Our Tasting "Gatherings": A malt, a beer, a malt, a beer. Who's counting!

Whisky Bible 2012 World Whisky of the Year!

Highland Park 21yr 40% abv

Orkney

Nose: Like I’m in the kitchen baking that apple pie, nice caramel notes with bananas, some oak and late smoke. Mouth watering!

Palate: Initial sweetness, marzipan, then cinnamon, vanilla and oak

Finish: Medium long finish, a bit briney but vry enjoyable

Comment: It is great to give notoriety to this overlooked distillery. Wonderful whisky and one not to miss.

Highland Park 21yr 40% abv

Orkney

Nose:  Some initial sweetness with some chocolate coming through, apple pie, buttery

Palate: Very smooth & creamy, showing chocolate, spice, and some late peat smoke

Finish: Long and fulfilling with some citrus and late smoke

Comment: Great whisky for the rice. ANother one not to miss, if you can find it. Thanks Highland Park

Aberfeldy 21yr 43% abv

Speyside

Nose: Hearty oak with honey, slightly floral and creamy

Palate: Pleasant sweetness, creamy, with some citrus

Finish: Medium long, lightly spiced with a nice dry finish.

Comment: Beautiful

Benriach Authenticus Peatus 21yr 46% abv

Speyside

Nose: Peat hit, then the smoke, but gentle

Palate: Wonderful peat sweetness coming through, well-rounded and smooth

Finish: Fades fast with a little spiciness on the tail

Comment: Not an overly complex whisky for it’s age, but very enjoyable.

Glenfarclas 21yr 46% abv

Speyside

Nose: Intense sherried fruit, tropical fruit, spice (nutmeg) and nutty with a late citrus note

Palate: Rich and well-rounded, fruity, with smoke and spice

Finish: Long and smooth, with smoke, chocolate, and some late spice.

Bruichladdich 21yr 46% abv

Islay

This one I had to taste again as I didn’t make any notes. Oh well...

Nose: Slight oak, then a big sherry hit, mulled wine and spice (cinnamon & cloves)

Palate: Sweet & rich, chewy, then citrusy orange notes with a nice warming spice

Finish: Long and spirity, spice and slightly dry

Comment: As this one was the last of the evening it is always best to re-live the moment.

Ales to the Christmas Season

    

Oh, to be 21 again!

Uinta Crooked Line “Cockeyed Cooper” 11% abv

Utah

Nose: Sightly sour with a distinct bourbon overtone, very malty

Palate: Nice sweetness upfront, caramel, toasty and a bit hoppy

Finish:Well-rounded & smooth with a short finish

Comment: This is our first sampling of this brewery: Great Job! Looking forward to the other bottle later this evening, as well as future bottles

Founders “Blushing Monk” 9.2%

Michigan

Nose: Beautiful red color with a crisp raspberry hit, sweet, and a little malty

Palate: Sweet raspberry & smooth

Finish: Short, and not seedy :)

Comment: Needs some dark chocolate brownies. Next time!

St. Bernadus “Christmas Ale” 10% abv

Belgium

Nose: Citrus and pleasantly hoppy, fruity

Palate: Really creamy and a bit malty, sweet

Finish: Short but smooth

Crooked “Labyrinth” Black Ale 13.2% abv

Utah

Nose: Malt, chocolate, and slightly sweet

Palate: Coffee, bitter chocolate, with malt and hops coming through nicely

Finish: Short but pleasantly sweet

Comment: Another winner!

Scheldebrouwerij “Hop-Ruiter” Blond Hoppy Ale 8.5% abv Belgium

Nose: Sweet & hoppy

Palate: Crisp & fresh with nice lemony citrus notes

Finish: Short and no bitterness

Comment: Nice summer brew

G. Schneider & Sons “Mein Nelson Sauvin” Wheat Bock 7.2% Germany

Nose: Lightly sour with some sweetness, flowery/hoppy

Palate: Fruity with bananas, citrus, a little hop and malty

Finish: Short but with some nice spice

Comment: Beautiful

A great evening was had by all, and the whiskies were pretty darn good too, not to mention the brews.

Here’s wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!