Dram Fest 2023

A few weeks ago we travelled to Leicester with a group of friends to indulge in an evening of whisky. Dram Fest, hosted by Cask 23, returned after a few years break ... and what a fest it was.

With two rooms of whisky brands it was difficult to decide where to begin but a favourite drew us in. We all enjoy Old Pulteney and have fond memories of enjoying a dram or two on holiday in Scotland.

 

Tomatin is another favourite, it was great to try their 18 year old sherry cask. It was full of dried fruit flavours, quite a treat as it's slightly higher priced than our usual buys.

At a slightly higher price was Benromach 21 year old, not quite my style but very smooth. It was interesting to compare two Benromach whiskies, the same spirit but one was casked in an air dried barrel, the other in a kiln dried barrel. The difference was quite surprising with a split liking in our group. It clearly evidenced the importance and influence of the choice of barrelling.

I was very interested to discover about Filey Bay whisky, an English whisky from Yorkshire. All the ingredients are grown on their farm or sourced locally. With grain prices going down a number of years ago they began brewing beer, very successfully. From there they decided to distill whisky, it was lovely and a place on my to visit list next time we're in Yorkshire.

As well as whisky there was also bourbon and rum, I only tried the Elijah Craig which began in 1789. I did however taste my way through the three Tequilas - straight from distilling, aged between 3 months and a year, and aged over a year. The latter was one of only nine bottles in the UK and it was absolutely amazing.

It was a great evening, a little disappointing that my favourite Dalmore were not exhibiting. Everyone's favourite was from Glenmore. There three Whisky Row's had something for everyone's taste: rich and spicy, smooth and sweet or smoke and peaty.

But their Rare Finds Glenallachie 14 year old was the absolute star of the show, even if we struggled to pronounce it, and that was before  wee dram.

A super way to spend a Saturday: a dram (or more) of whisky shared with friends ... Slàinte Mhath

 

Laithwaites latest selection

Making the most of the Black Friday deal we ordered a case of wine from Laithwaites  - I do think their packaging is impressive ... I wonder who it's modelled on.

We ordered a mixed dozen which then included two free glasses and an extra bottle of Malbec. I never miss the chance to order a bottle of PS, it was my Dad's favourite. 

Our six reds included:

El Bombero from the Spanish region of Carinena, made from Garnacha

The Black Stump  from Australia, a Durif Shiraz blend

Cabalie from France, a Grenache blend

Vinha Do Fava from Portugal, made from Touriga Nacional

Pillastro from Puglia in Italy, made from Primivito

These are all superb red wines that we always enjoy, sometimes revisiting a favourite is a good as discovering something new. I particularly enjoy a glass of Cabalié and Black Stump, especially for a cosy winter night in.

Our white wines were:

La Belle Saison from southern France, made from Sauvignon Blanc 

Queen Bee is a South African Viognier 

Hole in the Clouds from Marlborough New Zealand, another Sauvignon Blanc 

Atakarma from Chile, a Sauvignon Blanc 

The Gooseberry Bush is a South African Colombard

I do enjoy Sauvignon Blanc wine, my preference is French from the Loire Valley so it will be interesting to try these three varieties from different places.

Our extra bottle was Opi Malbec from Mendoza in Argentina. I prefer to drink this grape with food, usually steak, it will be interesting to try as it's new to us.

Our special bottle of PS Péttilant Rosé from France. My Dad used to buy from the Sunday Times Wine Club and this was his favourite sparkling wine. It's his birth date soon when we always have scampi and chips with a glass of rosé wine in his honour. He would have been 97 this year and our bottle of PS will be a very fitting toast.

Our Black Friday deal included some favourites, some new to tries and a special bubbly, not bad for less than £85 - thank you Laithwaites!