So, what are you drinking now?

@bwmccoy I love those coupe glasses. I want to order some, but my wife doesn’t support my glassware affinity any more than she supports my whisky acquisition affinity.

@OdysseusUnbound Wait till she sees what is waiting for you in Toronto!

@OdysseusUnbound - I really enjoy that coupe glass, but unfortunately it is the only one we have. I have so many other whisky and cocktail style glasses, that I don't think I will be purchasing any additional coupe glasses any time soon. :-)

Last night, we had some friends over for dinner and drams on the deck.

Started out with Jerry Thomas Manhattan's.

After the cocktail, we had 3 single cask Westland's in a row.

We finished off my bottle of Westland Distillery Single Cask #3824 (Rum Cask Finish)

Our friends brought over Westland cask # 5410 that was aged 6 years and 1 month. It is their standard 5 grain mash bill that was first aged in a 1st-fill ex-Westland cask, then it was transferred to a 1st-fill ex-bourbon cask before spending the last 26 months in a French oak ex-Syrah Washington State wine cask from Guardian Cellars (Red Mountain AVA). 57% ABV. This was perfectly balanced between the standard Westland flavor profile and the wine. Notes of Honeysuckle, maple syrup, peach, Graham cracker, caramel and maraschino cherry. One of the best, non-peated, single cask Westland's that I have had! Our friends were nice enough to leave us a generous 4 ounce sample of this bottle for further research.

We then had Westland cask # 2542 (6 year-Distilled 2012). It spent 27 months in a Coopers Reserve New American Oak followed by 45 months in an ex-Pedro Ximénez Hogshead - 50.8% ABV. This is another outstanding cask; probably my favorite non-peated single cask from Westland of all time!

Next up was another Seattle distillery; 2 Bar Spirits Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 50% ABV.

With grilled New York Steaks and Halibut for dinner, we had yet another Seattle distillery; Copperworks Distilling Company SMWS Cask sample (46 months - Mar. 2016) - New oak (18 month air seasoned staves) heavy toast, medium char (#2) - 60.2% ABV.

After dinner, we finished off my bottle of Girvan SMWS G7.15 (34 year - May 1984) "Mind-altering hugs" - After 32 years in an ex-bourbon hogshead, transferred to a new oak hogshead, heavy toast/medium char for the final 2 years - 57.2% ABV. The single grain in this whisky is wheat (most Society single grain releases are corn). This one reminds me a lot of a wheated bourbon. I'm not normally a huge fan of Society single grain whiskies, but I love this one and it is my all-time favorite. I'm really going to miss it.

Next, we opened up a bottle that our friends recently acquired; a 12 year Glenrothes (SMWS 30.109 "Strangely Soothing"). Distilled June 6th, 2007. Aged all 12 years in a 1st-fill ex-sherry butt. 64.9% ABV. An absolutely stunning sherried whisky without being heavy or a sherry bomb.

Then it was time to switch to smoke; Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5 year old

Next we opened up another bottle that our friends recently acquired; Kilchoman Loch Gorm (46% ABV).

Inchmoan SMWS 135.14 (13 year - Mar. 2005) "Tripping the light fantastic" - After maturing in an ex-bourbon hogshead, transferred to a first-fill charred red wine barrique - 55.4% ABV.

Next I opened a recent acquisition to my cabinet; Port Askaig 10th Anniversary 10 year Cask Strength 55.85% ABV. This whisky is from Caol Ila and it did not disappoint.

We finished the night with Caol Ila SMWS 53.302 (11 year - Sep. 2007) "Holy sweet smoke!" - Refill ex-bourbon hogshead - 59.9% ABV. I can't wait to try the Port Askaig head-to-head with this Society Caol Ila in the coming days.

All in all, not a bad Monday night. :-)

Accidentally posted twice. Sorry.

Tonight, my wife and I attended a virtual Women Who Whiskey tasting featuring Compass Box. A pretty standard lineup, but since I’ve tasted them all before, I was surprised how much I enjoyed most of them.

First up, Hedonism. All grain; supposedly wheat. 43%. Cameronbridge and North British (2019 batting). 76% first-fill barrel, 24% recharred barrel. Vanilla, toffee and coconut. This one was better with water; creamier. It was astringent without water. My least favorite of the night.

Great King Street Artist’s Blend. 43% ABV. 47% Grain / 53% malt. I took one sniff and knew it had Clynelish in it (38%). Also Cameronbridge, a highland malt blend and Linkwood. 71% 1st fill bourbon barrel, 14% refill bourbon hogshead, 12% custom French oak cask, 2% 1st fill sherry butt. Floral, fruity, oak, vanilla, spice, cinnamon and baked peaches. I was surprised how much I enjoyed this one.

The Spice Tree. 46% ABV. All malt (82% highland malt blend, 14% Clynelish, 4% Dailuaine). 82% custom French oak cask, 14% 1st fill bourbon barrel, 4% refill hogshead. Baking spice, ginger, apple blossom and malty. Seemed “hot” for 46% ABV.

The Story of the Spaniard. 43% ABV. 42% Teaninich 9 year 1st fill red wine cask, 29% Deanston, 14% highland malt blend, 10% Glendullan, 5% Glen Elgin. This will be the last batch using the red wine cask. Going forward it will be an STR cask. Casks used; 30% 1st fill sherry butt, 29% refill sherry butt, 14% custom French oak cask, 22% 1st fill red wine cask, 5% recharred bourbon barrel. Citrus peel, red wine, spice and vanilla This was my favorite of the night.

The Peat Monster. 46% ABV. It’s no monster, but better than I remember. 64% Caol Ila, 35% Laphroaig, 1% highland malt blend. 99% refill hogshead, 1% custom French cask. Creamy, sweet peat smoke and some menthol. My second favorite of the night.

Whatever you think of Compass Box, I appreciate all of the transparency they provide on their blends.

Later, The Big Swirl SMWS 10 year old Blended Malt Batch 07 - Ex-Spanish oak casks + ex-bourbon casks matured for final 2 years in 1st-fill ex-sherry hogshead - 50% ABV.

Finished the night by finishing up a sample of Longrow that @jordytropp gave me a few weeks ago. I really like how this is a great example of peat as opposed to smoke. Thanks again @jordytropp!

@bwmccoy Flaming Heart is my favourite CB so far, but you’ve got me thinking it’s time to revisit the Peat Monster. Haven’t had it for several years now.

@bwmccoy - interesting notes. I remember thinking that Spice Tree was a bit 'hot'. It got better as it went down, and with water, but I remember thinking it must be quite young juice. Nice profile though but it's always put me off buying another. I've only sampled Hedonism and GKS but liked them both. I think the former is a bit pricey for what it is though.

You've piqued my curiosity about the Spaniard though and the Peat Monster. Am I right in thinking that's the latest version of it (PM)? Might have to pop one of them on my wish list ...

Not much lately due to having to take meds that do not mix with alcohol but did manage to have some Deanston 12 and Bunna 'Toecheckaghaaaaaaa' (did I spell that right?) last night.

The former is lovely stuff and I need to get more of this (and Arran 10 come to think of it) as it does the 'lighter side of whisky' beautifully well. The Bunna is nice, Lots of fishing boats and dirty-peat, but having got to know it a bit better I think I might have preferred a 100% bourbon matured example. The hint of sherry cask isn't bad but it adds a hint of fruit that seems a bit out of place for what is quite a dry and austere malt at heart. Peat heads would love it, no doubt.

I also pondered how peaty whisky and warm weather really don't mix - it's definitely a winter whisky!

We're off to Cornwall for a week tomorrow and are currently packing (well she is, mainly, I'm getting glared at while I type ;) . I have to decide what to take from my open stash. An important job that cannae be rushed, I'm sure you'll agree!?

I'm thinking: Flaming Heart, 'farclas 25, Deanston 12, Bulleit 10 and Smith & Cross rum.

Still.time to change my mind though

@RianC - yes, all of the Compass Box that we tasted was the latest versions.

Family vacation for the next few days. Tonight, my brother-in-law and I had;

Braeval SMWS 113.15 (9 year - Oct. 2008) "An apricot jamboree" from a refill ex-bourbon barrel - 61.6% ABV

Bunnahabhain SMWS 10.162 (9 year - Oct. 2008) "Big wave sofa". After 7 years in a refill ex-bourbon hogshead transferred to a first fill oloroso hogshead - 61.4% ABV

Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5 year old

Glen Scotia SMWS 93.136 (7 year - March 2012) “Powerful!”. 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel - 58.4% ABV.

Finished with Inchmoan SMWS 135.14 (13 year - Mar. 2005) "Tripping the light fantastic" - After maturing in an ex-bourbon hogshead, transfered to a first-fill charred red wine barrique - 55.4% ABV.

Family vacation continues... Tonight, my brother-in-law and I had the following;

Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5 year old

Glen Scotia SMWS 93.136 (7 year - March 2012) “Powerful!”. 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel - 58.4% ABV.

Inchmoan SMWS 135.14 (13 year - Mar. 2005) "Tripping the light fantastic" - After maturing in an ex-bourbon hogshead, transfered to a first-fill charred red wine barrique - 55.4% ABV.

Next a head-to-head comparison of two IB Caol Ila’s.

Port Askaig 10th Anniversary 10 year Cask Strength 55.85% ABV.

Caol Ila SMWS 53.302 (11 year - Sep. 2007) "Holy sweet smoke!" - Refill ex-bourbon hogshead - 59.9% ABV.

We both loved the Port Askaig, but the Society blew the Port Askaig away. Both great whiskies, but the Society bottle was the clear winner.

Finished the night by killing off a sample of Octomore 8.2 Masterclass, 167ppm, 8 year old. The wine casks did not overwhelm the classic Octomore spirit; perfectly balanced!

First night of our holiday in Cornwall last night, and after a joyfully traffic free (but early start!) drive and afternoon on an amazing little beach (Holywell bay), complete with a little stream that the kids could safely splash about in, we eventually arrived at the converted milking barn.

As many of you will know, holidays with wee ones aren't quite the care free frolics of yesteryear, so it was with happy but weary eyes that I sat out and watched the sun set over the sea from the garden with a Glenfarclas 25 and then the full array of stars, a pair of kestrels (I think!?) and a local barn owl, for company. Wonderful!

@RianC I hope you get some nice weather down there. I love Cornwall. It doesn't get much more quaint than Polpero and Mevagissey and just about anywhere on the coast down there. Where are you going?

Wow...it's been quite a while since I logged on and updated things...right now, in the midst of COVID distancing, our informal group has been branching out with virtual tastings via google meet - a Havana Club (Cuba) vs. Havana Club (Puerto Rico) tasting in June, and just this past weekend we did Gin - but I've also been doing a lot of cocktails, experimenting with a variety of whisky, rum, gin, and akvavit cocktails...

Family vacation continues... last night, my brother-in-law and I had the following;

Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5 year old

Glen Scotia SMWS 93.136 (7 year - March 2012) “Powerful!”. 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel - 58.4% ABV.

Inchmoan SMWS 135.14 (13 year - Mar. 2005) "Tripping the light fantastic" - After maturing in an ex-bourbon hogshead, transfered to a first-fill charred red wine barrique - 55.4% ABV.

Next a head-to-head comparison of two Society Ardmore’s;

Both of these are my brothers-in-law’s bottles. I’ve had the first one before, but it’s been a long time. The second one is recently purchased and opened.

Ardmore SMWS 66.154 (10 year - July 2008) “Robocow” from a refill ex-bourbon barrel. 59.8% ABV. The nose and palate reminded me of Lapsang Souchong tea. Also, some farmyard and mechanical notes.

Ardmore SMWS 66.167 (7 year - April 2012) “Big and punchy” from a refill ex-Oloroso Puncheon cask. Sweet nose, but surprisingly not too sweet. Fudge, toffee, smoke, liquorice and ash.

Both were very good, but very different. The Big and punchy was my favorite of the two.

@BlueNote - We're near St Ives but, yes, Mevagissy and Polperro are lovely - one of my favourite little coves, Lantic Bay, is close to them but we're hugging the North coast this time out. Weather had been OK and we were due to visit an outside pool in Penzance today but alas it's like mid November today! Wouldn't be a holiday in Britain without at least a day or two like this!

Last night I had a large pour of Flaming Heart whilst having a game of cards. No Glencairn but still excellent.

Last night of family vacation and my brother-in-law and I had a dram from every peated bottle that we brought with us.

Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5 year old

Glen Scotia SMWS 93.136 (7 year - March 2012) “Powerful!”. 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel - 58.4% ABV.

Inchmoan SMWS 135.14 (13 year - Mar. 2005) "Tripping the light fantastic" - After maturing in an ex-bourbon hogshead, transfered to a first-fill charred red wine barrique - 55.4% ABV.

Port Askaig 10th Anniversary 10 year Cask Strength 55.85% ABV.

Caol Ila SMWS 53.302 (11 year - Sep. 2007) "Holy sweet smoke!" - Refill ex-bourbon hogshead - 59.9% ABV.

Ardmore SMWS 66.154 (10 year - July 2008) “Robocow” from a refill ex-bourbon barrel. 59.8% ABV.

Ardmore SMWS 66.167 (7 year - April 2012) “Big and punchy” from a refill ex-Oloroso Puncheon cask.

@RianC I'm envious, despite the weather. We would normally be coming over to do a roadtrip and visit the cousins in September. This anus horribilis, we're stuck at home. Good thing my cabinet is full. Enjoy your holiday. I know you're enjoying the Flaming Heart.

@BlueNote

I know it’s been a bad year (annus horribilis), but do we really need to hear about your haemorrhoids (anus horribilis)?

@Nozinan Ooops. Spell check's gone AWOL.

@BlueNote - Thanks! Yes it's a lovely part of the world down here especially if you 'get the weather'. Mixed bag so far but today looks promising so the beach beckons. Hopefully all this madness finishes soon and you can get back to jet setting, and rid of those piles, asap!

Last night we indulged. We had some steaks in already and then found a sea food shop just outside of Penzance that had some juicy looking tiger prawns and shell on fresh prawns and couldn't resist a surf n turf combo

I had a Bacchus cherry beer (a bit sweet but when I'm in the mood this is a divine beer) whilst prepping and then we had some Bollinger champagne (an unopened 40th gift) with the starter of prawns in garlic butter, parsley and lemon. I'm not the biggest fan of champagne but 'Bolly' is perhaps a sweeter, fruitier style and very well balanced, also kind of creamy?! If it's good enough for Bond ...

Then a bottle of 2014 red (I'll pic the label later for anyone interested) that Jade was given for her b'day with the main course of tiger prawns on steak with steamed asparagus and fresh shelled peas. Divine! I'd forgotten how much I enjoy a mouth full of steak and red wine.

Cheeses and oat biscuits were to follow but fatigue (her words!) got the better of her and I was full so they can wait until tomorrow.

To dine like that every day ...

@RianC Blimey, mate. To dine like that ANY day.

Cheers and Bon Appetit.

@RianC wow that sounds sublime. Nothing like a bit of 80's retro surf 'n turf - yum. Yes I do enjoy a good red with red meat - a perfect match. Well done and enjoy yourselves!

I can't remember who mentioned the Compass Box Peat Monster a while ag, might have been @bwmccoy. I haven't had it for a few years so I went ahead and got one. It's actually very drinkable and a pretty good bang for the buck.

We’re visiting with some friends (while following all the requisite social/physical distancing protocols) and my buddy had me try two whiskies blind. I managed to identify both distilleries correctly, (not the expressions however), but I’m well aware of his preferences so it’s not that impressive a feat.

• Macallan Edition No.2: I poke more than my fair share of fun at THE Macallan, but this whisky was actually quite good. Not worth the crazy secondary market prices, but very enjoyable. Lots of raisins, dates, walnuts, ginger, vanilla, and oranges. I’d probably rate it 88 or 89/100.
• Highland Park Valkyrie: Again, I poke fun at HP’s Viking blah blah pretty often, but this whisky was actually pretty good. Plenty of sherry notes with no sulphur, nutty, vanilla, and chocolate notes. HP claims a “higher proportion” of peated malt, but I found the peat and smoke pretty subdued. There was just a hint of spirity bitterness on the finish suggesting there’s some younger whisky in the vatting, but overall a pretty good offering. I’d probably rate it 85 or 86/100.

@OdysseusUnbound - one bottle I always regret not buying when it was available was that 2nd ed. Macallan. No way I'd pay current prices but RRP was c£70 and, by all accounts, it was a very good Macallan. Hey ho ...

Last night some more red wine with cheese (aged Gouda on Ritz and Stilton on oat biscuits) and then a Tanqueray no. 10, 1:3 with Fever Tree tonic, lime and ice. This is beautiful gin but I think it worked better with lemon, with isn't my preference usually. If you squint you might make out the label ...

Long time, no see boys! I trust you're all living your best, whisky enhanced lives.

I just had to drop a comment on my bottle of Ballechin 10. It has been opened for a few years and I just poured myself a sip. The smokiness has subsided as expected but it's still there, especially in the finish. What has come in it's place is a wonderful, deep vanilla ice cream note that really is something else. Also it intermingles perfectly with the smoky finish giving it a long and very pleasant, lingering taste

@Alexsweden Nice to see you back. Hope to see more from you in the future.