Random Musings from Dan.
Stories from Scotland and Beyond!
Here is a nugget from a pivotal experience in Scotland:
Let me set the stage. There were eight of us that had gathered in Forres, Scotland to explore an innovative course designed to explore an in depth understanding of whisky production. It starts with the cultivation of barley and culminates with experiencing the sensory explosion that comes from the cask. The magic happens when eight people from eight different cultures and seven different countries (well Texas is kind of its own country, isn’t it?) are drawn together by this extraordinary spirit. Which exemplifies one of the most important theories that I teach. Whisky (especially Scotch) is one of those things where the experience is as important as the liquid. Each time I enjoy a dram, I appreciate the fact that that moment, with those people, and that dram is unique and will never happen again. We enjoyed the end of our intense, week long studies with a marvelous graduation dinner that was punctuated by receiving our certificates. At this point, Mr. Scott Thompson posits “Hey, I don’t know if you all know how big of a deal I am, but I am one of eight people in the world that have this certificate.” - Cool.
A neat thing
I took this picture during a recent trip to Scotland. These are the wormtube condensers at the mothballed Dallas Dhu Distillery. Worm tub condensers are basically a coil of copper that is submerged in large wooden vessels that are filled with cool water. The vapor from the stills enters this coil and condenses back into an alcoholic solution that is then directed into receiver tanks. This type of condenser has become less popular as it provides less copper contact than other types of condensers. This, in turn, produces a heavier spirit. There are a few distilleries that aim for that profile and a few more new distilleries that are trying to create a distinction and therefore employing the wormtube. Further understanding of this part of the distillation process can be discovered by taking one of my classes.
Another neat thing.
Another image taken from a recent trip to Scotland. This time, I was able to visit the “Spiritual birthplace of Scotch whisky.” The first literary mention of production comes from the Exchequer Rolls stating that Friar John Cor, “By the King’s command” was “to make aquavitae within the period of record, 8 bolles of malt.” This image is an example of the marvelous juxtaposition of the ancient with the modern that is so often found in Scotland. This is the still house of Lindores Abbey Distillery that is found amidst the ruins of the original Lindores Abbey. To explore this in more detail, I invite you to sign up for a class.
My Current Favorite
Category: Single Malt Scotch Distillery: Glen Scotia Expression: Icons of Campeltown - The Mermaid, 12 Year Details: 12 year old age statement, unpeated, aged in Palo Cortado casks
I am not naive to the fact that marketing is a game, but I do have a soft spot for the narrative that is created. After all, is it not the story that allows us to revel in the mysteries that these spirits create? Not only do I love the marketing ploy of this expression, it is also one of the finest Scotches that I have had the opportunity to enjoy. It is a little pricey, but I will be buying a second bottle such that I will have a supply when this one runs dry. This is number one of a series to be released by Glen Scotia over the next five years - I can’t wait for the next release!