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Whiskies of the World Expo 2003 2003 WoW Expo Report REMEMBER, THE 2005 WOW IS COMING NEXT MARCH Hats off for my third year in a row to Riannon Walsh of Celtic Malts for her tireless efforts and execution of the Whiskies of the World Expo held on Saturday, March 22, 2003. As usual, there was a main hall with dozens and dozens of distributors and distilleries showing off their wares — and providing that ever popular "wee dram" for the nosing and sampling. For the uninitiated, this Expo was originally devoted to getting together malt whisky (scotch and 'irish') along with some North American bourbons and ryes, and a buch of enthusiasts. The main point was to allow us to sample and compare a large number of these and to learn more about the distilling process and to promote enthusiasm for these wonderful beverages. And then a few small-batch vodka and gin and tequilla and others began showing up. A second, smaller, room was set up and these other beverage distillers were invited to let the rest of us know what they are all about. So.. what about this year's event? Well, it was packed and noisy and the food was good and the drink was mosty great and I had one hell of a great time. My wonderful, non-drinking wife, Patty, accompanied me for most of the evening (this is a 5-hour event) taking the occasional sniff of something I felt would be of interest to her, and even — shock, amazement, loud gasping of air — even tasting and enjoying two of the offereings that evening. More about that in a few paragraphs. Highlights of the Evening: There are two gentlemen whose names are intertwined with the malt whisky industry in Scotland, particularly with the malts from the western islands of Islay and Arran. Jim McEwen and Douglas Davidson were both in attendance and were very approachable. I had a nice but brief conversation with Jim, letting him know that we would be coming to Isaly in August. He invited us to his Bruichladdich distillery and said to be sure to ask for him (assuming he was in that day and not off island at some meeting or event, that is). The same, but with a little more time for conversation, with Douglas and his Arran Distillery. We are very much looking forward to visiting both of their facilities and getting a few minutes of their time. Oh, and just to let you know, Arran Distillery brought over a cask strength version of the Arran Single Malt. Almost good enough to cry over. Other memorable spirits and people are as follows: 1) Met with the very interesting Bruce Ridley, whisky enthusiast, writer and judge. No, not whisky judge... real judge. Robes, gavel, the whole shebang. He was amazed that Patty would be with me at an event she can't enjoy (and even more so that this is her third year at the event and her 21st year with me. Very nice guy. 2) Discoverred that I don't hate vodka. Of course, if you read my vodka page, you will see that I already had discovered Bend Distillery's vodka. Well, at this year's event they were there with their gins (two of them) their regular vodka, AND the hazelnut/chocolate vodka and a forthcoming product, a pepper vodka. Patty tried and liked the hazelnut/chocolate vodka. Would be amazing with some vanilla ice cream. And the pepper vodka had real pepper in it. By that I mean that there is no chemical taste to it. The pepper hits you on the tip of your tongue, rolls with some heat to the back and down the throat. Then, within 4-5 seconds it just smoothes out and drits off. Wonderful! 3) Discovered that there is vodka in Minnesota! Oofda!! A relatively new company is making Shakers Vodka. This is a 6 times distilled wheat vodka that has character, flavor, balance and the best bottle style ever. I make no bones about Vodka being tasteless, but this one has some subtle taste. And it can actually be enjoyed straight as a sipping beverage. Wow! It is only available in about 9 states clustered around Minnesota, but if you see it, buy it (and buy one for me as well and let me know where to send the money.) 4) Had the chance to meed and talk to Riannon Walsh, the organizer. Nice lady. A bit harried that evening, but very nice. 5) Some wonderful folks from the Sacramento, California area that produce an amazing sturgeon caviar were there providing tastes. I love caviar but usually find the readily-available stuff too salty and processed tasting. This was just wonderful. I believe the company is Sea Farm California. If you like caviar (or want to get an introduction to caviar the right way) look them up. And the "he should have drunk a lot less" award goes to the 20-something man who was walking in front of me as we neared the end of one row of tables and needed to turn to the left to go to the next row. He had a clear shot at it and just needed to turn 90 degrees, walk about 10 feet and turn another 90 degrees. He made it by tilting the wrong direction, flailing his arms about, and staggering about 10 feet out of his way. When he finally made it around the corner, he looked back at where he had come from, smiled sheepishly, and then staggered up to another table (where they politely served him just a few drops and suggested that he go out and get some food). |