[MM-MALTS-L] Hello and Thank You

[Ralph Katzenell]

Hello Malt Maniacs, and thanks for the invitation.

Just to get me started off on the right foot, I proudly announce the birth of my first grandchild, last week, a boy called Or ("Illumination"). The dad is an Ardbeg Committe member, with a number way down in the low 1000 region.
To wet the babies head, we opened the 1991 Ardbeg Sherry BloodTub Valinch, self-filled at Feis Ila Bruichladdich 2003, Cask 643 at 57.4%  abv in a 500ml bottle.
Color is golden light brown.
A very Ardbegy nose, with some real strength in the peat. The overlay of sherry is a bit disconcerting, because its a mix thats not really expected. It smells very whisky-ish, and the presence easily makes itself felt in quite a big room.

On the palate its rather like an Oogie into which someone has vatted a little of an outrageous sherry monster. To tell the truth, I don't think the sherry sits well in this Ardbeg. The underlying mouthfeel is not at all smooth. A bit on the rough side, actually but the Ardbegy "hit" is so strong, it dominates the flavours. Thje sherry is there, but it asks to be ignored.
The taste lasts well, and one bounces around the room, beaming and  breathing Islay fumes over everyone for a good while.

Its a good dram, but mostly to be enjoyed by true lovers of Ardbeg.

Since then I've been slowly sipping the the remainder, and it does grow on you.  Still, not what I'd call a sophisticated whisky, but very enjoyable.

Granpa Ralph

(Ralph Katzenell,
Binyamina,
Israel)