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