NSWC was well represented (George, Darren, Shaun & Patrick) and helped in presenting and hosting tables once again this year. This is our 4th year attending and it seems to get better and better each year. Following is a short summary of events along with a smattering of photos we were lucky enough to snap.
The House:
You can read all about the history of the family and the house here but suffice to say it's a beautiful and grand mansion which provides a spectacular setting for this event.
Arrival:
As guests arrive they are greeted with sounds of Scotland (Ryan the Bagpiper)!
Darren, Shaun, Patrick, Ryan, Tom & George
The Theme:
This year's theme or focus was about non-age statement vs. traditional age statement whiskies with differences & opinions on both. Presentations were made by Patrick (NSWC member) and Tom and each took a side presenting the whiskies. Patrick took NAS while Tom presented the age statement products and they both did their best to convince us that their group was best.*
Light appetizers and plenty of water were provided as the presentations begun.
Below we have Shaun & Mike Fitzgerald who is the General Manager of the estate and our host for the evening. Mike does such a great job of setting up the entire evening logistics-wise and his staff is absolutely top notch. This picture was taken to be sent to Shaun's dad (one of Mike's favorite people) who has joined us in years past but because of a prior engagement he could not this year.
Shaun & Mike Fitzgerald
The Line-Up:
NAS selections
#1 Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky
#2 Glenmorangie Tusail
#3 Mackinlay's Shackleton Whisky - read about Shackleton's expedition here if you're interested
Age statement selections
#4 Chivas Regal 18 y.o. blended
#5 Laphroaig 15 y.o.
#6 Glenmorangie 18 y.o.
* - by the way, regarding AS vs. NAS it all comes down to what you enjoy. Don't be swayed one way or the other by so called "experts". There are some wonderful NAS products out there so our advice; Don't ignore them, give them a taste and make up your own mind!
The Dinner:
After we tasted and debated, Ryan again played us into the dining room where we were treated to a 5 star dinner. The selections were bone-in lamb cutlets or filet mignon and both were completely off da hook! Our compliments to Eddie Cerrato who is the Executive Chef!
We were all treated to a pint of Guinness with dinner as well as a taste of Springbank 15 y.o. (lamb) or Yamazaki (filet). As if that wasn't enough, Strawberries Romanoff with Irish coffee for dessert. Out. Of. Control.
Some History & a Toast:
Following dinner we repaired to the Gun Room (I didn't even know it was broken...HA!) where Mike regaled us with the history of the family, the house and how it came to be owned by MIT.
The Gun Room is loaded with dead animals and... well guns, silly.
Next we had a toast of Jameson's Caskmates, a fairly new offering from Jameson which has been matured in stout beer casks and our tradition of playing "The Drunken Scotsman" song.
Chag - DMac - Hub
a.k.a. George - Darren - Shaun
For most people this would have been a complete night but not for MIT Endicott House & NSWC! You see, 2 years ago at this very dinner - a few of us asked Mike if we could bring a couple of bottles down from our guest rooms after the party broke up. He loved the idea and a new addition of the event was born - The After Party! This is reserved only for those who stay over at one of the 37 guest rooms they have on the property and has now grown in size just as the popularity of the dinner has.
Basically we each bring a couple of bottles from our private collections and host the after party which is a great time to chat with folks and answer any questions they might have regarding what they are tasting. It's a wild scene man and this year was no exception.
After Party guests of honor
This is obviously one of our favorite events of the year and we can't wait to begin planning the next one! Many thanks to Mike Fitzgerald and his fabulous staff for the first class service and attention to detail. If you are interested in attending next year's MIT Endicott House Whisky Dinner you can ask to be included on their mailing list or keep in touch with us here at our blog or on Twitter @noshwhiskyclub
Slainte!
George & Darren
NORTH SHORE WHISKY CLUB
No comments:
Post a Comment