Whisky Fundamentals
What do the streaks in a nosing glass mean?
Published 12/07/2022
Streaks in the glass: a sign of quality? We are familiar with the picture of wine and whisky tastings: those who consider themselves to be tastings experts wave their glasses and then examine the streaks forming on the inner glass walls with a critical eye (sometimes called “church windows”, “legs” or “tears”). We are constantly told that these allow us to draw conclusions about the composition or even the quality of the liquid.
What do the streaks in a nosing glass mean?
What is an ogee?
Published 12/07/2022
An ogee is the name sometimes given to the a bulge (or boil ball) on the upper part of a pot still. While this usage is not the most accurate it does serve exactly the same purpose as a reflux ball. An ogee as defined by Forsyths of Rothes refers to the ‘S’ shape or double bend of a still. The presence of an ogee on a pot still increases the amount of reflux in much the same way a taller still, or an upward slanting line arm does.
What is an ogee?
Whisky corks & closures
Published 26/06/2022
In order to be able to reliably store liquids in bottles, they require a tight seal. Over the decades, whiskey bottles have used spring caps, screw caps and corks. The latter being most commonly used today, while these are typically made of cut, or pressed cork, they can also be made of glass or plastic. Each have their respective advantages and disadvantages. This article however is primarily focused on the cork.
Whisky corks & closures
Accelerating whisky maturation
Published 18/06/2022
The whisky shimmers a deep golden hue in the glass, its scent promises complex and delicate aromas but upon taking the first sip you’re left with only disappointment. The single malt tastes narrow, has no depth and somehow seems young. While it is always possible for a whisky to simply have a nose which surpasses the palate it is also possible that your whisky is the result of tricks and techniques to accelerate the perceived maturation and prettify their young distillates.
Accelerating whisky maturation
Whisky Tales
Published 01/05/2022
Whisky is a very interesting product with a great history. Beyond the fascinating science, and production process it’s history also has a number of bizarre and amusing anecdotes to share over a dram. The war for Hans Island & Canadian whisky Where the news is flooded with stories about wars and conflicts resulting in many civilian casualties, Canada and Denmark proved that things can be done differently. While many countries fight fiercely over territorial claims, often to the point of bloodshed, the two northern countries engaged in a bloodless conflict which is only now being settled in 2022.
Whisky Tales