Every year, Valentine's Day presents us with a special challenge. We look for something different, something fresh, something original, something unique. A new way to celebrate. Something other than chocolate and flowers. Flowers and chocolate. How about whisky? Indeed. In moderation, of course. We don't want things getting out of control. So how can we … Continue reading Valentine’s Day – Whisky Style →

Whisky Accessories for all Occasions Sometimes, you just need to walk the talk. And that means having not only the whisky, but all the gadgets that go with it. Over the years, I have garnered an assortment of whisky gadgets, trinkets, and collectables. Some are useful. Many just amount to conversation pieces. Which is good, … Continue reading – Sipping With Style. – →

The World of Independent Whisky Bottlers Photo courtesy of Billy Abbott Most whiskies are bottled and sold by the distillery that makes them. But there is a whole world of private companies that buy whisky from the distillers. These "Independent Bottlers", as they are known in the scotch whisky world, can then bottle and sell … Continue reading – Declaration of Independence – →

2020 was not a good year. The fact is, it was horrid. Simply awful. Is there anything that we can salvage from the ashes? Maybe we got some much needed exercise. Perhaps we read a few great books. Or maybe we found a couple of good whiskies to enjoy while we sat and patiently waited … Continue reading The Year in Whisky →

Well, the new year is nearly upon us. Doubtful if anyone is going to miss 2020. So, what does this fresh new year have in store for us? Lot's of positive stuff and less pandemic stuff, I hope. Maybe it's a good idea to clear the slate with some new year's resolutions. And while we're … Continue reading New Year’s Whisky Resolutions →

Here are a few quick Christmas Carols from the good folks at Laphroaig, to put you in the Christmas spirit. Enjoy, and cheers! https://youtu.be/UzR9cvsz85g

The final countdown has begun. The finale to the Christmas shopping season. What to get? Hmmm... What to get? Maybe we have the answer to all of your shopping problems. Well, most. Maybe not for the kid's stocking stuffers. Although I did read recently about the Dad in England that bought his son a MaCallan … Continue reading The Spirits of Christmas →

The whisky industry has a long history of famous endorsements. After all, if The Duke likes Bourbon, then it must be good stuff, right? So, let's catch a glimpse of the who's who of the celebrity whisky world. Looking back on my early childhood, the Ed Sullivan Show was, perhaps, the highlight of the week. … Continue reading With Friends Like These….. →

Packaging. The ultimate marketing tool. Seasoned whisky shoppers usually have a pretty good idea what they are looking for. Usually. Casual whisky drinkers, on the other hand, can be swept up by great marketing. Shelves filled with cool boxes and bottles. So how do we get past the lure of the packaging? In my case, … Continue reading You Can’t Judge a Book….. →

You attend your first spirits festival or whisky tasting event. It's exciting. As you take your first sip, you are hit with a barrage of information. Interesting. More so if you understood it. It sort of makes your head spin. You want to enjoy a nice whisky, not learn a new language. The solution?Here are … Continue reading Talking the Talk – Surviving a Whisky Conversation →