The Weedrammers met on a cool but dry evening at Brian S’s for our 11th tasting of 2024.  It was a welcome reprieve from the storms that battered our community over the past week; a time to relax, enjoy each other’s company while sampling two more of Scotland’s finest.

Brian’s choices for the evening were a study in contrast.  One a sweet and creamy offering; the other a slightly smoky dram characteristic of something from Islay.  Both were very well received!

First up was a dram from Glenmorangie, a term translated from Gaelic loosely as ‘Valley of Tranquility’.  Glenmorangie has been producing whisky since 1843 and is now recognized as one of the most famous Scotch whisky distillers in the world.

The “Tale of …” series of whiskys expresses the creative side of Scottish whisky.  Each in the series (there are currently 5 in the series with more to come) strives to create exceptional flavours with unique stories.

Brians’s choice, A TALE OF ICE CREAM is the second in the “Tale of …” series our group has sampled.  The first was A TALE OF TOKYO presented a while back by Borje. 

A Tale of Ice Cream speaks to the distillers’ sweet tooth who was inspired by his favourite ice cream parlour to create this whisky, one that is rich, creamy, and full of vanilla flavours. To achieve this, the distiller used casks rich in vanillin, the aromatic compound which brings vanilla flavours to whisky. “When you toast barrels, the lignin (which aids the wood’s structure) breaks down and releases compounds including vanillin. Glenmorangie’s high-vanillin casks were toasted in a particular way, to create higher concentrations of vanillin”.

Glenmorangie A Tale of Ice Cream represents the first time the distillery has used casks toasted to achieve this effect.

Tasting Note:

• Nose A burst of Manuka honey, with lemon butter candy, baking raisin bread, candied orange peel, peaches, toffee and a hint of spice. With a splash of water, there is vanilla crème anglaise, a hint of coconut and a whiff of almond marzipan.
• Palate The texture is thick, rich and creamy, and is followed by a huge burst of sweet and spicy flavours – brioche, almond marzipan, honeycomb, fudge, lemon sherbet and desiccated coconut. The spices warm up the palate, with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and clove.
• Finish A long, lingering aftertaste that has hints of toffee apple, Butterkist popcorn and a hint of aniseed.

The group found little to complain about with this dram.

46% ABV;  Available at BCLB, $129.00 before tax

Second up comes from Torabhaig distillery located in Teangue on the Isle of Skye, the largest island in the Inner Hebrides archipelago The distillery is the second ever licensed distillery on Skye and the first since Talisker was established in 1830.

Coming from Torabhaig Distillery, ithe Torabhaig Cnoc Na Moine Chapter 3 is part of a series of limited releases with the “Cnoc Na Moine” expression, a hallmark of peated whiskys.

Torabhaig Cnoc Na Moine Chapter 3 is a well-crafted peated whisky that strikes a nice balance between smoky intensity and sweet, fruity complexity. While the peat is noticeable, it never overwhelms the palate, and the whisky retains an elegance that makes it accessible to a wide range of whisky drinkers. The maritime influence from the Isle of Skye shines through, giving it a distinctive character that sets it apart from other peated whiskies. The layers of flavour—from fruit and vanilla to brine and charcoal—make this a whisky worth savouring, and the longer you sip, the more nuances you’ll discover.

It’s a whisky – is described as “smoky, slightly salty, with a certain rawness and richness that makes it an enjoyable dram for fans of both peated and non-peated whiskies alike”.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Hints of smouldering embers alongside orange peel, just a touch of sauerkraut, some marshmallows and nougat. There might be a touch of iodine here, but very minor. Also, a good amount of meringue, accompanied by a few wet rocks.
• Taste: Proper oily mouthfeel, even at this reduced strength. Slivers of tobacco, brine, damp oak and wood smoke. Also some polished leather and sandalwood, then a hint of petrol, blackcurrants and charcoal. Finally ever so gentle farmy notes.
• Finish: Medium to long. A pinch of pepper, teak and cigar boxes. Also subtle smoke. Warming and comforting.

This release is an excellent option for those who enjoy peated whiskies but aren’t necessarily looking for something as intense as an Islay offering. It’s also a great introduction to Torabhaig’s style and the potential of this distillery, which is still relatively young. If you enjoy whiskies like Talisker 10 year old or Highland Park

All agreed this was an excellent selection!

ABV 46%;  Available at BCLB – $129.00 before taxes.

As is the norm for the WeeDrammers, Brian served an array of tasty appies to accompany the drams.  On a calm cool evening after the storms, sharing two great whiskys with friends was a fine opportunity!  Well done Brian!

MOTO members enjoyed an evening out at Kalvas restaurant in Parksville.

Submitted by Fiona Been

submitted by Jo Graham

Thursday, November 7th, sixteen members met at Nanoose Bay Cafe for Appys and Drinks. Our server, Julia, was excellent. Members mingled while sampling the various appetizers. It was nice to have time to converse with one another in a casual setting.

Submitted by Wendy Hayes

On Monday October 28 a group of 8 Probus members ( and 2 guests) left Nanoose Place for drive down to Cable Bay. Malcolm & Robyn Arnold led the hike, a place they visit each year at this time

We were lucky, the intermittent rain showers abated, and our walk through the magnificent forest was fabulous. We saw huge towering cedars/firs and moss-clad giant maples, with a glorious undergrowth of ferns, and forest path strewn with large dropped maple leaves, an idyllic Fall wander.

Large rafts of logs were filled with enormous California sea lions, basking off the coast, the cacophony of barks was amazing.

We had chosen this particular day to hike Dodd’s Narrows as there was a 5.2 knot flood tide at 11.30 am. Another reason for this timing was that spawning salmon were passing through the narrows.

The tide was right on time, the salmon en route, the sea lions, gulls, an eagle and a seal made the experience all that more exciting. A couple of boats traversed the narrows through the tide pull and whirlpools at this time, an added bonus of excitement.

Most of the group wandered back to the local Crow & Gate pub for lunch.

Photos taken by Robyn Arnold

We met October 30th at Linda T’s to discuss
“The Lost Bookshop” by Evie Woods.  

Set in England, Paris and Dublin, there are two
timelines featuring Opaline in the 1920’s and Martha and Henry in present day.  This is a “cozy” story for book lovers who love historical fiction mixed with a little magic realism; for readers who recognize how important books and bookstores are to clarifying their perceptions of the world around them.

submitted by L. Horsman

Once again we enjoyed a delicious gourmet lunch at the VIU Discovery Room. The amuse bouche, main courses and desserts were all superb and beautifully plated. A great way to while away a gray day!

Submitted by Heather Utley

15 people enjoyed the Les Wineaux excursion to sample Comox Valley wines.  We started the day with a hearty brunch at the Kingfisher resort before setting out for Beaufort Winery. 
The sun made a welcome appearance for the afternoon as we walked through the vineyard, learning about the history of the winery and the varietals they grow.  We followed with a tasting in their tasting room, where we observed the harvest processing in action. 

Our second stop was 40 Knots Winery, where we toured both the vineyards and the winery itself.  We were able to see the clay Amphoras that are used to ferment some of their wines—an ages-old technique that is coming back into practice.  We followed with a tasting in their glass-enclosed event space, which was a beautiful setting for enjoying their wines.

Submitted by Bryan and Vicki Beazley

7 members of WeeDrammers met at Bill H.’s to sample #’s 180 and 181 in our quest.  A toast to the absent members was forthcoming as we missed them at the gathering.

For this get together, Bill offered two delightful, slightly smoky, drams, the Glen Moray 15 year old and the Old Pulteney Huddart.  Both came from Alberta private liquour establishments.

First up was the Glen Moray 15 Year Old.  At 40% abv this dram was purchased in Alberta private stores and is priced at roughly $90.00.

Glen Moray began as the Elgin West Brewery, which had made local ales since 1830.  It then transformed into the whisky distillery we know today. The first spirit, produced on 13th September, 1897 was made entirely from local barley and was filled into an unusually wide variety of casks for the time, including Marsala wine casks and sherry casks.

Today, the 15 Year Old combines two very different cask types to produce on outstanding dram. For half its maturation, Glen Moray uses American oak embodying their classic style; the other half utilizes oloroso sherry casks providing rich spices.  Together. These contrasting styles together produce intensely complex layers with tastes of dried fruits, dark chocolate and spice.  Amplified by age, Glen Moray 15 is a perfect treat for single malt lovers eager to discover more.

15 year old single malt from the Glen Moray distillery, is released as part of the Elgin Heritage range – which is “all about showing off the accessible deliciousness of its Speyside whisky”. This was drawn from a selection of American oak and Sherry casks.

Tasting Note by The Chaps at Master of Malt

• Nose:  Sweet as it opens with white chocolate and caramel. A hint of charred oak smokiness develops.
• Palate:  Crumbly fudge with a few sea salt flakes, shortly joined by banana fritters and chocolate raisins.
• Finish:  Cinnamon and ground ginger.

Overall,  Glen Moray 15 Year Old is a superb expression of Speyside whisky craftsmanship. It strikes a perfect balance between sweetness and complexity, offering a nuanced journey from its inviting nose to its lingering finish. This whisky is ideal for those who appreciate a well-aged dram that doesn’t compromise on flavour or elegance.

Our second dram for the evening was Old Pulteney Huddart Single Malt.  At 46% abv this dram was purchased in Alberta and is priced at roughly $120.00

Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky is distilled here at Pulteney Distillery in Wick, on the shores of north-eastern Scotland. Here they produce hand-crafted single malt whiskies and age them “next to the sea”, giving them an unmistakable coastal character.

Old Pulteney’s claims their story is “inseparable from the sea and the bountiful opportunities it brought – forever intertwined not only with our maritime climate but with the community, heritage and spirit of our coastal home of Wick”.

The distillery was founded in 1826 by James Henderson and was named after the newly developed Pulteneytown area of Wick. At the time it was one (and still is) of the most northerly on the Scottish mainland, and due to a lack of conventional roads, was only accessible by sea. The raw barley was brought in by boat and the whisky was then shipped out by distillery workers who were also herring fishermen.

Today, the herring fishing industry has long since gone, but Pulteney Distillery remains steadfast.  Led by Malcolm Waring, Old Pulteney produces approximately 900,000 litres of single malt scotch whisky a year. Their dedication to their craft embodies the heritage, spirit and heart of Wick.

The Old Pulteney Huddart introduces a smoky edge to Old Pulteney and celebrates their birthplace whilst bringing something different to our core whisky collection.  Matured solely in American oak barrels, Huddart is initially matured in second fill ex-bourbon barrels before further maturation in ex-peated whisky barrels which add a slight smokiness, making it an excellent choice for those looking for something with just a slight influence of peat.

Master of Malt describes this dram this way:

One of four expressions released by Old Pulteney in mid-2018, Huddart is named after the street on which the distillery resides. Following a finishing period in that previously held peated whisky, this is a particular smoky and intense dram.

Tasting Note by The Chaps at Master of Malt

• Nose   Caramel apple, a whiff of bonfire smoke followed by creamy vanilla.
• PalateBurnt sugar and fried banana, alongside a touch of brine.
• FinishLingering thyme honey and earthy malt.

Overall, Old Pulteney Huddart is a captivating expression that embodies the essence of its coastal heritage. It combines robust flavours with maritime influences in a harmonious balance, creating a whisky that is both adventurous and comforting. This is a dram for those who appreciate bold flavours and a distinctive sense of place in their whisky.

Bill, offered an array of appetizers to accompany the drams, cheeses, pork tenderloin slices, fruit, lox, an assortment of crackers and of course, dark chocolate all proved a hit with the group

Well done Bill; another fun evening with friends, good scotch and fine food!

Our group of 8 met in Maple Bay for a hearty lunch at The Lion Rampant, before heading to the nearby Pacific Northwest Raptors Centre.  After a brief introduction by a guide, we strolled through the forested grounds viewing diverse raptors in naturalized enclosures.  Then we were seated between the woods and an open field, where we enjoyed a unique flight demonstration by a vulture, eagle, owl and falcon as they circled freely overhead and flew back and forth (for treats!) between two handlers.

submitted by Jane Currie; photos by Brian Steane & Jane Currie