I Don’t Read Tasting Notes
March 11th, 2013Thoughts on tasting notes, and how they adversely affect my own tastings.
Tiers of Quality
January 28th, 2013Thoughts on Tiers of Quality in manufacturing, and how the same concept can be applied to the whisky industry, and how it affects a consumer’s ability to effectively spend his or her money on quality products.
Supply and Demand
December 17th, 2012I like to think that the cause of the historically established whisky bubble/bust cycle is twofold. One, the law of supply and demand coupled with the lengthy aging process of whisky. Two, the capriciousness of public opinion and global taste trends.
2012 Holiday Whisky Gift Guide
December 10th, 2012Around this time of year I get a lot of emails from people asking for gift suggestions. So, I’ve worked up a handy little chart for anyone who wants to gift something “slightly better” than last year’s gift.
Book Review: The World Atlas of Whisky by Dave Broom
December 3rd, 2012…that makes it my “desert island” whisky book, and the one I would recommend anchor any whisky lover’s library. If Dave Broom’s World Atlas of Whisky were a dram, I would definitely award it with a “Must Have” rating.
Top 10 Whisky Gifts for 2012
November 12th, 2012Whisky enthusiasts are easy to buy for. Most of us are happy to try a new and unfamiliar Scotch, and will be enthused to drain the bottle even if it doesn’t become a new favorite. Here are my top 10 suggestions for giving whisky gifts in 2012.
WhiskyMe App Review
October 29th, 2012There are a slew a wine-rating apps on the iOS App Store, but not so many whisky-rating apps. WhiskyMe provides a whisky tasting notebook in your pocket with several very nice features, and room to grow.
What is White Dog?
October 1st, 2012Some discussion of white dog / new make / moonshine, comparison to aged whisky, and a tasting of Buffalo Trace White Dog (wheated mash), and Onyx Moonshine.
Bourbon Still Confuses Me
August 30th, 2012Bourbon, although on the face of it a simple drink made only of corn, grains, water, yeast, oak, and time, it still has more capacity confuse than the ancient and (to some) arcane system of nomenclature used in Scotch distribution.
What Are Whisky Liqueurs?
August 9th, 2012A Liqueur is a spirit base (whether vodka, rum, whisky, neutral grain spirit, or whatever else) flavored with natural (or unnatural?) flavorings like nuts, herbs, spices, and especially sugar. Liqueurs form the sweetener of a great many classic cocktails, and add interesting flavors to new, inventive drinks. A whisky liqueur is, simply, any sweetened or flavored spirit that starts with a whisky (or whiskey) base. Whisky liqueurs are really meant for mixing, and I doubt anyone would recommend drinking them neat at room temperature.
