NSWC Single Malt Tasting for Steven L's 60th Birthday 4/2/16:

Darren and I had the pleasure of hosting a single malt scotch tasting for Mr. Steven L. at his home in Swampscott, MA last evening (4/2/16).

Steven's wife Laurie reached out to us a few months back looking for recommendations for her husband's 60th birthday. After some back & forth she asked if we would be interested in providing a scotch tasting for a party she wanted to put on for him. We of course agreed and the date was set.

We arrived about 6pm and began setting up the television monitor and distributed the glasses at each place setting.

Originally there was to be perhaps 40-50 people and we thought, wow pretty nice crowd! By game-time we had over 80 people in attendance! Holy Scotch-balls!

[Apologies for such bad camera work/lighting - all done with the iPhone so not optimal]

Such a wonderful tribute to Steven that so many turned out to honor him on this special day. We tried to keep the presentations short and informative. The two main challenges were pouring that many whiskies (from only 1 bottle) in such a crowded room and keeping their attention for long enough through the presenting.

In between selections Steven had toasts prepared for various friends and members of his family They all had nice things to say about their relationship with Steven and the impressions he's made on them. Some moments were very touching indeed.

As the evening came to a close we had many guests come up, try a bit more of their favorite and chat with us about all things whisky.

SELECTIONS LIST:

Glenkinchie 12 y.o. (Lowlands)

Glenmorangie Milsean (Highlands)

Balvevnie 15 y.o. - Sherry Cask (Speyside)

Highland Park 18 y.o. (Islands)

Bruichladdich - Port Charlotte Islay Barley (Islay #1)

G&M - Caol Ila Cask Strength 10 y.o. (Islay #2)

Steven was a fan of the more smoky & peaty scotch and he requested 2 from the Islay region. The selections highlighted the vast differences from each region and gave the guests who were not familiar with drinking scotch an appreciation for just how different malted barley, water & yeast can be.

We finished up with an "under the table" surprise for Steven by pouring him a dram of Darren's Octomore 6.1 which, of course, is one of the peatiest Islay whiskies one can buy. After a quick toast to the birthday boy we finished packing up, said our goodbye's and departed.

A wonderful event and we are so grateful for Steven and Laurie for inviting us to participate in it.

Happiest of birthday's Mr. Steven!

Slainte!!

George & Darren

NORTH SHORE WHISKY CLUB