Kilchoman and Arran Malt

Ed Kohl

Ed Kohl, Managing Director of ImpEx Beverages, Inc. is presenting two single malt Scotch Whiskys this evening, along with a little history and expertise that you cannot find just anywhere.  Ed is a leading whisky expert and spirit specialist, and conducts more than 100 educational seminar tastings every year.  This is an opportunity to learn about Whisky in a small, casual setting hosted by an expert with over 17 years of experience.

Ed will show remarkable expressions of Island Scotch from Kilchoman and Arran.  Featuring the Inaugural and 2.0 releases, and the Machir Bay 2012 release by the Kilchoman Distillery, the smallest distillery in Scotland.  As well, he will show a too often overlooked 10yr offering from Arran and the limited release 12yr cask strength.

The seminar is free, but space is limited so please reserve a place at either 5:30 or 6:30.  There will be open tasting and Q&A following each presentation.

Reservations can be made by emailing Tim

Ardbeg – June 23rd, 2-5pm

Scotch fans, it’s Ardbeg time…

If you are not a fan already, it is time to become one.  Ardbeg is just so good.  Revered around the world as the peatiest, smokiest, most complex single malt of them all. Yet it does not flaunt the peat; rather it gives way to the natural sweetness of the malt to produce a whisky of perfect balance.  Typically most whiskies are chill-filtered and reduced to a strength of 40% ABV. Ardbeg Ten Years Old, however, is non chill-filtered and has a strength of 46% ABV, thus retaining maximum flavour, at the same time giving more body and added depth.

Classic Malts – Friday, June 8th from 5 – 7 pm

Friday, June 8th from 5 – 7 pm

Colonial Spirits will be presenting the Classic Malts portfolio with a few bonus whiskeys on the side.

With Father’s day right around the corner, this is a great opportunity to find the perfect gift for Dad – or maybe a great opportunity for Dad to pick out the gift that he really wants! Continue reading Classic Malts – Friday, June 8th from 5 – 7 pm

Blended Scotch Versus Single Malt Scotch

One of the most common misconceptions in the spirits world is that ‘single malt scotch’ is of a higher quality than ‘blended scotch.’  This is completely unfounded and untrue. The designations single malt and blended are simply different ways of expressing the same product.

Blended Scotch was first made around 1860 after the introduction of column stills in 1830 led to the creation of un-malted grain whisky (otherwise known as ‘grain’).  The smooth and mild mannered aspects of the grain helped to tone down the the more assertive characteristics of the malt whisky.  The resulting blended whisky proved to be subdued and much more appealing to foreign consumers, particularly the English, who took to Scotch during the 1870s after phylloxera affected the supply of Cognac and Port–two mainstays of British culture. Continue reading Blended Scotch Versus Single Malt Scotch