So, what are you drinking now?

After returning from guys weekend yesterday, last night @jordytropp and I hosted the Society's October Outturn Preview Tasting in Seattle for 33 people at a local restaurant. We tasted through the following;

Ben Nevis SMWS 78.52 (8 year - Dec. 2012) "Jolly nice" - 1st-fill ex-bourbon hogshead - 59.1% ABV

Loch Lomond SMWS 135.42 (21 year - July 2000) "Fun in the sun" - 1st-fill ex-bourbon barrel - 54.9% ABV

Mannochmore SMWS 64.127 (12 year - May 2009) "Going luxe" - After 9 years in an ex-bourbon hogshead, transferred into a 1st-fill custom toasted American and European oak barrique cask - 58.4% ABV

Craigellachie SMWS 44.149 (14 year - Oct. 2006) "The early bird gets the worm" - After 12 years in an ex-bourbon hogshead, transferred to a 2nd-fill ex-Oloroso hogshead - 62.1% ABV

Strathmill SMWS 100.34 (11 year - March 2010) "Oh, to be in a bodega again..." - After 8 years in an ex-bourbon hogshead, transferred to a 1st-fill Oloroso hogshead - 56.7% ABV

Allt-a-Bhainne SMWS 108.47 (10 year - Sep. 2011) "I dream of genie..." - 2nd-fill ex-bourbon barrel - 62.1% ABV

About "blended whiskis": the only whiskis which are not 'blended' are cask strength no-additive single cask whiskis. All others are blendings of whiski with, e.g. 1) other casks of whiski from the same distillery, 2) other casks of whiski from one or more other distilleries, 3) additives like "colouring agents" and flavouring agents, and 4) WATER.

From the beginning "triage" is carried out by all commercial producers to determine what blending, if any, will suit the commercial interests of the various expressions which they have chosen for their product line. A great deal of thought and planning goes into the decision-making as to which casks will be blended with which other casks in order to create any specific planned product.

@Victor - When combining single malt casks from the same distillery, instead of using the word blending, I've used "vatting". For me, it takes the confusion out of the equation as opposed to a malt blend (single malts from more than one distillery) or blend (single malts and grain whisky from more than one distillery). I would appreciate your thoughts on this.

@bwmccoy yes indeed maximum conceptual clarity is always what will best support all of our communications about whisky, and indeed, all our own own internal conceptualizations on the subject of whisky.

I used the word "blending", above, to refer to casks from within the production of the same distillery specifically for the explicit purpose of highlighting that the process of mixing together the contents of two (or more) barrels/casks of fluid/whisky for the purpose of forming a new unique composite product incorporating the partial features of both individual casks is no different whether those casks be from one distillery of origin or from more than one distillery of origin.

In general practice I employ the terms "blended" and "blends" in the same ways that you do and the same ways as the current general conventions. My purpose is merely to bring attention to fact that the skill of the "blender" is universally employed and routinely relied upon in the production of "single" un-"blended" malt whisky products. When Ardbeg, for example, decides that THESE 40 casks are the specific ones that they choose for brand new deluxe super product X, this is a BLENDING exercise that they employed in the process of formulating this unique "single malt whisky". All of my efforts are intended for the purpose of promoting conceptual clarity.

I have made it very clear over the last 11.7 years that I consider whiski terminology in general, and especially Scottish "official" traditional whisky terminology to be archaic and anachronistic. Obfuscatory anachronistic terminology is frequently used to deceive the purchasers and appreciators of all forms of whiski. What I want to see is maximum truthfulness and clarity in the promotion and marketing of whiski.

@Victor - Thanks! I completely agree with you. Well said and on point as usual. Thanks again!

G&M 1997 Caol Ila 23 YO first Fill Sherry Butt Single Cask No. 12494.

This is like drinking candy.

The first fill sherry butt sweetness carries pepper and ash from palate to finish. A soothing wave of menthol precedes the peppery tickle on the exit. A very faint hint of anise is toying playfully with Maynard's Wine Gums....were these once called Jacob's wine gums? There is a tertiary note...Jack Link's Beef Jerky does not succeed in taking the lead, but it would be interesting if it did. Gonna share this one with the lads at the hunt camp this weekend.

Last night I had the last of my JW Black Label Sherry Casks. It was a nice whisky but I'm not sure I'll replace it. Since the dram was barely 0.5 oz, I decided to revisit my bottle of Laphroaig 10 year (43% abv). It has been at the "cottage" since May and is about 2/3 full. I'm not sure if it's the result of not having had a pour of Laphroaig in a while, but this really hit the spot last night. This bottle seems to have more peat reek and ash than vanilla, which is a great thing in my opinion.

After consultation with a few fellow Connosr members, decided to crack open Glenfarclas 185. Neck pour:

Nose takes time to open up but it evolves wonderfully carrying with it age. Palate needs to settle because it is constantly evolving.

Work has been crazy the past few months with no end in sight. However, I received an unexpected raise today, so I decided to celebrate by finishing off the last dram of the best open bottle in my cabinet.

Ledaig 18 year (2001) Gordon & Macphail's Connoisseurs Choice single cask - Refill Sherry Butt - 56.3% ABV.

Really going to miss this one, but it was perfect for the occasion.

@bwmccoy congratulations!

@TracerBullet - Thank you!

To all of my Canadian Connosr friends, looking forward to the Wildcard series between the Mariners and the Blue Jays. Obviously, I'm rooting for the M's, but if they don't move on, I will be rooting for the Blue Jays going forward. Would love for the Yankees and Astros to be eliminated from the playoffs!

After a very filling Turkey dinner and before and during Chocolate fondue dessert, I wanted a dram after a hard week at work.

I looked at my cabinet hoping to get inspiration. My gaze landed on a bottle of Talisker 57°N. First opened Jan. 2017, last poured almost a year and a half ago, and by the look of the full level past time to decant. So I poured the majority into a 2 oz bottle and the rest, about 30 cc, into a glass.

Sipping it neat tonight, as enjoyable as when it was opened those many years ago. How’s that for a “slow burner”, @jeanluc?

For happy hour tonight, my wife and I had a couple of Black Manhattan's made with Maker's Mark 46.

Later, I rated 6 open bottles.

Ben Nevis SMWS 78.52 (8 year - Dec. 2012) "Jolly nice" - 1st-fill ex-bourbon hogshead - 59.1% ABV. It's interesting to try a Ben Nevis without any sherry influence, but unfortunately, this one isn't that great. Drinkable, but nothing special. Rating: 84.

Loch Lomond SMWS 135.42 (21 year - July 2000) "Fun in the sun" - 1st-fill ex-bourbon barrel - 54.9% ABV. This one is liquid barley! Rating: 89.

Mannochmore SMWS 64.127 (12 year - May 2009) "Going luxe" - After 9 years in an ex-bourbon hogshead, transferred into a 1st-fill custom toasted American and European oak barrique cask - 58.4% ABV. The mix of American and European oak is really interesting. To me, it is a lighter version of French oak. Rating: 90.

Craigellachie SMWS 44.149 (14 year - Oct. 2006) "The early bird gets the worm" - After 12 years in an ex-bourbon hogshead, transferred to a 2nd-fill ex-Oloroso hogshead - 62.1% ABV. A very balanced dram. Rating: 88.

Strathmill SMWS 100.34 (11 year - March 2010) "Oh, to be in a bodega again..." - After 8 years in an ex-bourbon hogshead, transferred to a 1st-fill Oloroso hogshead - 56.7% ABV. In order to rate this one, I compared it to two other Society Strathmill's that were distilled on the exact same day and with the exact same cask profiles. Rating is the same as the other two bottles: 93.

Allt-a-Bhainne SMWS 108.47 (10 year - Sep. 2011) "I dream of genie..." - 2nd-fill ex-bourbon barrel - 62.1% ABV. In order to rate this one, I compared it to another Society Allt-a-Bhainne. Even though the other one was younger and had more of a menthol / mint note, they were very similar which resulted in the same rating of 88.

@bwmccoy Looks like your team will be advancing after a very dramatic game 2. I'll return your offer and root for them to win their first World Series since they joined the AL with the Jays.

but I won't raise a dram - I don't drink when I'm sad....

The temperature is dropping and the craving for peat has arrived.

@Nozinan - I totally understand you not raising a dram. Trust me. Mariner fans are all too familiar with feeling sad after every season for the last 21 years. The Astro's beat the Mariners 12 out of 19 meetings this year, so we'll see how things go for the M's starting tomorrow.

We had friends over on Saturday night for dinner and drams. I had the following;

Cragganmore SMWS 37.136 (17 year - Nov. 2003) "Bar nibbles" - After 15 years in an ex-bourbon hogshead, finished 2 years in a 2nd-fill ex-Oloroso hogshead - 59.8% ABV. A solid dram.

Craigellachie SMWS 44.149 (14 year - Oct. 2006) "The early bird gets the worm" - After 12 years in an ex-bourbon hogshead, transferred to a 2nd-fill ex-Oloroso hogshead - 62.1% ABV. This one paired perfectly with grilled New York steaks and twice baked potatoes.

Ardnamurchan AD / CK.187 05:15 Unpeated American Oak Barrel. 59.4% ABV. This is good whisky, but it didn't do anything for me.

Deanston 1997 PX Butt hand-filled at the distillery on March 20, 2022. 55.7% ABV. Stunning!

Ardmore 10-year single cask, cask strength from James Eadie independent bottler. Cask # 802944. Distilled 06/23/2010. Bottled 2021. Refill bourbon barrel. 60.4% ABV. A really nice example of an Ardmore. More depth and complexity than I have experienced in some Ardmore's.

Caol Ila from The Firkin Whisky Company (Independent Bottlers). Distilled in 2012. Single cask number 5. Marsala cask. 48.9% ABV. This is a beautifully refined Caol Ila. Exquisite!

Caol Ila SMWS 53.373 (10 year - Nov. 2010) "The gourmand maltster" - Refill ex-bourbon hogshead - 59.5% ABV. Quintessential Caol Ila!

Finished the night with a heavily peated Laphroaig SMWS 29.281 (10 year - Sep. 2010) "Driftwood Barbecue!" - 2nd-fill ex-bourbon barrel - 60.8% ABV. I think this was everyone's favorite of the night.

Last night (Sunday), for happy hour, my wife and I had a Jerry Thomas Manhattan before dinner. After dinner, I had a Greenpoint cocktail.

Later, I had a dram of Westland Distillery (Seattle, WA) Cask # 6140 Single cask release, cask strength 7 year (4 year New American Oak + 3 year Pineau des Charentes brandy cask) 50.5% ABV with a little water added. Lots of dark chocolate notes. Lovely.

Tonight, I had the last dram of Glen Scotia SMWS 93.170 (9 year - Mar. 2012) "Mermaid karate" - 1st-fill ex-bourbon barrel - 58.6% ABV.

Finishing with a dram of peated Glenturret SMWS 16.60 (10 year - Nov. 2010) "Entering uncharted paths" - Re-charred hogshead - 56.9% ABV.

GlenDronach SMWS 96.34 (11 year - March 2009) "Stroll Through the Seasons" - 1st-fill ex-bourbon barrel - 60.2% ABV.

Finished with Glen Scotia SMWS 93.177 (8 year - March 2013) "Crossing the event horizon" - 1st-fill ex-bourbon barrel - 58.6% ABV.

@bwmccoy Speaking of Glen Scotia, I think I'm going to replace my empty bottle of Victoriana.

I'm pulling for the Ms now since they humiliated the Jays. It's all about pitching and the Ms have an excellent bullpen.

Inspired by @bwmccoy, I’m having a Jerry Thomas Manhattan. I have neglected this cocktail and I shouldn’t have. It is delightful! (Note that it is not as large a cocktail as it looks at first. There is a large clear ice cube in there!)

Breaking in my Halloween Tiki Rocks glasses with a couple of Trader Vic's Mai Tai‘s.

Finished off the evening with a dram of Gold Spot.

@BlueNote - Well the Astros pretty much humiliated the M's, but that 18-inning game 3 was an instant classic! After losing the first 2 games, I didn't think the M's would win 3 in a row to take the series, but it would have been fun to push it to a 4th or 5th game. There's always next year...

@TracerBullet - Gald you liked the Jerry Thomas Manhattan. I could really use one of those right now, but I'm at work. We're moving our office from one building to another which means shutting down our network, moving it to the new building and hoping that it all comes up correctly. After a 13 hour day yesterday (Friday), starting hour 14 today and will be back tomorrow. I know when I do get to have a drink, it is going to taste amazing, no matter what it is.

@bwmccoy I was rooting for the Mariners against the Astros. For Mariners' fans games 1 and 3 were torture to watch. That is one long-suffering fan base.

I rooted for the Washington Senators when I was a boy. They were consistently terrible during the 1960s until one year they got to be good, so they shipped the team to Minnesota. The new replacement team was terrible. Then they left for good in 1972 and there was no MLB in DC for more than 30 years. DC metro people became Orioles fans out of lack of other options. At least Seattle had a team that made the playoffs this season.

Now I root for those perennial underdogs the San Diego Padres, but I consider it to be a very bad sign that their fan base was united in solely "BEAT L.A.!" sentiment. Now that they have done that the team may well have a let down. Of course the Phillies are very good at having let downs too. In the end, "there can be only one".

My youngest son played his first ever hockey game last night, so I was in a bit of a celebratory mood (despite the fact that their team got shellacked 7-2). My brother-in-law, who is almost as excited about my son's hockey as I am, was at our place so the whiskies weren't exactly belters. But someone much smarter than me once said that a mediocre dram can be exceptional when shared with friends and family. It was a fairly tame evening consisting of:

• Jack Daniel's No.7: My b-i-l is still getting used to sipping whiski so we started easy. I'm always impressed with how consistent Old No.7 seems to be. This bottle isn't an outstanding batch by any means but it tastes exactly the way JD should; bananas, walnuts, chocolate, oak, caramel. Yes, there's some alcohol nip on the nose and finish despite the 40% abv, but I like this whiski nonetheless.
• Jameson Caskmates IPA finish: This was my b-i-l's contribution, and I can't say I enjoyed it. It was very spirit-forward and tasted like the blenders fell asleep at the switch and forgot to add the single pot still component. Maybe it's because of JD's lingering sweetness, but the interplay between the IPA notes and the whiski didn't really work for me.
• Bunnahabhain 12 year: My b-i-l had to add ice to this one as he finds scotch "too powerful". I'm not sure if it's the higher abv or the richer, fuller texture making him react that way. Anyhow, I like this malt but I don't love it. There are some lovely fruity notes (raisins, dried cranberries), some caramel, and a touch of brine but it feels a bit "mid-rangey" to me. There's a bass note and a high note missing here.

Opened the James Eadie Caol Ila 15 amontillado sherry finish last week but, due to a cold, poured it back as I couldn't taste anything but unpleasantness.

Poured another wee sip just now. It has an intriguing nose, wacky one might say, (out the wazoo @Victor) with medicinal and coastal notes battling with faint touches of sweet, dry sherry; it's not exactly stellar though ...

Taste wise, hmm. Added a drop of water now and it's not improved. I sense it won't take much and the whole thing is very disjointed. I like all the flavours on their own but, somehow, they just seem to clash with each other. It's all arrival and finish with little to no development and a weirdly thin yet waxy mouthfeel. Feels a bit like an experiment that went wrong!

Shame. Thought I'd love this and, for £100, I'd love to love it but it's an odd one. Let's see what time and air do ...

I'll send @weirdo and @Timp a sample and will be very keen to have their thoughts on it.

@Victor - Now that the Championship series teams are set, I will be rooting for the Phillies first, then San Diego. San Diego would be first, but their manager is Bob Melvin. He was previously manager of the Mariners years ago and I just can't bring myself to root for him, but I like the team. I will root for the Astros over the Yankees, but that's only because I'm originally from Texas and my first MLB game was at the Astrodome back in the day.

I've been working 12+ hour days for the past 5 days due to our office move and I just haven't had time for a whisky. However, in celebration of our network coming back on-line on time without any major issues following our move, I did celebrate with one dram last night and it did not disappoint.

Caol Ila SMWS 53.373 (10 year - Nov. 2010) "The gourmand maltster" - Refill ex-bourbon hogshead - 59.5% ABV. Notes of sprouting barley on a malting floor while next door the green malt is being dried in a kiln using peat. In other words, perfect!

Things are slowly getting back to normal with work so I was able to enjoy a couple of drams tonight.

Glenburgie SMWS 71.79 (14 year - Sep. 2006) "Adventurously awesome" - 1st-fill ex-bourbon barrel - 58.7% ABV. This one has been open since May and is finally living up to its name.

Finished with a peated Allt-a-Bhainne SMWS 108.47 (10 year - Sep. 2011) "I dream of genie..." - 2nd-fill ex-bourbon barrel - 62.1% ABV. To me, this distillery always have a unique flavor profile and this one is no different. Enjoyable enough, but not my favorite.