Malaina Hudson, CPIM’s Post

Blends: Back to the Future Part IV? We had a great night last night exploring Woven Whiskies with their Blender and Co-Founder Peter Allison. It was a remarkable insight into the world of blended whisky, from a company right at the forefront of exploring the possibilities based purely on flavours. Forgetting age, brand names and prestige, Woven create their bottled experiences based on flavour combinations, creating whisky that is "better than the sum of their parts". We talked about the future of whisky, the current trends on cask prices, malt buyers, independent bottlers and the luxury market amongst a host of whisky geekery and creation. Peter was a fantastic guest on the Blether and I, for one, am sold on championing the future of blends. Out of the four samples I tried last night, Experiences 7-10, this was the highlight for me. Fresh and vibrant on the nose, with lemon zest, white grapes and apple juice coming across. There's a touch of wood holding back an overload of fruitiness and saves you mistaking this for a breakfast juice! On the palette it's complex and thought provoking. It really wants to be sweeeeeet, but there's a lovely, complimenting ring fence of dryness from oak. A touch of tannins, perhaps a red grape or two amongst a sea of light, zesty freshness. White grapes again, bananas, lemons all compliment the buttery, almost creamy mouth feel. Watch our blether on our YouTube channel for a deeper dive into the world of Woven Whisky. https://lnkd.in/evQSB-sd #Wovenwhisky #blendedwhisky #scotch #blether

🥃 #WhiskyWorthKnowingMonth continues, so let’s dive into a bold twist on a classic: the Godfather cocktail, featuring the smoky and intense Ardbeg Wee Beastie Scotch. 🥃 The Godfather cocktail, popularized in the 1970s and said to be named after the iconic film, is a simple yet sophisticated mix of Scotch whisky and amaretto. This cocktail is known for balancing the smoky richness of whisky with the sweet, nutty flavor of amaretto, making it a timeless favorite. Using Ardbeg Wee Beastie, known for its peaty, intense profile, gives this classic cocktail a powerful punch. On the nose, Ardbeg Wee Beastie delivers an explosion of smoke, earthy peat, black pepper, and freshly ground espresso, balanced by hints of dark chocolate, cured meat, and a subtle sweetness from vanilla. The palate is bold, with a powerful burst of smoky peat and charred wood, followed by notes of black pepper, anise, and hints of chocolate. The finish is long and complex, with lingering smoky and earthy tones. In a Godfather, the sweet almond notes from the amaretto soften the intense peatiness of the Scotch, creating a smoky yet smooth cocktail with layers of sweetness, spice, and earthiness. It’s perfect for those who love a bold, flavorful drink with depth. Pair this cocktail with smoked meats, aged cheeses, or dark chocolate to complement its robust flavors. Raise a glass to exploring classic whisky cocktails and whiskies that are worth knowing! 🥂 *Disclaimer: The whisky and whiskey mentioned in these posts are favorites from my own tastings and are not sponsored by any brand.* #WhiskyWorthKnowing #GodfatherCocktail#SmokyWhisky #ScotchCocktails #Cheers

🍂 Exploring the World of Whiskey 🥃 Whiskey is more than just a drink; it’s a rich tapestry of tradition, craftsmanship, and flavor. Here’s a brief overview of the main types of whiskey: 1. Bourbon: This American classic is made primarily from corn, offering sweet notes of caramel and vanilla. It’s perfect for sipping or in cocktails like the Old Fashioned. 2. Scotch: Originating from Scotland, Scotch is typically made from malted barley. Its flavor can range from light and fruity to rich and smoky, depending on the region. 3. Rye: Known for its spicy profile, rye whiskey must contain at least 51% rye grain. It’s a favorite in classic cocktails, adding complexity and depth. 4. Irish Whiskey: Often triple-distilled for smoothness, this whiskey tends to have a lighter, fruitier flavor. Each type has its unique characteristics and history, making whiskey tasting a delightful journey. Whether you’re a connoisseur or a casual drinker, there’s always something new to discover! What’s your favorite type of whiskey, and how do you enjoy it? #Whiskey #Bourbon #Scotch #Rye #Craftsmanship #FoodAndDrink

Bon Bon Indulge in the art of chocolate! 🍫✨ Presenting a buffet of handcrafted delights: from glossy bonbons to decadent truffles, each with exciting flavors that melt in your mouth. Perfectly balanced in taste, texture, and shine, these chocolates are not just desserts—they’re an experience of skill and passion. Which one would you pick? 🍬🍫 #ChocolateArt #PastryChefLife #BonBonCraft #TruffleCreations #DessertLovers #ChocolatierSkills #HandcraftedGoodness #SweetInnovation #LuxuryDesserts #TasteAndElegance"

🥃 #WhiskyWorthKnowingMonth is the perfect time to celebrate the incredible diversity of whisky from around the world! From smoky Scotch to sweet American bourbon and everything in between, whisky comes in countless expressions, each with its unique profile. The best part? You don’t have to break the bank to enjoy some excellent bottles. 🥃 One fantastic and affordable option is Evan Williams Single Barrel - a standout bourbon that proves great quality doesn’t have to come at a premium price. Made in Kentucky, this bourbon is aged in new charred oak barrels and bottled as a single barrel expression, meaning each bottle offers a unique yet consistently high-quality experience. On the nose, you’ll find inviting aromas of honey, dried fruit, and oak, with a touch of spice. The palate is smooth and rich, offering notes of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak, followed by a hint of cinnamon and dark chocolate. The finish is long and warming, with lingering sweetness and a light touch of pepper. As we also celebrate #BourbonHeritageMonth, now’s a great time to explore the world of bourbon, one of America’s finest contributions to the whisky world. With so many options out there, from single malts to blends and everything in between, there’s something for every taste—and every budget. *Disclaimer: The whisky and whiskey mentioned in these posts are favorites from my own tastings and are not sponsored by any brand.* #WhiskyWorthKnowing #BourbonHeritageMonth #AffordableWhisky #Cheers

🍒 Cherry Brandy barrels are renowned for their rich, sweet, and complex profiles. When used for finishing whisky or other spirits, they impart unique characteristics that elevate the overall experience. The interaction between the wood and the spirit over time creates layers of depth and sophistication that are hard to achieve through other means. After a 12 to18 months of finishing in these Cherry Brandy barrels, you can anticipate a whisky that dispatches rich Cherry Notes. Expect a prominent, yet refined, cherry flavor that adds a fruity sweetness. The natural sugars from the cherry brandy soak into the wood, offering a smooth, honeyed finish. Notes of vanilla, almond, and subtle spice will interweave with the cherry, creating a captivating aroma. The time spent in these barrels will deepen the whisky's body, adding layers of complexity and a lingering, satisfying taste. Art and Cask have just received a few of these rare vessels. enquiries to: florence@artandcak.com www.artandcask.com Cheers #ARTANDCASK #WhiskyFinishing #CherryBrandyBarrels #CraftSpirits #WhiskyLovers #InnovationInSpirits

🥃 For #WhiskyWorthKnowingMonth, let’s highlight a unique whiskey that’s perfect for sipping: Balcones Baby Blue. This Texas-born whiskey is made from roasted heirloom blue corn, giving it a rich and distinctive flavor that stands out from the crowd. If you're looking for something smooth and flavorful to enjoy neat or on the rocks, Balcones Baby Blue is a fantastic choice. 🥃 On the nose, you’ll pick up aromas of roasted corn, rich butter, and hints of caramel, with subtle notes of honey, vanilla, and a touch of oak. The palate is smooth and creamy, with flavors of toasty corn, brown sugar, and sweet butter, followed by a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg. The finish is long and slightly sweet, with lingering notes of caramel and a hint of spice. This whiskey is perfect for sipping on a warm evening, with its rich, buttery flavors and smooth texture offering a unique experience for any whiskey lover. Pair it with roasted nuts, grilled corn, or even a slice of cornbread to complement its distinct corn character. Raise a glass to discovering whiskies that are not only worth knowing, but worth savoring! 🥂 *Disclaimer: The whisky and whiskey mentioned in these posts are favorites from my own tastings and are not sponsored by any brand.* #WhiskyWorthKnowing #TexasWhiskey #SippingWhiskey #Cheers

🥃 In celebration of both #WhiskyWorthKnowingMonth and #BourbonHeritageMonth, let’s take a closer look at a unique and storied bottle: Clyde May’s Single Barrel Straight Bourbon. 🥃 Named after the legendary Alabama moonshiner, Clyde May’s bourbons are known for their rich history and bold flavors. Clyde May’s Single Barrel Straight Bourbon takes the tradition a step further, offering a premium, hand-selected expression that showcases the best of what American bourbon can be. Aged for a minimum of five years, each barrel is carefully chosen for its distinct character, making each bottle a one-of-a-kind experience. On the nose, you’ll pick up aromas of ripe apple, caramel, and warm vanilla, with hints of toasted oak and spice. The palate is full-bodied and well-balanced, with flavors of rich toffee, honey, and a subtle cinnamon spice, leading to a smooth, lingering finish with notes of oak, dark fruit, and a hint of pepper. Perfect for sipping neat or on the rocks, Clyde May’s Single Barrel also pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, smoked barbecue, or even a slice of pecan pie. If you’re looking for a bourbon that combines history, craftsmanship, and bold flavor, this is a bottle you won’t want to miss this month. Cheers to exploring new favorites and celebrating bourbon heritage! 🥃 *Disclaimer: The whisky and whiskey mentioned in these posts are favorites from my own tastings and are not sponsored by any brand.* #WhiskyWorthKnowing #BourbonHeritageMonth #SingleBarrelBourbon #AmericanBourbon #Cheers

Imagine a cocktail that tantalises both the taste buds and the senses with its vibrant hues and refreshing flavours. Enter the "Ruby Petals Bliss," a delightful concoction that marries the sweetness of ripe strawberries with the tangy essence of hibiscus kombucha . To create this exquisite libation, start by muddling fresh strawberries in a cocktail glass to extract their juicy goodness. Next, add in some cubes of ice, add in the kombucha infusing the drink with a floral note that complements the strawberries beautifully. Then, pour in a measure of premium vodka or gin, adding a kick of spirits that elevates the cocktail's depth of flavour. Allow the ingredients to meld together harmoniously. Finally, garnish it with a delicate hibiscus flower or a slice of fresh strawberry for an extra touch of elegance. The result? A dazzling libation that delights the palate with its sweet, tart, and floral notes, reminiscent of a stroll through a sun-kissed garden on a balmy summer day. Sip slowly and savour every moment of this enchanting experience. #hibiscus #strawberry #antihangover #gutfriendly #lovekombucha #healthycocktail

🍒 Cherry Brandy barrels are renowned for their rich, sweet, and complex profiles. When used for finishing whisky or other spirits, they impart unique characteristics that elevate the overall experience. The interaction between the wood and the spirit over time creates layers of depth and sophistication that are hard to achieve through other means. After a 12 to18 months of finishing in these Cherry Brandy barrels, you can anticipate a whisky that dispatches rich Cherry Notes. Expect a prominent, yet refined, cherry flavor that adds a fruity sweetness. The natural sugars from the cherry brandy soak into the wood, offering a smooth, honeyed finish. Notes of vanilla, almond, and subtle spice will interweave with the cherry, creating a captivating aroma. The time spent in these barrels will deepen the whisky's body, adding layers of complexity and a lingering, satisfying taste. Art and Cask have just received a few of these rare vessels. enquiries to: florence@artandcak.com www.artandcask.com Cheers #ARTANDCASK #WhiskyFinishing #CherryBrandyBarrels #CraftSpirits #WhiskyLovers #InnovationInSpirits