Whisky writer John Lamond delves into the issue of corks.
I must confess from the start: I am a dinosaur. A hopeless traditionalist. I like corks. I know all about the problem of whiskies – and wines – ruined, utterly destroyed by cork taint. I know that the theory is that a screwcap or synthetic cork should eliminate the problem, but I like to see a bottl...
Whisky issues
from Issue 68 published on 07/12/2007
John Lamond describes the miracles worked by Lennie Maguire proprietor of the St Andrew's Bar
The St Andrew's Bar is a real bar. It is what we Scots refer to as a "local", servicing the needs of the drinkers within the local community. Architecturally, it is very similar to many such hostelries throughout Scotland. What makes the St. Andrews Bar stand out from its peers is its publican, Lenn...
Great whisky bars
from Issue 25 published on 16/8/2002
John Lamond examines the history of this independent distillery
Glenfarclas is wonderful – it is truly magnificent! It is firmly ensconced in my top five. But don’t just take my word for it. In 1912, after a rook shoot at Ballindalloch, the great Tommy Dewar tasted a sample of the 1881. He said that it was “The King of Whiskies and the Whisky of Kings. In its su...
Distillery Focus
from Issue 24 published on 16/7/2002
Instead of the usual acidic finish, why not enjoy a somewhat sweeter, slightly sentimental, but not overpowering, finish with John Lamond- just for a change
I became a father at the age of 46, after 11 years of happy marriage, during which my mantra had always been: “Budgies are much less trouble!”
With hindsight, parenthood is something which I possibly should have experienced many years ago. The demands of this little person are a real shock to a sys...
Whisky Tasting
from Issue 21 published on 16/2/2002
John Lamond talks to the man behind The VIntage Malt Whisky Company, Brian Crook, who is making a big noise with a small, independent, company
In the sedate Glasgow suburb of Milngavie (pronounced mill-guy), there is a south-east facing corner office that overlooks the local shopping thoroughfare. It is from this quiet location that one of the brightest independent bottlers is making a very big noise in the whisky industry that can be hear...
Independent Bottlers
from Issue 18 published on 16/9/2001
John Lamond visits the Isle of Arran Distilleryy, a modern distillery that produces a whisky that may well have enthusiasts challenging their own perception of what is their favourite malt
One man’s vision can be a truly wondrous thing. Like a whirl-pool, an innovative idea pulls others into its thrall. Such a visionary is Harold Currie.
Harold had been Managing Director of Chivas Brothers, a subsidiary of Seagram and the company which produces and markets Chivas Regal, and latterly ...
Isle of Arran
from Issue 15 published on 16/4/2001
John Lamond visits one of the most charming and laid-back of the Scottish islands, Jura-home to one of the country's most remote disitlleries.
Distillery management talk about their staff going island crazy when they have spent too long on Islay or Jura. I suppose the same is true of any island or remote distillery – there’s a risk that prized employees may go native. Those used to city life might find the idea of being located a 130 mile ...
Isle of Jura
from Issue 13 published on 16/12/2000
Great whisky, great scenery, great climate. Dalmore has just about got it all, as John D Lamond reports.
Richard Paterson is a gentleman – a gentleman of the old school. He is the master blender of Whyte & Mackay, as was his father before him. Richard has a passion. That passion is the spirit produced at Dalmore distillery.
And a lovely little distillery it is, situated on the north shore of the Cro...
Distillery Focus
from Issue 7 published on 16/12/1999
John D Lamond laments the rise of whisky collectors- unnatural creatures who should be forced to drink the stuff, and preferably share it with him.
There is one thing which I find very hard to accept and that is the collecting of full bottles of whisky. Collecting them solely, in other words, in order that they can sit on a shelf and be admired by the collector and other like-minded souls. Or, even worse, collecting them with a view to making a...
Collecting Whisky
from Issue 2 published on 16/3/1999
