Last night my buddy Sam and I ventured over to Decatur for a Laphroaig tasting at Mac McGee’s led by the always entertaining Simon Brooking, Master Ambassador for Laphroaig and Ardmore. I post the coming events at Mac McGee’s whenever I hear about them but this was my first chance to actually go to one. Here are my impressions.
The Good
First, Mac McGee’s is a great bar with one of the best whiskey selections in town. It’s a quaint pub with a neighborhood feel and a good menu of beer, spirits, and food. This is the kind of bar everyone should have within walking distance of their home. For those in town it’s also right next to a transit rail station so the location couldn’t be better. I live in the suburbs of Atlanta and it killed me that there isn’t a place like this near my house. Great staff, great food, great drink, and great location, what else could you ask for?
Second, Simon and the Laphroaig were just great. Simon led us through a tasting of Ardmore Traditional, Laphroaig 10 Year, Laphroaig Quarter Cask, Laphroaig 18 Year, Laphroaig 25 Year, and Laphroaig Cask Strength while giving us healthy doses of knowledge, wit, humor, and song. This man was born for his job. On top of all that, Laphroaig provided everyone there with branded Glencairn glasses and hats. It was a very nice touch.
Third, the value couldn’t be beat unless it was free. For the six drams (normal bar pours on all accounts) they only charged $30 a head. That also included a chocolate truffle pairing for the last three whiskies. One of these was a bacon crusted chocolate truffle. Bacon…chocolate…and scotch, I thought I died and went to heaven.
The Bad
Two words…Time Management. The event was supposed to start at 6:00PM and they had a smaller event of local Laphroaig distributors at 5:30PM. Those guys didn’t finish leaving until 6:45 and we didn’t get started until almost 7:30PM due to technical difficulties with the media presentation. Things happen and you deal with them. I understand that. However, a one hour plus wait is a little bad form on Mac McGee’s part. Hopefully, that won’t be a repeat problem in the future.
All things considered it was a very nice event and I look forward to doing it again. My one regret is that I don’t live within walking distance of Mac McGee’s like some of the gentlemen I talked to at the bar.
Drink wisely my friends,
Richard