Winnipeg is where I grew up. It is also where I was first introduced to whisky. So it is fitting that in my wintery November trip home, I took some time out to enjoy a dram or two with Winnipeg whisky aficionados – aka having a small guest appearance at The Cabinet.

Whilst the lads normally sample 3 to 4 whiskies, I kind of derailed that plan by bringing three! I also disrupted the theme by bringing a lightly peated Highland into the mix of Islays – however, the Ardmore was just too special and simply had to be shared!

What did we try?

• Bruichladdich’s The Organic 2010 8 year Scottish Barley Mid Coul Farms Dalcross 50% – Their new bottle for the evening and a rather nice way to kick-off our evening
• Chorlton’s Ardmore 12 year (Dec 2022) 60.7% – A wee gift for the lads… and let me just say it is a stunner!
• Chorlton’s Staoisha 8 year (Dec 2021) 59.9% – A 200ml sample from a recently opened bottle… also appreciated
• North Star’s Caol Ila 12 year (2006) 54.6% – An even smaller 100ml sample, opened in July 2021, from a 2nd bottle of the Series 005. In some ways, even nicer after a wee bit of oxidation!
• Ardbeg’s Ardcore “Punktured” (2022) 46% – A revisit for them, new for me!

Waiting in the wings was an open Laphroig, however, we were clearly not up for the challenge of a 6th whisky! Which is a good thing – as moderation in malts is best.

Over the course of two hours, we made our way through the five whiskies and cheese, giant grapes, and taco chips. The conversation flowed with tales of travel adventures, film, and fiction, and as the whisky glasses clinked, time slipped away in the sheer enjoyment of a good dram or two with fellow appreciators.

And just like that, our wintery Winnipeg evening over whisky was over. Thanks again for the hospitality!

PS – Check out The Cabinet‘s take on our evening together here: Alt Islay. Thanks again gents!

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