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| The Malt Whisky Trail: A Scotch Lover's Delight |
Thursday, September 20 |
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Speaker: Ron Kapon, Malt Whisky Afficionado and Professor of Wine Education, Fairleigh Dickinson University
It is for good reason that single malt scotch whiskies continue to increase in popularity. In fact, single malt is the only segment of the scotch market to show a growth in sales. The complexities, nuances and subtle differences between various single malts not only make for good sipping, but provide fodder for endless discussions and comparisons.
Seven single malts from the firm of Murray McDavid, one of the largest bottlers of single malts in Scotland, were sampled. They purchase stocks of top rated malts, then age and bottle them. This is a common practice in Scotland, and each bottler puts his unique imprint on the whisky. In addition, three whiskies from Bruichladdich (pronounced Brook Laddie) were also sampled.
Malts are listed in the order of presentation. The 24 attendees were asked to vote for their three favorites of the ten tasted. Prices listed are retail, full mark-up, in New York City. Notes are a combination of the speaker's and Jonathan Levine's.
All proceeds from the tasting were donated to the American Red Cross to aid in the relief efforts for victims of the World Trade Center bombings. Tasters Guild/NY also wishes to thank the Gramercy Park Hotel which donated their room rental fee for this event to the Red Cross's efforts.
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| Wines |
Votes |
Price |
Murray McDavid Rosebank 1989 (Lowland)
Aged 11 years in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks. Very light in color, coarse and hot. Notes of citrus fruits and hints of spice. Not elegant or subtle, in fact, quite young and light. Described by one as a breakfast scotch. |
N/A |
$55.00 |
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Murray McDavid Royal Brackla 1975 (Speyside)
Aged for 24 years in used sherry casks. My first experience with this lovely and masculine malt. The nose is subtle with hints of spice, heather, newly mown grass, salt spray, caramel and lemons. A big robust malt with depth and sweet honeyed flavor. |
12 |
$100.00 |
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Murray McDavid Macallan 1973 (Speyside)
One of three distilleries rated as five stars in the tasting. Aged for 26 years in used sherry casks. The group's unanimous favorite. The wonderful nose shows sherry, lemons, pears and honey. On the palate the malt lingers with more honey, pepper and spice. Elegant and long with a soft and bewitching mouth feel. A whisky to sip, savor, contemplate and laud. |
24 |
$140.00 |
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Murray McDavid Lochside 1981 (Montrose – Eastern Highlands)
Aged 18 years in refilled sherry casks. Spice, pears and herbs in the aroma and the mouth. Sweet taste with notes of salt water taffy and mint. A lighter weight malt that would make a good starter whisky. (This distillery is no longer in business.) |
3 |
$80.00 |
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Murray McDavid Highland Park 1988 (Kirkwall – Orkney Islands)
This 5 star distillery is the northern-most distillery in Scotland.. Aged 11 years in new sherry wood. The nose is oily and alcoholic, with hints of seaweed, blossoms and berries. Pale yellow color with a long and sweet briny finish. |
8 |
$65.00 |
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Bruichladdich 10 years (Islay)
The western-most distillery in Scotland. One of the least peated whiskies from the Island of Islay. Subtle, floral, light in color and weight. Notes of pears, green apples and lemons. Another good introductory malt. |
1 |
$45.00 |
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Bruichladdich 15 years (Islay)
Amber color with strong peat aroma. There are also hints of iodine and salt spray. Lingering finish. |
2 |
$65.00 |
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Bruichladdich 20 years (Islay)
The group's second favorite; this malt has a sweet aroma of honey, heather and fruits. Like a basket of apricots and kiwis enveloped in a salt spray. Round and complex with depth of character. |
13 |
$115.00 |
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Murray McDavid Bowmore 89 (Islay)
The third of the 5 star distilleries, this malt was aged 10 years in bourbon casks. The pungent aroma is of wood smoke or smokey bar-b-que sauce. Just a delightful and penetrating aroma. On the palate are the same smokey favors, mixed with herbs and hints of fruits and heather. A great tipple for fans of wood smoke. |
4 |
$65.00 |
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Murray McDavid Leapfrog 1987 (Laphroaig) (Islay)
The owners of Laphroaig have sued to prevent Murray McDavid from using their name on the malt. Hence, the proprietary name--Leapfrog. Aged 12 years in bourbon casks. Living up to Laphroaig's reputation, the malt is extremely peaty with green gold color. A big bruiser with with a long finish and knock-out punch. Not a malt for the faint of heart.
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6 |
$75.00 |
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