About Johnst04:

My mother introduced me to to whisk(e)y when I was about 28 years old.  Don't get me wrong, I drank whisky when I was younger but it was never to fully appreciate the whisky as much as it was to just have alcohol in the average highball.  And the highballs weren't even special; like a cola with rum, a rye and seven or a whisky soda.  If I ever had the whisky 'neat' it was often unceremoniously followed by a chaser to help any ease trauma to the palate.  Then one day, almost against my will (and what I falsely considered to be "better judgement" at the time), my mother poured me a small dram of a Lagavulin 16.  If anyone had looked closely into my eyes at that moment they would have seen my entire universe being rearranged against the backdrop of a white dwarf going supernova.  In my mind there were quick little conversations happening that played out like the stages of grief.

1)  Denial - "No, this isn't whisky; I've had whisky and I don't like it".
2)  Surprise - "This is delightful and unexpected"!
3)  Bargaining - "I wonder if mom will trade me this empty glass for one with more whisky".
4)  Depression-  "What have I been missing all this time"?
5)  Acceptance-  "I... like... whisky?  I like whisky!  What other kinds of whisky are in this new universe unraveling before me"?

Then one fateful Christmas the answer came in the form of a present wrapped under the tree.  My mother, yes again my mother, had gifted me a bottle of 10 year from a recently re-opened Bruichladdich distillery.  If it wasn't previously confirmed, it was now; I had officially caught the bug.

By the time I was about 35 I had the beginnings of a small collection.  This was in part due to a decision that when a bottle was finished, two bottles were to replace it.  And when a bottle was opened I wanted to learn about the distillery it came from.  Soon I was becoming familiar with the whisky industry and it's history which made me want to try different regions and types of whisky... Anyone who loves whisky knows the quality predicament I found myself in.

Around 2010 my brother, who incidentally had been the one to give the whisky bug to our mom, and I went to the UK.   Upon our return to Canada we brought back well over our eligible limit.  That trip alone increased the number of bottles in my collection by about 25 or 30 bottles. Believe me when I tell you I was practicing restraint.  After trying to organize the new bottles with the existing ones and not only failing miserably but validly concerned the shelf might buckle under the weight of the bottles, It was decided; I could no longer just keep these bottles on the shelf.  Cabinets were soon purchased and my whisk(e)y had a proper home where it could be organized and displayed safely.

Of course that just left me with another problem.  "Oh no!  What will I do with all this vacant shelf space?"  Don't worry though, I had a plan.

Where I live there is a large liquor store that has yearly releases of whisk(e)y.  The selection (reminiscent of a popular movie title) is so 'Vast and Various' that people queue up the night before opening just to be sure to get some limited bottles.  The first time I joined the queue I met a number of people who share my love for whisky.  Siting on lawn chairs under a clear cold November night, stories, industry information and drams were warmly shared (responsibly) the whole night until the store opened.  The following year a gentleman from our neighbours in the U.S.A. arrived three days before opening to ensure he was at the front of the line.  It was a bumper-crop of people that year but his planning and execution were perfect so got his pick of the litter.  Year after year the lineup became larger and people arrived earlier until one year we actually camped for ten days just to get in on the action.  And every year I found not only some great drams but also made some incredible lasting friendships with quality people who have similar interests in the community of whisky aficionados.  My shelves have been overburdened and new cabinets added time and time again.  More than two hundred bottles later I still have the bug and have passed it on to others who have passed it on to yet others.

Over the years I have come to appreciate whisky for more than it's flavor and aroma.  It's rich history and ability to unite people with common interests has amazed me and enriched my life.  Each bottle in my collection carries a memory of place, person and activity.  I have come to realize some truths in the pursuit of whisky.  Just because it's expensive doesn't mean you'll enjoy it more.  Whisky, like people, can surprise you when you least expect it.  Search for good quality and attributes you know you are drawn to but don't be afraid to take a chance on something new.

Broaden your horizons, expand your palate... Rearrange your universe.

Slàinte mhath


  • Gender
    M
  • Vintage
    1971
  • Canada
    ca
  • Points
    768

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