In the midst of an early ’bout of winter, 4 timid souls stayed bunkered in their homes, one lounged on the beach in Hawaii and 5 hardy folks braved the elements at Tony R. to sample another two of Scotland’s finest. So, how did 5 people cope with the responsibility? According to Tony, “We had a good session with just the 5 of us – large drams all round!” Such sacrifice! Bill H., reported that both samples, the Islay Barley and Macallan’s ‘A Night on EARTH’ were well received. And the appies were excellent. Bill writes, “5 attendees enjoyed extra portions of food and drink and engaged in great conversation as always.”
So what did the four absentees miss? Here’s Tony’s response
First up for the evening was the Bruichladdich Islay Barley, available at Cascadia for $111.00 including tax.Tasting Note by The Chaps at Master of Malt
- Nose: Bright grapefruit and nectarine, balanced by a hint of sea spray.
- Palate: Almond, walnut and barley, joined by tinned peaches, milk chocolate and orange peel.
- Finish: Subtly coastal, with white grape and barley sugar in support.
The Bruichladdich website describes their Islay Barley 2011 this way.
- Nose: From the outset this is overtly floral and fruity. Slow distillation yet again brings out the best from the Islay grown Barley, the abundance of soft fruit notes and delicate floral style of this dram is shared with our past Islay grown releases. Typical Bruichladdich style fruit notes of crisp apple and ripe pear along with peach and dried apricot are further enhanced with lemon drops, grapefruit and orange zest. There is a vast array of flavour rising from this whisky as it opens further. The oak and cereal components come through after the fruit, pipe tobacco and vanilla notes mingle with barley sugar and caramel wafers, as ever a distinct marine tang hangs in the air.
- Palate: Firstly, the mouth feel of this whisky is beautifully soft and creamy. Rich natural oils from the barley coat the taste buds with delicate elderflower and honeysuckle and gorgeous barley sugar sweetness. Citrus initially highlights the marine notes and a hint of black pepper and ginger gives some heat and spice. Then comes the oak and malt together bringing vanilla wafers, coconut and cedar. Sweet heather honey and beeswax add to the cereal components of digestive biscuit and warm scones. As ever there is an extra depth to the Islay grown barley, a more intense element to each flavour.
- Finish: The finish is about the fruit, dried apricot from the oak and lemon, kiwi and caramel wafer. A warm sand, marine note lingers as the Islay maturation tells its part of the story. As this whisky lingers on the palate it puts you in mind of the construction and structure to its form. Each element, distillation, time, cask and barley have a clear influence yet not one dominates another as this whisky reaches a crossroads in its development. This vintage is at the perfect stage to appreciate all that it is as it lays bare its DNA, its philosophy and its quality.
- Character: A sweet spot in the maturation of an incredible whisky. A chance to see the elements at work as the young spirit showing green fruits, apple, pear and gooseberry transitions to peach, apricot and mango with the influence of time. The careful selection of casks holds this moment perfectly in balance as their contribution to the ageing of the spirit brings oak depth, vanilla and coconut sweetness and lemon/grapefruit zest without overpowering the sweetness of the malt or the profound cereal notes that come from the Islay grown barley. The structure is firm, the texture luxurious, carrying the DNA of this island.
- Colour: Fresh Cut Straw.
ABV: 50%
Tony’s second choice was a limited edition single malt that tells a story of New Year in Scotland, reflecting the joy of celebrating special occasions with loved ones.
Coming Together in Celebration
Telling the story of Scotland’s world-famous Hogmanay festivities celebrated annually on 31st December, A Night on Earth in Scotland captures the universal joy of celebrating the change of year.
This seasonal release is a collaboration with acclaimed Japanese-French illustrator Erica Dorn, whose artwork has featured in director Wes Anderson’s films.
The single malt is presented in unique packaging to provide a special unboxing experience and Dorn’s playful abstract illustrations are inspired by the historic fire rituals dominant in New Year celebrations around the world.
Hogmanay Tradition
Hogmanay, pronounced “hog·muh·nei”, is Scotland’s renowned New Year’s Eve festivities. Erica Dorn’s bespoke designs reveal some of the distinctive customs of Scotland’s Hogmanay, including the act of ‘first footing’ when it is good luck for a dark-haired visitor to be the first person to cross the threshold of your home after the stroke of midnight. According to tradition, the ‘first footer’ will carry three things: shortbread, whisky and coal for the fire. Each gift is designed to bring comfort and happiness to your home for the rest of the year. Shortbread is also a prominent flavour in the whisky.
Festive Flavours
A Night on Earth in Scotland is created from a selection of The Macallan’s exceptional American and European oak sherry seasoned casks, along with American ex-bourbon barrels to deliver its rich, sweet shortbread-like character. A whisky referencing the rich Scottish delicacy traditionally gifted and eaten at Hogmanay, punctuated by festive notes of dried orange and spice.
A Perfect Pairing: Sip neat with shortbread on the side.
The Experience
- Colour: Warm Ember
- Aroma: Vanilla, butter rich, baked apple, baking biscuits, plum and almond
- Palate: Soft velvety sweetness reminiscent of shortbread with a rich mouth coating, vanilla sweetness, with lightly toasted marshmallow, dried oranges, fig and cinnamon
- Finish: Medium finish with sweet butterscotch and freshly baked biscuits
ABV: 43%
The Gift
This release is about a special time of year and the vibrant, playful design of the packaging reflects the joyous celebratory nature of the occasion. The unique, multi-layered gift box showcases Erica Dorn’s bespoke abstract designs and the packaging’s colour palette also expresses the Hogmanay story.
Red is a colour synonymous with our history and heritage. This is the outside colour and represents fire, created by the coal traditionally gifted during the Scottish custom of first footing, as well as providing connotations of good fortune, success, happiness and vitality.
Upon opening the gift box you discover a blue interior, representing the night skies of Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve) and the blue from the national flag of Scotland, the Saltire.
As the presentation box is opened, the bottle is surrounded by rich amber colours, shining like opening a chest of gold. This represents the Scottish shortbread, a rich, sweet biscuit consumed at Hogmanay, which is also present in the whisky notes.
Not inexpensive (but apparently well worth it), at C$183 (incl. tax) this dram is part of the BC Liquor’s 2022 Premier Spirit Release
Bill’s images of the appies Tony offered to accompany the drams are far better than words could convey.
 |
 |
Well done Bill! Well done Tony. All of this for just 5 people! 🙂
