First tasting of the new year and it turned into a belter. Some 18 souls braved the back part of the Cask and Still for an evening with David Keir, who brought along some Arran, Tullibardine and a brace of Bruichladdichs, one of which the club dug deep into its inexhaustible coffers to purchase.
First up was the Arran 10, a light, citrusy dram, served at 46%. It improved after being left in the glass for a while. The 1993 Tullibardine was next, finished in a Muscatel cask, but its older brother, the 1988 bourbon cask, was an absolute smasher. Sweet, peppery with a decent finish.
The Arran single cask, also from a bourbon, had sweet toffee and was a big improvement on the standard 10. Retailing at £45-£48 a bottle, it would be worth spending some redundancy money on.
Next was the club's own purchase, the Bruichladdich Golder Still. Limited release of 4866 bottles, and retailing for around £120, it matured in 'squat' bourbon casks, which apparently gives the spirit more contact with the wood. More sweet toffee and well worth acquiring as a collectible, if you've also got the cash to get the partners - The Blacker Still and Redder Still.
Final dram was from the 2001 Resurrection series, a seven year old with a 10ppm peat level. Some £37 for one of 24,000 bottles. Also worth a collecting punt.
Many thanks once again to David, club member, Sales Manager with distributor Malcolm Cowen, and all round good guy.
Someone buy his flat please. He needs the dosh to buy more whisky!
