[MM-MALTS-L] Helloooo There!

[Davin de Kergommeaux]

Ralph,
I feel your pain!

Yes, this list really has been a major source of information, interesting
discussion, and quite a few friendships, both on line and face to face.
 Quite likely you and I would not have met on Islay had it not been for
links developed here on Malts-L.

The on-line whisky world has changed a lot over the years though, and a
number of people have started discussion boards, not because this one was
flawed or lacking, but often, I think, just to promote themselves or their
whisky business.  Some have succeeded though, often using internet marketing
strategies to increase "market share," and have out-competed Malts-L into
virtual senescence.  Still, once the floodgates opened some good ones did
emerge, I understand - I can't say for sure as I don't visit them often.  I
have heard that the Bladnoch forum is particularly good
  http://www.bladnoch.co.uk/threads/ubbthreads.php/ubb/cfrm
if I've transcribed it correctly.

For several years the Malt Maniacs discussed starting our own public forum,
but we always resisted the urge because so many of us were on Malts-L and
didn't want to create competition or an alternative to something we valued
so much.  When Frank told us that Malts-L needed to find a new home several
of us worked very hard behind the scenes to find one and had the good luck
to obtain the support of  Konstantin Grigoriadis who recognised the wealth
of information and the uniqueness of the Malt-L community and agreed to keep
the list going exactly as we had all been used to it.  Hats off to
Konstantin!!

Late last year, however, with the burgeoning number of whisky forums
competing actively for our attention (often so they could sell us something)
and with the advent of Facebook, the Malt Maniacs decided to start a public
Facebook page which includes a sometimes-quite-active discussion board.
 Aboutr 700 people have joined the group which includes a number of newbies
along with some real sages.  You can visit the board, which is called Malt
Maniacs and Friends, at
  http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=7425231196
  Frankly though, I'd rather we find some way to breath new life back into
Malts-L.  This has been a pretty special group, both influential and
supportive and I think the on-line whisky community is somewhat the poorer
for all the new social communities that others have started.  I also find
Malts-L the most sophisticated technically.  Nothing to click, no websites
to visit, no passwords or sign-ins, just open your e-mail and see what's
happening today.  And best of all, its all about sharing information and not
a marketing tool.  We deliberately avoided commercial messages.

Good to hear you are still dramming away Ralph.  Do you ever wear your
Malts-L shirt?

Davin





On Sun, Sep 21, 2008 at 6:34 PM, David Evans <daevans at rogers.com> wrote:

> Hello fellow salt miners!
>
> Decided to unlurk after at least twenty years. First joined list when it
> was from the University of Edinburgh. Posts were quite voluminous in those
> days. But very very informative.
>
> As for me, bought my first bottle of malt whisky in 1977. Mortlach if
> memory serves me right.
>
> Remember reading an article in a Toronto weekly about a bar that had eight
> different malt whiskies. (Chelsea Inn)  at the time only three were
> available in Ontario. Glenlivet, Glenfiddich and Mortlach.
>
> So started a life long quest to "Outdo them" as it where.  There by hangs
> the rub. Collecting instead of enjoying them.
>
> Along the way met some wonderful people, Sukhinder Singh, Otto Steudel and
> so many other truly professional retailers.
>
> Thirty years and just about every distillery represented in my collection.
> (Ladyburn was the exception) should I sell or drink them?
>
> Most people would tell me drink em! But I have probably left it too late.
> (Prostate and liver problems.)
>
> One idea I have, is to host a "nosing" Then and now. Say comparing a
> Cardhu purchased in 1978 with one from today etc., Only problem with that is
> the 12 year old Cardhu costs about $250:00 today!!!
>
> But then everyone tells me Whisky does not mature in the bottle. Remember
> reading years ago that it does change though, becomes "Brandified." Having
> sipped a couple of old 'uns, I tend to agree.
>
> Any way have and hope to continue having much enjoyment from the people on
> this list. I drink a toash to the health of all of you. You have been a part
> of my life for so long, and I thank you.
>
>  Daid A. Evans. Piss artist ret.
>
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> MM-MALTS-L mailing list
> MM-MALTS-L at grsnet.net
> http://lists.grsnet.net/mailman/listinfo/mm-malts-l
>
>
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