I thoroughly blame Mr GFB for my growing whisky obsession. I now drink more of it than I ever have done before, and my tastes have changed massively – originally only preferring light and sweet, but now going through a heavy peaty phase that I’m beginning to think has something to do with the cold weather.
However, my knowledge is limited and my (sorry, our) stash of whisky at home only relatively small.
So discovering Manchester Whisky Club has been perfect. Led by Andy, relatively new to whisky himself, having only been drinking it ‘properly’ for around 2 years. He admits he still feels new to it himself and that since buying an Aardbeg 10 a couple of years ago, he now has 42 different whiskies. Becoming bored of drinking whisky on his own he decided to set up the club to find other likeminded whisky fans.
And he found us. Some of us more experienced and knowledgeable than others; but all of us eager to taste whisky, learn more and find those that we love.
Our first meeting took place in the Snug at the Lass O’Gowrie – working near Oxford Road, it’s a pub I know rather well and well suited to our little group – just the perfect size. Andy, after quickly setting up the tasting glasses and sheet for each member, introduced himself and we swiftly moved onto the good bit. The whisky.
The first up on our tasting sheet was a Bladnoch 10 year old whisky. Finished in Bourbon casks, this led to it having an almost salted caramel nose – slightly sweet, almost popcorn scented. On the palate it was nice and light, biscuity with a dry citrus and a teeny touch of honey, described by some as pollen-like.
Our second whisky was The Arran 14 year old whisky. This had a little more depth than the Bladnoch, with more sweetness – a brown sugar scent to it. On the palate this is a little more woody, with hints of caramelised apples and a touch of water brings out more apple crispness.
Onto our third whisky of the evening the Dalwhinnie 1992 Distillers Edition. This was just lovely. Smooth, round with a sherry cask finish. It smelt soft and warm, and was exactly the same on the palate, hinting at Christmas cake, and raisins, but with a slightly grassy finish, lifting it from heaviness and keeping it quite light.
Our penultimate whisky of the tasting was a Glendronach 15 year old ‘Revival’. We were definitely heading into the heavier flavours now and more to my current tastes. On the nose I immediately picked up orange peel, toffee and caramel. It was heavenly. On the palate, this too was gorgeous – treacle, warm, rich with a nuttiness to it that was quite addictive.
And finally to the last one of the evening and Andy had a treat for us. Bowmore Single cask – independent bottling by ‘That Boutique-y Whisky Co‘. Just looking at it, you could tell this was much older than it’s counterparts. On the nose it was piney, slightly saline, hints of peat and smoke. On the palate this was absolutely fabulous. Wood, smoke, pine, eucalyptus it was almost medicinal and divine. Heavy, but not overpowering, this was my whisky of the evening. The wood element was incredibly heavy, but the natural smokiness that Bowmore has kept it from being overpowering. I loved this so much I took a picture and immediately sent it to Mr GFB suggesting he buy this pretty thing. Given that there are only 210 or so bottles, this needs snapping up quickly.
I think it’s safe to say that my continued membership of the club is more than guaranteed – so long as they’ll have me. Outstanding whiskies, great company and a great host. Roll on the end of the month, when we get to taste a number of Tomatin whiskies – I can’t wait!
