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I was talking on the phone with the NP I work with just after "quitting time". I had given her a small sample of Stagg Jr. a couple of months ago because she was curious. I asked her today if she had tried it. She hadn't so she did. I talked her through the process of choosing the best glass, and then suggested she wait 10-15 minutes after a SMALL pour.
She licked a drop that had dripped somewhere and that was it. She started sipping. The sounds I was hearing over the phone...
This was her first bourbon. She didn't even really know what bourbon is. She asked if they were all like this.
Recalling that scene from When Harry met Sally, I decided I'd better have some. The perfect accompaniment to income tax...
I think she'll be wanting another sample...
5 years ago 1Who liked this?
The picture below was taken 2 years ago today on the Isle of Skye. In honor of that anniversary, having a dram of the only Talisker in my cabinet; Talisker Skye. While this is far from my favorite Talisker, it's a decent dram. I just wish it had some smoke; there isn't any, but it brings back memories of a great trip!
5 years ago 6Who liked this?
@nooch - great pic. The Trotternish peninsula is one of my favorites.
No, I didn’t put my face in the water. I’ve never heard about it’s mystical powers. Thanks for letting me know. If I ever get back to Skye, I will give it a try to see if it makes me any better looking. :-)
5 years ago 2Who liked this?
@bwmccoy that particular river has a legend associated with it. natpacker.com/destination/…
I highly recommend taking a guided day tour of Skye in order to hear all the stories associated with the amazing places there. I’ve done 2 (18 years apart). The first was still the most memorable tour I’ve ever done. Simply amazing.
5 years ago 0
@BlueNote, You might be on the left coast, but I dig your rhythm. Wouldn't that be a rush, face dunking in a Tun!?!...when are we going?!
5 years ago 1Who liked this?
@paddockjudge Flight's booked for August 27. We've got 5 weeks this time so mostly Highlands and Islands (Islay, Arran, Mull, Orkney) with a few days in Speyside. I think we change planes at Toronto. We could pick you and Mrs. Paddock up on the way. If not, I'll dunk one for you.
5 years ago 2Who liked this?
@BlueNote, Mrs. paddockjudge declined, I hope we have a good time! All kidding aside, that is indeed a tempting offer. I look forward to reading about some of your adventures. Yes please, dunk one for me!
5 years ago 1Who liked this?
About to sit down with a rare mid-week pour and some Netflix. In the glass there's Maker's 46, on the TV there's some Manhunt: Unabomber. The drink's lovely, the show ok. I think maybe Mindhunter has spoiled me a bit when it comes to FBI profiling shows.
5 years ago 0
Today was a good day. Light day at work. Jays powerfully won their game.
I got to make up some samples, and poured a few CCs for myself. Can't say what it is because it's a surprise for the recipient who may read this. But the important thing is that I'm "Keeping calm and dramming on..."
5 years ago 2Who liked this?
Highland Park 12 Year Old / Viking Honour. After a hard day of work, working around the house, and taking my kids racing (BMX) not mention that I run the track. This is a nice sip that starts smokey and easy, and finishes with a kick. Sorry I am not that good at picking out flavors and such. Really nice, I like i a lot.
5 years ago 1Who liked this?
@cwspangler, In time you will be able to identify flavours, don't go looking for them, they will come to you. The most important thing is to enjoy what you drink, it's not supposed to be homework...and I think you do enjoy it.
Try to develop a network for sample trading. It's okay to be on the receiving end, in time you will be on the giving end. There are many Connosr members willing to share. Stayed tuned to members in your "region" and also those who are known to travel for the purpose of gathering and sharing. It can be a lot of fun.
Cheers!
5 years ago 5Who liked this?
...or, just don't ever think twice about the "hidden flavors" thing if it doesn't click for you. I love the hell out of whisky, but I never try to dissect it to find all the notes inside. I just enjoy the holistic experience. Your take on the HP12 is close to how I would describe it, too. No homework!
5 years ago 1Who liked this?
@cwspangler What @MadSingleMalt said.
I've been drinking Scotch since the mid 80s. Somewhere in the 90s I graduated from Bells and Ballantines to Glenlivet and Glenfiddich training malts. Then on to the serious stuff in the early 2000s. I resisted all things peat until about 10 years ago when a bottle of duty free Ardbeg 10 changed everything. I know sherry from bourbon from peat and a few other flavours, but I still don't know if it has notes of pomegranate peel or hints of oolong tea, nor do I particularly give a shit. I like it or I don't like it or it's okay. I'd buy it again or I wouldn't. That's about all I need to know and about as far as I need to analyze it. @paddockjudge's advice is very sage. In a nutshell: enjoy and just let it happen.
Welcome aboard, I think you will like it here.
Cheers.
5 years ago 5Who liked this?
@BlueNote I was supposed to go but I have to postponed for health reason (the knee is objecting to any project including long walks), so please have a few drams for me and feel free to post any picture that could bring Scotland to us. P.S. And let us know how your lady react to it. It would help many of us who have to sell the trip to their better half. ;)
5 years ago 1Who liked this?
@BlueNote When you say pomegranate peel, are you referring to the outer peel or the inner pith? I find they have distinctly different aromas and flavours associated with them...
Just kidding... I don't find I can identify most of the notes that others write about. I worry sometime that my reviews are too general to be interesting, an that two whiskies that taste very different can have similar tasting notes. But once in a while...I CAN put a name to something I smell or taste and I think that's cool too.
5 years ago 2Who liked this?
@Robert99 Sorry to hear you have to cancel. I hope you will still make the trip though and I'm sure your good lady will love it once she gets there. There's a jaw dropping Kodak moment around every corner. My wife had no interest in Scotch until 2011, the year we visited 22 distilleries. About half way in, she decided she might like to join in the tasting. She acquired the taste in nothing flat. Mostly she loves all the other things there are to explore over there. So, no hard sell required. She's ready to go. This will be our fifth trip over. Here she is eagerly awaiting the boarding call at the airport last time.
5 years ago 3Who liked this?
@cwspangler Perhaps it's because I'm a bit of a gourmand or, shall we say a bon vivant that I can pick out lots of distinct notes in some whiskies. I have a pretty large "library" of culinary reference points. But ultimately, I only share them with fellow enthusiasts. If someone in my family (or wife's family) asks about Lot 40, I usually tell them it's "spicy and sweet". If they ask about Green Spot or Redbreast, I usually say rich, fruity and sweet. Laphroaig is "chewing seaweed dipped in iodine, beside a bonfire". As long as you can distinguish "I like it" from "EW !!", you'll be fine.
I'm currently having a 3:1 blend of Tullamore DEW and Redbreast Lustau. I don't find the Lustau "perks up" other whiskies the way Redbreast 12 CS does. Still quite enjoyable.
5 years ago 0
@OdysseusUnbound, a vatting of Writer's Tears and Redbreast CS 1:1 was well received recently at a family gathering . Anything with black licorice and honey would be well received by me.
5 years ago 1Who liked this?
Just opened a bottle of Glenmorangie - Sherry Cask - 12yo - Lasanta. Here we go, first sip.....low smoke, somewhat fruity and sweet, and finishes nice and crisp with a small bite. Like it! Second sip.....still liken it. Maybe a little peppery towards the end. This is another one that I find really pleasing to just nose while sitting at the desk.
5 years ago 1Who liked this?
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