On the menu tonight was:
- Ardmore
- Macallan 12 “Fine Oak”
- Macallan 18 “Fine Oak”
- Highland Park 12
- Highland Park 18
Jared kicked off proceedings with the Macallans (12 and 18). I have to admit, I've never been a huge fan of The Macallan. I don't hate it by any means (I even visited the distillery a few years ago), I've just never found it as enjoyable as other Highland malts. The 12 (jokingly referred to as a great "Breakfast whisky") was as I remembered - a youthful but oaky nose, toffee palate and a fresh, short finish. Not a bad whisky, but not my favourite. The 18 I'll admit was better than I remember (maybe my tastes are changing), with a sweeter, sherried nose and palate. For those whisky nerds out there, it was interesting to note that Macallan use one of the lowest percentages of "heart" in the business - just 16% of the new make spirit is actually captured and aged to make the whisky.
Next up was the Ardmore - a NAS (No Age Statement) whisky aged somewhere from 8-12 years. I'd never tried it before, but I liked its credentials - non chill-filtered, bourbon barrel aged, then finished in quarter casks (Jared explained that chill filtering can take 2-3 days and the equipment can cost upwards of $500k. Given it's also frowned upon in some circles, it's not hard to see why some distilleries forgo it!)
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The Ardmore was explained as an "introduction to peat" (ahead of the peatier Highland Parks), and while I couldn't find any on the nose, there was a definite hint of smoke on the palate and finish. A very enjoyable whisky.
Last were the Highland Parks. The "HPs" are usually well received by both whisky fans and new whisky drinkers alike. Easy drinking, yet complex and well-rounded. The 12 and the 18 didn't disappoint tonight, with hints of honey, underlying smoke and an overall sweetness that's hard to resist. I don't own a bottle of HP yet, but I probably should...
In true Scotch Club style, the night ended with a cheese and dip platter - always a great end to the night (OK, well maybe with one more single malt for the road...)
Cheers,
- Martin.
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