Makers Lounge with Whisky Works, Glenmorangie and Compass Box
‘Virtual tastings, not as good as the real thing’ Normally we would agree, but recently we found a silver lining to this drab, grey stage of lockdown.
Earlier this month we gathered three talented whisky makers, some industry professionals and (as always) two winners plucked from our mailing list. We can think of no ‘real’ tasting where Gregg Glass (Whyte & Mackay), Dr Bill Lumsden (Glenmorangie) and Jill Boyd (Compass Box) all gather at once to shine a bright light on our lockdown blues.
We started with grain, often overlooked and seen as the backbone of many blends. Gregg explained his role gave him access to places such as Fettercairn Warehouse 16. This dunnage warehouse has quite a bit of ‘airflow variance’ as Gregg explained, hands gesturing as his excitement built. This was where he found a ‘packet’ of 29 year old Grain whisky we were enjoying. We put aside our jealousy of his day job and sipped our first dram.
The Whisky Works Glaswegian 29 is that rare example of an aged grain that has retained the vanilla, Crème Brûlée and spiced tropical fruit without a dominating wood profile. Gregg’s brightly lit backlit bar, obvious excitement and his talk of ‘refill hoggies’ pointed towards a dedicated scientist at work alone. However, Whisky Works, he explained, is a collaborative process, an incubator where all are welcome (even whisky from other distilleries).
Besides, there was only one mad scientist in the group…
25 years at the helm of Glenmorangie and more recently Ardbeg, Dr Bill Lumsden is an icon and one of the true characters of the industry. Approachable, entertaining and the polar opposite of a stuffy industry elder. Bill had us laughing and even teased our own host Mitch Bechard when he had the cheek to question those who work in marketing (Who writes the blogs eh Mitch?).
And the whisky Dr Bill brought was quite something…
Glenmorangie Signet was, Dr Bill admitted, a labour of love and a product of an experiment that began back in his days at Heriot Watt University. A fascinating story of roasting coffee beans, high roast chocolate malt and negotiation with industry authorities have led to this wonderful dram. (We hope to release a video of his explanation at a later date.)
‘Brim full of almond biscotti and creamy coffee’ was his description that stuck with us and what a dram. The balance of the sweetness (Oloroso & PX casks) and the espresso, mocha bitterness was quite something. We recommend it wholeheartedly.
The finale brought us to Jill Boyd of Compass Box and the (redesigned in 2018) Peat Monster. Click the link to see the fully transparent make up of the blend but the backbone is 64% Caol Ila in refill hogshead. ‘Refill hoggies’ seemed to be a theme with the makers as providing subtlety and flavour.
The lemon peel and smoke was matched with ‘slow baked peaches’ and creamy meringue. Larkfire softened the ‘heavy metal’ and brought out the barbecue fruit.
Jill’s knowledge was matched with an honesty, humour and passion that seems to be a trait of Compass Box. They are a team that continually bring innovation and craft to the sector and Jill talked about the freedom she is given to experiment even with established brands such as Peat Monster. An open hearted presenter and a fitting end to the evening.
Our next event is an ‘Irish Snug’ on the 22nd April and already promises big whiskies, industry figures and potentially you. Every time we run these events we pick two people from our mailing list.
On a separate note, we hope to pick out some of the video highlights and share these with you as clips. Let us know if this is something that would have an audience.