The happy bunch
9 of the Weedrammers gathered at Borje F. in what should have been our first gathering of the summer for 2022. Summer? You ask? No idea!
Borje played the host’s role perfectly! Two great whiskies to sample plus an array of appetizers perfectly chosen for the occasion.
Both whiskeys wereHighland (Speyside) drams. The two complimented each other very well – one completely absent of smoke or peat; the other; lightly smoked. Both presented their own unique characteristics but were nevertheless fine examples of the region.
First up was the Glengoyne 12 yr old. With a history dating back to the 1830’s Glengoyne
is a 100% independent and family-owned distillery. The 12 year old is ‘Completely unpeated (unusual in the highlands) and is described as, soft, fruity and very quaffable. A Think lemon zest, toffee apples – and a scent of coconut. “Hand-selected sherry casks help create this ‘paradise’ of flavours and rich, golden colour. Master of Malt offers these tasting notes:
- Nose: Toffee apples, a little acacia honey, nectarine in syrup and spice, supported by toasted barley in the background.
- Palate: Over-ripe grapes, honeyed with hints of vanilla, coconut milk and oak spice. Light touches of chocolate ice-cream.
- Finish: Long, oily finish with lingering coffee notes.
The 2nd dram for the evening, Benriach – The Smoky Twelve.
A Speyside single malt Scotch whisky, Benriach distillery dates from 1898, when founder John Duff built his distillery. The Smoky 12 offers quite a contrast to the Glengoyne. A 12 year old whisky, it is best described by the distiller “a the perfect marriage of fruit, malt, oak and rich layers of smoke. Crafted from a combination of unpeated and peated spirit this dram is matured for at least twelve years in bourbon barrels, sherry casks, and Marsala wine casks. The whisky from each cask is then expertly married together to create a smooth, creamy single malt, multilayered with flavours of ripened fruit, aromatic smoky sweetness and warming oak spice. Excellent!
Described by one reviewer as ‘brilliantly peaty” most in our group thought ‘smoky’ to be a better descriptor. Regardless, it was enjoyed by all. Master of Malt offers these tasting notes:
- Nose: Flamed orange peel, chocolate brownies fresh from the oven, raisins and walnuts.
- Palate: Well-rounded sweetness from the Marsala casks wonderfully juxtaposed with woody smoke and a hint of clove.
- Finish: Almond, orange once again, peppercorn and hickory.
Borje served up a wonderful array of appetizers to compliment the whisky. – Charcuterie and Cheese platter; Egg and Anchovy bites on rye; Matjes Herring bites on Pumpernickel; Pork Tenderloin bites on Baguette; Candied Salmon nuggets; Smoked Oysters; Olive Tapenade; and, of course, DARK Chocolate wth an Almond or two. Perfect!
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Well done Borje!!
