David's Whisky Musings - Issue 10
FATHER'S DAY WHISKY INSPIRATION
Loch Lomond Steam & Fire
Loch Lomond Distillery, takes its name from this iconic body of water, known for its beauty and serenity. The "Steam & Fire" in the name encapsulates the essence of its production. The steam represents the traditional distillation process, where copper stills are heated to separate the alcohol from the mash. On the other hand, "Fire" symbolises the use of charred oak barrels for maturation.
On the nose, there is toasted oak, vanilla and as they themselves say, chocolate orange. On the palate, I found rich caramel, dark chocolate, dried fruits and a fine spice running through.
Loch Lomond has a special Father’s Day bundle including this whisky, and their latest recipe book, Scorched, from well-known open-fire chef, Genevieve Taylor. Dad’s can pore over recipe inspirations from Scallop, Chorizo and Sage Skewers to the whisky-infused Clams with Whisky and Seaweed Cream.
Bladnoch Vinaya
Bladnoch Distillery, nestled in the Lowlands of Scotland, has a history dating back to 1817. Over two centuries, it has seen periods of prosperity, closures, and ownership changes. Today, under the stewardship of Australian entrepreneur David Prior, Bladnoch is experiencing a renaissance.
After facing closure in 2014, Bladnoch was acquired by Prior, a passionate whisky enthusiast. In 2015. Prior's investment and vision aimed to restore Bladnoch to its former glory, focusing on quality and innovation. The distillery's reopening in 2017 marked a new chapter, with Vinaya being one of the key releases under the new regime.
Vinaya, which means "respect and gratitude" in Sanskrit, and is a nod to the distillery's heritage. It is a blend of malt matured in first-fill Bourbon and first-fill Sherry casks. The first smell reminded me of spring blossom, maybe because of the time of year and fresh in my mind. This is complemented by notes of honey, coffee, brioche and warm toffee. As the whisky developed, the Sherry cask's influence became more evident with the dried fruits you would expect such as raisins and sultanas. There is a gentle spiciness, with chocolate cinnamon and nutmeg. I also got some orange peel lending it a nice citrus note.
For a £50 whisky, the packaging is luxurious with a lovely texture. The square bottle design is sleek and contemporary. The bottle’s weight gives confidence that the liquid inside will be consistent with the packaging.
NORLAN WHISKY GLASS
As a whisky writer, I try to keep my professional tastings separate from my leisure drinking. When I unwind with a dram in the evening, I want to savour the experience without the need to analyse every nuance. To maintain this distinction, I refer to my professional evaluations as "tasting" and my personal enjoyment as "drinking." Additionally, I switch from using a Glencairn or fluted glass to a Norlan glass.
The Norlan Whisky Glass, designed by Icelandic designer Sruli Recht, aims to elevate the whisky-drinking experience through a blend of aesthetic beauty and functional enhancement. The design process included collaboration with master distiller Jim McEwan, ensuring the glass met the practical needs of whisky enthusiasts.
Norlan set out to create a glass that enhances the olfactory experience without sacrificing visual and tactile appeal. One of the glass's most distinctive features is its double-walled design. This not only provides excellent insulation, keeping the whisky at the ideal temperature for longer, but also creates an impressive visual effect, making the whisky appear to float within the glass.
The inner wall of the Norlan glass has specially shaped protrusions designed to aerate the whisky as it is swirled. This aeration process releases more of the whisky’s volatile compounds, enhancing its aroma and flavour profile. According to Norlan, this design increases the surface-to-air ratio, allowing for better evaporation and aroma development.
Comfort is also a key aspect of the Norlan glass design. It is shaped to fit naturally in the hand, with a sleek and smooth outer wall, and is lightweight, making it a pleasure to hold and drink from. It looks wonderful and for someone with a nice collection of whisky glasses, it is a great addition and one that I reach for regularly.
RED BANK WHISKY BY KIEFER SUTHERLAND
I have had the privilege of attending numerous events and meeting an array of fascinating people. Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting Kiefer Sutherland at the launch of his new whisky brand, Red Bank. As both a fan of the television series 24 and a whisky writer, this encounter was particularly special for me.
Before our one-on-one conversation, Kiefer treated a small audience to an intimate five-song acoustic set, showcasing his musical talents. The performance was a perfect prelude to our discussion, setting a relaxed and engaging atmosphere. Sitting down with Kiefer, I had the opportunity to delve into his passion for whisky and learn more about the inspiration behind Red Bank. Our conversation was a blend of insights into his creative process and the craftsmanship involved in developing his brand.
The idea for Red Bank originated from Sutherland's long-standing love for whisky. Inspired by his travels and the diverse whiskies he encountered along the way, he envisioned creating a brand that would offer a unique and high-quality whisky experience, that was Canadian, but not Rye dominant. This is a whisky to just sit back and enjoy with friends, whilst engaging in fine conversation, maybe reminiscing over the movies and TV shows you have seen Kiefer in.
If you are not a neat whisky drinker, then this is perfect for cocktails. When it comes to blending the perfect cocktail, the choice of whisky can make or break the experience. You don’t want the whisky to be so non-descript that it gets lost, but need enough flavour to taste. Redbank offers a blend of sweet and spicy notes that provide a robust foundation. The initial sweetness, with hints of caramel and vanilla, is balanced by a subtle peppery finish with some orchard fruits.