[As usual, this is Cindy's production. Here's what she had to say:]What a lovely night. I'm pleased to report that we had no casualties this year, at least at our house. Good job team! Thanks again to Drew and Josh of Plumpjack on 24th Street for bringing their expert advice, guidance and the great stories.
I think everyone found a new taste or two. I did my usual survey of what people liked best, but as in past years, this skews much more to what was new and different rather than an objective ranking of the best scotch on the table. Because of that, many of people's old favorites—like my longtime love Lagavulin—didn't receive any votes. Having said that, the cask-strength Aberlour that Peter brought was not only a high vote getter, but a standout in any crowd.
We also had a couple of big brother/little brother tastings, of the Caol Ilas, the Bowmores and the Ardberg's, which gave us a chance to see the difference between the everyday stuff and the distiller's editions.
Here's the list what we had, roughly arrayed as they were on the table from the lightest, least peaty to the darkest and peatiest. Generally that's Speyside to Lowlands to Highlands to Islay, but for more geographic specificity, here's a cool couple of maps. Here's what we drank:
- Glenrothes Select Reserve: the lightest of the scotches we tasted and the one I suggested to the newbys since it's a good way to ease in for those nervous about the peaty depths. One person even liked it best.
- Singleton 12 year. Disappointing to many.
- Glenckinchie. Lowland scotch that was just terrific. Points to Annalee and Chris and to Josh for recommending it. One of the standouts of the night.
- Aberlour Single cask. Amazing caramel flavor, especially when it had a little water added. Complex and ultimately more light than expected. Really a treat.
- Glenmorangie 12 year
- Macallan 15 year
- Murray McDaniel, 2000 Caol Ila 8 year. The new surprise for many and our highest vote getter. The Zinfandel casks gave it a pretty reddish glow and it was smooth and lovely. This one is definitely going to make it into my permanent rotation, and it's from a small, independent distillery which is always a bonus. It sure made Matt proud.
- Caol Ila Distiller's Edition. The big brother to the Murray McDaniel by the same distillery. Also very lovely with a couple of enthusiastic votes. Bigger flavor than its little brother.
- Balvenie 12 year. Usually has some fans but I think it was just overlooked this time.
- Talisker 10 year. Also a usual favorite and still had a vote this year. I tried it after the Murray McDaniel and the extra bite it had was really nice.
- Oban - Also overlooked this year.
- Bowmore 12 year - One of my usual favorites and it had at least one new fan this year.
- Bowmore 15 year - the darkest. Overshadowed it's little brother in the best way. This is such a lovely scotch and it had several new fans.
- Lagavulin 16 years. Also a usual favorite overshadowed a bit by the new kids on the table this year.
- Ardberg 10 year - Smokiest as usual, but overlooked in favor of it's older brother.
- Ardberg 1999 Distiller's edition. Favorite of several, including Vic who tried it early and then wasn't sure he wanted to try anything else.
- St. George. Alameda's pride had several fans, as usual. Who needs Scotland when we've got our own island so nearby that can produce stuff as good as this. OK, I do. But it's still good stuff.
- Celtic Nation, aka the "pirate" scotch that Drew and Josh brought. Great taste and a wonderful story about the Bruichladdich folks mixing their scotch with some Irish concoction and getting into trouble for it. Just a little peaty and really complex from start to finish. The favorite for several folks.
[As usual we had a few non-scotches as well, that had big fans.]
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