Malaina Hudson, CPIM’s Post

Brace yourselves for our final Whisky Sponge bottling! When it came to choosing the liquid for our very last edition of Whisky Sponge, firstly, it had to be an excellent dram (that's a given), but we also wanted it to be something a bit different, something special and something we had a strong, collaborative role in creating... So, we started work on this 7-year-old Ardnamurchan last year when we selected eight octaves: four from 2017 and four from 2016. These were a mix of peated and unpeated, 1st fill and 2nd fill, that we combined in a refill sherry butt for around six months. The outcome: high quality, different, collaborative, forward facing and fun! You can expect a nose that hits you with tangy sherry, walnut wine, and a splash of balsamic vinegar, all wrapped in hessian and smoky bacon. Underneath, layers of rich, peppery peat collide with fruit jams and wood spice. The palate is bold and peaty, with savoury notes of cured meats, rancio and fruit chutney. The finish is long, smoky, meaty, and peaty with those tangy sherry and balsamic notes hanging around. It’s a delicious end to Whisky Sponge's five-year reign – Launching Monday 12th at 10am! #WhiskySponge100 #DecadentDrinks #Finale #Ardnamurchan #WhiskyTasting #PeatyGoodness #ardnamurchan #ardnamurchandistillery #lovehighlandwhisky #smallbatch #lovewhisky #whiskysponge #whiskyspongeedition100 #sherrycask #refillcask #sherryoctaves #fruitywhisky #modernwhisky #decadentdrinks #endofanera

There are countless people buying wine daily, but what do they do with all of it? They definitely do not drink it all in one session; they store it. But storing wine is more complex than leaving it on the counter and calling it a day. Wine needs to be appropriately stored, depending on the type of wine and who you are as a drinker.    Many factors come into play when storing wine:  1. Temperature: Maintain stable temperature around 55°F  2. Humidity: 50-80%  3. Light Exposure: Store in cool and dark areas  4. Position: Lay the bottle flat on its side to reduce movement and keep the cork hydrated  5. Odors: Wine "breathes" through its cork, and any off-odors within the area can get into the bottle over time, ruining the flavor and aroma.    Of course, if you plan to drink your wine within a few days, simply storing it in the fridge is all you need.  .  .  .  #wine #education #italianwine #winestagram #vin #learning #winestorage #winefridge

In the world of spirits, innovation and tradition blend to create unique flavors and experiences. One good way to get a super finishis for Single Malt whisky or Rhum is to use wooden barrels that previously matured Californian Brandy for a few years years. Californian Brandy, with its deep roots in the state’s wine culture, imparts rich, fruity, and complex notes to the spirit. The wooden barrels used in aging Californian Brandy are seasoned with nuanced flavors. When whisky or rhum is finished in these barrels, it absorbs additional layers of sweetness, spice, and depth. Three or four years of brandy maturation is the sweet spot. It ensures that the barrels are rich with flavor compounds but not overly dominant, allowing a harmonious infusion. The result is a spirit with a distinct character. You will get hints of dried fruits, vanilla, and a touch of oak, creating a smooth and sophisticated finish. A couple of containers have just landed at our cooperage in sunny France. we can dispatch small quantities immediately. barrels are very moist. patrice@artandcask.com www.artandcask.com #CalifornianBrandy #Whisky #Rhum #BarrelAging

#Whiskytasters, get ready for an exquisite journey through the enchanting landscapes of Islay with Bruichladdich Classic Laddie. This dram has been captivating taste buds worldwide, earning its title as a 'Symphony for Whisky Tasters'. The rise of Bruichladdich (pronounced “brook-laddie”) from obscurity to one of Scotland's most admired distilleries is truly remarkable. Their commitment to using Scottish barley and bottling on Islay has resonated with whisky enthusiasts globally. With a diverse portfolio, Bruichladdich caters to various palate preferences with three core product lines: - Unpeated expressions like the Classic Laddie - Heavily peated Port Charlotte range, with the highly recommended 10-year-old - The ultra-heavily peated Octomore series, known for its richness and depth of flavor. The Bruichladdich Classic Laddie, aged around 8 years, matures in a mix of ex-bourbon and wine casks. It stands out with 50% ABV, no artificial coloring, and non-chill filtration, preserving its natural oils and flavors. Some tasting notes: **Nose:** Light and inviting, with a hint of smoke and fresh orchard fruits. **Palate:** A burst of lemon followed by creamy vanilla and a biscuity character. **Finish:** Exquisitely long, unveiling layers of flavor slowly on the palate. Would I repurchase? It's definitely time to consider stocking up on this delightful dram. Your thoughts?

Did you know that low mineral water is perfect companion for wine tastings? One of the primary advantages of low mineral water is when paired with wine is its ability to cleanse the palate. The neutral taste and absence of minerals help reset your taste buds between sips of wine. This is particularly valuable when experiencing a multi-course meal with different wine pairings. Each sip of low mineral water helps to remove any lingering flavors, allowing you to fully appreciate the nuances of the next wine you taste. Cheers to a more enjoyable wine-tasting with a glass of low mineral water, just like Kuohu Artesian Waters 🍷 #kuohu #springwater #winetasting #lowmineralwater

Let's talk about the art of tasting bourbon! 🥃 The art of tasting bourbon goes beyond just taking a sip—it's a full sensory experience. Here’s how you can elevate your next tasting session: 👁 Observation: Start by observing the color. The shade can tell you a lot about the bourbon's age and the type of barrel it’s been aged in. A deep amber or rich copper hue often hints at long aging or high char levels on the barrel. 👃 Nosing: Before tasting, gently swirl the bourbon in your glass and take in the aromas. Bring the glass to your nose and inhale slowly. Notice the layers—are there notes of vanilla, caramel, oak, or spice? 👅 Tasting: Now, it’s time to sip. Let the bourbon coat your palate, paying attention to the flavors that unfold. Is it sweet, spicy, or smoky? It’s all about engaging your senses. Mastering bourbon tasting isn’t just about drinking; it’s about savoring every note. #BourbonTasting #BourbonSourcing #BourbonBranding #WhiskeyConsulting #PremiumBourbon #CraftSpirits #WhiskeyAging #DistilleryPartnership #BourbonConsultants #BourbonIndustry

Wine tastings, potlucks, movie nights, and tapas buffets are all fun ways to spend time with friends and family-- but why not try something new? A #SaltTasting is an excellent way to indulge in #NewFlavors and get creative! Various #salts have different tastes, textures, and levels of saltiness. To set up a salt tasting, I recommend offering at least 6 different types of salt (think: Himalayan, smoked, flavored, etc.), and make sure each is clearly labeled. For enhanced aesthetics, find small bowls and spoons for each salt. Then, think about what you'll use as a vessel for the salt. I like to provide small pieces of avocado, watermelon, orange, buttered toast, and something sweet, like a cookie or brownie. Encourage your guests to step of out their comfort zone and try something new! #SaltedFruit sounded wild to me at first but now I love it. Make sure everyone has a glass of water nearby and enjoy! #SeaSaltSuperstore #Culinary

It is burning hot outside, dear! How can we still have some wine? 🌞🍷 👉 To enjoy the taste of wine without adding ice in the glass, ice buckets are the always first option. For quick results, in the ice bucket, the amount of water and ice should be equal - the wine will cool much better in ice water than on a bed of ice. And, for an extra boost, you can add a teaspoon or two of salt, just be careful that it doesn’t drip into the glass. 👉 For picnics, you can replace inconvenient coolers with cooling sleeves. Alternatively, there are also foldable plastic covers that can be filled with water and ice. 👉 The serving temperature of wine in summer is at least two degrees lower than the indications on the label - you can pour white wine into the glass at 4-5 degrees Celsius, as it will warm up at a rate of about one degree per minute. Pour small amounts, so it doesn’t have time to warm up. 👉 Important: choose wines with a lower alcohol content, ideally 11.5-12% vol. Sparkling, white, and rosé wines, especially, which still express well at low temperatures. 👉 And more importantly: in moderation! Excess alcohol in extreme heat is dangerous! #WinesOfRomania #RomanianWines #SummerWine #Wine #WineLovers

Happy National Cocktail Day! Dame Diana Pittet shares a perfect spring cocktail to celebrate with! "Our inspiration was to create a refreshing vodka-based spritz that reflected the easy-breezy feeling of spring and the bounty of New Jersey, the Garden State. The drink looks especially beautiful and inviting if garnished with a colorful edible flower." Garden State Spritz 1oz Cucumber vodka ½ oz Lemon juice ¼ oz Simple syrup* ¼ oz Elderflower liqueur 2 oz Sparkling wine (dry) Garnish: Edible flower and/or Cucumber slice Method: Built in glass --- Combine all ingredients (except sparkling wine and garnish) in a wine glass or highball glass filled halfway with ice. Stir to chill. Top with sparkling wine and stir gently. Add more ice if necessary. Garnish with a flower and/or a cucumber slice. * Simple syrup: Stir 1 part sugar with 1 part boiling water until sugar is fully dissolved. Cool before use. Store in a closed container in the fridge.

Chilena Byn 7 Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2018. Red Wine. Origins : Maipo Valley Colour : Bright ruby red with clayish notes  Alcohol Degree : 14% Volume (ml) : 750 *COLOUR: Bright ruby red with clayish notes. *AROMA: Intense aromas of black and red berries, spiced scents as vanilla, clove and black pepper. Some hints of mint appear together with toasted oak, smoke and cedar wood. *PALATE: Full body, juicy and great balance between alcohol, elegant tannins and natural acidity. Long persistence in the mouth, and aromas of spices, marmalade and black chocolate appears on the aftertaste. FOOD PAIRING: Excellent companion of beef, veal and lamb also goes along with roasted chicken, duck or goose preparations. Serving suggestions 18ºC to 20ºC.