Les Petits Wineaux held its second wine tasting meeting on Wednesday, May 15th at 5pm.  

12 members gathered at Don and Jo Graham’s to discuss and to compare the two wines that had been picked by Don: a French 2020 Syrah, Domaine de Thalabert and a 2021 Australian Shiraz, Mollydooker’s Blue Eyed Boy.  

We used the wine tasting notes developed by Sharon and based on Wine Folly, to compare and discuss the two wines by their sight, smell and taste.  As we savoured the wine, we discussed how the aromas, flavours, structure and finish of the wines evolved over time.

With a second pour of each of the wines, we enjoyed the appetizers brought by the members.  We learned how each appetizer was prepared and we discussed how each one paired with the two wines.  We were so busy talking and sipping that no one remembered to take pictures through the evening.  

Tasting notes:

2020 Domaine de Thalabert: https://jaboulet.com/storage/2024/02/Crozes-Hermitage-_Domaine-de-Thalabert_-2020.pdf 

2021 Mollydooker Blue Eyed Boy Shiraz: https://mollydookerwines.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/USA_2020_BEB.pdf

Submitted by Jo Graham

The WeeDrammers gathered at John G on May 21st to sample numbers 170 and 171 in our quest.  On this occasion, John served two more obscure selections both making the journey from Florida.  Each presented a unique tasting experience. As is the tradition, John offered an assortment of appies to accompany the whisky – lox and cheese, grilled sausage, meatballs, a variety of hard cheeses and the mandatory dark chocolate all made an appearance.

John’s first dram was Glenglassaugh Sandend.  While the group has sampled other products from Glenglassaugh, the Sandend was a wonderful addition. 

After laying silent for over two decades, the Glenglassaugh stills were fired back up in 2008, and by 2023, a new core range now available. The distillery sits on the rugged north Aberdeenshire coast, nestled behind the beautiful surfer’s haven, Sandend Bay. Master blender Rachel Barrie has honoured Sandend in the form of this unpeated single malt.

Matured in a combo of bourbon, sherry, and manzanilla casks, it’s bursting with notes of tropical fruit and tablet, with delicate coastal salinity in the distance.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose – delightful notes of buttery fudge, vanilla ice cream, candied mango, and salted papaya.
• Palate – mango, and toasted vanilla trickle throughout, backed by pineapple, tropical cherry and grapefruit 
• Finish Grapefruit and juicy berries, more vanilla and butterscotch

Glenglassaugh Sandend comes in at 50% ABV and is available (in Florida at least) at $130.00

John’s second selection for this occasion was the Invergordon Single Grain 18 year old, a veritable dessert whisky perfect to end an evening.

The Invergordon Distillery was founded in 1959 in the town of Invergordon and started operations in 1961.

Invergordon Distillery is located in the town of Invergordon and is named after a local laird – Sir William Gordon.  Dating back to the 18th century, the town has evolved into a commercial port and then naval port in the early 1900’s. Today, the town is one of Scotland’s busiest cruise ship ports – an affluent audience of world travellers using the Cromarty Firth harbour as a gateway to explore Loch Ness, Culloden, and some glorious Highland castles.

The Invergordon 18 year old remains somewhat of  a hidden gem, Single grain Whisky is made from water and malted barley, and may include one or more additional grains, often rye, wheat, or corn.  It is distilled from a grain or mixture of grains – malted or unmalted – at one single distiller and must be aged for at least three years.  It may be produced using a copper pot, column or hybrid still and ‘single’ refers to the fact that it must be made at a single distillery, rather than from a single grain.

This Single Grain Scotch Whisky has spent eighteen years maturing in American White Oak ex-Bourbon casks, giving it a deliciously creamy character with a rich mouthfeel.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose – Sugar snaps, sweet vanilla, orchard fruits and sweet cinnamon spice
• Palate – Custard, toasted coconut, crisp orchard fruits and a hint of mango
• Finish – Apple pie, tropical fruits, cinnamon and liquorice

43% ABV  and comes in at $170.00 once the conversion to Cdn. dollars is complete.

On Thursday evening, May 16, 28 Les Wineaux members gathered at the Fredrikssons’ to taste unusual varietals from all over the world.  Each wine was paired with a complementary small bite.  We enjoyed an evening of good wines, tasty snacks, and friendly conversation.

In May we discussed
these interesting books.

Submitted by Jo Graham

Les Petit Wineaux held its inaugural wine tasting meeting on Wednesday, April 10th at 5pm.

14 members gathered at the home of Don and Sharon Jackson for an evening of sight, swirl, smell, taste, savour and great discussion, as we observed and compared the colour and clarity, viscosity (legs),  aromas, flavours, structure and finish of two Chardonnay’s hand-picked by Don Graham; a French Chablis, aptly named “Petit Chablis”, to a California Chardonnay “Mer Soleil”.

The evening continued with a second tasting of each of the wines, observing how well they paired with each of the delicious appetizers brought by members, and ended with casual conservation and camaraderie.

Submitted by Sharon Jackson

Graham Farstad recently received a request from Probus Canada for a release to use a  photo he took last year of kayaker Barbara Murray (long-time member who recently moved) in a Probus Canada video.  Congrats to Graham, Barbara and all our paddlers!

The weather was perfect for the Probus walk to Ammonite Falls on May 2.  There was the usual absolutely beautiful B.C. forest to walk through which brought us to a stunning waterfall.

  Everyone enjoyed it so much that we’re planning on doing another walk in late June or early July. 

We’re thinking of Dodds Narrows and then going to the Crow and Gate pub afterwards for some refreshment. There will be a sign up sheet at the next meeting or email Fiona if you’d like to be kept “in the loop” about it.

Submitted by Fiona Been

FUNdraiser at St. Mary’s

June Jumble Sale – Saturday June 1, 2024; 10 – 2pm

St Mary’s is holding a June Jumble Sale and is looking for donations of the following during the last weeks of May:  plants (indoor/outdoor), seedlings, and baked goods, household items, kitchen wares, novelties, tools (or boys toys) and any other items worth selling.  Please bring all the items to the church hall during office hours in the last week of the month and assist in placing in the storage room. 

No clothing or large furniture as these could be donated to a thrift shop. No bedding and towels as these should, and will be donated to the SPCA.

All other donations eagerly accepted. Please tell all your neighbours & friends and spread the word.

All 10 members of the Weedrammers gathered at Borje F. for a wonderful evening of fine whisky, great food and robust conversation!  Borje out did himself, serving not two but three whiskies, one Speyside, one Islay and one Highland.  All were first class and were accompanied by an array of nibbles complimenting the drams.

First up was from the Glenmorangie distillery – A Tale of Tokyo

“A Tale of Tokyo” by Glenmorangie is a whisky that transports the drinker to the bustling streets and vibrant culture of Japan’s capital city. This expression is a celebration of the fusion of traditional Scottish whisky craftsmanship with Japanese influences, resulting in a unique and memorable dram. 

Glenmorangie’s A Tale Of Tokyo is the fourth release in the ‘Tale of’ series and the first one to be partially aged in Japanese Mizunara oak casks (the oak is native to Hokkaidō, Japan’s northernmost prefecture and is one of the rarest and most expensive oaks in the world. Its name on a label can give prices a boost.) A Tale of Tokyo is actually a marriage of whisky aged in both sherry and bourbon barrels as well as Glenmorangie whisky aged in the rare Japanese wood.

• Nose:  a captivating bouquet of floral notes with hints of citrus fruits; subtle aromas of oak and vanilla, evoking images of traditional Japanese wooden architecture.
• Taste:  Upon the first sip, the palate is greeted with delicate notes of green tea and cherry blossom dance alongside the rich, honeyed sweetness characteristic of Glenmorangie whiskies.
• Finish: long and satisfying, leaving a lingering warmth with a whisper of smoke that adds depth and intrigue.

Coming in at 46% apv., May be available at BCLB –  $125.99

Craigellachie 17

Craigellachie 17 Year Old embodies the essence of Speyside tradition with its robust and characterful profile. Initially matured in a mix of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, half of the mix is finished in first-fill sherry casks and the rest in first-fill bourbon casks.

The result:

• Appearance: In the glass, Craigellachie 17 Year Old presents a rich golden hue, hinting at the depth of flavor within.
• Nose: captivating, with bold notes of ripe orchard fruits such as apples and pears, layered with hints of honey and vanilla. There’s a subtle undertone of oak, imparting a sense of depth and maturity to the bouquet.
• Palate: Upon the first sip, the palate is greeted flavours of toffee, caramelized sugar, and baked goods. The fruitiness from the nose carries through, with the addition of juicy apricots and a touch of citrus zest. There’s a delightful interplay between sweet and savory elements, with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg adding a warming spice.
• Finish: The finish is long and satisfying, gradually tapering off with lingering notes of oak, dried fruits, and a hint of dark chocolate. It leaves a lasting impression, inviting another sip to explore its complexities further.

Overall, Craigellachie 17 Year Old is a whisky of remarkable depth and character, showcasing the craftsmanship and dedication to quality that defines the Speyside region. Its balance of sweet and savoury flavours, combined with its smooth yet robust profile, makes it a true delight to savour on any occasion.

Bottled at 46% ABV.  Available in BCLB for $204.99

Lagavulin Distiller’s Edition 2018

The Lagavulin Distiller’s Edition is a distinguished expression from the iconic Islay distillery, known for its rich, smoky character and maritime influences. The Lagavulin Distiller’s Edition is a masterfully crafted whisky that showcases the best of Islay’s distilling traditions. Its bold, smoky character, coupled with layers of complexity and nuance, makes it a truly unforgettable dram for enthusiasts of peated whisky.

The Result:

• Appearance: In the glass – a deep amber hue
• Nose: Intense, with powerful wafts of peat smoke. There are layers of complexity including notes of dried fruits, dark chocolate, and hints of espresso. There’s a subtle sweetness present, reminiscent of caramelized brown sugar, adding depth and balance to the bouquet.
• Palate: Upon the first sip, the palate is enveloped in a wave of rich, smoky flavor. The peat smoke is robust yet beautifully integrated, allowing other elements to shine through. Notes of salted caramel, toasted oak, and dried fruits emerge, creating a harmonious balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors.
• Finish: The finish is long and lingering, with the smoky character gradually tapering off to reveal hints of dark chocolate, espresso, and briny sea salt. It leaves a lasting impression, inviting another sip to experience its full spectrum of flavors once again.

Bottled at 43%abv, the 2023 edition is available at $179 from Everything Wine in Langford

A sampling of salmon spread, sausages, cheese, crackers, nuts, apricots and choclate were offered as appies.  All complimented the whiskies perfectly.  A real treat was a wonderful homemade poke to accompany the Tale of Tokyo.  

This evening will be hard to follow.  The task goes to John G. on May 21st.

14 of us gathered for lunch at Qualicum Beach Cafe on Thursday, April 25, where we enjoyed good food and lively conversation.  

After lunch, 7 brave souls ventured over to Milner Gardens in the light rain.  We were rewarded with a private tour of the Species Garden, which has wild Rhododendrons from around the world.  We wandered the property and viewed the hybrid Rhodos, some of which are quite large.  A couple of people stayed for tea at the tea house.