Thursday, January 12, 2006
Whisky Musings
OK, so not wine related, but still another passion in my life - Whisky.
I don't know enough about it yet to say I am an expert, but I know what I like to drink and am now starting to appreciate the different 'expressions'. What is an expression? It is like the 'vintage' in a wine - a ten year old Laphroig might taste much different to a 20 year old, because of changing techniques in production, diferent levels of peat, all sorts.
Islay whiskys
I am currently working my way through the Islay whiskys. I believe there are 6 distilleries currently producing. Islays tend to be quite smokey, because of the high peat content. They also tend to have a degree of 'seaweediness' since many are produced close to the sea. Bowmore is a favourite of mine, as is Laphroig, considered to be one of the greatest malts, and certainly a malt that takes some getting used to.
On the go at the moment
I have my 'house' blend - Famous Grouse - this is my daily dram and very drinkable
Laphroig - I only try to drink this when I have an excuse. I seem to find excuses to drink it at least twice a week.
Bowmore - smoother than Laphroig, less peaty, but still smokey. Yummy. Not much left
Bruichladdich - another Islay, not so well known, in a lovely bottle. Almost cask strength at 46%. Definitely benefits from a drop or two of water. This bottle was a bargain - picked up in Sainsburys just before Xmas on offer for about a tenner.
I don't know enough about it yet to say I am an expert, but I know what I like to drink and am now starting to appreciate the different 'expressions'. What is an expression? It is like the 'vintage' in a wine - a ten year old Laphroig might taste much different to a 20 year old, because of changing techniques in production, diferent levels of peat, all sorts.
Islay whiskys
I am currently working my way through the Islay whiskys. I believe there are 6 distilleries currently producing. Islays tend to be quite smokey, because of the high peat content. They also tend to have a degree of 'seaweediness' since many are produced close to the sea. Bowmore is a favourite of mine, as is Laphroig, considered to be one of the greatest malts, and certainly a malt that takes some getting used to.
On the go at the moment
I have my 'house' blend - Famous Grouse - this is my daily dram and very drinkable
Laphroig - I only try to drink this when I have an excuse. I seem to find excuses to drink it at least twice a week.
Bowmore - smoother than Laphroig, less peaty, but still smokey. Yummy. Not much left
Bruichladdich - another Islay, not so well known, in a lovely bottle. Almost cask strength at 46%. Definitely benefits from a drop or two of water. This bottle was a bargain - picked up in Sainsburys just before Xmas on offer for about a tenner.
