9 members of the group gathered at Jim W. to sample #’s 149 and 150 in our on-going quest to conquer single malts of Scotland. With a tiny blip in the unusually warm and sunny summer, we were greeted with a cooler evening, on that ‘forced’ us inside at Jim’s. Oh well!
For the occasion, Jim offered two wonderful drams – an 11 year old Lowland dram from Bladnoch and an 18 year old offering from Deanston.
Wisely, Jim presented the Bladnock 11 year old to start the evening. A floral, honeyed
Lowlander, this single malt has spent over a decade maturing exclusively in ex-bourbon casks before being bottled without chill filtering at 11 years old. It weights in at a healthy 46.7% ABV.
Tasting notes courtesy of the Chaps at Master of Malt
- Nose: Lemon blossom and honeysuckle, with grassy sweetness and waxy citrus peel.
- Palate: Runny honey leads into apple skin and peppery oak alongside more delicate florals.
- Finish: Fresh, ripe pear lingers with heather honey.
While nothing of particular note stood about this dram, the consensus from the group was very positive. With a splash (just a splash!) of water, the whisky provided a pleasing, easy-to-drink beginning to the evening.
Bladnoch 11 Year old can be purchased at Cascadia Liquour for roughly $115.00
Our second tasting for the evening, the 150th for the group, the Deanston 18 year old, “has been matured for 18 years, including a finishing period in first-fill Kentucky bourbon casks. It was bottled without chill filtration at 46.3% ABV. Oodles of rich honey, luxurious vanilla, sugary shortbread and a touch of fresh ginger are characteristic of the dram.
Tasting notes courtesy of the Chaps at Master of Malt
- Nose: Enjoyable earthy vanilla up front, paired with Golden Grahams, honeydew melon and flint.
- Palate: Lemon cheesecake and orange boiled sweets, shortly followed by stem ginger and beeswax
- Finish: Oily walnut and barley
The Deanston 18 year old was VERY well received by the group and left all wanting more! Weighing in at 46.3, it can be purchased from Cascadia for $177.00
To compliment the single malts, Jim (and Bev) served a veritable feast of appies suitable to the occasion – from a wonderful pork tenderloin cut thinly and offered with both mustard and fruit compote, smoked salmon, lox, a variety of cheeses including a wonderful blue cheese, olives, smoked oysters, a variety of crackers and sliced baguette plus the essential chocolate and gingerbread cookies.
 |
 |
 |
All served to complement the whiskys very well.
Another great evening with good friends, good food and wonderful whisky. Well done Jim.
Our next tasting will be hosted by Bo on August 29th.
