Scotcheads

Historic Results

2011-04-21T11:53:00.000-07:00

Last four tastings:

Greg's-Bruchladdich PX
Austin's: Kilchoman Summer 2010
Jordan: Springbank Cask
Justin: Bowmore Cask

Been a while...(over 4 months!!)

2010-10-18T08:16:00.000-07:00

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

One Good Turn, Deserves Another

2010-06-09T19:38:00.001-07:00

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.

Classic T.A.B.

2010-05-06T14:54:00.000-07:00

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

Familiar Names, Unfamiliar Tastes, with an "Asterisk"

2010-03-31T19:07:00.000-07:00

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. ;)

Cho, cho, cho. Merry deliciousness!

2010-01-27T06:01:00.000-08:00

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.

A La Rizzut-oban

2009-12-29T10:55:00.000-08:00

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.

Ode to Glen

2009-10-28T17:34:00.000-07:00

A poem from your fearless leader...

You could have expected a tasting gone awry,

but many bottles arrived by the hand of this guy.

With four, not three, special treats to be tastin, more than half a bottle each man be'a wastin.

While Oban 18 went bust, and Froaig 15 reaked of peat,

The Glenrothes 87, couldn't be beat.

A rosy aroma with orange and vanilla,

Passed out on the futon, with mouth open, this fella.

No I didn't wake with a tongue of a lizard,

but rather I woke with scotch knowledge of wizard.

So alas, we have tamed the beast known as 'Saurus,

til again, on Thanksgiving, when we slay him once more....-us!

In short:

Nightly drams included: Oban 18 (not scored), Auchentoshan Triple Wood, Laphroaig 15, and The Glenrothes Vintage 1987 (our topscotch). Auchentoshan fell from final debate based on the first use of our new scoring system, although it really was a hugely debated, very aromatic scotch. It was a big hit and guests and members enjoyed. The Islay Laphroaig teetered only one point behind the TS, and too was a favorite of the night. I think this writer was expecting a bit more peat. This was a good entry into the Laphroaig tastings at Scotcheads.

I look forward to another good time, and the continuation of Round 2 of our gentlemanly club.

Round II, 2009: Passion Renewed

2009-09-27T17:48:00.000-07:00

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.

Eye-luh

2009-07-25T20:26:00.000-07:00

Oh, Islay (prounounced, Eye'Luh)... Generally Islay malts being an extremely peaty experience, last night's final round 1 function at JR's abode was a very pleasant one. While I preferred a new scotch, Bowmore 18, over one of my favorites, Lagavulin 16 (95 in MJ's bible), the latter won the Top Scotch honor for the evening. It appears the group is coming around to enjoy more peaty malts. I love to see that our tastes are collectively evolving and our analysis much more debated and intellectual. An interesting aside is that the Dalmore 21 was a disappointment in my eyes (and merely a lighter scotch in the others'). Lesson of the day is that age isn't dispositive, and moreso that region does matter to flavor, aroma and experience.

I didn't hear no bell. Round two gents.

A June Affair. June 19, 2008--Bayonne, NJ

2009-06-20T18:50:00.000-07:00

--"You know what's good about whisky?"--JR

--"Everything." --ASL

The last session's topscotch of the Tomintoul wanted a friend. After delaying the monthly frequency of our brotherhood, a June affair was held by ASL; a final nice function at his home in Bayonne. Warehouse Spirits on Broadway and Waverly afforded a fine selection of delicious whisky. The features of the night included: (i) Cragganmore-Distiller's Edition 1993; (ii) Ardbeg Uigedail, and (iii) a newly available dram, the Glenmorangie Astar. The latter was our top scotch, but not without "spirited" debate! One vote for the Ardbeg- big, smoky golden elixir, yet more for the Astar. The Astar did not come without fanfare and a fair amount of information as to the new designer whisky from Glenmorangie. The host was a fan of Glenmorangie's Signet (another fairly newcomer on the scene). The Astar, an alcoholy smell but not taste. Aroma pungent, taste peppery, finish sharp. A winner worth the title.

Consider the Ardbeg nevertheless, but rest assurred the Astar is a treat. I have to tell however that the Cragganmore, a 90+ scotch (Jackson) should not be overlooked. It was a night filled with treats. Special thanks to Allyson for the fabulous dinner and dips. Nothing better than a dram with a peanut butter chocolate chip cookie.

April 3rd, 2009: The Commencement

2009-04-06T14:57:00.000-07:00

Scotcheads commenced on April 3, 2009. Our gracious host GEZ provided a lovely atmosphere to taste fine whisky and enjoy friendly company. Our host offered fine foods and an excellent array of scotches.

They were: Balvenie 15 (Bottle 44 of 350 handnumbered bottles), Tomintoul 16 (the "Gentle Dram") and Aberlour A'bunadh The firstmost, a light yet spicy spirit. The second very buttery with an easy drink and pleasant nose. And the latter, a strong cask strength spirit, quite enjoyable, sherry cask. We are looking forward to our next event.

The club mascot: "Scotchasaurus" was born.

The purpose, although indirect, of each event is to find the evening's "TopScotch." First TopScotch, im sure all would agree, was the Tomintoul 16.