BRUCE Whisky
This post comes from Bruce Cakebread with an introduction by Pete.
Ed died in 2009. Bruce gave his eulogy, alongside Bob, and many may remember that he finished with the declaration that henceforth he would raise every glass of whisky to Eddie and declare Slàinte Mhath (pronounced Slanj-a-va). It is a tradition that in my own way I have sought to honour since.
The connections between Ed, Bruce and whisky were multifarious but undeniably took a turn for the inebriated when they toured the railways and distilleries of Ireland together. It was the reignition of a longstanding tradition of theirs to visit railways and racetracks throughout the UK and Europe.
It was therefore with some great excitement and a little pride that I heartily took up the invitation from Bruce to visit Scotland in 2010 and 2011 to tour its distilleries. It was a punishing schedule. Three distilleries a day for three days. Somewhere between three and six whiskies per distillery. Bruce was driving so obviously needed help with his portions.
The legacy of these trips is profound and long-lasting for me, and not just because of the predilection for heartburn. Bruce took me under his wing in a way that only he can. I was given space and freedom, time to talk about Ed, a new lifelong hobby, knowledge of a thing worth knowing about, and the trust that I was worth the time of a man who I admire. Alongside Pauline, I also acquired a home in Shoreham that I have made frequent pilgrimages to ever since.
I’ll end where it began. I recall sitting by the fire at Manor Cottage around the age of 13 smelling the whisky that Ed and Dad were enjoying. I was granted a small glass of my own with the inevitable watery eyes and stifled cough or twenty.
In this glorious blog, Bruce has summarised how and why we have this wondrous drink at all. And some hard-won tips on how to enjoy it best!
Slàinte Mhath!
BRUCE CAKEBREAD
HISTORY
For 100s years an alcoholic drink which is now called WHISKY was produced. The number of producers were vast in Scotland and Ireland, but in the early 18th Century the Government decided on requesting a Duty and it was necessary to pay for a licence. Customs officers were allocated to each Distillery and generally on the premises. They had to ensure that the correct amount of the liquid was declared. Customs officers are no longer used as other methods have been introduced. The customs appreciate that during the 1st year evaporation may occur. As a result the duty for the 1st 2 per cent is not charged. This is often called the ANGELS SHARE. Ever since the early days the ownership often changes every few years and as a result the whisky may taste different
SINGLE MALT WHISKY
Perhaps the most important date in the history of Whisky was in 1970. Up to that time the distilleries sent their whisky to central concerns like Haig. Haig would obtain whisky from various sources and would mix with non malt to produce their product. Early in 1970 WILLIAM GRANT the owners of Glenfiddich considered they were not obtaining sufficient payments made by the producers of mixed whisky. They decided to sale their whisky as a single malt. They only use whisky produced in their own Distillery.
Many experts considered the idea would be harmful to the finances of William Grant
They proceeded with producing bottles of Glenfiddich. Demand for such malt whisky was very high. This was a real success as a the result led to many distilleries selling Malt whisky.
Tumblers were sold for the drinking of mixed whisky. The tumbler had to hold about .5 of a pint. The reason being that it was usual for the whisky be saturated by soda water.
For malt whisky a special glass (like a small wine glass) had to produced.
The main reason for the malt whisky glass being smaller was that malt whisky drinkers firstly nose the whisky and take note of the flavour.
PRESENT DAY
Surprisingly most Hotels and public houses still use tumblers. If this happens to you I strongly suggest you ask for the whisky be put into a wine glass .
Do not put any water in the glass. It is the custom that the nosing will indicate to you if a few DROPS OF WATER should be used.
SUGGESTONS
You and a few friends buy whiskies (Scotch is made in 4 areas namely) and hold a tasting session,
The 4 regions are -
Lowlands
Speyside
Highlands
Isla.
Lowland whisky (such as AUCHENOSHAN) is the weakest. Speyside has a large no. of Distilleries (say Glen Fiddich. Generally Speyside is slightly stronger taste than the Lowlands). The whisky of the Highlands has a stronger flavour (say Talisker). Lastly the whisky from Isla appears to be stronger & peaty. Try Laphroaig which is strong to the pallet and you should have water available as you may wish to use a few drops.
Whisky sold by super markets is generally good and often the price is lower than off licences etc. Make sure it is malt whisky and not ordinary whisky.
As a guide line the cost of Malt whisky is £30+.
Many whiskies are 30+vol. It is possible to buy whiskies that are 56+vol. As fewer bottles are purchased the producer the cost would be higher say £6O
Edradour - Scotland’s smallest distillery
Ardbeg - Distillery on ISLA
Inside a distillery
