With Spring Break beginning (grandkids), travel (Snowbirds) and family matters, just 7 of the Wee Drammer group gathered at Dick D. to sample #’s 120 and 121 different drams over the past 5 years. Complete with a great array of appetizers, the smaller group adjusted well to their plight, and were treated to two exceptional drams yet again.
First up was the LONGROW – PEATED from Campbelltown – a follow up to the Longrow C.V. Described as a cult favourite, Dick cautioned us that while we would fully enjoy the dram, we would not be able to purchase it easily (he bought the last bottle at Hammond Bay Liquor Store). Seems a bit unfair!! Tasting notes are typically verbose but nevertheless reflect accurately our impressions: on the nose, hints of salt and leathery smokiness come to the front; undertones of vanilla cream soda and fresh hay with a strong lemon peel note (this was surprisingly evident). While very light in colour, the syrupy body presented a mild burn which quickly revealed earthy peat, campfire smoke and lemon custard. And the best part, the finish continued to present a lemon note and lingering flavours of earth and smoke. The finish fades “gracefully”! Most critics suggest sippers “skip the water” on this dram. An elegant, refined peat shares equal billing with decadent lemon oil.
One critique concludes their assessment this way: “It’s a well-balanced, well-crafted and tasty peated malt. If you don’t mind the lemon, you’ll probably enjoy this thoroughly. No one in our group minded the lemon!
An excellent dram (46%abv) available (was available) at Hammond Bay Liquor for roughly $110.00
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Number two dram on this evening was the ARRAN -QUARTER CASK from Lochranza Distillery released in 2019. Located on the Isle of Arran, the distillery boasts an excellent water supply and welcome visitors warmly to their home village. Arran Quarter Cask has been matured in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels for seven years before being finished in American oak quarter casks for a further two years. “Bottling at natural Cask Strength (56.2% abv) without chill-filtration or artificial colouring of any sort presents this whisky in its purest form.” A full-bodied single malt, it balances aromas of creamy vanilla and cinnamon against bold, peppery spice. The palate offers notes of honey, coconut, pineapple and vanilla, alongside black pepper, ginger and oak spice. A lingering cherry and cinnamon finish leaves one highly satisfied. An excellent dram, available (and in stock) at Hammond Bay Liquor for roughly $120.00
Dick presented an array of fine appetizers (thanks Marianne!) including a variety of cheese, wonderful creamy mushroom tarts, smoked salmon, pate and crackers, and more.
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One observation from the evening. It is sometimes difficult to take a host seriously as someone knowledgeable about whisky when they present themselves in such interesting footwear. While a distraction, the whiskies were testimony to better judgement in single malt than fashion! đŸ™‚
