
This is a story about a single malt whisky which transports its lucky drinker immediately into the Caribbean: while outside the sun is setting over the sea, painting the water in a dazzling array of red, gold and ambers, the discreet aroma of a wooden pontoon sitting on the water drifts over. Then there are canapés and refreshments which the waiter in white carries on a tray over to the beach terrace. On our table, there is an assortment of glasses and plates, filled with slices of fresh pineapples, grapefruit halves, good cognac and little biscuits. After a large sip of cognac, a fresh smell of grass tickles the nose, no wonder, as someone is mowing the grass next to the terrace.

The dark chocolate that the friendly waiter is recommending us now has a pleasantly bitter taste. We still have a slightly salty aftertaste on the palate after our last swim, but the fresh orange and pineapple halves soon replace that taste. To go with the chocolate and fruit we take a sip of old Caribbean rum which conjures a lasting warm impression on our tongues with hints of acid just like fresh limes.
The whisky which evoked these images is a Ben Nevis from the Old Malt Cask series by Douglas Laing. Filled in 2003 at 48% after 37 years in the cask this malts is very pleasant and full of holiday feelings. Wonderful.
October 18, 2007