Dearest Friends,
This month's event now completed, and the yard work well in hand after our first fine-weather weekend, it's high time for the recap.
This month was an odd one, differing from the standard in a few ways. First, we were attended even more lightly than usual, only three of our members being present. Second, we had to compete for bar space with a beer tasting group who has just started, and who, apparently, has the same idea of what makes for a good meeting place. Next, we had the audacity to discuss club business rather than the customary banter and frivolity. And lastly - though I suppose it was bound to happen sooner or later - our host establishment was unable to provide the single malt whisky that I had called ahead to secure.
We had planned to taste both Cardhu and Johnnie Walker Black Label. Being what it is, the Johnnie Walker was readily available. This blended whisky contains an estimated 40 component, including a large quantity of grain, whiskies, the youngest drop of which has been aged 12 years. It was caramel in color and lightly oily in the mouth, though it showed a bit too much alcohol on the nose. There was distinct citrus and a hint of wood in the flavor, but it was much better with water, and I'd even go so far as to say it is generally better on the rocks. We did not collect scores on the blend, as it was intended only to provide a source for comparison and contrast.
Although the Cardhu was absent, we did discover another little gem. Hidden away from our previous view was a bottle of Glendronach 12 year old (40% ABV). I didn't capture notes, but let's just say that this one will get on the list for a future session!
Club business? Well, there were three things discussed that I'd like to share with you all - and please feel free to write back so I can get a sense of your thinking on these.
- JB proposed the idea of a ThirdThursdays.org website, and even the possibility of email addresses for those who are interested. He will investigate further and let us know what's available.
- Time for an annual outing event? We discussed taking ourselves, significant others, and a picnic (to include some of our favorite water of life) to someplace where we can sit on boulders -- and we called it "Scotch on the Rocks 2006". Of course, we'll have to take this one to committee. If you're willing to help organize, we'd love the help!
- Monty's Korner's web site (http://www.montyskorner.com) has a listing of it's beers, but their "Whisky and Port" page is desperately lacking content. Is it time for us to give something back to the establishment that's given us so much already? (and maybe get some free publicity out of it, too?)
Well, I see this letter has gone on far longer than usual, and certainly longer than I had anticipated writing. So I'm going to wrap up here and begin the long, arduous task of waiting until next month to chat with you all again.
p.s. Here's an interesting little site for those of you wo are not culinarily challenged as some of us are: http://www.malts.com/en-us/Home/WhiskyFoodIntro.htm (you'll have to register to see the page, but it's pretty painless and certainly worth it!). Enjoy.
Sláinte,
