Scotch Tasting in Seattle

**Streetcar** · 8th November 06, 11:11 AM

On November 3rd, the Single Malt Scotch Whisky Society hosted a tasting at Seattle's Rainier's club.

As a member, I hosted a table.

There were suprisingly few kilties there, but I did see several Irish Nationals, a couple of Gunns and one gentleman was wearing a Glengary Ancient, which was almost identical to my Clanranald Ancient.

Anyway, here's my formal outfit:

Here I am channeling P1M:

And finally, a shot for those of you who asked to see the pleatwork:

I lost track of how many different scotchs I tried. But I focused more along the sherry tones. Standouts include the Aberlour 12 year old (An interesting taste of nuts underneath), the Glenmorangie (both the Madiera and especially the Burgandywood!) The Aberlour 16 year old was good, but my preference was still for the 12 year old. I've got a bottle of the Aberlour A'bunadh, at home, so I skipped tasting it this year.

I tried the Balvenie Port wood, which was all right, but didn't do that much for me - especially when compared to the others. The same rings true for the Dalmore Cigar malt. It is supposedly meant to be sampled with a cigar. But with Washington's draconian smoking laws, smoking was not allowed ANYWHERE, including outside. So instead, the Dalmore reps handed out small squares of bittersweet chocolate to try and activate the same tastebuds.
I found out that tasting bittersweet chocolate is a great way to ruin a good scotch...

I did enjoy the Glenfiddich Solera Reserve and the Highland Park 18 year old. (Nice "cool" start with honeyed tones and a sherry nose.)

I tried several of the Society's cask-strength scotches. Specifically a 13 year old Capmpbeltown (Glen Scotia) which was far too mild for my mood that evening. However, I really liked the 12 year old Islay malt (Bowmore Distillery). I did try a 32 year old Highland malt (Glen Keith) which was exceptionally smooth. It may have been the "finest" I tried, but again, it was just too...mellow...for my tastes that night. Pity, as it was probably the most expensive offering I tried!

I heard great things about the Talisker 18 year old, and the Talisker 175th Anniversary. Unfortunately, the were gone by the time I got to that table. The real buzz (from people whose taste I trust) was about the Laphroaig Quarter cask. The tasting notes list "Autum gold in colour. The nose is slightly peaty yet smooth and velvety with creamy aromas when water is added. The finish is long with creamy and wood sweetness."
That may be a bottle I end up buying just on others recommendations.

All in all it was a fantastic time. I can hardly wait for the next one!

**Monkey@Arms** · 8th November 06, 11:24 AM

Very dashing looking ensemble. I must say, I enjoy my malts, but lack as discerning a palate as you have. Oh well, probably saves me money

Best regards,

Jake

**Big Dave** · 8th November 06, 11:33 AM

Looking sharp.

**Ialtog** · 8th November 06, 11:46 AM

That jacket is just so amazingly sharp. The event sounds like a lot of fun. I tasted my first Glenmorangie sherry wood a few weeks ago. One of the guys in my Celtic society has a wide-ranging interest in single malt so when we are at an event together I always ask him to pick a new one for me to try. Dang, but I liked that one.

**beloitpiper** · 8th November 06, 01:53 PM

You look impeccable, but I must disagree with you about the chocolate. I find that warm chocolate (sometimes I'll use fresh chocolate-chip cookies) compliments a fine Scotch very well.