A First Time For Everything

There were a lot of firsts last night. Last night was the first time the CADHC had a Whiskey Bros. Whiskey Tasting at their event. This was also the first time we had done an event like this one and our first time out with the point cards. The first time I'd served whiskey in the same room with a camel was also the first time we had done a party at Long Branch Farms.

Best though, it was the first time many of our guests had tried the whiskeys we brought.

Mike spoke about our selection process for this suite, and I can honestly say that we were on the right track, but the audience was a bit of a surprise. We had assembled a list that was heavy on Bourbons and fairly common bottles, and adding in more Scotch as it became possible via donations. As it happens,this crowd was very much into the single malts. We had quite a few people that were interested in the high end stuff, more than I imagined.

Some had never tried premium single malts, others had some experience but wanted to learn more. Diageo provided us with a flavor map that helped us explain the regions and traditional flavors of Scotland better.

Our selection allowed us to take people on tasting tours, which were a lot of fun to direct. From the lowlands via Auchentoshan straight to Speyside via Cragganmore, Glenrothes and Macallan, into the highlands via The Dalmore, Glen Garioch or Oban up to Orkney to visit Highland Park, out to Skye for Talisker then finally landing in Islay with Bowmore, Caol Ila, Lagavulin or Laphroaig. With our tasting cards, people could do the whole region and still have points left.

Our Bourbons received a lot of attention, especially those that are seen less often. Bulleit got a lot of praise and was loved for both its flavor and value. Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare and Blanton's got some play but not nearly as much attention as the Pappy Van Winkle 15 and 20.

Ireland was a favorite stop for a few people. Bushmills Malt 10, and Black Bush saw more action than Jameson or Jameson 12. Red Breast 12 is always appreciated by the lovers of Irish Whiskeys and the Tyrconnell got a couple takers as well. More on Ireland later though.

Suntory Yamazaki took a few people by surprise. We had both the 12 and the 18 year expressions of Yamazaki which always get a great reaction.

The biggest hits of the night were the super premiums. The Scott's Selections Macallan 1985, and Highland Park 1981 were both appreciated, as were the Beltramo's Highland Parks (1986 and 1990) but the biggest reactions came from the Bushmills 1608 and Crown Royal Cask No. 16.

We had the rare honor of being able to pour the Bushmills 1608 before its release later this month and if our crowd is any kind of indicator, it's going to fly off shelves. We only pulled out the 1608 for people who were very knowledgeable, or interested in the Irish whiskeys. Every time I started talking through the crystal barley I would draw a crowd. When every taster loved it, their reaction brought even more attention to it.

This was fun and educational for everyone who participated. Many learned what they like and a couple learned what they didn't like. Two lessons that are equally valuable, but the latter is less entertaining.

I've been getting a lot of inquirys about the next event, so we'll have to firm up some plans and soon. Right now we're looking to the Dream Machines in April and to do something simmilar for Memorial Day weekend at BayCon.