WeeDrammers Celebrate Robbie Burns
8 of us gathered at Brian S.’s January 25th to celebrate Robbie Burns, enjoy two more wonderful drams (numbers 161 and 162 in our ongoing quest), and kick off year 8 of our monthly gatherings.
Brian had selected two drams presented and sold at the “Strath” liquor store in Victoria, a family-owned independent liquor store known as one of the premier locations in Canada for whisky lovers.
Both of Brian’s selections were cask strength whiskies. Both were special limited-edition bottlings. Both were excellent!
First up on this evening was an 8-year-old gem, Loch Lomond RU NA FIN (Giants Point – referring to ruins of a castle on a “point of land” in the loch.). A Highland whisky, Loch Lomond names their whiskies after special features near their distillery. Dating back to the 1814, the distillery, as seems common in the industry, has undergone several incarnations over the years.
The Loc Lomond RU NA FIN had most of us running for a drop or two of water to soften the impact on the palate. Once over the initial ‘shock’ it became obvious this was a special dram. In its description on their website, folks at the “Strath” describe the dram as having, “layers of sweet blossom honey and zesty lemon rind intermingled with candied ginger and ripe peaches. There are sugared almond and fresh coconut, before lingering oak spice.” This is a light, vibrant, floral and sweet dram!
Coming in at 60.7%ABV, this un peated, non-chill filtered, natural coloured dram is a gem is priced at $136.00
Brian’s second selection, the Benromach – The Strath’s 20th Anniversary selection. An 11-
year-old Speyside dram, like the Loc Lomond, the Benromach is a private bottling for the “Strath’ with only 306 bottles made available. Folks at the “Strath” wax poetically when describing this dram. “Aged in first-fill sherry oak casks with no filtration, no colouring, and no dilution, sweet sherry and savoury smoke intermingle in a gloriously harmonious nose of bacon, jam, cranberry sauce, ash-rolled goat’s cheese and smoky lemon iced tea”. The tasting notes conclude: A sweet, stewed fruit and toasted hazelnut aromas with clementine peel and rich treacle toffee, followed by a touch of smoke.
An excellent whisky for sure, this dram is priced at $176.00. It comes in at 58.5% ABV
Of course, you can’t celebrate Robbie Burns without the Haggis! Learning from previous years, Brian was up to the challenge and presented the Haggis in traditional Scottish fashion, complete with appropriate music, carried by the cook, to a standing slow clap (you had to be there!). The host recited the “Address to the Haggis” much to the enjoyment of those gathered.
Other appies included, an assortment of cheeses, nuts, crackers antipasto, pickles and, of course, rich dark chocolate.
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A super start to our eighth year! Thanks Brian!
