Single Malt Scotch Whiskey Tasting Summary

Sorry for the delay in posts...more on the whiskey tasting!  As you can see, the last post was simply the photos of the whiskey tasting event.  They say a picture's worth a thousand words, so I figured I didn't need to add text for that post.  However, I was going to give you a quick summary of the events of the evening.  The tasting started around 5:30pm, and Ed Kohl presented a great slideshow on what single malt whiskey is and it's complete distillation process from start to finish.  Of course, along the way, there was plenty of whiskey tasting and amazing appetizers, courtesy of Cafe Americain.  I have included a list below of the nine whiskeys that were offered that evening:

1. 1999 Auchenntoshan, Lowland 10 Yr (Bottled Un-Chillfiltered @ 92 Proof)
2. Edradour, Caledonia, S. Highland 12 Yr (Bottled Un-Chillfiltered @92 Proof)
3. 1992 Strathmill, Speyside 16 Yr (Bottled @86 Proof)
4. 1990 Dalmore, N. Highland 18 Yr (Bottled @ 86 Proof)
5. Isle of Skye, Island 8 Yr (Bottled @ 86 Proof)
6. 1991 Highland Park, Island 17 Yr (Bottled Un-Chillfiltered @ 92 Proof)
7. 2001 Laphroaig, Islay 8 Yr (Bottled Un-Chillfiltered @ 92 Proof)
8. 1991 Glen Elgin, Speyside 15 Yr (Bottled Cask Strength @ 119.2 Proof)
9. Kilchoman "Inaugural Release" @ 92 Proof  (Review in the Malt Advocate)

The presentation itself was highly informative, and Ed introduced what may seem like an uncouth method of whiskey tasting - adding water to the whiskey!  The whiskeys were served in wine glasses (which he prefers), and in much the same way that a wine should be decanted, a good whiskey has spent many long years in a barrel, and needs to have the flavors "opened up." 

After tasting the first eight whiskeys listed above, Ed introduced Anthony Wills of Kilchoman, the first NEW distillery in Scotland in well over 100 years, which has been built from the ground up.  They follow the traditional approach to whiskey-making, growing all of their own barley on site (only distillery in Scotland to do that)!  Not only that, but they are creating amazing 3-year-old single malt scotches!  That's right...only three years old, and it already has a magnificent flavor, rich in peat and various other subtleties (#9 on the list).  It was hard to believe it was so young!  Look for Kilchoman to be released in the United States in Fall 2010!

Great night!  If you haven't done a whiskey tasting before, I highly recommend it!

Single Malt Scotch Whiskey Tasting & Seminar in Sacramento

Next weekend, on Saturday, April 10th, Cafe Americain and JVS Imports will be hosting a single malt scotch whiskey tasting and seminar. Tickets for the event can be purchased for $55/ticket through their Paypal link or by calling (916) 498-9098. The cost includes a variety of tastings from the independent bottler, Signatory, as well as tasty appetizers from their restaurant (price does not include tax or gratuity). The Signatory Brand Ambassador, Ed Kohl, will present offerings from different regions of Scotland including: Isle of Skye, Edradour, Auchentoshan Un-Chillfiltered, Highland Park Un-Chillfiltered, Macallan Un-Chillfiltered, Mortlach 86 proof, Laphroaig Un-Chillfiltered and Ben Nevis Cask Strength.

The event will be held at 5pm at the following address:

Cafe Americain
1023 Front Street
Sacramento, CA 95814

WhiskyIntelligence.com has an article entitled, "Signatory, Isle of Skye Tasting with Ed Kohl In California - Scotch Whisky News," which lists all of his upcoming presentations (in case the Sacramento date doesn't work for you). It also gives a general whiskey biography/history for Ed Kohl himself.

I called the restaurant this afternoon, and Natalya informed me that the tasting is limited to 60 people, and they currently have eight spots remaining (make that seven - I just purchased another ticket)! Get your tickets while you can, and I look forward to seeing you there!