Short version – where the hell were you? Numbers were low this year, possibly due to Stuc, with just a dozen of us venturing out from The Steading. Even stalwarts like Nick, Gordon and Shane were missing.
More fool them. Personally, I think Oz excelled himself this year, with a set of ridiculously good malt whiskies and the finest weather ever experienced on a Chaser. Even better, despite multiple drams at each stop (for those that wanted them), there was still enough left to auction off at the end, for the benefit of the Friends of the Pentlands. I shall enjoy the remains of the Kilchoman all the more for knowing I outbid The President for it. Thanks Oz!
Joel
For the full story – read on.
Mackmyra Brukswhisky – A Swedish Single Malt. Who knew?
Where : Above Boghall Oz’s Notes : Nose – butterscotch, citrus, pear, liquorice, banana and mint. Taste – delicate spiciness with toffee, anise, ginger and sweet almond. Finish – vanilla and marzipan, with a hint of play dough. Joel’s Notes : Nice, definitely worth a second helping |
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Glenfiddich IPA – Mmmm, beer
Where : Sheltered slopes of Woodhouselee Hill Oz’s Notes : Nose – green apple, spring blossom, some herbs and just a hint of aromatic hops. Taste – vibrant, with rich vanilla and zesty citrus flavours. Finish – enduring sweetness with an echo of green hops. Joel’s Notes : not your typical Glenfiddich. Good enough to take a top up |
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Ben Nevis 10 yr old – made from melt water from Coire Leis, Coire na Ciste and the CIC hut outflow.
Where : Castlelaw, with a glorious view the length of the Pentlands Oz’s Notes : Nose – malt and nut (almond?) notes with some dried fruit and the faintest hint of coffee. Taste – rich and chewy with some caramel sweetness, honey and dark chocolate. Finish – fairly long, rich and sweet. Joel’s Notes : Better than the miniature you get after the Ben race. Had a splash more for good forms sake |
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Kilchoman Sanaig – sherried peaty smoke, smoky peat, with extra sherried peat and smoke
Where : The heathery slopes of Allermuir. Oz’s Notes : peat, smoke and some soft cooked fruits with caramel and vanilla. Palate – toffee, peat smoke and citrus with a lingering sweetness. Finish – well balanced peat smoke fruit and more sweetness. Joel’s Notes : Oh wow. When is the auction? |
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Longrow – to be honest, it was all getting a bit much by now.
Where : Hillend Fort. Oz’s Notes : Nose – very creamy, then the smoke develops gradually, followed by aromas of toasted marshmallows. Taste – rich and creamy with a fruitiness and herb note. Finish – long with waves of smoke and a little dash of iodine. Joel’s Notes : Pretty good. But not as good as the Kilchoman. |
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The aftermath – A bidding war for the Kilchoman has almost destroyed a great friendship between myself and Willie. I’ll need to make recompense, probably by letting Willie loose on it. |
Fiona and Geo’s Photos