Into the light once more.... Lassie writes about Wiser's Dissertation

A little bit of honesty here: With every passing day as I stared at the screen that stated I hadn't blogged since March 3rd 2017 I grew more and more indifferent about ever doing it again. Day after day - spending time flipping through twitter then deleting the mindless amounts of PR emails that I receive about NEW and INNOVATIVE spirits coming to market. I attempted at times to read other blogs or websites but many simply seem to regurgitate the PR emails I deleted the day before.
Another round of: "Meh... Why do I bother, nobody reads these anymore anyway... or worse - I've really got nothing to say or add to the #whiskyfabric anymore. That last one likely hit me the hardest. Do people even care about stories, real reviews or crazy whisky adventures?" The following week I would read twitter, delete more emails, read a blog, sigh and then walk away from the computer yet once more.  Meh... Meh... Meh... Repeat... Meh...

Over the last five months I've travelled, done lots of sailing, had some fabulous and mind blowing adventures, drank some great whiskies, spent time with friends and family. These filled most of the nooks and crannies of my life. Writing, however, was an itch that wasn't getting scratched at all. Something needed to kick start my ass again but I wasn't sure what that was. In late May I received a package while I was at work. Graham, my wonderful partner in most of my crimes, sent me a message on his lunch hour about it so I casually said open it and let me know what it is. He wrote back: "Holy shit Jo!" Ok, so now he has my attention. I stare at my phone waiting for another message. Nothing...  "Errr, yes?" I write quickly. Nothing...  "Hello?" I type, now with a bit of impatience and annoyance. Nothing like getting click bait messages from your husband :) Then the photo comes in: A copy of Don Livermore's dissertation: "Quantification of oak wood extractives via gas chromatography - mass spectrometry and subsequent calibration of near infrared reflectance to predict the Canadian whisky aging process". Now, if you are a regular reader to this blog (poor attempt lately my apologies) or a new one who doesn't know who or what that means to me - Dr. Don Livermore is the brilliant and creative master blender at the Hiram Walker & Sons distillery in Windsor Ontario Canada. 


I know the adrenaline shot through my entire body when my brain registered what I was looking at and unless you are a full out whisky or chemistry geek like myself you may simply giggle at the thought of someone getting an adrenaline headache, her heart skipping a few beats and maybe suffering from a bit of hyperventilation as a result of seeing a photo of a paper about infrared sensors, barrel charring levels and whisky. Let me elaborate just a little (indulge me here...) = This is a PhD paper that demonstrates how the quality of a barrel can be determined by using infrared technology.

The other great thing that came of his dissertation was 114 barrels of whisky. A bi-product of the research and experiment really but also thankfully product that might be quite interesting to release on the market so Don chose 78 of them, blended the whisky which ended up creating Wiser's Dissertation. Released to the LCBO in Ontario as an exclusive bottling, 10,000 bottles hit the stores right before Father's Day. Cost $64.95.


I've really become a fan of Don's and many (MANY) of the whiskies he has created since taking the helm of Master Blender in 2012. I had a copy of the dissertation now I had to try the whisky. May 30th I stepped on a plane, hopped the Go train and headed directly to a liquor store in downtown Toronto where I purchased 2 bottles. (It's important to do a lot of trials - spoken like a true chemistry nerd!) I didn't make it back home to Saint John until June 21st but a few days later I quietly popped the cork while sitting on the boat. It was nice to simply enjoy it, no note book, no pictures for social media. Just me, the sunset and the whisky. It was glorious. I loved everything about it as many of you know I often say sometimes the whisky is simply the backdrop to the memory that is created. Over the course of the next 5-6 weeks anytime I opened my copy of the Dissertation, I also poured one (always made me smile when I did this!). I can't even begin to explain the satisfaction I had knowing that I was reading about Don's work and sipping the whisky that allowed him to successfully acquire his PhD.


Monday August 7th, my daughter Erica's birthday. She turned 27. I can't get a hold of her as she's off having an adventure (apple doesn't fall too far from this tree) but a great reason to pour myself a dram! Except this time, I'm drawn to my notebook. I open the page and the last notes taken on March 4th stare back at me. Halifax, whisky show - Bowmore Vault 1st Edition. Scribbles, my friend Celinda's name with a big happy face - Nice, salted with butterscotch sweet notes. I flip back a few pages, many more descriptors - most almost looking foreign to me now. Scented potpourri soaked cedar shavings (Won't mention the name of that whisky but good God it was horrible!) Yeah, I miss doing this. Maybe I needed the time off or away from writing so that I could appreciate how much I do love whisky?

Here goes, let's see how rusted my olfactory memory and taste buds really are? I have to say I was almost a bit nervous and scared to do this whisky a disfavour but like every other muscle that has memory, the nose did not fail me. Bicycle-schmicycle!?

Wiser's Dissertation Blended Canadian Whisky, 46.1% ABV

Nose: Explosive rye profile. Spicy, rich, lots of early fall night orchard smells like apples still fresh on the tree, grass that was hot all day but cooling in the autumn air, wild flowers like purple clover and evening primrose. The nose is big and beautiful.

Palate: Just a hint of fresh oak, pink grapefruit cheesecake with a caramel sauce (not kidding). Super creamy but mildly sweet in nature. Quite complex.

Finish: Smooth, not overly hot more like spicy like cinnamon heart candies. Nice but a bit short especially compared to most of the other whiskies I love from Corby's.

Overall I think Don hit it out of the park yet again with this one. I put it directly behind Last Barrels which I loved immensely in 2016. Review written, blog done = Lassie happy. With only about 25% of the stock left, when this one is gone, it's gone for good so if you are in Ontario or know someone who lives there, I recommend you get a bottle or maybe two.

Just three little things to add:

a. 46.1% is what Dr. Don decided to bottle this at, which also (not by coincidence) is the molecular weight of ethanol (CH₃CH₂OH) -> Squeals with geeky excitement.

b.  Maybe you noticed that I stated Dr. Livermore used 78 of his PhD research barrels to make Dissertation a reality. I hope that leaves you wondering, just like me - what will happen to the remaining 36? Can't wait to see what creative idea he comes up with for those.

and c... BIG thanks to fellow Canadian whisky judge, chosen brother and very good friend André Girard,  http://www.quebecwhisky.com/ for being the kick in the pants I needed to finish this one and reminding me about the one thing that brings friends, happiness, adventures and great memories into my life: Whisky.

It was quite refreshing writing a blog for the fun of it. It's nice to be back and I'll do my best to keep writing about what this Lassie does, thinks and experiences after all why should I keep all the crazy and weird things that I get to do locked up in my head ;)


Cheers from Saint John Canada wherever you may be.


Lassie

Lassie's top 12 countdown of 2016 - Number 8 Springbank 16 tradesies

So last year in Campbeltown Graham and I met these two guys: Vit and Damian. They made our couple of days at Springbank probably the most memorable of the entire trip. Between the four of us you had a full bowl of "crazy". Several times I found myself clutching my ribs because I had laughed so much. It was an awesome time. 2016 came along, and Graham would not be travelling to Scotland with me this time. Vit got a hold of me on facebook and asked if we would be at the Campbeltown Festival and I responded with a no. I told him what my plans were, where I would be going and it didn't coincide with their annual trip back to the festival. Bummer....

A few months later, Vit messaged me again to let me know that he had been lucky enough to procure a few bottles of the newly released Springbank 16 Local Barley and the best part, he was willing to save me a bottle for Graham. We just needed to figure out how to get it to me. I wasn't worried about it as the # whiskyfabric comes through in mysterious ways. I didn't tell Graham and was hoping to surprise him. About a month later, I was fortunate enough to arrange a few days in London with my friends Dave & Kiat Worthington, this would allow me to travel with Kat (their daughter) to Scotland and make arrangements to see Vit & Dave. I was super excited! 

Vit accepting his Lot 40

I wanted to make sure I did something really nice for Vit, so while I was visiting Don Livermore in Windsor he made a customized bottle of Lot 40 for him on my behalf. I also brought over a few other bottles of Canadian whisky for consumption purposes ;)

The day came where I got to play tourist and Dave was kind enough to be my guide in London, yet once more. We contacted a few people and had a meet up at the SMWS. I had a fantastic evening with the lot of them. Drams were shared, bottles exchanged and once again my sides hurt from laughing so much. Vit and Dave, were... as crazy as ever. 

The Springbank 16 Local Barley traveled with me for 3 weeks all over Scotland and as tempted as I was to break it open, I didn't. When I arrived home, I unpacked my luggage and presented Graham with the bottle. He was super excited. "Can we open it!!!?", I yelled...  "No", was the answer. I spent the next two months asking on a regular basis if we could open it yet and the answer was NO...  Groan....

I eventually gave up knowing Graham would open it in his own time. The moment finally came when the bottle came up from the basement and the cork was popped! Drams were poured among friends and we enjoyed the whisky. Great discussion, good friends and a fantastic Springbank -> What more could we possibly want. This time though, I TOOK NOTES!  hehe

Springbank 16 Local Barley, 54.3% ABV.

Colour: Golden sunshine

Nose: Springbank at its finest: Damp earth, tomato plant leaves, with a hint of diesel fuel or refinery by-products.

Palate: Sweet, slightly smoky with that distinctive peppery and oily mouthfeel.

Finish: Not as long as some of the other Springbanks I love, but this is warming, spicy and quite satisfying.

This Springbank is a well balanced, delicious dram and other than some of the drams I've had straight out of the barrel at the distillery (There's nothing better than hearing Gavin sing: "Baby your a firework!", this is the best Springbank I've ever had... so far ;)

There's something quite special about knowing people in the #whiskyfabric. There are so many times when simple conversations lead to lasting friendships. An enquiry on Facebook such as, as anyone tried "this" yet, leads to a sample offer. Where the announcement of a trip turns into 12 people going to a festival together for a week. It's what I love so much about being Whiskylassie.

Me.... and "auto correct" Dave!

Thank you Vit for thinking of Graham when this bottle came to the market. It's not something we would have ever seen here. I hope you enjoy the Canadian whiskies I brought over and that I get to see you and Damian again someday soon!

Lassie...

Lassie's top 12 countdown of 2016 - The anchor, #12 LET'S START BIG!

Years ago I started keeping track of how many different whiskies I tried over the course of a year. From January 1 - December 31st, I take a photo of every single new whisky discovery. In 2015, I broke my all time record and had tried over 400 new drams. I will wait to reveal how many the Lassie had this year ;)

In the meantime, let's revisit the top 12 drams for me this year. Each of course has a story, a reason, a season or a rhyme. Or... something like that!? The point of the matter is, each one has a special place in my heart for a variety of reasons. You ready?  HERE.....  WE......  GOOOOOOOOOO! It's only befitting that we go all the way back to January 1 2016 for dram #12. Our friends Krista & Ross Galbraith invited us to their annual New Years Day event - Outing at Tin Can Beach. Now for those of you are not from anywhere near Saint John New Brunswick, Tin Can Beach is a little gem in the south end of the city that overlooks the mouth of our harbour and the bay of Fundy. 

Tin can beach crew of 2016

There we were: Krista & Ross, Susan & Michael, Robin & Michael, Lori & Steve, me and Graham. It's a cold but sunny day and we've all brought whiskies to share. I made sure to pack one small but very important dram because someone gave it to me with the caveat that it would be opened and shared before my 50th birthday. I kept my promise and shared with this lovely group of friends, of which a few had already joined the 50's club, and some who still had not.  :)

The great part of that day was simply welcoming 2016 as best we knew how: Among friends, in the great outdoor, admiring the beauty of our own city and toasting what was yet to come. Thank you to Davin de Kergommeaux for the dram in question:


Gordon & MacPhail Glen Grant 50 year old, distilled in 1948, bottled in 1998. 40% ABV. 

The dram was poured in two Glencairns and they were passed around so that everyone could get a taste. Did I take notes -> Nope. Do I remember what it tasted like -> Mostly. I know I enjoyed it. The reality is that I enjoyed the moment and the fact that we all got to try it. After we were done dramming and spending time on the beach that lovely first day of 2016, we were all invited back to Krista & Ross' for a great spread of food. 

I realized a few things that day. One: Surround yourself with good people. Two: Share your whiskies with those who will appreciate it as much as you do. and Three: The importance of traditions. It was a memorable day and the perfect way to start 2016.

Thank you to Davin, the Galbraith's and everyone else who made that day possible. 

Cheers,

Lassie

Day 25 - The grand finale Samaroli 34 year old blended scotch

"It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags!" The Grinch

As I awoke on December 25th in a hotel room far away from home (oh this could go off the rails right from the start!?) cuddled up next to Graham (Lassie redeems herself) I knew it was Christmas. The reality is, I really wasn't much in a festive mood this year at all so I was never more thankful to have it be "just another day". Graham surprised me this year with a getaway trip to Boston for a New England Patriots game. Blessed. 

The great part of the trip was seeing a few whisky friends along the way: Darren McInnis (no relation), Bob Caron and the aunts (I LOVE those ladies) and a long list of whisky discoveries thanks to Bikram Singh at Norfolk Wine and Spirits. This man appreciates the whisky geek in all of us as he simply pointed us to "the room": Try whatever you like. We bought three great bottles as a result. 

I've said it hundreds of times before, do not underestimate the power and kindness of the #whiskyfabric around us. It's magical, important, friendly and REAL. It does envelope me 365 days of the year and regardless of what some of the nay-sayers might think, for me it's better than celebrating the madness of one day we "Christians" call Christmas. 

We packed up our suitcase, our whiskies and hit the road to home. 9 hours later, we were at Graham's parents for a very late turkey dinner. I was trying desperately to simply "live in the moment" and appreciate that we were opening gifts, spending time with family but in the back of my mind I knew I had to open door 25, nose/taste the whisky and write a blog. It was almost 10:00pm when my mother in law said: "So you two spending the night?", I looked at Graham and he stared at me. "Sure", I said... and I let go of it. The whisky will simply have to wait. 

We got home at noon on boxing day. I literally just threw all of our stuff on the kitchen floor. Rushed down the stairs in my winter boots to open door 25. I knew what it was ahead of time as friends had posted in on twitter but to see the bottle with my own eyes was pretty cool. Up to the armchair for one last time, reached for a nosing glass and plopped myself down to enjoy the last dram of my amazing whisky advent calendar. I've quickly become a huge fan of Samaroli and will now actively seek out getting more of these bottles.

Samaroli 34 year old blended whisky, 40% ABV. Sherry Butt cask #18.

Color: Dark and old mahogany furniture.

Nose: Tobacco leaves, old cigar room and rich leather. A bit of unsweetened chocolate on the backdrop. Maybe a bit of Indians spices too. 

Palate: Just as complex as the nose. Star of anise, rum soaked Christmas fruit cake (with orange peel, candied cherries) and just a hint of tannic flavour reminiscent of roasted coffee beans dipped in dark chocolate.  GOOD LORD!?

Finish: Cointreau or some other orange liqueur I've tasted before. Overwhelmingly warm, satisfying orange compote with cloves. So mouthwatering, it really took me by surprise.

I sat in silence for the better part of an hour while Graham walked Miles. I looked over the last 25 days of pieces I wrote about each whisky. All so different, some very pleasing, some not so much for this Lassie. Through it all, it was one discovery after the next and the journey along the way seemed long yet at the same time short. Memories created, people remembered, moments shared, bruises (my elbow still hurts, hehe)... friendships, new whiskies, some old favourites and now it's all done. But is it, really? 

I had almost pretty much stopped blogging this past summer. With family responsibilities taking on a new role in my life, it was really hard at first to come to terms where things might be headed. When Jonathan asked me to be the guest writer this year, I was thrown for a loop but at the same time excited at the thought of writing a blog every single day. I was never short on stories or adventures (that part wasn't a surprise)... The surprise was the whiskies and how people reacted to the blog rising like a phoenix. 

Thank you, to all of you... It's been a weird sort of 2016, if not globally, for many of us who have lost someone we love, lost a job, struggled with mental illness or whatever else "we" went through. Just remember, this like the whiskies in our lives are simply moments. 

Some are fantastic, some are weird, some are duds, some are downright ugly... We, in the end survive and move along. The advent calendar may be done, but the blog will not go silent. Thank you Jonathan for entrusting me with this gift and honour. 

Oh my goodness I almost forgot Jonathan!!!

www.singlemalting.com

As 2016 comes to a close, I ponder at what lies ahead for many of us. Keep it real, love your family/friends and share your whiskies :)

Respectfully and with all my love, from the whisky armchair... I raise my glass to you all. 

Johanne

Day 10 - Lazy Saturday drams and little people that make me happy....

You know... those that read this blog on a regular basis have the habit of grabbing a dram, sitting back and then reading about my crazy little adventures. I'm happy that it affects people like that. As I often say, it's not even about the whisky sometimes, it is about the moment, those that surround you and the memory they create, usually those you will recall for ages to come. 

I've had a really busy week, not only at work but during my "after hours" life as well.  You would think it was Christmas related but it wasn't. It was mostly whisky related. Lots of emails, writing, meeting with people for planning purposes, skype sessions to discuss things and a bit of a "dance party' on a Tuesday night with friends who are leaving for their own little adventure. My whole week was spent with others "doing". My Saturday mornings are usually mine, just mine... It's my selfish time to get up somewhat early, grab my laptop, a hot cup of coffee and I sit (you guessed it, in my big arm chair) where I watch the world go by and sit in silence. It's my reflective time, it's...  peace.

I didn't get that this morning. I had a commitment to meet a friend at work and help her with an issue she had been having. I, worked overtime, finishing a few things and getting my desk/head ready for the week to come because frankly it's going to be shit show! And then... I went to pick up Campbell. He's our best friend's little guy, not yet three. He simply calls me "Jo" and when he sees me, he lights up. There is nothing more genuine or heartwarming then to watch him scramble and grab his backpack because he knows it's time to spend the morning with his crazy friend Jo. The magical part of it all is, we don't have to go anywhere special and better yet there is no TV, video games or anything else other than some books, dinky cars, or building blocks where we are headed. 

Unless of course, you are almost 3 and decide today is the day Jo and Campbell are going to run around like two madmen and have a dual with pool noodles, which is exactly what we did. 

Not long after lunch, I dropped off an exhausted little boy to a mom who managed to get her entire upper level cleaned while we were away. She always thanks me for taking Campbell, and I never have the heart to tell her how much I should be the one thanking her, because frankly, time spent with this little person is worth thousands of $$$ in therapy and is likely adding decades to my life. 

I think it's important for all of us to find those "things" in our life. The ones that completely empty your mind, provide you with a few hours of laughter or release and create connections to the soul. Not the heart but your inner self... Maybe that sounds a bit floopy in nature, but when you get to be my age every happy moment erases ten bad ones. It helps heal and recenter me. 

I'm not ashamed to say I often have those moments of awe when I'm at a whisky show or with a group of friends and I suddenly look around to realize that we are all talking, sharing, laughing and I think to myself... wow... whisky did that for me!  It's truly a magical elixir that I will emphatically say is the only one that will ever make me feel that way.  Can you imagine people posting photos of vodka bottles on twitter and the rest of us getting excited!? Errrrr.... no...  hehehe

So with all that said, I didn't even get to my advent calendar today until about 3:00pm. My basement, no longer filled with the shrieks of joy as Campbell attacked me with his pool noodle screaming:  HA-YA! back to its darkness and solace. I walked over to the advent calendar and opened up the doors once more. #10 easily popped open to reveal the day's dram:  AD Rattray Glenallachie 8 year old. This calendar continues to surprise and delight me!  I've only ever had a small handfuls of whisky from this distillery. I instinctively reach over the piano and grab a Glencairn. The smell is almost whimsical in nature. Back up to the armchair for a proper nosing/tasting I go...  Ready, let's go?!!!

AD RATTRAY 2007 Glenallachie 8 year old, 64.9% ABV Sherry Cask #900831.

Colour: Sunlight yellow. It's quite bright. 

Nose: Honey Cruller donut with powdered sugar. I almost lost my mind. I LOVE those!! It's creamy, honeyed and "doughy"...  Which is a bit confusing since this is a sherry cask? 

Palate: Rum soaked sultanas on a bed of pear custard, followed by fresh lemon peel zest! Ok, so now I am really confused as this is not at all what I expected for... a sherry cask?!

Finish: Well, that really high ABV leaves an afterburn like you wouldn't believe but there's a clean and wonderful flavour of fennel...  Fresh fennel.  Then, a drying effect.. almost of Sahara desert proportion. 

Hmmmm....  wait a second I think to myself?! Was this a "white" sherry barrel perhaps? A fino or a manzanilla?  Time to add water!!!

Nose: Becomes even creamier... I'm talking poached pear in a vanilla pudding cup! 

Palate: There's more fruit now, but again not what I would expect for a sherry cask (too young for the full influence perhaps?!) I can find apple compote with hints of ginger, with maybe a bit of crushed graham wafers...  

Finish: Subdued, and much sweeter now with just hints of pepper...  Fennel all gone.  :(

All in all, this was likely the most balanced of drams thus far and once again the whisky surprises me greatly. Jonathan I'm wondering if there's a way to find out what type of sherry barrel this was, as it's completely different and polarizing from what we would normally suspect?

And speaking of Jonathan two things:  

1. Check out his thoughts on his blog: www.singlemalting.com

2. We are all going to meet on Facebook this evening for a fire side chat about this whisky!  If you have an advent calendar, come join us and even if you don't... pour yourself a dram, put the fireplace channel on and come enjoy the #whiskyfabric friendships as we create yet another magical moment and memory together.

At this rate, the rest of the 15 days to come on my advent

adventure may end up being some of the best of 2016.  All I know is, I'm one lucky lassie and I appreciate all the wonderful moments, people and sublime drams in my life....   

Cheers #whiskyfabric

Lassie

RRRRRRRRRRusted! Time for a long overdue blind tasting

I looked at the date this morning and saw it was Sunday September 25th. Not only had fall officially arrived, I realized I hadn't posted one... single... piece... all summer. Nothing for almost 4 months. Do I go into details and tell y'all why...  Nah, most of you probably already know. It's been a super hectic, crazy and sometimes very stressful summer. Stress usually = Not drinking whisky. Sad situation really to look at my most favourite spirit in the world only to have my instinct tell me -> Probably not a good idea right now. Thankfully, I always trust my instinct.

So then there's the next step: Errrrr, what do I write about after such a long hiatus. It was an immediate and easy decision: BLIND TASTING time!!!  There is no doubt that my nose/palate need to get whipped back into shape. I went to the sample shelf which only reinforced how long it's been since I truly stuck my nose in a whisky. Shelf is plentiful of many lovely samples from all over the word but man... I've never seen so much dust. I spent the next hour (yup 60 minutes) reacquainting myself and cleaning them. It was a bit like opening presents on Christmas morning as I found some really lovely gems I had completely forgotten about. On the bottom shelf, way in the back I found three non-descriptive bottles that I carefully wiped and didn't recognize. Bottle 1, 2 and 3...  same hand writing, no names/words. Hmmmm...  Picked up my whisky book to see what I had written, if anything about these (I usually am pretty good at writing things down, errrr somewhere?!) And sure enough, there it was... Samples received from Raj Sabharwal (@Whiskyraj)!  Hot diggity dog, what a fabulous way to come out of hiatus, if I do say so myself.

By lunch time (Yes.. I waited!! hehe), I was ready. Dinning room table, glassware, pen/paper, water and WHISKY! What a lovely feeling to have my thinking cap back on and nosing. I can feel the cogs of my olfactory memory wheel trying desperately to break free of their idle slumber. 

Sample 1: Colour, so delicate it reminded me of a sauvignon blanc. (Oh man I am rusty, I'm comparing my whisky to wines?!) Nose: Green grapes, clean and fruity sweet. (errr still on the wines it seems?!) Palate: Oh, yeah there it is... Crisp, fresh fruit like slightly unripened pears or green apples. Refreshing yet tart. (Wait.. Am I drinking wine!? Oh man my poor senses are way out of whack?)

At this point I decided to walk away for a few minutes and try again a bit later. Back again and albeit a bit more muted. The aromas and flavours are still the same. This is a very subtle and delicate whisky that isn't aggressive in nature and really makes you work to find and appreciate what is in the glass. Another sip, and now with a bit of time this has turned into a very luscious and tart lemon meringue pie. Creamy,  lemon with the airy sweetness of the meringue. Finish: This is cask strength and you can tell, it's long lingering and warms the belly on impact. Hmmm, a touch of mint at the very end?


From start to finish, this is quite an enjoyable dram. If I had to guess I would say this is above 50% ABV, a scotch and it's possibly a lowland or speyside.  Maybe?!

Whatever it is, I do love it. It's an easy sipping whisky that is not only enjoyable but really seemed to awaken my somewhat dormant senses. 




RAJ's REVEAL: Blackadder Drop of the Irish Single Malt Cask Strength, 58.9% ABV

Sample 2: The colour of a red ale (oh oh... now I'm comparing these to beer!?) Prunes... rich dark fruits. Dark brown sugar, almost bordering on molasses. Palate: More high strength stuff! Burnt sugar'ish, bitter and very drying. Finish: Leaves a strange aftertaste and lots of burning. Added a fair dollop of water. Calms the burning but brings in a waxy component.  Still has a very unique aftertaste that I can't quite pin down. My first instinct is to say new wood "sap"...  It's a combination of sour, bitter and resinous.  

This sample is a bit perplexing, it started out quite lovely on the nose but then went down hill quickly. Water didn't help it. Makes me wonder if this was finished in a slightly different type of cask? I would say also cask strength, likely not from Scotland (again relying on instinct) and I would dare say somewhat "middle age'ish" and finished in something other than ex-bourbon or ex oloroso...  Something "different"...  

Feeling the blood rushing through the veins now... or maybe that's just the effect of the whisky kicking in? Moving on!




RAJ's REVEAL: Amrut Portonova Single Malt Cask Strength, aged in first fill Port pipes. 61.2% ABV

Sample 3: Well, you know it's a good sign when you see black bits of char in the sample. Mouth already watering. Raj is the master of surprises when it comes to samples, so I'm really looking forward to this one. 

Colour: Old gold. Shines like a turn of the century wedding band. (Weddings?! Hmmm, quite a few of those coming up very shortly...) Nose: Good old fashion organic and earthy peat. It's like standing in the peat bog on Islay with my friends Ansgar & Thomas! Backdrop of honeyed vanilla and creamy butterscotch. (Finally the whisky descriptors are coming back to me now, thank goodness)... Palate: As to be expected, sweet, subtle with an "exhale of peat smoke" that is not only sublime but quite delectable. Finish: Long... lingering delicious flavours of wet moss. 

This one is an old and sophisticated Islay, also at cask strength. Likely a straight ex-bourbon, or 2nd fill ex-bourbon. It's the truest form of the spirit as it's meant to be enjoyed. The peat is not aggressive. The dram is well balanced and very drinkable without water. But, it is cask strength so like the other two I did add a bit of water. Opened it up just a tad, more notes of a smokier backdrop, the citrus notes appear but the whisky doesn't fall apart.  


RAJ's REVEAL: Blackadder Raw Cask, Amrut Peated Sherry Cask, Cask Strength 62.3% ABV

So, I would have to say that in order of preference for me, on a cold but sunny September afternoon I really loved sample 3 the best. I would buy this, whatever it is and I think my friend Peter Clark and I would continue to enjoy this on the cold fall evenings to come. Sample 1 came in 2nd place because again it was very enjoyable,  slightly unique and a nicely balanced dram that wasn't overly complicated but a nice sipping whisky. And... last, number 2. Alas this one did not speak to me, it started out strong with a lovely nose but then dove into the pits of "there's something weird about this whisky" and I simply didn't enjoy it as much as the other two.

 Raj, I want to thank you for always pushing my boundaries as a whisky enthusiast. It goes to show how dedicated you are because you have the belief that sampling blind can always lead to wonderful surprises and an appreciation for the journey it takes you on vs the end result. So now what? Well, now we hope that Raj is kind enough to tell me what exactly I was sampling, otherwise these will simply remain a mystery. If I do find out, I'll update below.  If I don't, well... I can at least be thankful for the experience and finding three unique and very interesting samples to come back to blogging about.  Raising a bit more of sample 3, thanks again Raj, you are a good friend and passionate whisky ambassador!


Sincerely,

The "back in action" nosing/tasting/blogging Lassie


SHE'S BACCCCCCCCKKKKKK!   ;)

When the bow breaks... Do you want fries with your Bigmac?

Straw that broke the blogger's back??! $300/bottle

Last year I wrote an article for a UK magazine where I basically stated that the average whiskyphile was getting sick and tired of high prices, bad marketing and the crazy train. I finished the piece with a bit of a warning to the 'big' guys stating that when the bottom falls out this time... the whisky village, so to speak, may not necessarily catch the baby when the bow breaks. 

I will be honest. I know many people don't read my blog, just as much as I don't have the time or the energy to read everyone else's. I do however have a select few (about 10 or so) that I enjoy on a regular basis. These past few weeks I have seen 4 of those people state publicly either on social media or a written blog that they are utterly fed up with the machine and are no longer interested or willing to ride the crazy train. No offence to anyone when I state the following: These guys have been writing about whisky for years. They do way more than just write about the twitter tasting they were on or latest/greatest newest releases. They don't cut/paste marketing emails and slag it off as blog content and as far as I know they don't get invited to parties or get free trips anywhere. Great blogs are about to go silent. I didn't expect that somehow and I'm at a loss for words, which I assure you does not happen often.

As I sit and write my next blog I find myself staring at the blinking cursor, erasing entire paragraphs and struggling to type. I think about the remaining few that I enjoy and wonder how long before they disappear too. My friend Oliver mentioned in his piece that some of us are writing professionally now. I am guilty of that. Which of course means I spend more time composing 'paid' work than blogging. 

I have also stated privately a few times that I'm uncomfortable being called a whisky blogger because there seems to be a negative stigma attached to it in some cases. (The eye rolling we received at a few distilleries in Scotland this year was a sign!) So, what's next? Do I also throw in the white towel in solidarity? Do I 'keep feeding the beast'? Do I become the Gin Lassie? No... not yet I think, I guess?!

First thing I will do is implore the people I admire and respect to not go silent. Surely there is still content to be written? And that's the key: CONTENT. It's what made the blogs enjoyable to begin with. Creative, well written CONTENT. Not mindless dribble, boring nose/palate/finish bla bla bla... 

Second thing I will do is keep writing but maybe try to do a better job at it. I've always stated that my whisky journey is about the people, places, and moments that are created. I've rarely written otherwise (I think)...  So, I'm going to keep to that promise. 

Third thing: People from the marketing industry - PLEASE START PAYING ATTENTION. When we start to lose very respectable individuals it's time to maybe reevaluate who/what/where/when and why you are feeding 'the collective'. Yes there are businesses to run and money to be made but mark my words here and now on Thursday June 2nd 2016 if you don't change where this seems to be heading, you won't be going anywhere but the unemployment line and all the part time "yes men" in the world won't give a rats ass.

Lassie

Lassie's top 10 memorable drams for 2015 - #8 Here's to fantastic whisky friends

If you haven't already been sickened by my constant comments about the #whiskyfabric, well maybe you should go get a bag, just in case... Because I'm not about to stop now. ;)

There are very few parts of the #whiskyfabric that I don't enjoy. For instance, Scott Munro @KiltedMoose greeting me at the door of the Bon Accord pub and saying with open arms: "Welcome home Lassie" (Seriously did bring tears to my eyes ;)). People like Jo Lawson @AlpacaJo who constantly check in with you when you are not feeling well and managing to make you giggle with a kind word or lovely poem. The likes of Rick Culver @rmculver and @OliverKlimek who not only come to visit but bring fantastic things for us to have (not even whisky related!). Erik and Laura Burgess @TheWhiskyKiwi & @LauraWBurgess organizing a huge #whiskyfabric get together for 2016 at the Artisan near Glasgow. Getting surprise packages from those I have met along the way: Jacqueline Sutherland @WemyssJacque, Jarred Lindale @thecyclingyogi or Bob Caron @Bob_Caron. These are simply but a few examples I will mention but I assure you there are 100's of other moments for 2015 that were near and dear to my heart from whisky friends, brothers and sisters (you know who you are!) 

Case in point. Dram #8 is dedicated to those of us who care enough about our whisky friends that when we get something special, we share it. Samples travel all over the world in one form or another. I am never without 15-20 when I'm travelling and excited to give them out when I reach my destination. This is but a very small list of people who shared samples with me this year: Beth Havers - @Whiskybeth, Tom Tompson - @ifotou, Dave Worthington - @WhiskyDiscovery, Dan Davies - @Whisky_Yak, Dave Alcock - @whiskyrepublic, Anki Ulvmane - @ulvmane, Dustin Harris - @TheN5Of Ontario, André Girard - @AndreQCWhisky and Benoit Bailey - @RatherBeOnIslay. 

THANK YOU for not only sharing the lovely whiskies with me and others all over the globe but truly being the epitome of that large crazy quilt I call #whiskyfabric.

DRAM#8, Courtesy of Franck Debernardi, prolific whisky blogger and maker of the best Osso Buco, @LaCavedeCobalt:  lacavedecobalt.com

KARUIZAWA 1981, BOTTLED 2014 - CASK 136. EX-SHERRY, 55.3% ABV. SELECTED EXCLUSIVELY FOR LA MAISON DU WHISKY IN PARIS.

Nose: Herbal (That surprised me...?) Almost smells like menthol cigarettes. It reminds me of a dusty old library book too. Spices come next - ginger especially at the forefront. 

Palate: Tannic with hints of Earl Gray tea, woody but not in a bad way, visually I'm getting fresh cut pine trees. Sweet like rum soaked raisins. Quite mouthwatering indeed!

Finish: Walking in a forest after after rainfall. I had a hard time describing it. It's almost like the taste of a truffle right out of the ground.

One of the best Karuizawa's I've ever had and completely different then the others. I didn't really get much of the sherry influence and I was truly surprised by the flavours and how the taste lingered. It was truly a memorable dram. Thanks Franck ever so much for constantly sharing memorable and intriguing drams with all us of...  xox

Now the funny part of this particular dram is that (again because I also prescribe to sharing) I decided that I should open it with my father-in- law, George. He poured it for us in "these" glasses and later when I asked him what he thought of the dram his answer was: "Really good whisky". I prodded a bit: "So what stood out for you?" He looked at his empty glass and without skipping a beat he answered: "It was moorish but you would have to give me more for me to figure that out...."

So, I raise a dram to all of you, wherever you are. Thank you for making 2015 a fun and heartwarming year for this Canadian Lassie. 

If someone bestows upon you the gift of a special dram, pay it back or pay it forward. It is, after all what I feel being part of this lovely "thing" is all about. Life, is simply too short to have your bottles sitting on a shelf. Share, enjoy, appreciate.

Cheers!

Lassie

Lassie's top 10 memorable drams for 2015, #10 the Unicorn!

This time of year many people start to ask me what my favourite drams for the year were. I do indeed keep a log, if not by bottle photo than those I take notes for, in my little black moleskin note book. Thank goodness I do because at the end of the year, I also have a tendency to count how many new whiskies I've tried. This year, as of today's date: 406. Revisited drams 197. That... is a lot of dramming! Before you think I may have a drinking problem, take into consideration that I flew off to Victoria in January to attend their whisky festival and spent 5 glorious days in jeans/t-shirt weather, then spent 3 weeks in Scotland in May which included multiple visits to the Bon Accord Pub in Glasgow, two whisky festivals on the west coast, 18 distillery visits, 2 independent bottling company tours, including their warehouses, and sharing drams with many... many friends. On to the month of June where I was in New Orleans for a week attending workshops and huge amazing parties then on to Toronto in September - 4 more distilleries. November = Fredericton at one more whisky festival where over the course of 4 days I tried 58 new drams and then finished off the whisky year with our final society tasting of silent distilleries...  So you can see how easily and quickly the tally reached 406!

How do you pick 10... Just 10... Near impossible you would think. My criteria is rather simple I think: 

1. Sometimes there are drams that knock you into outer space and all you can do is sit there gobsmacked because the experience is simply lovely. 

2. Other are memorable because you were not expecting "it". 

3. Whereas other drams simply strike you as delicious and your tasting note simply says: "Fuck yeah! ☺

So let's start with Number 10 shall we!?

My poor mother is from a different era, so a few years ago when I told her Graham and I were going to Scotland and staying with people we had met on the internet she almost fell out of her chair in concern. "You are staying with strangers you met over the internet??!", she said clutching her sweater around her neck a little tighter. No matter how much I tried to explain #whiskyfabric, or Skype technology or anything else for the next couple of months, my mother feared for our lives... Sigh...

It's not uncommon for me to meet up with all sorts of people from the #whiskyfabric. Hell some of the best memories this past year are as a result of just that. "Hey twitterverse!! I'm going to be in Toronto for 5 days, who's game for a meet up - Show of hands...?"  12 people greet us at a local pub! How cool is that!? I know if you've experienced this phenomena, you know exactly what I mean because you are sitting there smiling as you read this thinking back to your own crazy meet ups, sharing of drams and photos!

So dram 10 is as a result of that type of experience. Sometime in 2014, Darren McInnis (co-founder of North Shore Whisky Club) and I started chatting on Twitter. Not sure if it was because his last name is the same as mine, he's also a Patriots fan or if it was related to whisky. 

Either way we became fast twitter friends often having some pretty funny or interesting conversations. He advised me once that he would be driving through my hometown on a family summer vacation and would love to meet up for a dram. As the date arrived, he texted and Graham and I went to pick him up. After all, what's the harm in a couple picking you up at your hotel to bring you back to their house because your drams are way better than any hotel bar?! (Yes, I can see how my mother could be mortified by these interactions!?? hehe)

So after a trip down to the piano, Darren, Graham and I settled in for a few minutes of talking and simply enjoying some drammage! There were so many he wanted to try but eas trying to ensure he wasn't blotto by the time we drove him back to the hotel so of course we went and got sample bottles and let him pick and choose a dozen drams to bring with him for his trip. What good is the #whiskyfabric if you can't share in good dramming and stories with new friends! And of course Darren (God love him) didn't arrive empty handed either...  He kindly shared the following. 

St. Magdalene G&M Reserve, Distilled 1975 - Bottled in 2005 exclusively for Brookline Liquor Mart in Boston, Massachusetts. 1 of 270 bottles, 46%ABV.

This was a first for me as far as the St. Magdalene distillery goes. It closed in 1983 so of course it's now one of those silent distillery bottlings that will get more and more rare and expensive with time. (Just looked up one similar to this and at auction it sold for £450)

Nose: Green fields of wild flowers, apple blossoms, almost a bit of mint or eucalyptus in the backdrop. Fresh, light and very delicate dram...

Palate: There is a barley/cereal flavour that reminds me of fresh and warm oatmeal cookies quickly followed by a lush and mouthwatering orange marmalade that leads to a slightly drying finish with the background being the pith of the orange.

Finish: Sweet but didn't linger for very long.

Darren and I enjoying a few drams...

So dram #10 fits in the category of "wow wasn't expecting that at all". I would have never anticipated Darren pulling that out in a million years. Besides, who travels with a St. Magdalene in his suitcase? Apparently, Darren does and I'm super happy he brought it with him for Graham and me to try. I want to thank Mr. McInnis not only for the lovely dram and time spent at the house that day but for also being another great friend in the #whiskyfabric I have come to love. The epitome of which I often praise is to simply share great whiskies and create lasting memories. Graham and I look forward to seeing them in Boston sometime in 2016.

My door is always open to anyone who wants to come and visit us and it's not mandatory to bring any drams, but surprises like this one are certainly appreciated and most of all, treasured. Darren and George can be found on twitter:  @noshwhiskyclub and their blog is:

Their blog  

Tomorrow brings another fantastic dram and story. Number 9... it's utterly, very Canadian indeed!

Lassie