Forget extreme ironing – this was extreme whisky tasting. After a wee warm up in the Steading, Jeff’s unusual home made and very palatable sloe whisky, and the delightful Glencadam – a honeyed and full bodied whisky – we had the choice of the bad weather route or Castlelaw and bust. After that warmup caution had become a laughable notion so we went for it. Up and into the blizzard. Spectacle and contact wearers had an advantage as the ice scoured the eyeballs. Huddled on a hillside a very fine smokey whisky from Oban warmed us as we sheltered as best we could in the lee. The next was a recommendation from Willie; an unusually thick Pedro Ximenez sherry cask finished whisky. Oz was very taken by this one, and demanded a photo of its colour in the cup. The coup de grace was administered by a full on 46% Bunnahabhain; a fine finish and a fitting toast to Andy Millard, co-founder of the run. We were glad to get off the hill and back to the Steading for food. Thanks to Oz for another inspired outing. Same again next year (but with sunshine)!
Digby
Whisky Chaser Ode
We gathered together in the warm Steading bar,
Drank coffee and beers, spied the menu from afar.
Off we trotted into gloom and dreich weather,
Good whisky was forecast, and no doubt some blether.
Boghall trails boggy, Woodhouslee climbing,
Two bottles down and Castlelaw looming.
The spindrift coated the deep muddy peat
So we cuddled together in the leeside to preserve our heat.
Allermuir, Caerketton and a toast with an Islay
Andy Millard remembered for the 5th bottle finale.
Down through the snow and a meal in the Steading,
Beer and more whisky, and for some – apple crumble pudding.
Cheers Oz!
Mark Hartree