“I hate people when they’re not polite” as the song goes. Whisky writers and enthusiasts have long been accused of elitism. Even those of us who seek to lift the veil on whiskey’s mysteries, can fall prey to what some see as arrogance and snobbery. Whisky festivals often seem to enforce this theme. The vast majority of attendees are white men over forty with very comfortable lifestyles. Clubs, guilds, or societies often host the events. There is often a dress code. One expects a certain amount of decorum.
Where am I going with this? Well I’m about to rant in a way that suggests my own elitism (though that is hardly the point). This week the Single Malt Whisky Society hosted the Single Malt & Scotch Whisky Extravaganza. The event itself was very great. However, some the attendees did not comport themselves a way befitting their standing. There are always a few assholes at events like this. There are the guys that pre-game and show up drunk. There are the guys that don’t understand the point of the spit/pour buckets and are hammered after the first table. My chief complaint this time? The guys that do not respect the “talent.”
Unless you are at Whisky Fest, most of the folks behind the tables are brand ambassadors (as opposed to Master Distillers). Brand Ambassadors range from dudes in kilts with a brogue to well educated non-kilt wearers to actors, actresses and models. These folks are the “talent.” Back in the day, the actors/actresses/models rarely knew anything about whisky in general and sometimes not much about their own brand. I’m happy to say that (apart from a handful of brands) this is becoming a thing of the past. They still hire pretty girls (they know their market), but the brands are doing a better job with education.
While talking to the Heather at the Glenfiddich table (a real class act who knows her stuff), I heard someone behind me mutter, “it doesn’t matter how many questions you ask, she is not going to sleep with you”. This is unacceptable. First of all, don’t disrespect a guy who is genuinely seeking knowledge. That is the act of a barbarian. Secondly, do not disrespect the ladies at these events (or ever for that matter).
If that was the only incident, I would still be outraged but I would allow that it was just one jerk-ass showing off for his friends. However, throughout the night, there were many instances of this kind of behavior. Now, I’m no prude. I like a well shaped form as much as the next guy, but real men leave that kind of talk in the locker room or in the company of other men. You’re momma raised you better.
If you’ve stuck with me this long, I guess I should talk about the event itself. It was a good time. The food was pretty good. The layout in the tasting room caused some traffic flow problems. The tasting tables were laid out in a “U” shape with table seating in the middle of the room. There were times that navigating between the tasting tables and the seating became difficult. Without prodding people to keep moving, I’m not sure there was anything to be done though.
There were over 100 whiskies on pour. I tried a small amount of quite a few, but really took my time with a few others. At events like these, I try to focus on things I wouldn’t normally try. That night, the SMWS bottlings were high on my list. They are all worth trying, but my favorites were the Cask No. 76.68-15yo from Dufftown (Mortlach distillery) and the Cask No 53.136-17yo from Islay (Caol Ila). The Mortlach surprised me, because it was very sweet with some great berry notes. Previous independent bottlings I’ve tried tasted like Robitussin. The Caol Ila? Well, that’s a distillery that continues to grow on me. Perhaps my palate is getting more sophisticated. Finally, I see what all the hype is about. I get a lot of those fizzy, lemony notes I found in the unpeated Caol Ila with some great peaty bite. This is a whisky you can chew.
I got my chance at the Ardbeg Rollercoaster. Rollercoaster is very enjoyable, but I think the Corryvreckan was better.
Like Richard, I decided the give the Dalmore another try. I’m still not enthralled. For some reason, I’ve always wanted to like the Dalmore. Maybe it’s Master Distiller Richard Patterson’s charm or the beautiful package design. I’m never satisfied with the whisky though.
Usquaebach was there. If you’ve never had this blend, I encourage you to give it a try. The high-end version comes in a nice ceramic jug (it’s an NAS vatted malt). That’s the only one I’ve seen on shelves. They have two other versions. (a 12yo with some grain content and 15yo vatted malt). For my money, I think the 12yo and the NAS are the way to go. I wasn’t all that impressed with the 15yo. The 12yo is a great little blend at a good price point. I put it on the same level as Old Parr (maybe even better).
Overall, the Extravaganza was great. I highly recommend the event.
Remember, if I see you disrespecting the ladies at one of these events, I’ll come at you like Richard Patterson going at someone putting water in a glass of Jura (seriously, he’ll slap you).
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-Matt
I have been to the last three SMWSA “Extravaganza” events in Philadelphia, and I couldn’t agree more. They put on a great show. Well worth the $100+. The brand ambassadors are very gracious and seem to know their stuff. Or at least they talk a good game. As far as bad behavior goes, it is truly unacceptable. There is no need to disrespect. Luckily, everyone has behaved at the events I’ve attended. I even see the same people each year. All in all, a very fun crowd!
Did any of the commentary approach that of a certain fellow (I can’t use the word gentleman) at WFNYC about three years ago who referred to one of the whisky’s fragrance relative to the femail genitalia?
Nothing I heard was quite that crass. There is still a little decency left. I think that guy had pre-gamed.