Head to Head: Good Scotch, Bad Scotch — The Singleton of Glendullan vs. Cutty Sark
Sometimes it takes a glaringly imbalanced comparison to really provide perspective on what you’re drinking. I was afforded this opportunity when a couple of my buddies busted out their bottles of The Singleton of Glendullan 12 yr. Single Malt Scotch and Cutty Sark Blended Scotch. The Singleton…
A Simple, Stellar Speyside Scotch: Aberlour 10
Many uninitiated Scotch drinkers are a little wary when approaching the legendary beverage. Its potent flavours, high alcohol content, hefty reputation and steep price can be enough to scare off all but the most stalwart drinkers. Thankfully, Aberlour 10 Year Old Highland Single Malt Scotch…
A Bangin’ Single Barrel Bourbon: Eagle Rare 10 Year
The first time I tried Eagle Rare 10 Year, I was already several drinks (and a hardy several at that) deep at a fairly rowdy work event. My co-worker had purchased it for some occasion or other, and in his alcoholically-amalgamated generosity, proffered a taste…
Too Bad to Buy: McClelland’s Budget Scotch
William Faulkner once said, “There is no such thing as bad whiskey.” This proves two things: 1. Faulkner really liked whiskey and 2. He had never tried McClelland’s Islay Single Malt Scotch. Listen, I understand being on a tight budget. Really, I do. And I…
Forty Creek Copper Pot Reserve: A Rye That Deserves Gold
I was first introduced to Forty Creek when I was at the liquor store looking for a half decent rye and was short on cash. I absolutely refused to buy Canadian Club, so that didn’t leave too much else in my price range:…
When to Water Your Whisky: Lagavulin 16 Scotch
I am a simple man when it comes to my beverages. I take my coffee black, my cocktails cold and, above all, my spirits neat. I was taught from a young age by my Scotch-sipping mother that this fluid was to be enjoyed straight up,…
Scotch Tasting in Chicago: The Kilt Warmer
Chicago turned out to be a damn good place to get a drink. Bars abound, and the price of alcohol there makes a Canadian want to weep walking into an LCBO. Needless to say, I indulged readily and frequently. Near the hotel I stayed at,…
What’s a ‘Whiskey’?
One of my most frequently asked questions is, essentially, ‘what’s a whiskey?’ Is bourbon a whiskey? What’s the difference between Scotch and Irish Whiskey? Why do we call it rye in Canada? What the hell is sour-mash? With minimized technical jargon, let me set the…