Tuesday 31 July
This month I only had time to fit in one Club tasting event in Cape Town and it happens to be a re look at 6 malts we have tasted previously a kind of favourite or mentionable list join me at the Famous Butchers Grill at greenmarket square Members R50 Non Members R100.
Wednesday 1 August is my Darling wife's Birthday so best I behave and not work although I may have to present Cigars to 100 Executive woman at one of those network dinners.
Thursday the 2nd Don Paul gathers with The Striding Men a Pigalle ( was I invited.... yes oops did I book.....ah well will have to phone Don with a long sob story.
Hope you all have a great weekend and have enough of your favourite Dram to keep you dry.
Slainthe Mhath
Friday, July 27, 2007
Another week is over.
Wow talk about time flying the week has come and gone. The rain I am afraid is staying , not that I mind the rain its just that of late the persistent hard downpour is scaring my dogs.
Nothing like being woken by a 50kg Labrador trying to get into your bed at 3 in the morning.
Ahh well at least we can have a wee dram to keep the chill away.
Tuesday I ventured up the west coast to visit with Darelle Scheepers a new friend to Mc Beth on Whisky, she had gathered 20 or so keen souls to taste whisky, network and basically have a good time. On arriving I was greeted by 2 blokes in tuxedos, I was a little concerned by this as I generally do things quite low scale and informal.
I was soon put to ease as Darelle arrived and explained they were only the butlers ( her colleagues I believe) and that it was not a black tie event.
Shoo it has been a while since I had been up the coast and much has changed as far as development is concerned. What has remained though is the warm hospitality and the friendly people.
I waffled on a bit about the history of whisky trying to remove the myths and preconceived ideas. I did a straight comparison between 3 Irish malts and 3 Scotch malts.
1 Murray Mc David Ben Nevis 1999
A dry hay like nose I said library book on the night as they looked like a learned bunch, and were, young and fiery with promise its youth still struggling to find balance on the palate good barley and complex oak.
2 Greenspot
Now for those that are in the know they were very fortunate to sample such a fine pure pot still whiskey as it is not available in SA. It had a lovely clean light and fruity nose , mouthwatering with a touch of eucalyptus and tons of honey to a subtle soft lingering finish.
3 Tyrconnel Single malt.
A rich vanilla nose with baker mix of almonds and castor sugar. So chewy and moreish on the palate with a late spicy buzz on the palate and an eternal finish.
4 The Speyside 12 Years Old
Rich caramel, sherry and loads of Orange and good spice of cloves and nutmeg on the nose with a sweet subtle yet still immature palate for its age a rugged and rich compote of dark plums.
5 Bushmills 10 Years Old
Hints of vanilla with sherry indecision on the nose. the palate is soft sweet barley sugar and fuller spice finish ,the complexity though is lost maybe because of the third distillate.
6 Smokehead
Rich fresh lemon zest with dark plum and tar smoke and more smoke and brimstone.
A sweet luscious malt that still fighting the smoke and peat with as subtle sea breeze.
It must be said that this was not a peatfreak crowd although there certainly were 2 definite converts and one lady who assured me that she was not a whisky drinker and had tried thousands before, she conceded that maybe she had overlooked whisky for too long and was ready to investigate once more. Two others still cannot believe that anyone could possibly like peat.
A great evenings work , I headed home through a rather misty highway all along thinking that next I should probably stay over night.
Nothing like being woken by a 50kg Labrador trying to get into your bed at 3 in the morning.
Ahh well at least we can have a wee dram to keep the chill away.
Tuesday I ventured up the west coast to visit with Darelle Scheepers a new friend to Mc Beth on Whisky, she had gathered 20 or so keen souls to taste whisky, network and basically have a good time. On arriving I was greeted by 2 blokes in tuxedos, I was a little concerned by this as I generally do things quite low scale and informal.
I was soon put to ease as Darelle arrived and explained they were only the butlers ( her colleagues I believe) and that it was not a black tie event.
Shoo it has been a while since I had been up the coast and much has changed as far as development is concerned. What has remained though is the warm hospitality and the friendly people.
I waffled on a bit about the history of whisky trying to remove the myths and preconceived ideas. I did a straight comparison between 3 Irish malts and 3 Scotch malts.
1 Murray Mc David Ben Nevis 1999
A dry hay like nose I said library book on the night as they looked like a learned bunch, and were, young and fiery with promise its youth still struggling to find balance on the palate good barley and complex oak.
2 Greenspot
Now for those that are in the know they were very fortunate to sample such a fine pure pot still whiskey as it is not available in SA. It had a lovely clean light and fruity nose , mouthwatering with a touch of eucalyptus and tons of honey to a subtle soft lingering finish.
3 Tyrconnel Single malt.
A rich vanilla nose with baker mix of almonds and castor sugar. So chewy and moreish on the palate with a late spicy buzz on the palate and an eternal finish.
4 The Speyside 12 Years Old
Rich caramel, sherry and loads of Orange and good spice of cloves and nutmeg on the nose with a sweet subtle yet still immature palate for its age a rugged and rich compote of dark plums.
5 Bushmills 10 Years Old
Hints of vanilla with sherry indecision on the nose. the palate is soft sweet barley sugar and fuller spice finish ,the complexity though is lost maybe because of the third distillate.
6 Smokehead
Rich fresh lemon zest with dark plum and tar smoke and more smoke and brimstone.
A sweet luscious malt that still fighting the smoke and peat with as subtle sea breeze.
It must be said that this was not a peatfreak crowd although there certainly were 2 definite converts and one lady who assured me that she was not a whisky drinker and had tried thousands before, she conceded that maybe she had overlooked whisky for too long and was ready to investigate once more. Two others still cannot believe that anyone could possibly like peat.
A great evenings work , I headed home through a rather misty highway all along thinking that next I should probably stay over night.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Whisky dinner Winesense Kalk Bay 19 July 2007
A fine intimate group of people gathered on Thursday 19 July at winesense Kalk bay.Wine people I think, who seemed to have a liking for whisky.
I gave them a brief summary of the History of Whisky and a basic definition of whisky.What discerns a malt from a blend from a grain etc.
I had selected 6 Malt whiskies four of which were to be matched with food.
The Whiskies were
Edradour 10, Macallan 12, Murray Mc David Mortlach 1993, Dalmore Cigar malt, Smokehead and Bowmore 1989 Limited Edition.
The Edradour makes its welcome return to SA shelves and as such was included for an official toast to the chef.
Starter. Oysters naked, doused with a dribbling of Smokehead. We started our journey on the rugged coast of Islay where oysters a plentiful and peat reek a standard. Not everyone present enjoyed oysters yet once doused with Smokehead all agreed an improvement was noticed.
The lemon zest and tang of plum and brimstone from the Smokehead sweetened the oyster and clearly amplified the finish which was pure sea smacked ocean breeze. For reference one needed only walk 50m to the shoreline to be totally convinced.
Second Course. Springbok Carpaccio served with rocket leaves and Enokitake mushrooms and a beet jus. Served with this was the very special Bowmore. The subtle peat and rich sherry influence opened the fresh fruity mushrooms which with the big gamy influence of the springbok turned velvety soft and the hint of smoke seemed to come from the meat as opposed to he whisky the result was a near perfect infusion of flavour.
Third Course. Lamb shank in brown gravy served on mash potato with fresh veg.
Now I am not big on Port finished whisky and what Murray Mc David were thinking, as for me to see Mortlach in a Bourbon finish as opposed to sherry would be more special than a Port when they used this finish only they will know.
The lamb was perfectly prepared and kept very simple and honest as was the mash, boy what a pleasure the malt was, it lifted everything cutting through the fat and amplifying the rich texture of the meat the malt itself turned nutty and reminded me of a great borderies Cognac. proof again that cooking should always be kept simple.
Last Course. Chocolate fondant. What can I say the Macallan 12 is so elegant and wonderfully spicy that it stands up to the rich cocoa and rather than turn sweet, it cleanses the palate with a more decisive explosion of flavour. Absolute Bliss.
The Dalmore Cigar malt was offered as an after dinner malt which hit the spot well a beautiful honeycomb wax nose with a rich complex palate made for good after dinner smoking (without the nicotine risk).
A quick pole seemd to have Bowmore the favoured whisky with Macallan in second and the balance probably tied for third place.
All in all I believe the evening to have been a success and certainly all present seemed to have enjoyed the experience.
Once more thanks to Winesense Kalk bay for a great evening.
Contact them on
winesense in Kalk Bay - 021 7881869
The Quays, Majestic Precinct, Main Road,Kalk Bay, 7990
Hours of enjoyment:
Mon-Sat
11h00-22h00
Sun
11h00-20h00
I gave them a brief summary of the History of Whisky and a basic definition of whisky.What discerns a malt from a blend from a grain etc.
I had selected 6 Malt whiskies four of which were to be matched with food.
The Whiskies were
Edradour 10, Macallan 12, Murray Mc David Mortlach 1993, Dalmore Cigar malt, Smokehead and Bowmore 1989 Limited Edition.
The Edradour makes its welcome return to SA shelves and as such was included for an official toast to the chef.
Starter. Oysters naked, doused with a dribbling of Smokehead. We started our journey on the rugged coast of Islay where oysters a plentiful and peat reek a standard. Not everyone present enjoyed oysters yet once doused with Smokehead all agreed an improvement was noticed.
The lemon zest and tang of plum and brimstone from the Smokehead sweetened the oyster and clearly amplified the finish which was pure sea smacked ocean breeze. For reference one needed only walk 50m to the shoreline to be totally convinced.
Second Course. Springbok Carpaccio served with rocket leaves and Enokitake mushrooms and a beet jus. Served with this was the very special Bowmore. The subtle peat and rich sherry influence opened the fresh fruity mushrooms which with the big gamy influence of the springbok turned velvety soft and the hint of smoke seemed to come from the meat as opposed to he whisky the result was a near perfect infusion of flavour.
Third Course. Lamb shank in brown gravy served on mash potato with fresh veg.
Now I am not big on Port finished whisky and what Murray Mc David were thinking, as for me to see Mortlach in a Bourbon finish as opposed to sherry would be more special than a Port when they used this finish only they will know.
The lamb was perfectly prepared and kept very simple and honest as was the mash, boy what a pleasure the malt was, it lifted everything cutting through the fat and amplifying the rich texture of the meat the malt itself turned nutty and reminded me of a great borderies Cognac. proof again that cooking should always be kept simple.
Last Course. Chocolate fondant. What can I say the Macallan 12 is so elegant and wonderfully spicy that it stands up to the rich cocoa and rather than turn sweet, it cleanses the palate with a more decisive explosion of flavour. Absolute Bliss.
The Dalmore Cigar malt was offered as an after dinner malt which hit the spot well a beautiful honeycomb wax nose with a rich complex palate made for good after dinner smoking (without the nicotine risk).
A quick pole seemd to have Bowmore the favoured whisky with Macallan in second and the balance probably tied for third place.
All in all I believe the evening to have been a success and certainly all present seemed to have enjoyed the experience.
Once more thanks to Winesense Kalk bay for a great evening.
Contact them on
winesense in Kalk Bay - 021 7881869
The Quays, Majestic Precinct, Main Road,Kalk Bay, 7990
Hours of enjoyment:
Mon-Sat
11h00-22h00
Sun
11h00-20h00
Coming up this week
Tuesday the 24th July I travel up North if only a hour to the coastal town of Langebaan to visit with Darelle Scheepers and conduct my fun tasting of Myths and legends, a look at both Scotch and Irish whiskies.
Wednesday 25th July I conduct a club dinner at Five Flies restaurant. A superb four course dinner served up with 4 excellent single malts.
Thursday 26th July I hit the northern suburbs of Cape Town for a corporate tasting.
Hope to see you at the dinner and meet some new potential members at the corporate events.
Keep dramming!
Wednesday 25th July I conduct a club dinner at Five Flies restaurant. A superb four course dinner served up with 4 excellent single malts.
Thursday 26th July I hit the northern suburbs of Cape Town for a corporate tasting.
Hope to see you at the dinner and meet some new potential members at the corporate events.
Keep dramming!
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Wade Bales Wine Festival
For the second consecutive year Wade Bales hosted a wine festival at Pezula Golf Club. Once again a bright and enthusiastic crowd arrived to sample some of SA's finest.
De Toren brought along the fine malts of Compass Box and some ellegant bourbons from Buffulo Trace including Blantons. There were a lot of pleasant rumblings over the ever popular Peat Monster and the odd mention of Oak Cross, I never actually managed to get over to the table for the standard swap of product as I ran into a few friends I had made the previous year.
I took along six malts, Tyrconnel and Connemara from Cooleys, Smokehead, Isle of Arran, The Six Isles vatted malt and a welcome return to Edradour 10.
Topping the list as most favourite was without a doubt Tyrconnel it is a full bodied rich yet elegant malt that will certainly become a Whisky of Note in the not to distant future.
The peat freaks loved the Smokehead and the Connemara and Edradour was very well received as was the Arran. There were the elite few that earned the right to a wee dram of Brora 23 which I had brought along for me personally and boy the delight in there eyes is why dramming is a sharing caring thing.
Thanks to all the friendly folk that came around and mentioned they were happy to see me back and here's to doing some more events down South.
De Toren brought along the fine malts of Compass Box and some ellegant bourbons from Buffulo Trace including Blantons. There were a lot of pleasant rumblings over the ever popular Peat Monster and the odd mention of Oak Cross, I never actually managed to get over to the table for the standard swap of product as I ran into a few friends I had made the previous year.
I took along six malts, Tyrconnel and Connemara from Cooleys, Smokehead, Isle of Arran, The Six Isles vatted malt and a welcome return to Edradour 10.
Topping the list as most favourite was without a doubt Tyrconnel it is a full bodied rich yet elegant malt that will certainly become a Whisky of Note in the not to distant future.
The peat freaks loved the Smokehead and the Connemara and Edradour was very well received as was the Arran. There were the elite few that earned the right to a wee dram of Brora 23 which I had brought along for me personally and boy the delight in there eyes is why dramming is a sharing caring thing.
Thanks to all the friendly folk that came around and mentioned they were happy to see me back and here's to doing some more events down South.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Whisky Questions or Comments
Hi all I hope you find this a useful tool I will try to answer questions you have ,or host any comment you might have right here.
I will try to do reviews of tasting events as well as tasting notes on certain whiskies.
I do also have a real job, so it all relies on availability of my old friend Father Time.
Hope you will start posting soon.
Slainte Mhath
I will try to do reviews of tasting events as well as tasting notes on certain whiskies.
I do also have a real job, so it all relies on availability of my old friend Father Time.
Hope you will start posting soon.
Slainte Mhath
To Blog or not to Blog
This is I guess the easiest way to communicate with the electronic masses. I have avoided blogging in the past simply because I did not want anyone to think that I in anyway consider myself a writer.
Well I will test the waters as they say and see what happens.
This will be where I comment on my whisky tasting events and the odd review on whisky too.
So if ya like ya whisky than grabba glass and lets get dramming.
I must mention the Knysna Oyster festival last week was a blast I attended the mini whisky and Jazz festival they hosted at Zest on the Saturday night. My nose was slightly out of joint as I had tried unsuccessfully to get my products on the show as well.
At least they made up by allowing me in to sample the nights drams.
Present were the usual suspects Neil Hendrikz of Famous Grouse and his RGBC crew. My old and good friend and still a firm favourite Jack Hetherington.
Jonathan Miles was the surprise not that he was there but rather that he was punting Chivas and The Glenlivet. Brandhouse had there malts on display I would mention the Dear Knowlegeable Lady on the stand , however since she was a bit cold and not exactly forthcoming with her name I cannot. Rob Sweeney and everyone else from Glenfiddich were there as well.
Now I know this may come as a surprise to those of you that read the Article in the Cape Argus because the way they wrote the article the only person present was Jason but believe it or not there were others too.
Now onto those Drams I started with a firm favourite Highland Park which hit the spot nicely, the wife followed suite surprising me (not a malt person usually). As I said I was a bit stormy so had to drink accordingly I got the wife a Glenmorangie 10 next she approved, I went straight to Ardbeg nothing copes better with a bit of volatility then the memory of this distillery setting on the rugged coast of Islay. I then gave the wife her favourite dram for the night a Glenlivet 12.
I moved over to the brandhouse table hoping to get a glimpse of the Talisker 18 , I had featured it in my last 2 tastings in Cape Town as the demand for it since being voted the best Single Malt in the world by whisky magazine has been huge.
Anyway the lovely lady told me that it was at her Bar at home so as not to be wasted on plebs like myself , I hope it really is at her Bar and that she does try it so that she may finally have a good spirit flowing through her again. I find it sad when people discover the joys of malt and want to guard it rather than share it. I managed to finally get a Talisker 10 out of her and in time too as the the evening ended shortly thereafter with a charity draw which was for a really good cause. This of course prompted the wife to dig deep, bless her sole always giving where kids are involved. So the stormy mood had been settled and cheerfully we set off to find some dinner.
HMMMM Harry B's no food left can you adam and eve it out of stock?? okay Sirocco in Thesen Island eee sorry Kitchen closed 10.15 pm???? Lush same story , Oyster catcher same again, JJ's and pretty much everyone else so Spur it was no whisky here to quieten the Storm.
Maybe next Year.
Well I will test the waters as they say and see what happens.
This will be where I comment on my whisky tasting events and the odd review on whisky too.
So if ya like ya whisky than grabba glass and lets get dramming.
I must mention the Knysna Oyster festival last week was a blast I attended the mini whisky and Jazz festival they hosted at Zest on the Saturday night. My nose was slightly out of joint as I had tried unsuccessfully to get my products on the show as well.
At least they made up by allowing me in to sample the nights drams.
Present were the usual suspects Neil Hendrikz of Famous Grouse and his RGBC crew. My old and good friend and still a firm favourite Jack Hetherington.
Jonathan Miles was the surprise not that he was there but rather that he was punting Chivas and The Glenlivet. Brandhouse had there malts on display I would mention the Dear Knowlegeable Lady on the stand , however since she was a bit cold and not exactly forthcoming with her name I cannot. Rob Sweeney and everyone else from Glenfiddich were there as well.
Now I know this may come as a surprise to those of you that read the Article in the Cape Argus because the way they wrote the article the only person present was Jason but believe it or not there were others too.
Now onto those Drams I started with a firm favourite Highland Park which hit the spot nicely, the wife followed suite surprising me (not a malt person usually). As I said I was a bit stormy so had to drink accordingly I got the wife a Glenmorangie 10 next she approved, I went straight to Ardbeg nothing copes better with a bit of volatility then the memory of this distillery setting on the rugged coast of Islay. I then gave the wife her favourite dram for the night a Glenlivet 12.
I moved over to the brandhouse table hoping to get a glimpse of the Talisker 18 , I had featured it in my last 2 tastings in Cape Town as the demand for it since being voted the best Single Malt in the world by whisky magazine has been huge.
Anyway the lovely lady told me that it was at her Bar at home so as not to be wasted on plebs like myself , I hope it really is at her Bar and that she does try it so that she may finally have a good spirit flowing through her again. I find it sad when people discover the joys of malt and want to guard it rather than share it. I managed to finally get a Talisker 10 out of her and in time too as the the evening ended shortly thereafter with a charity draw which was for a really good cause. This of course prompted the wife to dig deep, bless her sole always giving where kids are involved. So the stormy mood had been settled and cheerfully we set off to find some dinner.
HMMMM Harry B's no food left can you adam and eve it out of stock?? okay Sirocco in Thesen Island eee sorry Kitchen closed 10.15 pm???? Lush same story , Oyster catcher same again, JJ's and pretty much everyone else so Spur it was no whisky here to quieten the Storm.
Maybe next Year.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)