The Greatest Job in the World

Members, as some of you know, I am in the process of furthering my education. I mention this not to brag, but only because I have made a disturbing discovery that may mean my years of hard work and study are wasted.

To set the scene, you should know that I am a humanities student, and that I make my living as an analyst in this area. It is also relevant to know a few other things. Firstly, that I’ve spent a lot of my spare time reading history, politics and even some political philosophy to further my knowledge and my career prospects even when there were better things to do. And secondly, that although I have always had a strong interest in the field, I know almost nothing of the empirical sciences.

I had delusions that all this extra work and effort would be intellectually stimulating, and that eventually I would reach a level were I was doing something important, influential or just generally cool. I even have fond (but unrealistic) daydreams of a Professorship at a highly distinguished University where I could advance my fondness for velvet elbow patches, tweed and passing on my private opinions as gospel to year after year of semi-educated undergraduates.

A recent discovery though has shaken these sentiments to the core. Perhaps a career in science would have been a better decision; where I could combine my work with my true passion for Whisky. Is there such a place? Could it be true?

Rest assured, such a paradise exists. The Scotch Whisky Research Institute is located in Edinburgh (of course) and specialises in such activities as analytical services (i.e. determining age, distillery, etc.) and sensory services (i.e. nosing, tasting, etc). In my mind I’m picturing lab coats, test tubes, Bunsen burners and crate after glorious crate of pure, free, single malt Scotch whisky just lying about waiting for someone to conduct some ‘research’?

The hell with curing disease, putting mankind on the moon and all that other mumbo jumbo. Here is really important research and I’m interested. Before you even think about trumping me, you should know that a copy of my resume has already been sent to their HR dept and I am keenly awaiting a response. Ill keep you posted.

Colonel-in-Chief,
D.T.W.C.

Whisky Live Sydney update: Tickets on Sale!

Tickets are now available for the Sydney 09 Whisky Live extravaganza! The event runs from the 31st August 09 through to the 6th September 09 and includes:

(1) Masterclasses: which includes "...education for whisky consumers, hospitality and retailers."

(2) Dinners: where eight restaurants in Sydney will allow diners to "experience a specially created menu with food matched to whisky, in the form of a six-course degustation meal."

(3) Tasting Expo: held inside the overseas passenger terminal ( in the Rocks), the expo will allow attendees to The Expo gives the opportunity to taste fabulous whiskies and talk to the experts, and discover "what makes each whisky so unique...there’s bound to be more than enough to satisfy every whisky lover’s preference."

For those who want to get a better understanding of how the Whisky Live events work, then check out SingleMalt.tv. This site has some footage from prior events from other localities throughout the world.

Please click here for ticket sales and information, see you there!

Secretary,
D.T.W.C.


This is a non-sponsord promotion. For any further details please defer to the Whisky Live website.

Laphroaig Quarter Cask vs Bunnahabhain 12yo

Gents, I recently acquired and tasted two whiskies from Islay that I thought worth commenting on. Firstly, the Laphroaig Quarter Cask (A$105) and secondly, a Gordon and MacPhail Bunnahabhain (A$79) which I picked up from the Single Malt Club website.

The Laphroaig contains the traditional peaty flavour that you would expect from an Islay single malt. I would describe it as a 'light' Ardbeg, very very smooth drinking. The smoky nose was very obvious, but this didn’t translate into a strong flavour. It’s quite a nice drop, and I found it to be served best with a slight addition of water to enhance the flavours. Usually I prefer scotch with ice, but in this case I felt that ice diluted the flavour to much. The price of the Quarter Cask (QC) differs from the normal Laphroaig 10yo by about A$20 and I had hoped that this would be money well invested. Unfortunately, I don’t think that the QC expression is worth the additional money and would suggest sticking with the regular 10yo bottling.

I award the Laphroaig Quarter Cask 5 lightning bolts.*

The Bunnahabhain 12yo was a real surprise. It’s from Islay too, and I was expecting something peaty, along the lines of the Talisker that we tried at the first meeting or the Laphroaig discussed above. What I got was something completely different, without a hint of peat. I must admit, I was a little disappointed with this one. It’s certainly a nice whisky, but when I buy Islay, I wanna buy peat. The Bunnahabhain is a very light, sweet whisky that has hints of fruit. I preferred this whisky with ice and would be happy to have it again, but I probably wouldn’t purchase it myself.

I award the MacPhail Bunnahabhain 12yo 4 lightning bolts.

If I was forced to choose between the two, I would go for the Laphroaig, but that represents my personal preference for smoky flavours. Others amongst you might prefer the Bunnahabhain. Needless to say, when the third meeting is held at my place later in the year, these bottles will be available for tasting by members.

Colonel-in-Chief,
D.T.W.C.

* I’ve awarded these scores out of seven. I didn’t feel that five was enough to differentiate the two whisky’s.

Whisky on the Rocks! Whisky Stones

Thanks to Uncrate I have come across Whisky Stones. Essential for those drinkers who enjoy their whisky on the rocks! As mentioned on the Teroforma website, these soapstone ice proxies are apparently "more mellow than ice" and "will cool your next dram just enough to take the edge off without diluting its perfectly balanced flavors."

Who could ask for more?

I guess these would suit any whisky enthusiast who enjoys their tipple neat and chilled. The perfect companion for those summer whisky club meetings. A great way to enjoy whisky all year round...now there is a thought.

Secretary,
D.T.W.C.

Ain't no sunshine when she's gone...

It is with a heavy heart I have to announce the passing of the old girl. Yes it has come to that time when the Lagavulin has lost her luvin.

After deflowering the girl at a mere 16 years many months back I thought this lustful shameful want will never last. And true the time came all too soon. For weeks I have been holding bated breath as I looked to the stores and she was slowly but surely loosing life. Just a weeeee dram I would say and quickly cork the stopper for fear her soul would evaporate. Finally, last night with 2 light sips and she was all but spent.

Even now I can still smell her, still taste her... rest in peace old girl it is time to start playing the field.

Baron Von Awesome

Whisky Live Sydney Update

Members - below is some new information on Whisky Live. It has ticket prices and types. Although you cannot book yet, it's probably not far off.

http://www.whiskylive.com/australia/sydney-2009/

At this stage I am thinking the Saturday evening session on 5th September. Open for discussion though?

Cheers,
El Capitan


This is a non-sponsord promotion. For any further details please defer to the ... website.