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

Ah'll tak' the geek road...

Courtesy of www.dramming.com

Merriam-Webster defines the word geek as: “A person who is very interested in and knows a lot about a particular field or activity.” We know we are not the typical consumer and thousands from around the world proudly will tell you we belong to that whisky geek category. Talk to any of us and you will quickly discover that we possess a huge collection of books, publications, glassware, samples, t-shirts, hats and of course many bottles of whisky that are all kept in a designated space of our homes. Geeks know the latest on process, distilleries & distillers, authors/personalities and of course whiskies to the point of what some would think might be: Obsession. 

Courtesy: Franck Debernardi (@LaCaveDeCobalt)

Guaranteed that if several congregate together they will share bottle photos faster than proud parents with pictures of toothless firstborns! We speak geekery; exude geekness and regularly pilgrim to whisky’s hallowed grounds. So as a newbie what do you do when you realize the twentieth introductory distillery tour left you thinking…that's it, what else? I'll tell you what you do: You join the ranks of geekdom because we are here to welcome you with open arms!  

In Scotland alone, there are close to 100 active distilleries so if you want to immerse yourself in the grain to glass process then Tomatin is one of the best I would recommend. It is situated at the heart of the Highlands just south of Inverness on the eastern edge of the breathtaking Cairngorms mountain range. There are several tours available but if you want the ultimate distillery experience than the Single Cask Experience (30£) is aimed at people that want a bit more from their tours. It's an in-depth journey like no other distillery does. How about the chance to stand inside a mash tun? Yes, you read correctly... inside. 

A few "geeks" I know...

After you get to see the place you will also experience a tutored nosing & tasting of five different/exclusive single cask expressions. Did you get that: Not the usual whiskies you will find at every shop but FIVE exclusive single cask whiskies. Think you are done now, of course not! The visitor centre is a must see because it truly caters to the male or female whisky geek by including an excellent tasting bar, bottle your own cask strength offerings, casks, clothing as well as an extensive range of interesting and various gifts for the whisky enthusiast. I advise that you call in advance to book as this is easily a three hour experience not to be missed. 

www.tomatin.com

Where to next Lassie? Well, let's go west whisky geeks and head to Tyndrum as one million visitors per year cannot be wrong. The Green Welly Stop features a highly educated customer focused staff that will help you find gems within their eclectic selection and excellent array of whisky miniatures from days gone by. You will not find the likes of a 1968 Glenrothes mini for just over 10 quid in many shops today nor will you walk away so happily satisfied having discovered one of the best kept whisky secrets on the west coast of Scotland. It’s worth the drive! 

www.thegreenwellystop.co.uk

You don't have much time and are only sticking to the bigger cities on your trip to Scotland? Well by golly geeks are covered there as well. You will get no argument from me that there are fantastic pubs everywhere but walk into the Bon Accord in Glasgow and it feels like home for whisky enthusiasts. Family run for almost 15 years, it has repeatedly won 35 consecutive awards from top customer care to best whisky pub and there is a reason for that. You might be a customer when you walk through the door but you will leave a friend. Paul has treated every single person that I have recommended a visit to with nothing but the best service and friendship and I have all the photos to prove it.  

The Bon Accord Bar - Drooool

You will be greeted by Paul or his sone standing in front of their selection of 400 quality drams. Both are passionate whisky enthusiasts themselves so let them navigate you through some pretty rare and once in a lifetime drams! My first time there I said to my friend Steffen, sure I'll go for an hour or so. We were there for 4 hours!! Fantastic drams, geekery to its finest and friendships. What more could you want? There is a saying that goes 'People make Glasgow' and if that’s the case then I will tell you that Paul & his patrons make geek dramming. 

www.bonaccordweb.co.uk

Still in Glasgow, this one is a rare and special visit that you should try. Although they do not have a visitor center or dedicated staff, it might be possible to meet the passionate people behind the brilliant whiskies by visiting the Douglas Laing tasting room. That's if you are a huge fan or want to branch out into the world of independent bottlings of course. 

I will stress this is the exception and not the rule. 

It can be an opportunity afforded occasionally but it's by appointment and availability only so please contact them well in advance of your trip. 

www.douglaslaing.com

Only visiting Edinburgh? It too has countless whisky attractions that will be packed with curious people but Cadenhead’s Whisky Shop is for the true whisky geek. Inexplicably drawn like a magnet past the tourist traps of the Royal Mile you will find yourself standing in front of what seems like a small and unassuming shop.

Ye small whisky shop

When you walk in the door; however, you will know you have reached the whisky mecca so please be patient and polite as you wait because these guys are the Einstein’s of the geekdom. By the time you are done you will have spent an hour of guided tasting through a plethora of the best un-chill filtered and natural colored whiskies in the world. If you are looking to buy something rare and different and are a truly a dedicated whisky geek there is no chance you can walk away empty handed so make room in your suitcase. This is truly the epitome of whisky finds and you will leave many other whisky geeks feeling quite jealous! 

www.wmcadenhead.com

But wait a minute Lassie, I don't think I saw any of these in my Scotland tourism brochure? To which I will say, oh good you noticed. Word gets around on its own and you see, geeks prefer the road less travelled because the majority of us know it's by digging in the coal that you find the diamonds. But, don't take my word on it go ahead and ask as many whisky geeks as you can. 

We all have our stories of the gems we have found over the years and we will gladly share them with you. As a matter of fact, once you start finding yours, be kind to the #whiskyfabric and share them with us as well. If you do decide to try out even one of the places I mentioned just tell them Whisky Lassie sent you, they will know who you mean and probably tell you a good story or at least give you a good laugh. 

Of course I'm a bugs bunny geek too ;)

Whisky geeks are awesome and where we end up is as well. Here's to the road less traveled, may it be as great of an experience for you as it has been for me thus far...

Geeky Lassie out!