That’s right friends, it’s time for another friday roundup!
Blackmore Ealanta Murray
Many of you Scotch whisky geeks out there are familiar with David Blackmore, the always entertaining Global Master Brand Ambassador for Ardbeg and Glenmorangie. I had the fortune of sharing a few (too many) whiskies with David last night at The Last Hurrah in Boston, where we toasted the crowning of Glenmorangie Ealanta as Jim Murray’s 2014 World Whisky of the Year. In his 2014 Whisky Bible, Murray says, “not only did it (Ealanta) blow me away with its deftness, beauty and elegance, but it gave an aroma and taste profile completely new to me in over 30 years of tasting whisky.” Considering that the dude has tasted thousands and thousands of whiskies over those 30 years, I’d say that’s a pretty lofty statement. IMHO, it’s just a damn good single malt.
Photo from WhiskyIntelligence.com
The next chance to catch David Blackmore in New England will be at the upcoming…
Distiller’s Showcase of Premium Spirits
That’s right, the New Hampshire Liquor Commission is gearing up for a big spirits bash (or, if you prefer, “an evening of taste and distinction”) in Manchester on the 21st of November. The event will feature over 200 spirits brands as well as food from local NH restaurants. If you haven’t been to Manch Vegas lately, this may be the time to break that spell. Oh, and here’s the kicker, they’ll be sampling a 16 year Aberfeldy single cask that is currently being offered exclusively at the NH Liquor and Wine Outlets. The only downside to this event is that it’s on the same night as the…
Single Malt & Scotch Whisky Extravaganza in Boston. Which is a bloody shame! I mean, c’mon whisky-event-planning-people! There aren’t that many whisky events in the greater New England area that you have to put two fantastic events (that are less than an hour away from each other) on the same friggin’ night. Anyway, I guess you’ll have to make a decision of one or the other unless you have the ability to clone yourself. Which I, unfortunately, do not. So, I will be going to this SMWSA event, as I have for the past two years. It’s a great event held at the Taj Hotel in downtown Boston. And, if you’re looking for tickets, you can use the code “DRINKINSIDER2013” to receive the SMWSA member’s price.
Coincidentally, I learned last night that David Blackmore started his whisky career with the Scotch Malt Whisky Society in Scotland. Just a little fun fact for your Friday enjoyment.
Photo from WhistlePig
WhistlePig Boss Hog
Speaking of enjoyment, WhistlePig is gearing up to release their newest offering – a 12 1/2 year, 100% single grain rye whiskey. I had an opportunity to taste Boss Hog at a release party the other night in Boston and I can tell you that if you’re a fan of WhistlePig’s other releases, you’re going to love this juice. It’s a 134 proof bruiser, with an extremely complex palate full of sharp rye spice, nutmeg, cocoa, mint and allspice. Dave Pickerell, Master Distiller for WhistlePig (and former Master Distiller at Maker’s Mark) says that the whiskey was selected from 24 of their oldest and finest barrels. He also claims that they’ll be releasing more of these kind of releases down the line, also to be released under the “Boss Hog” name.
Yay, Thanksgiving!
Finally, just want to give a little shout out to one of my favorite local bottle shops in the Boston area, Bin Ends. In addition to opening up their second location recently in Needham (congrats, guys!), they’ll also be hosting their annual Turkey Tasting in Braintree this Sunday, November 10th. I’ve frequented their awesome monthly Fancy Flea Markets for years, but this special Turkey Tasting event is always one of the most fun. Nearly 100 wines to sample, great discounts and a Thanksgiving buffet. Oh, did I mention it’s free?
Till next Friday… drink well.