What a waste of whisky

Recently Sharon and her chair pusher went along for a briefing on the wonders of Scotland's finest malt whisky.

The briefing was given by Lesley Gracie of the family-owned Glenfiddich distillery and there were generous samples to enjoy. Unfortunately, the Wigtown laws about being drunk in a wheelchair or drunk in charge of a wheelchair are severe and so the only sampling that could be carried out was by sniffing the rich aromas of the not-so-wee tots on the tables.

Lesley started by explaining the unique nature of malt whisky. This is made from malted barley and Scots water and is produced in batches. With the cheaper grain whiskies various grains are used and the industrial-like processes are continuous. Every batch of malt whisky has its own peculiarities and attractions, many acquired during the long process of maturing in wooden casks.

The first sample was 12-year-old Glenfiddich, which was described as: “Nose, distinctively fresh and fruity with a hint of pear. Beautifully crafted single malt, with a delicately balanced fragrance. Taste, characteristic sweet, fruity notes, develops into elements of butterscotch, cream, malt and single oak. Finish is long, smooth and mellow and the colour golden.

Next up was the 15-year-old Glenfiddich, described as follows: “Nose, intriguingly complex aroma with sweet heather honey and vanilla fudge combined with rich dark fruits. Taste, full bodied and bursting with flavour – silky smooth, revealing layers of sherry oak, marzipan, cinnamon and ginger. Finish, satisfyingly rich with lingering sweetness. Colour with reddish hue.

Finally, there was a generous measure of the 18-year-old Glenfiddich, described as follows: “Nose, remarkably rich aroma with rich orchard fruit, spiced apple and a robust oakiness. Taste, richly delivers luxurious dried fruit, candy peel and dates overlaid with elegant oak notes. Finish, warming, rewarding and distinguished. Colour, rich bronze.”

Sadly, most of the people at the briefing were driving and so huge quantities of beautiful samples were poured away afterwards. Sober, the wheelchair made its way home as straight as a die for a cup of tea which tasted, well, of tea.

Sharon says: “The 18-year-old smelled the best and was my favourite. It didn't burn the back of my throat. I am not a whisky lover but I could manage a tot of this some time when we are not rolling around the town.”