June 2008 Live Tasting Final Poll

[Ganga]

Well, that was an interesting preliminary poll. I guess we go with four choices for June.

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Please choose one whisky of the four.
2. Please choose one date for the tasting.

[Ryguy]

I chose Lagavulin, as it's one of my favorite malts for sure. As far as the date, the only day that is really bad for me is Fri, June 20th. Looking at my June calendar, it seems to be a busy month. But one way or another I'll work it out to take part in the tasting.

Thanks Ganga for keeping track of the polls!

[Willie JJ]

Bladnoch. Have chosen the 21st but really cant see an issue with any of the dates at this point. More time gives Matt more of a chance to try for samples and representation though.

[TheTross]

Lagavulin. Saturday 21st, although all of those dates are good so far (though no doubt something'll crop up on whichever date is decided on to make me miss my fourth tasting in a row...).

[Ganga]

The last full weekend of June is generally reserved for a trip to go see the Lompoc Flower Festival. Also provides another opportunity to see the sis and mom. Therefore I selected the previous Saturday.

[Sherried Malt]

Lagavulin. Only distillery that I have more than one bottling from...

[Ras Mazunga]

Glenfiddich, because I have four...
Any day is ok for me. A saturday is maybe better for the American members.

[Dram fine idea]

Glenfiddich because I like it. I'll be happy with any of the whiskies. Saturday 21st is good at the moment.

[Spirit of Islay]

Whats with the second poll , thought Bladnoch had won the last one ?
Voted Bladnoch again as i just don't get Glenfiddich and Bladnochs a great summer whisky with a lot better taste !

[Ryguy]

Whats with the second poll , thought Bladnoch had won the last one ?
Voted Bladnoch again as i just don't get Glenfiddich and Bladnochs a great summer whisky with a lot better taste !

SOI,
That was the prelim. poll to narrow the choices down to 3, but we had a tie, thus 4 choices for the final poll.

Looks to be very close again!!

[Ganga]

Poll closes this Saturday. My question to all of you, how should we handle a tie? I don't want to run another poll. Should I/we designate someone like Matt?

Also, we need July suggestions!

[Ganga]

As many as you want. Just note what has been done as a Live Tasting in the past. BTW, Whiksy Calendar has Edradour.

Aberlour
Edradour
Springbank

[Willie JJ]

Well as it looks like Bladnoch is going to lose to the rather more boring (IMO) Glenfiddich, i suggest we stick Bladdie back in the next time too as there is a lot going on there just now with new spirit released, etc.

[Ganga]

To respond to a PM. I am looking for a convenient method of breaking the tie without the drawn out polling process. I'm trying to give Matt plenty of time to contact the distillery to see if they are interested in participating (samples, representative on-line with us).

It would be nice to have something in place to fall back upon. I can ask someone to become that designated individual (Willie, Christian), ask Matt to perform duties, or some other solution. I can also act as that person, in which case I will refrain from voting anymore (doesn't count for preliminary poll as I move ties forward).

[Ras Mazunga]

Yes, maybe boring... but don't underestimate and taste.
The nice thing about the Glenfiddich is that there are not so many expressions so we can taste more or less the same and compare our tastes.
Maybe Matt has a 30yo lying around somewhere and we'll have a blast.

[Willie JJ]

I can ask someone to become that designated individual (Willie, Christian), ask Matt to perform duties, or some other solution. I can also act as that person, in which case I will refrain from voting anymore (doesn't count for preliminary poll as I move ties forward).

I'm always happy to help Ganga, but it seems in this case that you are de facto the chairman of the tasting panel and are therefore most likely the best person to have the casting vote.

[Willie JJ]

Well as it looks like Bladnoch is going to lose to the rather more boring (IMO) Glenfiddich, ...

Exactly why I voted 'fiddich Willie. Just as I did Macallan last time.
Neither are favourites and I want to force myself to re-evaluate with lots of others suggesting what I may find.

Ha ha, I'm sorry did I say something controversial?

Don't get me wrong I will attend a Glenfiddich tasting and try them along with everyone else. It just wouldn't have been my first choice is all.

In your case I recognise it's different - I've already noticed you have a much better palate and nose than me ( ) so I'd be happy to go with Bladnoch.

No idea how you arrived at this conclusion Nick. I may have a bigger nose than you, but I doubt if its better.

BTW have you tried the Tulli sample yet? I've only nosed it and that gave me high hopes. I'd be interested in your notes (if I haven't simply missed them and they're already up?)?

No not tried it. I was wondering if Jacob wanted us all to get together to do it?

[Willie JJ]

Nope. I just chose for different reasons. If it were what I liked I would have voted differently but I am trying to emulate you and find something enjoyable in every malt (not with invariably successful results so far, I have to admit)

I don't always succeed either but its fun trying.

[Ryguy]

I can ask someone to become that designated individual (Willie, Christian), ask Matt to perform duties, or some other solution. I can also act as that person, in which case I will refrain from voting anymore (doesn't count for preliminary poll as I move ties forward).

I'm always happy to help Ganga, but it seems in this case that you are de facto the chairman of the tasting panel and are therefore most likely the best person to have the casting vote.

Ganga, whatever you think will work best, works for me. You do a great job running the polls, and keeping track of everything. Keep up the good work, and if you need help with anything feel free to ask.

[Ryguy]

For July I'd like to nominate:

Bladnoch or Glenfiddich (whichever does not win June)
Mortlach
Rosebank
St. Magdalene / Linlithgow

It seems a lot of people prefer the lighter drams for summer months, so I thought these might be nice. Plus I haven't tried alot from any of these, so all would work for me.

[TheTross]

I nominated St. Magdalene for a previous tasting Ryan. It wasn't a popular option back then, but now that Summer's approaching it might have a better chance. I'd definitely vote for it

I'll suggest Japanese malts for July's tasting, just for something a little different.

[andyt]

I went for Glenfiddich, not my favourite at all but a least I have 4 expressions and I agree that this might be a good way of getting to know these better, on the other hand doesn't familiarity breed contempt? I also prefer a Saturday as I normally work on a Saturday morning and the folks on the other side of the pond keep me up past my bedtime

[Willie JJ]

the folks on the other side of the pond keep me up past my bedtime

I know Andy. They're a bad influence

[Ryguy]

the folks on the other side of the pond keep me up past my bedtime

I know Andy. They're a bad influence

You guys are great and I don't know how you do it. I really enjoy your company, and I'm glad you're able to chat once in a while. Surely the sun must be ready to come up when you go to bed some days...

[TheTross]

It has been known Ryan... You know it's time for bed when it's getting light outside and the birds are singing!

[Ryguy]

It has been known Ryan... You know it's time for bed when it's getting light outside and the birds are singing!

I'll Cheers to that!!

[Ryguy]

There is still time to vote everyone, the poll does not end until May 24th.

[Ganga]

I went for Glenfiddich, not my favourite at all but a least I have 4 expressions and I agree that this might be a good way of getting to know these better, on the other hand doesn't familiarity breed contempt? I also prefer a Saturday as I normally work on a Saturday morning and the folks on the other side of the pond keep me up past my bedtime

Me, a bad influence?

Ok folks, less than 24 to go.

[mikeymad]

Come-on Bladnoch.. only two votes to tie......

Cheers,

[Ras Mazunga]

Who is going to have an independent bottled Glenfiddich?

[Ryguy]

Looks like Glenfiddich it is. I guess I need to order a bottle or two, I'll check my options this week.

[Ganga]

I've informed Matt about the choice of Glenfiddich.

So, what does everyone have for tasting? Me, I have the newer 12 and 15 - no longer specified as Special Reserve and Solera - and the 15 CS from duty free. Maybe go get one more for tasting.

Also, I've received the following as suggestions for July*:

Aberlour
Bladnoch
Edradour
Springbank

* There is a list of the tastings that have been done since October and there is still discussion of length of time before the distillery goes back into the pool. Tentatively 18 months is the time frame.

[andyt]

Old NAS, 12YO,12 YO Toasted Oak & 18 YO.

[Ras Mazunga]

12yo
15yo solera
18yo
and possible a Wardhead(99%glenfiddich+1%balvenie both young)

Curious about the Toasted Oak...

[Ryguy]

For July I'd like to nominate:

Mortlach
Rosebank
St. Magdalene / Linlithgow

As far as Glenfiddich, I have access to a bottle of the Glenfiddich 12yo. That's it for now, but I'm thinking of ordering an 18yo to go with it. I'll check what's avail. here this week.