For July, it was Jim W.’s turn to host the Wee Drammer group. With our gradual creep towards a new “normal”, 7 of us (plus two beautiful felines) met face-2-face at Jim’s to enjoy #s 104 and 105 single malts since the group formed almost 5 years ago. Jim didn’t disappoint! His selections were excellent, his food pairings delicious and his choice of weather couldn’t have been better (we all conceded that a few days of rain would be welcomed by all).
First up was the BenRiach 10 year old. Coming both as a ‘smokey’ dram and in the original ‘non-smokey’ dram, the 10 year old is a fine example of work being done by Rachel Barrie and her team. While the smokey version comes in at 46%, the original (which our group sampled) comes at 43%. On the nose, one notices “sweet smoke, salt, fresh yellow and green fruits, honey a little dirty hay from a stable, it smells good in the nostrils”. On the palate, peppery spices, white pepper, sea salt prevail with with hints of juicy apples and peaches, and plums. Hints of vanilla, citrus, mint and even sweet barley can be gleaned. The finish is “surprisingly long enough” and at $95 plus taxes the consensus was positive. Nice choice Jim!
Jim’s second selection for the evening was the16 year old Mortlach single malt which is drawn from sherry casks – “the rich sweetness that complements the intense spirit the distillery is known for”. Tastes of dark fruit, treacle and punchy Christmas spice notes distinguish this dram. It took no time for the group to start raving about this whisky.
On the nose, “gingersnaps and orange peel, with hints of roast chestnut, apple and blackcurrant pie and quince” prevail. On the palate descriptions include “mature oak joined by prune, clove, macadamia nut and a slight touch of baked earth” We don’t write this stuff; we simply cut and paste! The finish is what distinguishes is dram. It lingers on the tongue with hints of walnut and raisin notes. Even ginger makes an appearance.
It’s no wonder the International Spirits Challenge awarded this whisky the gold medal in 2020 for whisky between 13 and 20 years old. At $129.50 before taxes, the consensus was it is worth every penny!
Jim chose lox and cream cheese with capers, smoked salmon chunks, smoked oysters, a variety of cheeses, and dark chocolate to accompany his whisky selections. No one complained!
Enjoy the slide show
