Wellington malt whisky gargre evening

[Hitcher]

Enough of the banter guys.

What I'm after are serious expressions of interest in a malt whisky evening.

To make these things worthwhile and offset costs involved with haggis purchase, piper hire, as well as contributing to the general proclavity and merriment, we will need about 15 people (plus or minus).

Between us we should be able to provide sufficient malt whisky of the required type. We may, however, need a venue with a kitchen and a reasonably large space in which to install some tables and chairs.

Order of events

- Introductions and welcome
- Rules of engagement
- Flight 1 (three malts): Highland malts
- Ceremonial haggis party (traditionally a party of 4: a piper, someone to lead with crossed dirks, a whisky bearer and a haggis bearer)
- Recitation of Robbie Burns' Ode to the Haggis
- Haggis served with neeps and tatties (and also lashings of buttered white bread)
- "Half time entertainment", usually some distilled beverage that may be of interest to serious malt whisky drinkers
- Flight 2 (three malts): Island malts
- Formalities conclude (singing of Auld lang syne not obligatory)

I have a bit of experience with these events, as does my brother who also happens to be a member of the Edinburgh Malt Whisky Society (I guess that makes up two attendees).

So if anybody knows a piper, is able to get hold of kilts, etc, don't hold back!

[riffer]

Make that 1.

I can supply Lagavulin and a quaich. My father-in-law has the pipes, and a kilt, and is a motorcyclist. I will talk to him.

Actually, he works with mangell6. If Mike's interested in coming, maybe he can get to work on John.

Can't be my gargre though. It's filled with dismantled motorcycle parts :D

[James Deuce]

I'll go home and check my stock.

I'll post my contribution.

Don't forget to organise it so our wives can cart us home.

Maybe we should organise babysitters (for those that need to) and get the wives together.

[riffer]

I'll go home and check my stock.

I'll post my contribution.

Don't forget to organise it so our wives can cart us home.

Maybe we should organise babysitters (for those that need to) and get the wives together.
Good idea. About time the wife got to meet you lot (seeing she hears so much about you.)

[James Deuce]

Hitcher, I prefer my Haggis on unbuttered Vogels toast.

Will this create a horrific cultural clash?

[Hitcher]

Hitcher, I prefer my Haggis on unbuttered Vogels toast.

Will this create a horrific cultural clash?

As long as there aren't too many choices -- or margarine! A line in the sand of cultural standards must be drawn somewhere...

[White trash]

I think the gargre eveining might just be a bit above the likes of myself.

Unless I can bring some Jim Beam and drink it outta coffee cups? :doobey:

[bungbung]

c'mon WT, it's your duty to lower the tone... make the effort. :cool:

[White trash]

c'mon WT, it's your duty to lower the tone... make the effort. :cool:

Might have to trade the Lexus for a brush painted matt black HQ for the evening, you reckon.

Shit, I dont even have a dyed blonde, skin tight black jeans wearing, god awfull make up plastered all over herself girlfriend to bring.

I'm slipping.............

[svs]

:sneaky2: is this expression serious enough? Have a few malts - Oban, Bowmore, Bladnoch (that's a lowland malt - where does that fit in?), Tullibardine.... The big questions are where and when?

[Ms Piggy]

Don't forget to organise it so our wives can cart us home.


Sounds like a hootenany to me! Are people without wives allowed???

Just tell me what to bring and I'll be there.

I've never had Haggis or Malt Whisky! :o

[wkid_one]

I've be there - and I will bring some sto-gies with me

[jrandom]

I've never had Haggis or Malt Whisky!

Bring a bottle of Glen Livet. It's not expensive and it's an easy drinker for a neophyte.

[bungbung]

Yup, Glen Livet is pretty good value compared to some of the blends.

I'll see what I can rustle up.

[bungbung]

Has anyone a suitable gargre?

[Yamahamaman]

I guess it is just for Wellingtonians witthin range to hear the call of the pipes.
Waaaaaaaa :cry:

[White trash]

I guess it is just for Wellingtonians witthin range to hear the call of the pipes.
Waaaaaaaa :cry:

Very social group down here.

If we're not riding together, we're watching bike racing/taking the piss out of Ducatis together. And if we're not doing that together, we're playing pool/getting pissed together. And if we're not.......you get the idea. :rolleyes:

[Drunken Monkey]

Sounds like fun, might even make another trip down for it (in a plane this time = can't afford another gearbox rebuild yet)...

Glenmorangie is my poison...

[Firefight]

Please, please digi pics, nothing I love more than too watch Kiwis eating Haggis, :puke: , Make sure you tell them how and what its made of.

Firefight. :Pokey:

Scotland, a free state.

[James Deuce]

Please, please digi pics, nothing I love more than too watch Kiwis eating Haggis, :puke: , Make sure you tell them how and what its made of.

Firefight. :Pokey:

Scotland, a free state.

Mate, I know what Haggis is and I love it anyway.

Any word about you Scots getting ownership of your land back yet??

[Firefight]

Mate, I know what Haggis is and I love it anyway.

Any word about you Scots getting ownership of your land back yet??


Good on you Jim, Its an acquired taste, and were workin on our Land

F/F :2guns:

[Yamahamaman]

Very social group down here.

If we're not riding together, we're watching bike racing/taking the piss out of Ducatis together. And if we're not doing that together, we're playing pool/getting pissed together. And if we're not.......you get the idea. :rolleyes:
In that case, I'll give it a miss. :gob:

[dangerous]

Ohh crap aye..... I dont like me chances of walking across the straight on the way home after a night on the Malts so I might have ta have a couple here for ya's.
Lets see sitting up on the shelf at the mo is a 18yr Glenlivet, Talisker, 105 proff Glenfarclas, 18yr Glenmorangie (shit thats a sweet drop) and my fav Oban.

ps: ya know were you can stick the Haggis :rolleyes:

[RiderInBlack]

Ooch Ya Welly bastards, canne make it ta Welly until after calving:cry: Canne the Jaffa Clan organise a haggis and dram evening for a poor Northlander.

Fu*k you Welly lot have a lot of fun. Hope to meet some of you at the BBQ (I just might be able to make that).

[James Deuce]

I'll contribute to the Islay Segment, but not from Jura
I have a bottle of 10 year old Talisker from the Isle of Skye.

I also have bottle of Glenfiddich for the Highland sector, but it is the 15 year old Solera Reserve, and I actually like it.

So there.

[Hitcher]

So after the initial frisson of excitement, it looks like currently we have about seven potential partakers:

Hitcher
Hitcher's brother
Celticno6
Jim2
SVS
Celtic_sea_lily
Wkid_one

A few more folks would make it more entertaining.
Cost for a ceremonial Haggis is about $40 (I know somebody who knows where they graze). It would pay to have a kitchen adjacent to the gargre, as Haggis, neeps and tatties are best served hot. There is a bit of a trick too to cooking Haggis.
Just looking at the addresses of the above participants, location of a suitable gargre tends to suggest somewhere Hutt Valley-ish??
Does anybody know a piper? If you can find one who likes malts and haggis, they may contribute their services for nothing or, even better, contribute to the costs...
Also, does anybody know somebody with a decent Scots brogue who can recite the Ode to the Haggis?
It is more fun if these events aspire to a bit of authenticity, rather than just being a piss up.

[bungbung]

I'd like to attend also.

[Hitcher]

I'd like to attend also.

That's eight!

[riffer]

Good on you Jim, Its an acquired taste, and were workin on our Land

F/F :2guns:
Doesn't bloody help when those daft Johnson & Johnson bastids keep giving it away a square foot at a time...

[bungbung]

Just what kind of animal is a neep? is it a tur' neep?

[Paul in NZ]

I have a gargre (assuming you mean a garage) full of dismembered bike, garden hacking implements, used kayaks and a single packet of single malt biscuits...

Be warned though.. I live on the Kapiti Coast where spirits are for exorcising or guzzling and not for sipping... Why somedays i can eat a whole packet of single malt biscuits! (why stop at one malt?)

After this, I tend to get a bit loud and listen to dreadful screetching music (the sort with Banjos in) while Vicki rolls her eyes up and says "That's nice dear but why don't you turn it down and put on something everyone knows the words too?"

HAH! I know the words....

Paul in NZ

Missing the point IS the point....

[Ms Piggy]

Bring a bottle of Glen Livet. It's not expensive and it's an easy drinker for a neophyte.
Ok I'll bring that then.

Ummmmm...just thinking about the transport thingee too. I live in Newtown & I know Bung Bung & Wkid both live in town as well. So what can we do for getting out there and more importantly getting home (or crashing somewhere for the night). Any ideas guys?

Oh yeah...am I the only woman coming? Or are you boys bringing your significant others?

[James Deuce]

Ok I'll bring that then.

Ummmmm...just thinking about the transport thingee too. I live in Newtown & I know Bung Bung & Wkid both live in town as well. So what can we do for getting out there and more importantly getting home (or crashing somewhere for the night). Any ideas guys?

Oh yeah...am I the only woman coming? Or are you boys bringing your significant others?
I think the plan is that we all go and drunken insignificant others get transported home by the relatively sober significant others.

Maungaraki Community Centre has a Supper room, but I'm not sure about the alcohol thing.

[Ms Piggy]

I think the plan is that we all go and drunken insignificant others get transported home by the relatively sober significant others.

Maungaraki Community Centre has a Supper room, but I'm not sure about the alcohol thing.
But I'm not an insignificant other b/c I don't have a significant other to pick me up drunk or sober! :crybaby:

[Hitcher]

Just what kind of animal is a neep? is it a tur' neep?

You have surmised well, Grasshopper

[pete376403]

CelticNo6's house is very near a railway station.
Could get the train home, horrible thought as that may be.
(Could be fun, load of drunken bikers - you could tear up the seats like the soccer 'ooligans do in England)

[White trash]

But I'm not an insignificant other b/c I don't have a significant other to pick me up drunk or sober! :crybaby:

I'll pick you up.

[Ms Piggy]

I'll pick you up. Sweet...it's more the gettiing home thing.

[White trash]

Sweet...it's more the gettiing home thing.

Ohhhh.

I thought you'd be able to drive me home.. :bleh:

Just my chaeuvanistic "Trash" side talking there

[riffer]

CelticNo6's house is very near a railway station.
Could get the train home, horrible thought as that may be.
(Could be fun, load of drunken bikers - you could tear up the seats like the soccer 'ooligans do in England)
This is true. I live exactly TWO house and one crossing of the road away in fact from Wallaceville railway station. It is most definitely possible to crawl that distance, maybe even trip and make it...

Could be an added incentive to get the bike back on the road too.

And that we don't need to find a babysitter.

Put my place down as a definite possibility.

[bungbung]

My significant other has also expressed an interest, I can possibly sort out transport back to Welli city for a total of 4 peeps with a sober driver, train is easy though. When is last train to the city from Upper Hutt?

[Ms Piggy]

Ohhhh.

I thought you'd be able to drive me home.. :bleh:

Just my chaeuvanistic "Trash" side talking there

Bugger off!! :moon:

The train sounds like a plan.

[riffer]

My significant other has also expressed an interest, I can possibly sort out transport back to Welli city for a total of 4 peeps with a sober driver, train is easy though. When is last train to the city from Upper Hutt?
http://www.tranzmetro.co.nz/tranzmetrowlg/timetable.aspx?sLineId=2&sFromId=1&sToId=27&sFromStation=Wellington&sToStation=Upper%20Hutt&sDay=Today

[bungbung]

How many of us live in town who want to attend?

Me, Lisa (sig. oth), CSL, Wkid. WT are you a townie?

Last train is 11pm from UH. Celticno6 are you next to Wallaceville Station? that'll give us an extra 5min.

[riffer]

Sorry that was probably not that helpful - try this:

[bungbung]

11.35pm on Fridays only.

[riffer]

We have four spare beds at home (one of which is a double bed).

Gini has given permission for use of our place for the do.

[riffer]

Gini has suggested the 31st July, which is also the last day of winter for the pagans.

And she says a Saturday as there's no bloody way she is going to spend all day cooking a haggis on a Friday for us to turn up after work and get pissed, eat all her food and bugger off leaving a mess for her to clean up on Rugby day.

[riffer]

Fair fa' your honest, sonsie face,
Great chieftain o' the puddin-race!
Aboon them a' ye tak your place,
Painch, tripe, or thairm:
Weel are ye wordy o' a grace
As lang's my arm.

The groaning trencher there ye fill,
Your hurdies like a distant hill,
Your pin wad help to mend a mill
In time o' need,
While thro' your pores the dews distil
Like amber bead.

His knife see rustic Labour dight,
An' cut you up wi' ready sleight,
Trenching your gushing entrails bright,
Like ony ditch;
And then, O what a glorious sight,
Warm-reekin, rich!

Then, horn for horn,
they stretch an' strive:
Deil tak the hindmost! on they drive,
Till a' their weel-swall'd kytes belyve,
Are bent lyke drums;
Then auld Guidman, maist like to rive,
"Bethankit!" 'hums.

Is there that owre his French ragout
Or olio that wad staw a sow,
Or fricassee wad mak her spew
Wi' perfect sconner,
Looks down wi' sneering, scornfu' view
On sic a dinner?

Poor devil! see him ower his trash,
As feckless as a wither'd rash,
His spindle shank, a guid whip-lash,
His nieve a nit;
Thro' bloody flood or field to dash,
O how unfit!

But mark the Rustic, haggis fed,
The trembling earth resounds his tread.
Clap in his walie nieve a blade,
He'll mak it whissle;
An' legs an' arms, an' heads will sned,
Like taps o' thrissle.

Ye Pow'rs wha mak mankind your care,
And dish them out their bill o' fare,
Auld Scotland wants nae skinking ware
That jaups in luggies;
But, if ye wish her gratefu' prayer,
Gie her a haggis!

[riffer]

Fair is your honest happy face
Great chieftain of the pudding race
Above them all you take your place
Stomach, tripe or guts
Well are you worthy of a grace
As long as my arm

The groaning platter there you fill
Your buttocks like a distant hill
Your skewer would help to repair a mill
In time of need
While through your pores the juices emerge
Like amber beads

His knife having seen hard labour wipes
And cuts you up with great skill
Digging into your gushing insides bright
Like any ditch
And then oh what a glorious sight
Warm steaming, rich

Then spoon for spoon
They stretch and strive
Devil take the last man, on they drive
Until all their well swollen bellies
Are bent like drums
Then, the old gent most likely to rift (burp)
Be thanked, mumbles

Is there that over his French Ragout
Or olio that would sicken a pig
Or fricassee would make her vomit
With perfect disgust
Looks down with a sneering scornful opinion
On such a dinner

Poor devil, see him over his trash
As week as a withered rush (reed)
His spindle-shank a good whiplash
His clenched fist…the size of a nut.
Through a bloody flood and battle field to dash
Oh how unfit

But take note of the strong haggis fed Scot
The trembling earth resounds his tread
Clasped in his large fist a blade
He'll make it whistle
And legs and arms and heads he will cut off
Like the tops of thistles

You powers who make mankind your care
And dish them out their meals
Old Scotland wants no watery food
That splashes in dishes
But if you wish her grateful prayer
Give her a haggis!

[Hitcher]

This is starting to look most encouraging.

Celtic, firstly thank you for the offer of a gargre.

Does Gini in her kitchen have a large stock pan or something large enough to simmer an object slightly smaller than a netball? The trick to cooking a Haggis is the long, slow simmer -- about 5 hours at a temperature that NEVER comes to the boil. Neeps and tatties are a much easier proposition from a culinary perspective. I can come out and help her get this started.

Everybody, any ideas regarding a piper?

If there are non-malt drinkers attending, it may be useful to find some way that they can be entertained (other than watching the serious business of malt flights in progress).

Similarly Haggis is not to everybody's taste (heathen), so an alternative bill of fare may be in order. Maybe a fricassee or a ragout? Ideas please...

At last count we were at about nine malt quaffers plus assorted partners. Assuming some overs and unders this is probably enough to go for the green button.

[riffer]

Does Gini in her kitchen have a large stock pan or something large enough to simmer an object slightly smaller than a netball?
There is NOTHING my wife does not have in her kitchen. :rolleyes:

[James Deuce]

There is NOTHING my wife does not have in her kitchen. :rolleyes:
FZR750 Forks?? No??

[riffer]

Ahem.

There is nothing of matters culinary my wife does not have in her kitchen.

[White trash]

Ummm.....What's the dress code?

I've only got black singlets, black jeans, studded belts and Johnny Reb boots. And someone may have to give the HQ a push to get it started on a cold Upper Hutt night.

I'm going to be alienated! :cry:

[wkid_one]

We have four spare beds at home (one of which is a double bed).

Gini has given permission for use of our place for the do.
I call the double - SUCKERS!

[White trash]

I call the double - SUCKERS!

Bit late I believe sunshine.

Celtic and Gini were in today discussing that very thing.

You sure are purdy though. I'd be happy to share. <_<

[Ms Piggy]

I call the double - SUCKERS!
I should get 1st dibs on that if any of you are gentlemen! :bleh:

[wkid_one]

I should get 1st dibs on that if any of you are gentlemen! :bleh:
Do you like the left or the right side?

[wkid_one]

Bit late I believe sunshine.

Celtic and Gini were in today discussing that very thing.

You sure are purdy though. I'd be happy to share. <_<
Unfortunately the rules of such stipulate it must be done when all are present - therefore you selection is void - sorry. Kinda like shotgun rules

[matthewt]

I'd be interested, I'm a non-malt drinker so I'll either bring some DB and hang out with WT or I might be talked into trying a few.

I also have a 7 seater car so if people are serious about getting there and back in one piece I could lay off the hard stuff and do a pickup/dropoff run to wgtn and back if the train times don't work out.

[riffer]

I'd be interested, I'm a non-malt drinker so I'll either bring some DB and hang out with WT or I might be talked into trying a few.

I also have a 7 seater car so if people are serious about getting there and back in one piece I could lay off the hard stuff and do a pickup/dropoff run to wgtn and back if the train times don't work out.

Hey hey sounds like we have a bit of a houli happening now!

I'm pretty sure I have a piper. My father in law is looking to drag his pipes out of the closet for the occasion. :)

[Ms Piggy]

Do you like the left or the right side?
Ha! Not a chance I sleep in the middle!! :Pokey:

[dangerous]

Ha! Not a chance I sleep in the middle!! :Pokey:

cool, that means that there will be room for me too :bleh:

[Ms Piggy]

cool, that means that there will be room for me too :bleh:
I'm a blanket hogger too!

[scumdog]

Ummm.....What's the dress code?

I've only got black singlets, black jeans, studded belts and Johnny Reb boots. And someone may have to give the HQ a push to get it started on a cold Upper Hutt night.

I'm going to be alienated! :cry:

You bastids!!! you know I'm stuck in the (supposedly) frozen south Mainland and many a mile between us!!
If I lived closer I WOULD have been there with a collection of brews (single malt included) and would have upheld the dress standard by arriving exactly as described by WT but with the addition of a raggedy black fishermans knit jersey and beanie ( you would have to wonder why I was called "scumdog" at the freezer). Don't have an HQ but got an Anglia with primer, would that have fitted in?? :apint:

[Her_C4]

Sounds like a hootenany to me! Are people without wives allowed???

Just tell me what to bring and I'll be there.

I've never had Haggis or Malt Whisky! :o

Me too - all of the above.... room for one more?

I won't be too much into the hard stuff though ;) and can provide transport to and fro if anyone needs it?

[wkid_one]

I think between me, CSL, WT and Dangerous in the double bed - that is pretty much full!

[Ms Piggy]

I think between me, CSL, WT and Dangerous in the double bed - that is pretty much full!
Top & tail then?

[wkid_one]

Top & tail then?I was thinking spoons C, but if you want 69, who am I to complain\

For those who would like a fat cigar with their Whisky - let me know - as I plan a run to my man opposite Intercontinental - simple THE best tabacconist in Welly.

[mangell6]

Is "Chivas Regal" any good, I won it in a raffle? I have also found in the cupboard a bottle of "Tamdhu" that talks of being a "Fine Single Malt" but sounds more Indian to me?

CelticNo6 - Now I understand why your FIL lives where he does. :D

[riffer]

Is "Chivas Regal" any good, I won it in a raffle? I have also found in the cupboard a bottle of "Tamdhu" that talks of being a "Fine Single Malt" but sounds more Indian to me?

CelticNo6 - Now I understand why your FIL lives where he does. :D

Tamdhu (little dark hill in Gaelic). It's a speyside. It'll fit in well next to my Aberlour.

It's main claim to fame is its the principal single malt used in the Famous Grouse (a blended whisky).

Also they are the only distillery in Speyside to malt its own barley on the premises, so it could possibly be the only genuine speyside.

And as for my in-laws, I guess they like their privacy. Her_B4 and mangell6 you are both welcome.

[mangell6]

Her_B4 and mangell6 you are both welcome.

OK, but what about this guy??

http://www.angellandassociates.co.nz/dunseath/Piper_and_ducks.jpg

[James Deuce]

Is "Chivas Regal" any good, I won it in a raffle? I have also found in the cupboard a bottle of "Tamdhu" that talks of being a "Fine Single Malt" but sounds more Indian to me?

CelticNo6 - Now I understand why your FIL lives where he does. :D

Tamdhu is marvellous.

Chivas Regal is good for getting tar of plastic fairing panels. (I have "Strong Views" about blends)

[LB]

Shit, I dont even have a dyed blonde, skin tight black jeans wearing, god awfull make up plastered all over herself girlfriend to bring.



Hamish might hire you me for the night :eek5:

(I'm only just starting to read this post so you may have found yourself one by now, in which case ignore Hamish's kind ( :sneaky2: ) offer)

[LB]

Very social group down here.

If we're not riding together, we're watching bike racing/taking the piss out of Ducatis together.

Or taking the piss out of Suzukis and Yamahas together.


Re the piper: Re-cycled is a piper as well - do you want two of them or is it de riguer to only have one?

PS: I don't actually drink whisky, but I might come along for the atmosphere - after watching Rick Stein's Food heroes, I don't think I'd partake of the Haggis either - Jim2: can I pse share the unbuttered Vogels?

I don't really drink, so could probably cart a couple of people home - perhaps 3 if you didn't mind squashing into the back of a Nissan Sentra, and promise not to throw up. NB: Hamish would drive, not me

[Ms Piggy]

I was thinking spoons C, but if you want 69, who am I to complain

Oh do beeeeeehave! :thud:

[Ms Piggy]

Is traditional attire required? I know WT has his own version of traditions he must remain faithful to but, for the rest of us...??? And what would traditional attire for a woman at a Haggis ceremony anyway?

[James Deuce]

Is traditional attire required? I know WT has his own version of traditions he must remain faithful to but, for the rest of us...??? And what would traditional attire for a woman at a Haggis ceremony anyway?

In the kitchen wearing an apron.

[Ms Piggy]

In the kitchen wearing an apron.
Don't ya mean over the fire or out back killing a beastie??

But what I really wanna know is what shall I wear????

Found this link http://members.efn.org/~celtic/celtic_looks.html

[Hitcher]

Is "Chivas Regal" any good, I won it in a raffle? I have also found in the cupboard a bottle of "Tamdhu" that talks of being a "Fine Single Malt" but sounds more Indian to me?

CelticNo6 - Now I understand why your FIL lives where he does. :D

[Sharp intake of breath... Look of anguish!] Blends at a single malt night??? Tamdhu is a qualifying beverage.

[Hitcher]

I'd be interested, I'm a non-malt drinker so I'll either bring some DB and hang out with WT or I might be talked into trying a few.

I also have a 7 seater car so if people are serious about getting there and back in one piece I could lay off the hard stuff and do a pickup/dropoff run to wgtn and back if the train times don't work out.

If there are enough non-malters present, what is a lot of fun is beer "blind testing". One way of sorting out the connoisseurs from the pretenders... Nothing too elaborate involved -- two brown beers, two lagers and two black beers. At the very least you should be able to pick the darks from the rest...

[Hitcher]

OK, but what about this guy??

http://www.angellandassociates.co.nz/dunseath/Piper_and_ducks.jpg

He's in Palmerston North but...
He shouldn't drink much malt either

[Hitcher]

In the kitchen wearing an apron.

Ouch!!!
[Waits for CSL to come out swinging...]

[Her_C4]

Tamdhu (little dark hill in Gaelic). It's a speyside. It'll fit in well next to my Aberlour.

It's main claim to fame is its the principal single malt used in the Famous Grouse (a blended whisky).

Also they are the only distillery in Speyside to malt its own barley on the premises, so it could possibly be the only genuine speyside.

And as for my in-laws, I guess they like their privacy. Her_B4 and mangell6 you are both welcome.

Kewl!!! I look forward to it.. :D

In the meantime I am feverishly taking notes on which 'single malt' (as opposed to a 'blend' :yeah: ) would be acceptable to bring to the festivities.

[mangell6]

If there are enough non-malters present, what is a lot of fun is beer "blind testing". One way of sorting out the connoisseurs from the pretenders... Nothing too elaborate involved -- two brown beers, two lagers and two black beers. At the very least you should be able to pick the darks from the rest...

As I was once told, there is no such thing as a bad beer, it is just that some beers are better than others.

One could apply this to whiskies, but there is a major difference that is seperated by the Irish Sea.

[mangell6]

I don't really drink,

As it interferes with the discussion . . . . .
:shutup:

[riffer]

Lynda - the fact that you don't drink is not a problem at all. In fact, Gini doesn't drink either. She'd be more than happy to have a fellow non-drinker along...

Besides she does like a good natter :)

[Hitcher]

As I was once told, there is no such thing as a bad beer, it is just that some beers are better than others.

One could apply this to whiskies, but there is a major difference that is seperated by the Irish Sea.

Vatted malts versus real malts. Quite right!

[James Deuce]

As I was once told, there is no such thing as a bad beer, it is just that some beers are better than others.

One could apply this to whiskies, but there is a major difference that is seperated by the Irish Sea.

That isn't quite true. Johnny Walker for instance doesn't make a nice one no matter how fancy the label. Malts are made to be tasted, not quaffed. The aftertaste of a single malt can identify regional differences and you can often pick the distillery.

Irish whiskey used to be regarded as a superior product to any Scots blend, referred to as "Scotch" by the plebians that inhabit Nth America. However prohibition in the US caused the Irish to rush maturation and they ended up destroying a vast amount of their cask (the barrels are important as they impart a great deal of character) stock in the process. All for a profit.

I don't mind Jameson's for quaffing. It's very smooth.

[dangerous]

That isn't quite true. Johnny Walker for instance doesn't make a nice one no matter how fancy the label.

Well I'm not sure bout that, have ya tried blue lable at $380 odd a bottle I tried this once at $10 a nip shezzz never again although there was this time were a mate and myself stopped in at a pub on the way to a rally and the ninny behind the bar was charging us the usual price for blue lable so we had ta finnish the bottle..... we were a bit late to that rally, infact I'm not sure if we even made it.

Green lable is a pure malt not sure how that differs from single malt but it wasent the best and I currently have a gold and for a blend, I like it.

[jrandom]

I don't mind Jameson's for quaffing. It's very smooth.

Good man. Wot 'e said. Keep a bottle o'that to serve up to the plebs and in-laws. Beats Johnnie Red!

[Kickaha]

It seems as thought this affair could do with some Southern representation so I will make the effort to journey North and attend.

As I don't actually drink I could probly drive some people round if they'll trust me with their keys as I'll be travelling by bike.

[wkid_one]

I can drive someone out their - but not back as I will be crashing at my parents, there is a spare room there tho - they are only in Trentham - which is a short taxi ride from the venue

[James Deuce]

Surely this needs resurrecting.

Mid winter some time?

[jrandom]

Surely this needs resurrecting.

Mid winter some time?

Just tell me when to ride down.

[Brian d marge]

That isn't quite true. Johnny Walker for instance doesn't make a nice one no matter how fancy the label. Malts are made to be tasted, not quaffed. The aftertaste of a single malt can identify regional differences and you can often pick the distillery.

Irish whiskey used to be regarded as a superior product to any Scots blend, referred to as "Scotch" by the plebians that inhabit Nth America. However prohibition in the US caused the Irish to rush maturation and they ended up destroying a vast amount of their cask (the barrels are important as they impart a great deal of character) stock in the process. All for a profit.

I don't mind Jameson's for quaffing. It's very smooth.

You can get single malts Scottish whisky , from differing regions for $40 a bottle here ...you can Really taste the differing areas ...Have drunk my way around Scotland ,,,may do it again ,,,,

forget Jw ....

Stephen

[Hitcher]

Indeed. Allowing sufficient time for women folk to be persuaded that depositing their soon-to-be-pissed-beyond-belief significant others to a venue and then uplifted from said venue some time afterwards is a productive nay desirable outcome, may take some negotiating.

Aside from that, other considerations like an appropriate selection of whiskys, haggis, neeps, tatties, a piper, etc are mere ephemera.

A group of about 25 works really well, as that's about the number of measures that can be extracted from a bottle of malt whisky for the purposes of comparative tasting. Minimum of four, maximum of six at an average cost of $90 a bottle, $200 for haggis, $50 for other accoutrements, $50 for contingencies (such as a piper), works out to about $34 a participant. I must say that that represents excellent value for money. Mrs H may use other words to describe it...

[Skunk]

Sounds good to me...

[LBD]

Anything peat dried, and double matured in bourbon, maderia, port or sherry barrels get my vote.

October just before of after or in conjunction with the rusty nuts 1000 miler. I will be there wie me bottle, dram glass, mineral water and large cured ice cubes....

[Hitcher]

I will be there wie me bottle, dram glass, mineral water and large cured ice cubes....

Gahh! Thud. Don't be surprised if you're turned away at the door...

[flyingscotsman]

I'm in !! Got a contact in the haggis hunting fraternity too so I can help out with a fresh one :drool:

[LBD]

gahh! Thud. Don't be surprised if you're turned away at the door...
n i will take my 28 year old caolila and laguvellan away with me...

[James Deuce]

n i will take my 28 year old caolila and laguvellan away with me...

That's OK. People from countries with no vowels aren't allowed in anyway.

[LBD]

KyrgyzstAn

[James Deuce]

KyrgyzstAn
It's not a province anymore.

[Usarka]

If i could heal enough to ride I'd come down from mianus :cry:

[Hitcher]

n i will take my 28 year old caolila and laguvellan away with me...

No, it's OK to leave those. Just take the fucking ice with you...

[LBD]

No, it's OK to leave those. Just take the fucking ice with you...

Tut tut....one large solid cube that is well cured does not melt but chills the spirit. And I drink mine 50/50 scotch water....and I enjoy it and imbib my fair share and if that is a problem to any one...well I am a big boy and past caring....period!

[dangerous]

And I drink mine 50/50 scotch water....
you WHAT... you bloody big girl, I asume when you say 'scotch' you are refering to a blended whisky, well I bloody well hope so :niceone:

If you guys have another evening then ill join in from down here and be with ya's in sprit <--- ya like that pun :chase:
Scumdog gave me a Bruichladdich from Islay the other week so im sorted.

[Hitcher]

one large solid cube that is well cured does not melt but chills the spirit.

Malt whisky is like any fine liquor. It should be drunk warm, optimally at body temperature. The pleasurable experience is an olfactory one, so everything that can be done to enhance the liberation of volatiles in the whisky (addition of water and warming) is to be commended and encouraged. Adding ice kind of defeats the purpose of this, and adding it to really good whisky is largely a waste of money.

If the intention is to get drunk, then people should save their money, buy bourbon or Johnnie Red, and add as much ginger ale and ice to it as their heart desires.

The psychology of purchasing decisions is complex, irrespective of what item is being bought. Suffice it to say that Ferrari owners rarely have nodding dogs on the rear parcel shelf

[LBD]

Malt whisky is like any fine liquor. It should be drunk warm, optimally at body temperature. The pleasurable experience is an olfactory one, so everything that can be done to enhance the liberation of volatiles in the whisky (addition of water and warming) is to be commended and encouraged. Adding ice kind of defeats the purpose of this, and adding it to really good whisky is largely a waste of money.

If the intention is to get drunk, then people should save their money, buy bourbon or Johnnie Red, and add as much ginger ale and ice to it as their heart desires.



Well there sure is a good degree of whisky snobbery on KB isn't there then?

Agree with your sentiments bout drinking to get drunk and mixers, I keep a bottle of JB for those visitors who want to mix.

Sorry yaol took offence at the ice, I am not so much of a purist....but when its 40C....

Singles from Islay island good smokey n sometimes sweet...

[dangerous]

Well there sure is a good degree of whisky snobbery on KB isn't there then?

Agree with your sentiments bout drinking to get drunk and mixers, I keep a bottle of JB for those visitors who want to mix.

Sorry yaol took offence at the ice, I am not so much of a purist....but when its 40C....

Singles from Islay island good smokey n sometimes sweet...

hehehe... we all jiving man, still tho.. as a real malt con a sir *sticks nose in the air* you still suck adding water hehehe :Punk:
No one has taken offence and Islay is gooooooood shit

[bungbung]

Bowmore Darkest 15yr, sherry finished.

yum

[dangerous]

Bowmore Darkest 15yr, sherry finished.

yum

ohhh ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, post us a drop down will ya :2thumbsup

[riffer]

Jeez, how did I miss this thread.

As the host of the inaugural Malt Whisky Gargre Evening I'm definitely in for another.

Why's it taken 5 years guys? ;)

[pete376403]

Jeez, how did I miss this thread.

As the host of the inaugural Malt Whisky Gargre Evening I'm definitely in for another.

Why's it taken 5 years guys? ;)
good things take time?

[riffer]

good things take time?

Yes, well I still have a wee bit of a couple of the bottles from then.

So some of these Islays must be getting on to 20 years old now...

Pity it's not a BYO evening being suggested. NOT. ;)

[Hitcher]

So some of these Islays must be getting on to 20 years old now...

They don't get any older after they leave the barrel. But you knew that already...

[riffer]

They don't get any older after they leave the barrel. But you knew that already...



details....

they still taste bloody luverley. ;)

[Skunk]

So, when's it to be?

[Fatjim]

2 Questions.

1. Cigars allowed?
2. I hate Whiskey, but is rum allowed?

[Fatjim]

Indeed. Allowing sufficient time for women folk to be persuaded that depositing their soon-to-be-pissed-beyond-belief significant others to a venue and then uplifted from said venue some time afterwards is a productive nay desirable outcome, may take some negotiating.

Aside from that, other considerations like an appropriate selection of whiskys, haggis, neeps, tatties, a piper, etc are mere ephemera.

A group of about 25 works really well, as that's about the number of measures that can be extracted from a bottle of malt whisky for the purposes of comparative tasting. Minimum of four, maximum of six at an average cost of $90 a bottle, $200 for haggis, $50 for other accoutrements, $50 for contingencies (such as a piper), works out to about $34 a participant. I must say that that represents excellent value for money. Mrs H may use other words to describe it...

Aaaahh, fuckit. I'm prepared to start to like whiskey on these grounds.

[LBD]

And I just opend a Bunnahabhain.....Slainte!

[Trudes]

I take it that this video would not be a fair representation of what the evening will be like?
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[Dodger]

hmmm, I guess this would be one way to get rid of my cold :Punk:

[LBD]

hmmm, I guess this would be one way to get rid of my cold :Punk:

Got a good one myself....Two berocas and water,.... then 1/2 rum and 1/2 old stones green ginger wine,...gargle n swallow, your throat will thankyou for it.

[LBD]

well this thread has died....

Just opened McKillops choice 89 Bowmore. Doesn't work for me..... Banahabbain, Laguvallen or Caolila and the Irish Coonamarra are my favs so far. All nice smooth and smokey.

[jrandom]

Single malt?

Vague memories...

These days, I stand in bottle stores in front of the hard liquor cabinet with my cellphone in 'calculator' mode, working out which option provides the greatest amount of ethanol per dollar.

[LBD]

Single malt?

Vague memories...

These days, I stand in bottle stores in front of the hard liquor cabinet with my cellphone in 'calculator' mode, working out which option provides the greatest amount of ethanol per dollar.

Single Malt, single cask...I would almost call it a touch on the sour side...

Buy a packet of sterilyzing alchol wipes from the chemist and wring one out in each glass you pour......

Or aquire a bottle of medical Alchol.....

Do not make the mistake that some nationals made a few years ago at my work place....Some anti freeze contains alchol...When they heard of this, they had a session....Killed 3 and made another 6 very unwell....

[dangerous]

Just opened McKillops choice 89 Bowmore. Doesn't work for me..... Banahabbain, Laguvallen or Caolila and the Irish Coonamarra are my favs so far. All nice smooth and smokey.Bowmore a Lowland or Spayside? yeah if ya used to a Island or Highland whisky is rather more tastfull... Boona, yeah nice drop a more mellow Laguvallen tast... me thanks to Scumdog I have a BruichLaddich from Islay on the go.

[LBD]

Bowmore a Lowland or Spayside? yeah if ya used to a Island or Highland whisky is rather more tastfull... Boona, yeah nice drop a more mellow Laguvallen tast... me thanks to Scumdog I have a BruichLaddich from Islay on the go.


Bowmore is an Island of Islay, as are the others except the Irish.

Thanks for mentioning BruichLaddich... May be the next on the list to try...or Laphroaig

[dangerous]

Bowmore is an Island of Islay, as are the others except the Irish.

Thanks for mentioning BruichLaddich... May be the next on the list to try...or Laphroaig

ahhh so it is, even have a full bottle here (miniture) just to lazy to get up and check... I always have a Island and Highland on the go, two entiley differant tasts and it depends on the night as to what I tast.

[scumdog]

Thanks for mentioning BruichLaddich... May be the next on the list to try...or Laphroaig

How about both?

The Laphroaigh is:niceone: - well worth it.

[LBD]

How about both?

The Laphroaigh is:niceone: - well worth it.

May do, cept it will be 4 months before I find a shop that stocks either...so its the last of the Banahabbain, sour Bowmore and a speyside Craginmore till then....

Where do you shop in Welly?

[Hitcher]

Don't talk about Irish "whiskey" in a single malt thread. Please. Next people will be wanting to talk about cognac or, even worse, bourbon.

[dangerous]

don't talk about irish "whiskey" in a single malt thread. Please. Next people will be wanting to talk about cognac or, even worse, bourbon.amen......

[LBD]

Don't talk about Irish "whiskey" in a single malt thread. Please. Next people will be wanting to talk about cognac or, even worse, bourbon.

The single malt peated Connemara....from the Cooley Distillery...is up there and has taken several judgings against the Scotches

[LBD]

Finished the Banahabbain and just opened the MacKillops choice Bowmore 1990.....BLAAAAAGGGGGHHHHH Has some weird sour taste, nothing like regular Bowmore. Do not be tempted to try this one.

Monday the 15th March, evening, I get off the ferry about 6pm, check into a hotel still to be decided, then.... a feed and couple of relaxing drinks at a quieter establishment? Any suggestions for a hotel and quiet bar an easy walk from each other?

Does not need to be in the citi center....but I need to be in the Hutt late next morning and would rather not double back.

[Skunk]

Has there been any plans for another get together? I've failed to get to one so far...

[dangerous]

Has there been any plans for another get together? I've failed to get to one so far...yeah... my place, any night of the week ;)

[Skunk]

Hmmm, can you make it to the Top10 campgrounds on Weds or Thurs night? Better not do Friday to Sunday - need a clear head. :lol:

[Gareth51]

yeah... my place, any night of the week ;)

Not if Roger's about

[scumdog]

Not if Roger's about

Unless ya wanna be rogered!:shit:

[dangerous]

Not if Roger's aboutDeported 2 weeks ago.

[Roger]

Deported 2 weeks ago.Nope, I'm still here :devil2: