We took a trip to Birmingham for a whisky tasting, a Christmas gift from our son and his girlfriend. As usual the train journey was not great, thankfully just under 30 minutes but standing all the way.
Our tasting was at Grain and Glass who are located in the Jewellery Quarter. Managing to negotiate the lively crowds and parades for Birmingham Pride (we didn't realise the date clash) we walked uphill out of the city centre.
Needing refreshment, and having plenty of time we enjoyed a beer outside The Jewellers Arms. My Staropramen half pint glass was so cute, not the usual comments for a beer glass but it was. Hubby enjoyed his pint of Black Country Ale.
Needing a bit to eat before our tasting we headed inside The Jewellers Arms where we enjoyed the nicest cheesiest batch I've had in ages. I should really say cheese cob as we were in Birmingham. Whilst we were sitting in the pub Hubby realised he'd been there years ago for a work lunch when visiting a small engineering factory, small world isn't it.
Arriving with plenty of time we settled down in the Grain and Glass with a glass of bubbly, a bag of my favourite Brown Bag Crisps and a wee dram of Antiquary 15 year old (a whisky I rarely see in a bar, I'm on the hunt for Antiquary 12 year old after discovering it in
Ayr last year).

The tasting room was very inviting with a large table laid ready with six whisky tastings poured each. The room was light and airy with a relaxing blue and copper colour scheme, I really liked the whisky themed glass panel.
Our first tasting was a bourbon, Michter's US*1 Small Batch Bourbon. At 45.7% ABV it was quite a strong drink and not having tasted Bourbon neat before it took a second sip to appreciate the flavours. As expected with bourbon there was a slight sweetness, caramel, but I didn't expect the herby edge.
I enjoyed it but it didn't pull me in and I'm not convinced I like bourbon without a mixer.

Our second tasting and first whiskey was from Ireland, Drumshanbo Single Pot Still. Irish pot still whiskey is made using malted and unmalted barley and can use other grains. I really liked this whiskey with its creamy vanilla nose and rich fruitcake flavours. The whiskey really developed in the mouth revealing chocolate notes and a hint of orange zest.
Moving closer to home our next whisky came from England, White Pesk Wire Works Alter Ego. At 51.5% ABV this was too strong for me, not just in alcohol but it had a strong tropical nose and quite heavy flavours of toasted oats and citrus. It was the only whisky I didn't finish and which gave me heart burn
A completely new experience came with whisky number 4, China Distiller's Reserve from Japan. This was very smooth with plenty of honey flavours leaving an orangey finish. Made by the distillers who make Roku gin this whisky was enjoyed by everyone at the tasting.

Our last two drams were from Scotland and although I still have many whiskies to try ftom many countries I really do like Scottish whisky with Speyside one of my favourite areas. On a holiday a few years ago we stayed in Dufftown and visited Glenfiddich distillery which is the sister distillery of Balvenie, our 5th tasting.
The Balvenie 14 Caribbean Cask was delicious, there was certainly a richness from the rum cask with dark sugar flavours. It reminded me of a well spiced apple crumble, in fact that would be a great pairing.
All through the tasting I was apprehensive for the final whisky. I'm not a fan of peated whisky and have tried Laphroaig 10 before, not liking it. I find it hard to get past the Germoline smell and initial medicine taste but our host encouraged us to try a little sip and fully coat our mouths and then take another sip. I won't say I'm a convert but it certainly softened out and the off putting medicinal flavours began to disappear.
We really enjoyed our tasting, it was great to discover new whiskies and to learn more about the World of Whisky.
Thanks to our son & girlfriend for a super gift and thanks to Grain & Glass for a great tasting.