Whisky Galore

One of my oldest friends Keith invited me along to his place last night. He’d recorded a Van Morrison gig (BBC thing at St Lukes in London) for me and suggested we watch it over a dram or two. Now to give you an idea of Keith’s interest in whisky, have a look at [...]

It’s Official! Whisky IS Good For You!

I found this article HERE
but it contains such important health news that I will shamelessly reproduce it. Of course hardly a day goes by without one of these “scientists have discovered” articles, e.g. “eating six portions of broccoli per day can significantly prolong your life”. My answer is why would you want to prolong [...]

Bigrab’s Whisky Recommendation

As regular readers will know, I have hitherto had a preference for Highland and Speyside malts. In my ignorance I thought that all Islay malts, to a greater or lesser degree tasted like something you’d be offered to rinse your mouth out at the dentists (due to the peaty kind of TCP flavour). Whilst this [...]

Bigrab’s Whisky Recommendation

Compass Box Oak Cross is not a single malt. Single malt means that all the product in the bottle come from a single distillery. This whisky is marketed by a bottling company who vat several different whiskies from various Highland and a couple of Speyside distilleries. I sampled this one at our [...]

Bigrab’s Whisky Recommendation (3)

I really will have to change my route to town. A couple of weeks ago I was driving along when I spied Duncan, our whisky group guru and manager of the local Oddbins, at the bus stop. Of course I offered him a lift and imparted the fact to him that the bottle of Balvennie [...]

Bigrab’s Whisky Recommendation (2)

This beauty is Glenfarclas 105, a cask strength (105 degrees proof 60% alcohol) whisky. In other words it isn’t watered down like most standard whiskies (in this case you can add the water at no cost). Glenfarclas means Valley of the Green Grass. The tasting notes from their website are succinct and concise: “A deep [...]

Bigrab’s Top Whisky Recommendation (1)

The Balvenie 17 year old Sherry Oak single malt is a fine dram. This brand new Balvenie was fully matured in Oloroso sherry casks. Being a Speyside malt it is one I’d be predisposed to as they are generally my favourites. The deep colour and very rounded sweet flavour is just my cup of tea (or [...]

The Water of Life

Last night at the whisky tasting group, we had a Burns theme. Members were encouraged to wear a kilt for the ocassion and haggis, courtesy of Helensburgh butcher Joe Callaghan, was served. All the whisky was cask strength ones which means an alcohol content around 60% (in other words not watered down like most standard strength whisky which [...]