Food & Drink

As you might expect, this time of year is pretty busy for all drink writers, and I for one have a desk of samples to taste through. This seems to pale into insignicance though compared to the sheer amount of Whisky Cask investment firms adverts I am being fed on social media. I urge you to avoid these and the promises of great returns unless you have specialist expertise. It is not regulated, casks are often vastly overpriced and you may not even own the cask you think you have bought. Buyer beware. 

On to this editions tastings:-

GlenDronach

The first ever bottle of serious whisky I purchased (that is non-supermarket) was a GlenDronach, so it holds a special place in my heart. In September I was able to visit the distillery for the first time and enjoy a tour and tasting, in a rather opulent room whilst sitting at a large round table.

Nestled behind the worn black doors of Duty Free Warehouse “No 3” lies a treasure trove of whisky barrels, meticulously stored over decades by the Gordon family. As proprietors of William Grant, the parent company behind brands such as The Balvenie and Glenfiddich, their 80-year legacy of astute laying down of casks has yielded an extraordinary collection of malt, grain and blended whiskies, notable for their high age statements.

Islay, the picturesque island nestled in the southernmost part of the Inner Hebrides, is renowned for its rugged beauty, rich history, and, most importantly, its whisky. Among the many distilleries that dot the island, the one name that has achieved mythical status is Port Ellen. I have yet to meet any lover of peated whisky who does not jump at every opportunity to taste the spirit from this closed distillery.

Tomatin Distillery: Bridging Tradition and Innovation

Ardray is an exceptional premium blended Scotch whisky introduced in 2023 by Beam Suntory, a renowned custodian of esteemed single malt distilleries such as Bowmore, Laphroaig, Auchentoshan, and Ardmore.

Crafted from a fusion of malt and grain whiskies hailing from the Highlands, Lowlands, and Islands, it is believed to encompass the essence of revered distilleries like The Macallan, The Glenrothes, and Highland Park, among others. The name "Ardray," derived from Gaelic, translates to "towards the light" and draws inspiration from Madonna's melodious masterpiece, "Ray of Light."

Donnalucata is a pretty fishing village in the province of Ragusa on the southern west coast of Sicily. Unspoilt by tourism even in the high season. Famous for its long, sandy beach, attractive promenade, ice cream shops and excellent restaurants; one restaurant, in particular, stands out.

Il Consiglio di Sicilia is set in the divine Piazza Francesco Crispi on the Via Casmene with a gorgeous terrace encircled by trees and draped with ivy and vines.

Located in Walthamstow, Burnt Faith is the first brandy distillery in London for over 200 years. This exciting venture promises to bring the art of brandy production to a community steeped in history, full of craft beer producers and even an urban winery. 

The realm of alcoholic spirits offers an array of delightful flavours to be savoured, experienced, and enjoyed. On rare occasions, a single spirit can evoke sheer, unfiltered joy, akin to the elation of an 8-year-old at a Disney theme park. While I refrained from bouncing up and down with excitement (out of respect for my fellow writers during our visit to Courvoisier to taste their new 2023 Mizunara Cognac), a beaming smile remained plastered on my face long after I had finished tasting.  

When it comes to Italian white wines, Verdicchio stands tall as a timeless classic. Hailing from the region of Marche in central Italy, Verdicchio has captured the hearts of wine enthusiasts with its vibrant flavours, refreshing acidity, and, perhaps most notably, its remarkable ageing ability, which is often underexplored.