A mashup of Hamlet and American pie which amuses us.

A long, long time ago
I can still remember
How, alas, poor Yorick’s jokes drew groans
He’d dance and sing and kiss my hand
Like Elsinore was Neverland
But then he went and joined the Skull and Bones

I was in Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland, The (1999) with Bill Barretta (I)
Bill Barretta (I) was in Murder in the First (1995) with Kevin Bacon.

Who knew?

Last night, the generous Ellen Datlow, invited me down to try some of her extensive collection of single malts. Rather than trying to get through twelve of them in an evening, we focused on the Islays. Goodness… it was a lovely, lovely evening.

Here they are in order of tasting. If you click through to any of the links you can see that our tasting notes are wildly and sometimes comically different from the professionals.

1. Te Bheag — evidently pronounced “chey vek”, because its Gaellic — was our only departure from the Islay program. This one was amber in color, with a gentle peaty nose. It was slightly sweet but not cloying.
2. Caol Ila, signature 1991 – Very light straw color. This was intensely peaty and a little harsh.
3. Caol Ila, 18year — Very smooth. The peat character was distinctive and pleasant. The nose gave off hints of old book leather. This was one of our two favorites
4. Bowmore Enigma, 12 year — Beautiful dark amber in color. Raison and peat on the nose. Polished smooth and rounded. This was best in show.
5. Ardbeg, 10 year – Very pale straw color with a mild, peaty nose. It was fairly coarse but with good flavor. There was a resiny almost fir aspect to the finish.
6. Aberlour, 10 year – The nose had notes of dates and turpentine. It was very mellow and not at all like scotch.

A delightful evening and I managed to get home without falling onto the third rail.