Guest blog post - A Distillery Tour With A Difference

We are lucky. From our position at the fringe of the whisky industry, we get to meet some fantastic people who all have a passion for the stuff. These may be fellow bloggers or journalists, consumers, PR/marketing folk, or brand ambassadors and distillery workers. One of our favourites to date is James Saxon.  We first met James on a whisky bloggers trip to the north Highlands about 18 months ago and Matt again met up with him on a pre-Xmas trip to the Balblair distillery.

James' story is a fascinating one and he is one of the most interesting people that you could wish to talk with.  For six weeks in the spring of 2010, he decided to try an visit as many whisky distilleries in Scotland as he could.  Nothing particularly new about that, until you consider that he cycled the whole way.  He wrote a whisky blog with a difference as he and his bike made that epic journey.

We are delighted that James has agreed to write a guest blog post for us about his journey, which can be found below.  To read the full story of the trip and to read what he has been up to since, please visit his excellent and informative Scotch Odyssey blog.  We are returning the favour and saying a big thank you by writing him a guest post, so feel free to check that out on Scotch Odyssey in a couple of days time.  We hope that you enjoy the abridged version of James' travels.

- Karen & Matt

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 A Distillery Tour With A Difference

by James Saxon

At Bladnoch distillery, Dumfries & Galloway

Like all good ideas, the ambition to cycle around Scotland, dropping in on as many distilleries with ‘Welcome’ doormats as possible, has no definite genesis. Rather, it was a mish-mash of motives and fantasies, synthesised and cultivated within the confines of my more unusual states of mind. Once established, however, the scheme refused to budge. While my schoolmates would be trekking through South-East Asia or taking the fruits of the English education system to Africa, I would be pedalling through a Scottish spring, keeping an eye peeled for pagoda roofs.

I have always been prone to compulsive absorption in a new hobby, and single malt whisky has proved to be no exception. My procycling magazine subscription became Whisky Magazine and the Cairngorms and coastal regions were of greater interest than the Pyrenees and Alps. However, as a means of transport and experiencing the world, the bicycle remained central to my mission. How else could I remain alive to the sights, sounds and smells of Scotland and her terroir without being so fully exposed and self-reliant?

The road near Carbost and Talisker distillery, Isle of Skye

Day 12 of the Scotch Odyssey to Glen Garioch pointed out some of the flaws in this philosophy. Drenched by the rain and standing water on the A96, demonised by cars and trucks and demoralised by both, the tour had stopped being a gentle spin between glowing stills, reflecting on what implications the proximity of heather and barley might be, and had become a survival operation. For ten fraught and filthy miles I squeaked along the hard-shoulder, praying that the next enormous flat-bed lorry would nudge over towards the centre of the carriageway and not jerk me after it with its slipstream.

Things hardly improved in deepest, driechest Aberdeenshire as the rain continued to dribble out of the sky. Forty miles into the day, I finally squelched into the Glen Garioch visitor centre, and the lady behind the desk must have thought that the creature from the black lagoon wanted on the next tour.

"Have you any radiators I could use, please?" I mumbled, expecting my clothes to inflict a damp death if I put them on again following my tour and they had not had any chance to dry.

"Go over to the stillhouse," she said. "Tell them that Jane sent you to dry some things."

Stripping off in the Glen Garioch stillhouse and hanging my sodden clobber on a rack behind the spirit still is an experience I will never forget, and nor will the tour party who shuffled in just as I extricated myself from my shorts. I had a one-to-one tour with Fiona, and a long chat with both she and Jane in the visitor centre afterwards about my journey. Theirs was a kindly kick up the backside for me, but one which was pivotal to completing the 20 miles back to Huntly, and played a major part in galvanising me for the remaining four weeks.

From the Lowlands, Highlands and Speyside, it was up the northern coastline to Orkney, across to Skye and the remainder of the West Coast. I began to relish the mileage, the scenery and the new flavours that were creeping into the production process as I walked past more and more mashtuns. Islay was a case-in-point, an insistent smokiness pervading each of the incredibly busy distilleries. A word of warning, though: don’t do all eight tours in two and a half days. And not in the week before the Feis Ile festival.

The trusty bike outside Kilchoman distillery, Islay

After weeks of island-hopping, returning to a major centre of population shocked and thrilled me. Pedalling over the Clyde – and nearly joining the M8 – confirmed that I had reached Glasgow and bar a serious bike breakdown which was either impeccably well-timed or laughably unlikely with only a day to go, I loved the city. Glengoyne was my hottest tour and the journey there and back one of the most exhilarating.

The final day through Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway was memorable for many reasons: the nutter on the train, the extraordinary cuteness of the landscape, but most of all the sheer charming oddity of Bladnoch. After a tour that included a sample of oak-aged gin and seemingly every corner of the distillery, I was in danger of missing my train from Barrhill back home.

Martin Armstrong, son of distillery owner Raymond who had kindly opened the place up for me on the Saturday when he ought to have been revising for his university finals, offered a lift as far as Newton Stewart. The bike and panniers were thrown into the back of the Bladnoch Transit van, and we bombed along the country lanes at speeds I had rarely experienced over the previous six weeks while Martin supplied a potted history of the landmarks that passed in a blur. After a quick handshake, it was a fifteen mile time trial back to the station in baking heat. I made it, hairier, sweatier and happier than I have ever been.

I will admit that a car cannot really be beaten for practicality while distillery touring. If nothing else, there is space in the boot for all those distillery-exclusives. However, my solo cycle gave me a first-class, first-hand encounter with Scotland, her whiskies and above all her people – a distinctive, unchillfiltered race whose humour and hospitality materialised when I least expected but most needed it. Thanks to them, every dram I pour enthrals me with a vivid presence and emotive allusiveness more than malt, water and yeast could ever have managed on their own.

All images included in this article are © James Saxon.

A guest blog post ... A sensual evaluation of whisky

We were lucky enough to share a dram the other week with the incredibly talented artist and writer, Jessica Hagy. She is best known for her Webby award-winning blog, Indexed (www.thisisindexed.com) in which she sketches out random thoughts and insightful observations on conveniently file-able index cards.

Given that we love hearing about the impressions whisky leaves on new-comers we had to grab the opportunity to get Jessica to put together a guest post for us. The dram in question was the Glenfiddich 15 year old Distillery Only Bottling Batch No. 11 Cask Strength 54.8% ABV. This rare and fiesty dram was sent to Whisky for Everyone to celebrate the launch of the Glenfiddich Explorers Club. See www.glenfiddichexplorers.co.uk for more info.

Be inspired and check out more of Jessica's work at jessicahagy.info.

Whisky and cigar matching > Glenmorangie and Cuaba

The drinking of whisky and the smoking of cigars have a long history together. This pastime has enjoyed something of a revival in the UK in the last year and numerous events are being held to match certain whiskies with certain cigars and discuss the flavour combinations. Such an event was recently held in London. Unfortunately, we couldn't go but we know a man that could - Chris Maclean (pictured, left). Chris likes the odd cigar here and there, is a whisky lover and also writes the Drink Station blog, which specialises in soft drinks. So what better man to write a review of the evening for us? A big thanks to Chris from us both. We hope you enjoy his review.
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I was recently invited to a cigar and whisky tasting event at Boisdale of Belgravia. I’d heard a lot about this place, and as the self-proclaimed ‘embassy for Scotland’ it doesn’t disappoint. Founded in 1988 by Ranald Macdonald, Boisdale aims to showcase the very finest Scottish produce in London, in an almost defiantly Scottish atmosphere. The cigars were provided by Hunters and Frankau, a historic 220 year old company, being the sole official UK agents for Havana cigars and purveyors of the coveted ‘English Market Selection’ seal of quality. The Glenmorangie whiskies to be sampled were the Original 10 year old, the cask strength Astar (57.1% ABV), and the Signet.

We made use of the sizeable Cigar Terrace for this event. This is a purpose-built outdoor roof space that is covered, heated and comfortably furnished in the warm Boisdale tartans. The Cuaba cigar was a real talking point, even before any matches were struck. Cuaba is named after the highly combustible bush that the Taino Indians used to light their ‘Cohiba’ or cigar, and is made at the Romeo Y Julieta factory in Havana.

The Distinguidos cigar we were to sample is a large cigar (162mm long x 52 ring guage), with a very distinctive torpedo shape, being pointed at both ends with a bulbous middle. This double taper is known as a ‘doble figurado’ and although now rare, was in fact the shape that all Habanos were rolled in up until the mid 1930s. At this time the straight sided ‘Parejo’ shape took over, and it is said that the main reason for the change in shape is that young men of the time found straight sided cigars easier to light correctly.

The unusual torpedo shape of this cigar also creates a unique flavour profile. Whilst the taper at the cut end acts as a funnel to concentrate the flavours as they travel towards the mouth, the second taper at the lit end offers a rare occasion to taste the outer wrapper and binder leaf of the cigar when it is first lit and the early smoke is drawn through. I took a few moments to light the cigar and taste the outer leaves on the first of several draws: tangy, nutty (almonds, marzipan), sharp. The effect was much like an aperitif, stimulating and enlivening the palate. This worked well with the opening dram of Glenmorangie Original 10 year old, reflecting the clean vanilla, honey and almond flavours found here.

As the combustion burnt slowly outwards to reach the widest part of the cigar, I noticed that the draw on this cigar was consistent and even, creating a fine ash that held together, and with the leaves packed tightly but not so much as to inhibit the draw. The flavour then filled out significantly at this point, settling first then gaining richness and weight, with tangy ripe fruit and sweet spices coming through. Several guests talked up the Glenmorangie Astar at this point, with its creamy, spicy intensity providing much more impact, vigour and a long cleansing finish.

Into the final third of the cigar and somebody quietly pushed a dram of Signet in my direction. Cuaba is described as a Medium to Full flavour cigar by the Hunters & Frankau team, and this was beginning to make sense. Leather, earth and black pepper notes from the tobacco found an equal in the Glenmorangie Signet, with its unusual proportion of highly roasted ‘chocolate malt’ and fresh casks creating a viscous malt with mouthcoatingly dark flavours. The cigar really dovetailed with the whisky at this point, with each enhancing the experience of the other.

The debate between the Signet and the Astar continued apace, with some guests enthusing over the addition of a few drops of water to the Astar, which opened up the fragrance and fattened up the texture in the mouth. I had met my match in the Signet however, with its bittersweet composure offering a fine pairing with the cigar in terms of balance and intensity, at the bottled strength 0f 46% ABV.

This was a special evening during which the combined artistry of the cigar maker and distiller could be appreciated and explored at leisure, in fine company and surroundings. I can highly recommend catching up with the Hunters & Frankau team at one of these events, where cigar and whisky novices and enthusiasts are equally welcome. Thanks to Dan Pink and Jimmy Mcghee of Hunters & Frankau for providing the cigars, and to Adam Williams of Moet Hennessy for the whiskies.

JCLM writing for Whisky For Everyone

Have just tried ... Tullibardine 1992 Vintage

Earlier this week, Matt wrote a guest post on the soft drinks blog Drink Station. In return, we welcome Drink Station's writer and founder Chris Maclean to Whisky For Everyone. Chris has agreed to write a post for our 'Have just tried ...' series and selected a whisky to sample and review. He chose this relatively new release from the little known Tullibardine distillery. We hope that you enjoy reading! So here goes, over to Chris' review ...

Tullibardine is a Highland Malt. The distillery is located at Blackford in Perthshire, and stands on the site of a former brewery. It was designed by the architect Delme Evans and built in 1949, so is relatively young in the context of Scottish distilling.

The distillery has a chequered past, including changes of ownership and a period between 1994 and 2003 when it was inactive (or ‘mothballed’). Since 2003 the distillery has been privately owned, and production has recommenced. The first release of this new production is scheduled for bottling in 2014, with current releases being drawn from stock inherited from the previous owners, Whyte & Mackay.

This bottling was distilled in 1992 and bottled at 46% ABV (alcohol by volume) in 2006. It has been drawn from a combination of bourbon and sherry casks, and should be priced around £30- £35 from specialist retailers.

The whisky is a pale lemon yellow colour. On the nose aromas are clean, fresh and light: Lemon citrus is followed by a sweet grassiness, milled cereal and pears. As the whisky opens up the elements become warmer and richer, with vanilla, honey, almonds and even butter coming through now.

Moving to the palate, flavours are lemony fresh, with a mouthwatering zest and good intensity. There is enough malty, honeyed sweetness to balance this, and a buttery texture to chew on. This bottling has a firm finish, drying and turning pleasantly bitter as it slowly fades.

In conclusion, with such clean, zesty flavours this would make an excellent aperitif whisky. It is light but shows excellent intensity and length on the finish, no doubt aided by the 46% ABV bottling strength.

A guest blog post ...

A couple of months ago, we were asked to write our first guest article by Jason of the Guid Scotch Drink blog (then known as WhiskyHost). Well now it has happened again! This time it is slightly different though as Matt was asked to write a post for Drink Station - a blog that samples and reviews soft drinks and beverages.

Drink Station is written by Chris Maclean and his aim is to sample, write and review soft drinks in the same way that everyone samples, writes and reviews alcoholic drinks, beers, wines, spirits and cocktails. While there are many blogs, websites and people writing about alcoholic drinks there are very few that do the same job for soft drinks. This is where Chris comes in with his detailed information and tasting notes. The blog seems almost unique in its content, so the chance to write on it was taken and the soft drink selected. The deal is that Chris has to write a return whisky related article to appear on Whisky For Everyone in the near future. Look out for that!

Read Matt's review of Power Horse - an Austrian energy drink with an interesting history - on Drink Station by clicking here.

Say what? - our first guest blog post

'Say what?' is a weekly feature that appears on the excellent WHISKYhost blog. Within the article, they aim to dissect some of the stranger tasting notes that you may encounter or overhear at whisky events or tastings (therefore making you exclaim, 'say what?'). The series makes you think about what you are tasting, is written in a light hearted style yet informative and includes recent classic articles regarding obscure tasting notes such as 'baby sick' and 'rubber gloves'.

WHISKYhost is written by Joe and Jason and is an extension of the Whisky Host website. The blog offers whisky reviews, latest news and various other snippets of information and fun video clips. This includes the 'What did I learn this week?' (a section which breaks down both the serious and slightly more irreverent whisky related news/stories from around the world). It is one of our favourite whisky blogs and as a result made the shortlist in our recent Top 10 Whisky Blogs feature.

Therefore, when Jason asked us to appear as a guest writer on WHISKYhost and write our own 'Say what?' article, we jumped at the chance. This is our first article that we have written for someone else and we thoroughly enjoyed it and writing in a different style. Our 'Say what?' was inspired by us overhearing a chap at a recent whisky tasting who exclaimed that the smoky whisky that he was sampling "reminds me of screeching tyres!". To read the full article on WHISKYhost, click here. We hope that you enjoy it and if you leave a comment on WHISKYhost, then you stand the chance of winning a sample of the new Highland Park Magnus!