Round II, 2009: Passion Renewed

By reading previous posts from our Round I, it becomes apparent that the brothers' discussions are zealous yet imbibed with a collective goal; to find the everlasting scotch taste and buzz.

With the commencement of a new Jewish New Year, remarkably came a new round of an expanded band of brothers to discuss a blessed spirit. To wit, single-malt Scotch. This round arrived with new rules and in particular two new members; Justin Perri, Esq. and Cam Bruce Bogren. The latter we spontaneously tapped as our international leader, given his unusually un-American ways and his vast "experience." I learned quickly that without his teaching of young Greg to the ways of the Scotch, I may have never been taught. Much like Mickey was to Rocky's Tommy Gun (sue me for wat?)

As he had done in our Founders' round, Greg reliably sponsored three fine whiskies all the while trying to fit under a $250.00 cap. In swallowing the overage, he offered again in a manner more refined and certainly more expensive than such initial round. The nights delicacies included: Highland Park 18, Talisker 25, and a new The Macallan 17, our first Scotcheads spirit from The Macallan.

In between the friendly "lectures" and heated discussions, not to mention a number of statements that stopped the discussions coldly, it was again not an easy decision to determine our "top scotch."

Quickly discounted, although loved by each attendee, was the Highland Park 18. This malt had a dark golden almost brown appearance and an extremely smooth appeal both in taste and finish, although I had a feeling Greg did not expect that to win the night's contest and thus offered it first as an appetizer... It just didn't compete hard for the hearts of the brothers. It did come back into the discussion after approximately 6 drams per man, however! HP's bottle sheath taught us about legs and droplets and the attributes they exhibit.

Talisker 25 was given the respect it deserved; all the while Cam noting (and sometimes demanding his audience to accept) that it "was a Talisker." One of the Classic Malts collection from Diageo, we were excited to drink this, our oldest spirit to date. Greg really went all out here and explained that this 25 year old beast was also a bargain!! (Warehouse liquors, Astor and Broadway).

Lastly, Greg sponsored The Macallan's 17 year old, oak cask, offering. This is a new offering. This author was extremely excited, yet cautious because of his general lack of preference for oak cask malts. This author has a special place in his heart for The Macallan, in particular the Jerez lovely whisky in the 18 year form. However, that special place got a bit smaller when, from the first sip, it came clear to me that this was a delicious and extremely delicate spirit. One that had competition only in the ancient Talisker. One that I probably would not have appreciated last year.

The Talisker and The Macallan were completely different malts. The 17-smooth, complex nosings and taste, while the 25- zappy; classicly sharp, lovely, and yes distinct to Talisker.

In the end, the Talisker won out. While I normally would have been disappointed (as in times past) when my preference for the night did not win (I choose the 17), I was pleased that the Talisker got the honor. It felt like an old teacher got a retirement sendoff into greener pastures; while all I can remember about that teacher is how it caught me cheating. That teacher didnt turn me in for cheating, he just reminded me he knew I cheated. That reminder was the Talisker 25, telling me...I ain't done yet muthafucka (but I sure appreciate the wristwatch).

I look forward to drinking it again when the tasteoff occurs. I especially look forward to drinking it again with the aforementioned brothers, and whomever else may be joining us in the future.

It will be difficult to beat.