ever tasted. Surprisingly I had searched for additional GlenFarclas 105 notes, and one of my trusted resources noted the 105 as one of the "worst scotches of all time." I guess it can be challenged that our palettes are sophisticated!!
Springbank, a Campbeltown malt, was truly interesting as well and should not go without recognition. As such, I am adopting a new term for our club in the event that three of three (or all) of the evening's scotches are deemed "highly respected" by the membership. The event shall be designated a "Purist's Pouring," meaning that each of the scotches tasted that evening per the event are deserved of special recognition. This must be unanimous. Compare, for example, a Dalmore 25, which we would agree was disappointing. This was a Purist's Pouring given that Speyside, Campbeltown and Islay were offered and they each were debated heavily as potential winners and enjoyed by each. Id aver that, absent the term, we have had similar conclusions of prior tastings.
These notes lack further specificity for many reasons, including, without limitation: (i) I was too drunk (given that we started at 5pm) and left my tasting notes, as per Rizzutoban, at his house after bitching at him to print them, and (ii) its been some time since I sat down to write this.
Thus, I resolve in the new year to write more quickly, drink more swiftly, and cherish more deeply, and each time with you fine gentlemen.
Best wishes for a happy and healthy 2010, and always very truly yours,
Austin "Glen" Lilling
P.S. I want to note for the record Mr. Perri's anxiousness and excitement over his January 8th tasting. Details to come.
Its pretty amazing to me that each time we have an event, our palettes change however slightly. The commentary among us at the great Rizzut-oban's abode clearly noted that former Top Scotches might not have won if they were in the running today against some full bodied Islay malt or an obscure (yet, not necessarily aged) spirit. Much like a contest of the great former athletes against today's beasts. (It should be noted though that many of our brethern continue to order old top scotches at our local whisky holes).
This tasting exhibited some true lovelies and, special thanks to Mr. Rizzuto go out from all of us: Springbank 15, Caol Ila 18, and GlenFarclas 105. The winner, again unsurprisingly to my dismay, was the GlenFarclas. I will agree that this full bodied and heavy spirit exhibited a true golden color, a fresh yet bold taste, and captured the interest of all at the table. However, when I tasted the Caol Ila 18, I had that feeling when I tasted the Bowmore 18 (a sister Islay malt). I said to myself and the crew, this was one of the best scotches I had ever tasted. Surprisingly I had searched for additional GlenFarclas 105 notes, and one of my trusted resources noted the 105 as one of the "worst scotches of all time." I guess it can be challenged that our palettes are sophisticated!!
Springbank, a Campbeltown malt, was truly interesting as well and should not go without recognition. As such, I am adopting a new term for our club in the event that three of three (or all) of the evening's scotches are deemed "highly respected" by the membership. The event shall be designated a "Purist's Pouring," meaning that each of the scotches tasted that evening per the event are deserved of special recognition. This must be unanimous. Compare, for example, a Dalmore 25, which we would agree was disappointing. This was a Purist's Pouring given that Speyside, Campbeltown and Islay were offered and they each were debated heavily as potential winners and enjoyed by each. Id aver that, absent the term, we have had similar conclusions of prior tastings.
These notes lack further specificity for many reasons, including, without limitation: (i) I was too drunk (given that we started at 5pm) and left my tasting notes, as per Rizzutoban, at his house after bitching at him to print them, and (ii) its been some time since I sat down to write this.
Thus, I resolve in the new year to write more quickly, drink more swiftly, and cherish more deeply, and each time with you fine gentlemen.
Best wishes for a happy and healthy 2010, and always very truly yours,
Austin "Glen" Lilling
P.S. I want to note for the record Mr. Perri's anxiousness and excitement over his January 8th tasting. Details to come.
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