Well, that’s it for 2021!. The Holiday season is upon is! And what a way to begin!
Eight members of the Wee Drammers gathered at Tony’s for our final tasting of the year. For the two who were unable to make it, we are sorry! You missed the experience of tasting two wonderful drams! But we thank you for the little extra left to be enjoyed in your absence!
Tony’s choices for our tasting were both on the light and delicate side of the whisky spectrum, Each presented bursts of flavour, moderate ABV at 43% and sweet and spicy finish. Both work well as apertifs especially accompanied by Tony’s sampling of appetizers including bruschetta and toast, smoked sausage, a sampling of cheeses, lox, smoked salmon chunks and the generous and obligatory serving of dark chocolate (some with orange zest, some plain dark chocolate and of course, almond bark)
Tony’s first choice – the Glenkinchie Distillers edition, is one of two core products from the Glenkinchie Distillery outside of Edinburgh; a representative of the Lowland region in Scotland. Originally founded in 1825, Glenkinchie is currently in the stable of the spirits giant Diageo. Glenkinchie is identified today as one of the six Classic Malts of Scotland – which also include: Dalwhinnie, Cragganmore, Oban, Talisker and Lagavulin
The Glenkinchie Distillers Edition has been finished in Amontillado sherry casks which adds a “burst” of flavour to the dram. Aged for over a decade, the dram is light and delicate with a slightly sweet molasses and caramel flavour. A finish of nuts and spices leaves a lingering taste. Available at Cascadia, this Glenkinchie comes in at $99.00.For his 2nd choice, Tony treated the group to an early Christmas present – the Glen Grant
Tony’s second choice was an 18 year old, a fabulous example of Speyside whisky! Glen Grant distillery has a history dating back to 1840. It is currently owned by the Campari Group. Awarded the “Scotch Whisky of the year – 2020”, this 18 year old is described as a “deeply layered, complex, rich and vibrant whisky” (that) “delivers beautifully intricate flavours of malted caramel, vanilla and raisins and lingers with a long, sweet and pleasantly spicy finish.” No one in our group could argue with the assessment. Priced at $200.00, it is available at select LCBC outlets.
And that’s a wrap for 2021 – a year that many hope to forget as we look forward to better times in 2022. A highlight of the year for the Wee Drammers has been the opportunity to get together with friends to sample many wonderful whiskies. Our December tasting proved to be a great finale to the year. We can hardly wait for January, 2022 when Bill M. will host the first tasting of the new year.
