The other morning we woke to a severe white frost. It was -6 C outside, and everything was totally white; the worst frost so far this year.
So, what's a chap to do? Well, in the evening I decided it was the perfect day to broach my annual bottle of Single Malt.
This year's is a 10 year old Speyside Aberlour. I only drink very tiny amounts; more for the aroma than the taste. But, sitting by the fire with a minimum of light, and my first little glass of Winter Aberlour, was simply wonderful.
I imagined there were hardy folk, in their crofts, all over Scotland who were doing much the same.
Cheers!
I don’t know what “single malt” is but maybe because English is my third language. So I went and translated it and it came out in French “malt simple.” ?? still don’t know what that is. When I need some warmth I go to a gold old Pernod.
ReplyDeleteMost Scotch Whisky is 'blended', but single malt is not. It is usually of a far superior quality, and can often taste of peat, from the water that's used in its making. Otherwise it's Ricard for me!
DeleteI've never tasted it but its color is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI'm not at all a drinker of spirits, but I consider this more of a Winter 'ceremony'. It is delicious.
DeleteI like your choice and your setting for it sounds delightful.
ReplyDeleteI am partial to a wee dram of Aberlour on occasion.
I missed my dog Bok being with me, but otherwise it was perfect.
DeleteThat thought had struck me but I didn't like to say.
DeleteScotch on the rocks is my Saturday evening treat, winter and summer.
ReplyDeleteI do sip it neat, I would have thought that any addition would ruin the intensity of the flavour. No rocks for me.
DeleteThat sounds good - I assume that, as you mention "WE", Lady Magnon has returned from the tropics. Suddenly turned cold here with rain showers. Down to 22 tonight which in winter would seem quite warm but after the mid 30's seems cold. I expect Lady M is feeling the cold.
ReplyDeleteThat was a 'royal we'. Lady M has just returned to England and is spending a few days there before returning home. Kimbo will fly over with her for a short weekend.
DeleteIt will be good to see K as well.
DeleteAnd later he'll come over with the boys for Easter.
DeleteNot a Scotch I know but it is good colour and would not last very long here. Btw, I have a mate who has a number of crofters cottages on his books for sale if you are interested. They are various states of repairs, but will make a very sound investment and potential for high capital growth.
ReplyDeleteA few years ago I might have been interested. These days I'm trying to reduce my possessions.
DeleteNot a whisky lover myself, but my hardy Scottish folks are enjoying the snow at their home behind the Tomatin distillery.
ReplyDeleteWell, I hope they have a bottle or two to cope with Winter.
DeleteI love the aroma of the malts especially the smoky peaty ones but I don't like the taste. A bog standard blend with ginger ale (and ice) is very acceptable. Cheers.
ReplyDeleteThe aroma is almost the most important bit; the drinking has a 'bite' that I enjoy less. Even so, I force myself.
DeleteForgot to add that we had whisky 'gravy' ie neat over the haggis, neaps & tatties on the 25th last month.
ReplyDeleteI'm down to my last tin of Haggis, and am wary about opening it. I love Haggis (even tinned) but have never had Whisky Sauce.
DeleteI too am down to my last tin of haggis - however, I did get to participate in a Robbie Burns luncheon this year so had a nice "fix" a couple of weeks back so I think I'll save this for a few weeks yet. I sometimes have it for a lovely Sunday "fry up".
DeleteI fry it too. Wonderful for breakfast.
DeleteJust occasionally - wonderful. Such a variety of tastes too. A couple of times I've had far more than I should. It doesn't seem to make me inebriated at all until I try to stand up - and then I fall over.
ReplyDeleteThe amount I drink wouldn't even make a mouse pissed. I just sip at a thimbleful.
DeleteWe had an ice storm here yesterday but the road & sidewalk plows have been out all night so I will venture out today. However more snow is on the way so once I'm in for the night I think I may just pour myself a small Scotch - I have three nice bottles to choose from but I think it might just be time for a wee sip of my 15 year old Glenlivet French Oak Reserve.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds good. A drop of Whisky on a snowy night hits the spot. It's only damp and miserable here, but I'll join you anyway.
DeleteI don’t drink hard liquor but a few months ago I was talked into trying a sip of Scotch. I imagined it would be painful, but was surprised how nice it was.
ReplyDeleteA good 'Single Malt' is usually very smooth, although it does have a slight bite.
DeleteWhen I was in my 20’s, I drank nearly a whole bottle of Southern Confort and was very ill and, ever since, I haven’t had anything whiskey related !!!! Maybe I should revisit it once more ! 🥃 XXXX
ReplyDeleteOh dear, that can certainly put one off for life. I suggest just a tiny sip to re-introduce yourself to it.
DeleteI did the same and I cannot bear the taste of sweet whisky, aka bourbon.
Delete". . . what's a chap to do?"
ReplyDeleteA sip a day keeps the bugs at bay.
The first real drunk I met here in France told me that wine 'killed the microbes in the body'. It probably killed him too.
DeleteThe farmer only developed a taste for single malt when we had foot and mouth. Our cows were burnt on our land and the vet, who was staying with us at the time, insisted we stood by the fire as they burned -not pleasant as you can imagine, but therapeutic, and he gave each of us a glass of single malt. I hated it (sorry) so the farmer had two glasses and loved it for ever after.
ReplyDeleteI don't think that Whisky is really a female tipple. Lady M won't touch it, but loves Gin.
DeleteWell I don't often attack the whisky store but, of course, I have a few good single malts for hospitality. My choice yesterday was a Laphroaig Quarter Cask. Just a snifter but very pleasant. Not bad considering 5 years ago I wouldn't even touch whisky.
ReplyDeleteI've never been a Whisky drinker either, in fact I think this is my third bottle ever. My old headmaster gave me advice about Whisky, and I've followed it.
DeleteMy father,who recently passed away at the age of 90, was a "winter sipper" and always said a nip was good for body and soul. I will continue the tradition. I do enjoy the aroma more than the taste. :)
ReplyDeleteThat's my attitude exactly. Just a thimbleful.
DeleteTell me about the pig
ReplyDeleteIt was dug up in the garden when we were building the pool. I don't know if it's an ancient artifact, or just something a child made. One day I'll take it to the nearby museum of prehistory.
Delete