The month of September (in my diary at least) appears to be mostly about alcohol. Having just done a tasting with the Drinks Enthusiast, I was soon drawn into the Whisky Festival organised by The Whisky Lounge at the Palace Hotel, part of Manchester Food and Drink Festival.
It was a bit of a new experience for me – having just learned the ‘how to’ with wine and a beer tasting, it was time to put the same ideas into practice with whisky.
I had been pre-warned about how busy it was going to be, but even as we arrived at 4pm, the queue was long. I was also surprised to notice that I was one of rather few women attending – it seems whisky is still (perceived at least) as more of a man’s game – though I’m pleased to add that all the gentlemen there, were just that.
As a group of four, we had a scan of the stands on offer and made vague plans. With so much choice, it was going to be difficult to visit every stand and certainly not every whisky. Two of the group were specifically looking to buy, whereas Mr GFB and I were open to the option, but more to try – I’m certainly still finding my feet where whisky is concerned.
In the basement, there were immediate winners – The Berry Brothers & Rudd stand had an immense number on offer and the Inchgower, described to me by Robert Whitehead (is he a relative of Olly Smith – he has the same vitality and enthusiasm) as a very weird whisky, punchy and spicy, reminiscent of a dusty antiques shop in a glass, with added Moroccan spices, was just that. Closing your eyes you were there, dust motes in the sun through the window, smell of cinnamon in the air. Additionally, their King’s Ginger Liqueur (an exceptional best seller) is heavenly – a Jamaican ginger cake in alcoholic form.
Compass Box also managed to convert me to blends – I’ve always been a single malt lady, my Dad always preferred blends, but those usually on offer in your high street off licence are just unpleasant and better suited to mixing. These however, were completely different. I was taken through from their ‘everyday’ whisky, Great King St Artist’s Blend, through to my personal favourite, Hedonism.
Advised by my friend Katharine, I headed to Tuillabardine to try their Sauternes Wood and their Sherry Wood finish whiskies. The gentleman behind the stand was expecting me – ”Do you have very red hair?’ he asked – does my reputation proceed me?
Back upstairs, the English Whisky Company was an absolute delight – see English and you automatically worry it’s not going to be any good, but every single one, even the heavier peated whisky (Chapter 11) and their sherry (St George’s PX), was gorgeous. I’d have been more than happy taking a bottle or two home.
Also upstairs, Buffalo Trace offered some lovely Bourbons – in particular the Elmer T Lee was beautiful – less fiery than some of it’s counterparts on the stand. Bruichladdich‘s Organic Multi Vintage was lovely and buttery, adding a contrast to the others on their stand.
The Suntory Yamazaki also deserves a mention, as does (unsurprisingly) the Scapa 16 year old and the Old Pulteney 21 year old, all three of which were winners. Balvennie were also there and I made a bee-line for their 14 year old Caribbean Rum aged whisky – I’ve been lucky enough to try all the others on offer at a previous tasting at Epernay and this was is an excellent addition to their range.
Finally, at the suggestion (and quite rightly) the Glenfiddich Non-Chill Filtered 15 year old – described as a ‘punch in the face’ was also an excellent one to try – a touch of water, stilled it’s strength, but didn’t detract from it’s flavour, still punch and exciting, it’s well worth it.
All in all, a fantastic range on offer, a great atmosphere and (despite one or two people being a little worse for wear) an excellent afternoon. Huge thanks to the Whisky Lounge for organising it, I’ll see you next time!