General ramblings, queries and exclamations

@Hewie yes, that was my impression too. The prominent or dominant element remaining, but in isolation so to speak.

Greetings all from a place you'll recognise today.

@RikS SMWS headquarters, I've heard and seen so much about this place.

@RikS Lucky bugger. Enjoy.

Greetings fellow drammers from Edinburgh castle on a rather chilly day (perfect for a warming dram!)

@RikS Do they serve spirits at the Castle?

@DaveM Actually, yes! They have a restaurant / bar, and also a pretty decently stocked shop with whisky. Throw a pebble in Edinburgh and it's hard to miss a place selling. That said, much is for tourists so... but there are of course some great places too. My recommendation is for Royal Mile Whisky, if you ever go there.

@DaveM - They would but they can't carry any cash upon their person . . . I'll get me coat

@RikS - lovely snap! Have you found any suitably warming drams then?

@RianC Thank you. I was debating whether BW or colour was the better.... As for the lovely drams, well, sort of. Nothing extraordinary though as my little one came down with a tummy bug which made things a bit complicated :-). But, I'm traveling again tomorrow so I'll have something nice waiting for me upon arrival to next destination.

@RianC However, as and when you go there - this is my recommended shop (to the left "Royal Mile Whiskies"). Not as big and fancy as TWE, but they also have a store in London and they are absolutely lovely people. And appropriately located on the beginning of the "Royal Mile" just in front of St: Giles' cathedral. As for right now... PC10.

@RikS - Ahh living the dream I have oft fantasized about being in that very shop (with a winning lotto ticket in hand ha) . . . one day!

I think the back and white is much more dramatic and timeless - looks like it's straight from Game of Thrones or some such!

@RianC oh I wouldn’t mind that either. That said, what I like there is that you’ll get the kindness irrespective of winning ticket or nothing in your pocket - suppose that’s just northerners for ya. Breeds a kinder spirit than the mayhem in London.

@RikS Have you been to Cadenheads yet? I think that would have to be top of my list - I'd love to get my mits on some bottlers from their living casks. That's what I dream of

@Hewie yea I know! I think I’ll have to go back up, for a boys weekend only. And the smws don’t allow 3 year olds in the bar!!

@RikS - Well said, sir! Truth be told I've found Bristol to be pretty similar to Manchester on the 'friendly front'. I'd agree about the SE area though - London makes me feel like an unwelcome tourist every time I visit . . . uelgh!

The Scots are great . . . if you can understand them

@Hewie - I'd love to sample some of those living cask bottlings that Cadenheads do!

Jack Daniel’s master distiller confirms JD is a bourbon.

whiskyadvocate.com/difference-bourbon-tenne…

You might enjoy today's whisky quiz in the Scottish Herald -

heraldscotland.com/news/…

That thing's just a not-so-stealthy ad for Tullibardine.

Anyone else in London thinking to join the Arran tasting evening at Royal Mile Whiskies on the 12th June?

@RikS I'm jealous of anyone going!!! Someone fly me to London!

@OdysseusUnbound - Interesting that he suggests it's the mashbill that really sets it apart from Kentucky bourbon. I've not heard anyone official say that before.

@RikS - No but enjoy!

Powder Post Beetles are another reason why bourbon price will continue to rise. Last year part of 1792's Rick house collapsed and this June a Barton rick house collapsed.

bourbontruth.tumblr.com