Filibuster: Laphroaig Style


Let’s face it – the country is divided politically.  People have strong opinions on either side of the line.  The same can be said of peated whiskies.  Some folks love them, while others don’t want to be in the same room with an open bottle.  Islay darling Laphroaig has fully embraced the wide spectrum of opinions in its #OpinionsWelcome campaign.

Laphroaig’s latest addition to that campaign couldn’t come at a more perfect time.  With political season in full swing, Laphroaig has released a 3.5 hour filibuster featuring comedian Andy Daly.  Those brave enough to sit through the entire video will find a boatload of fan opinions sent to the distillery.  

Enjoy!

Book Review: Fred Minnick’s “Bourbon: The Rise, Fall, and Rebirth of an American Whiskey” 


There are know-it-alls and there are those who just know.  When it comes to whiskey, writer Fred Minnick falls into the latter category.  His new book, “Bourbon: The Rise, Fall, and Rebirth of an American Whiskey” takes readers on a journey though the history of America’s native spirit, bourbon.  This is his third whiskey-related book, following “Bourbon Curious” and “Whiskey Women: The Untold Story of How Women Saved Bourbon, Scotch & Irish Whiskey.”  While both of those provided some historical content, the new book is pure bourbon history.

Right off the bat, Minnick dives into the age old question, “who created bourbon?”  It is most certainly not Elijah Craig, who more often than not seems to be credited as the father of bourbon.  You’ll have to read his book to find the answer.  Minnick covers the big tent poles of bourbon’s history, from the Bottled-In-Bond Act to Prohibition, and the Golden Age of bourbon to the current bourbon boom and more.

There is a lot of information held within these pages, and Minnick’s voice guides you through the American spirit’s rich history like a friendly tour guide rather than a boring professor.  Drinking bourbon is great, but when you know how much history is in that glass of brown liquid, it raises the level of appreciation.  This book is a must read for any bourbon fan and history buff.

You can purchase the book here.

Thanks to Fred Minnick and Quarto Publishing for the advanced copy.  As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Chivas Regal Ultis Blended Malt Scotch Whisky Review

Chivas Regal is one of the largest whisky brands in the world, so when they announce a new expression, people pay attention.  Joining their whisky lineup is the luxuriously packaged Ultis, the first permanent blended malt in the brand’s history.  

Current Master Blender Colin Scott says this of the new blend:

By working together, our blending team has masterfully brought five unique single malts from across the Speyside region to create an exceptional blend which is truly the essence of Chivas Regal Ultis.  Each individual malt and each individual blender has added an element of expertise to the whisky, which is unique to the blend, ensuring it is the ultimate embodiment of shared success.

The number five plays a significant role in this whisky.  Ultis pays homage to the brand’s five master blenders. Since 1895, only five men have held the critical role.  Five single malts compose this blend:  Tormore, Longmorn, Strathisla, Allt A’Bhainne and Braeva.  According to the company, only 1% of their inventory was selected for this blend.

The Roman numeral V plays a significant role in the packaging of Ultis, appearing everywhere from the front of the box to the bottom of the bottle.


Price wise, it’s positioned between their 18 year and 25 year old blends at a suggested retail price of $200.  Some will inevitably scoff at paying so much for a non-age statement whisky, but these are the times we live in.  It’s time to stop solely focusing on a number printed on a whisky label and start paying attention to the liquid inside.  In other words, reserve your opinion until you’ve actually tasted the whisky.

The nose features sherried malt, vanilla, earl grey tea and burnt orange peel, along with some oak spices.  The low bottling proof of 40% abv equates to a smooth entry, though the whisky feels more viscous and oily than expected.  A sweet malt note starts things off, followed by waves of toffee, creamy vanilla, dried fruits, and sherry.  Cloves and cinnamon ramp up and settle to a bright citrus note.  The finish features a touch of rich sherried malt and espresso, followed closely by dry oak tannins.


Colin Scott and his team have created a marvelous blended malt with Chivas Regal Ultis.  It’s rich, enticing, somewhat complex and extremely easy to drink.  Although minor, my only gripe is the low proof.  I wish it were bottled at 43% or 46% to add a bit more body and flavor.  Again, minor gripe.  I can only judge what’s in the bottle.

So the big question:  is Ultis worth $200?  That depends on how much money you spend on whisky, but the short answer is yes.  Not having tasted Chivas Regal 25 year, I can say Ultis is my favorite blend from the big Scotch whisky brand.  Fans of the Chivas Regal style should pick this one up with confidence.  Recommended. 9/10

Thanks to Chivas Regal for the sample.  As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.