An unexpected tasting – Drinks by the Drams 2022 Whisky Advent Calendar

I absolutely LOVE sharing the joy of whisky exploration with others. A dram shared is a dram enjoyed. I also delight in helping folks discover something new. If I know what you have tried and liked, then chances are I can recommend something along those lines that takes one deeper into the world of whiskies.

Which is why an unexpected tasting last year was such a pleasure. It was a special treat – a complete surprise! An advent calendar with 24 minis was brought to a work offsite, where I found myself given an opportunity to introduce whiskies never before tried. It was an Advent Calendar from Drinks by the Drams – tracked down by some clever sleuthing by a colleague.

So what did we do? As only a couple colleagues that evening were whisky drinkers, I asked about preferred spirits. Using that as a bridge, I attempted to match inclinations and personalities with whisky profiles. Our evening covered drams from France, Ireland, Sweden, and Scotland… from standards to single cask to a blend of 14 countries!

What follows are simply light impressions of the different drams we sampled. What lasts are the memories of a moment well spent in fellowship over a dram or two.

Brenne Cuvée Spéciale French Single Malt Whisky

For our Italian colleague with a French heart, the obvious choice was the French whisky matured in Cognac casks. On the nose she found it light and fruity with honey, I described it as ‘bubblegum’, with more honey on the palate. There was a perfume – like a field of lavender. A lovely stylish dram for a singular woman.

Grace O’Malley Blended Irish Whiskey

Like many Irish whiskies, this was an amiable dram. On the nose, fresh citrus, and caramel with a nice honey sweetness, on the palate it was just as friendly with a spring-like quality and almonds on the finish. You may ask – who was Grace O’Malley? She was an Irish pirate queen – a charismatic leader from the nobility of County Mayo – whose story was the inspiration for a trio of gents (One Irish, two German) to create this brand. It will be interesting to see what these folks put out with their own liquid.

The Glenrothes 12 Year Old – Soleo Collection

For one, I thought perhaps a sherry dram might suit? I feared this may be a bit powerful – it was either going to be a hit or miss! She found it quite Christmasy, with some chocolate, and quite “warming”… and whilst not a whisky “convert”, found the experience interesting.

Aerolite Lyndsay 10 Year Old – The Character of Islay Whisky Company

For the one colleague who has a fancy for Islay whiskies, I suggested this Islay. He described it as a “summer breeze” yet also peaty. And on the palate? Sweet caramel, smooth with smoke. I wasn’t familiar specifically with this whisky – however, I later learned later it is an anagram – Aerolite Lyndsay is literally just ‘Ten Year Islay”! So the mystery continues…

Mackmyra Björksav

Distinctly different from the clean Scandi style I’ve come to expect from Mackmyra. This one stood out as a clear favorite. On the nose, it was nutty, with fresh pine, forest, earthy, and sweet. Whereas on the palate it was warming, with a nice substance, more interesting the more time it spent in a glass. The name comes from “birch sap”, heralding the return to spring – quite apt. Pity there was only the wee dram!

World Whisky Blend from That Boutique-y Whisky Co

We also opened the World Whisky Blend from That Boutique-y Whisky Co – a delightful dram with a nice spice, herbal, a bit of eucalyptus and so much more! I was happy to have an opportunity to revisit this a few months later in Mumbai along with other TBWC expressions.

What else did the advent calendar have? Lots of other interesting drams which we divided up amongst all of us. Over the years, I’ve had a chance to try either the expressions or related ones of many in the Advent Calendar…