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.
