Cigar Single Malt Society

Fungus on Cigars

2006-10-30T15:52:00.000+05:30

Not sure on ideal size....

suggest you put one roughly the area of your humidor bottom. Also put the blotting paper on TOP of the cigars. The bottom & sides of your humidor already absorb moisture, adding blotting paper at the bottom will eliminate its absorption effect

Akhil

just checked my humidor. Its at 72% & my sponge is also dry.

humidity must be due to the fact that you are next to the sea.

put a blotting paper in the humidor to soak up excess moisture & also put humidor inside your cupboard.

Akhil

i THINK you have a humidity indicator (hygrometer). Possible issues:

1) what you have is 'bloom'. this is a natural growth of whitish spots from the oily skin of a well aging cigar (although I think this is unlikely). solution: show & smoke them with pride

2) too few cigars in the box to absorb the humidity. solution: get more (I can tell you some brands which your friends would enjoy ;-))

3) some of the cigars have fungus spores already present so fungus will keep appearing. separate them from the non-affected ones & smoke them before they get too bad. smoking an overgrown cigar often tastes like wet gymsocks

Akhil

Hello,

Keep your moisture level lower. Get a humidity indicator. You probably had it above 75%.

Regards,

Jetu

Gentlemen:

As you know, I recently bought a humidor. I am mighty pleased I did. I also thought it would solve the problem of taking care of my cigars. Turns out that some of them continue to catch fungus despite being in the confines of the humidor.

Welcome your sagacious advice.

-Abhinav

2006-08-31T17:17:00.000+05:30

Cigar
Country
Score
Size
Length
Ring Gauge
Price
Latest Tasting

CohibaRobusto
Cuba
94
Robusto
4 7/8"
50
£15.00
Mar/Apr 2001
Filler: Cuba
Binder: Cuba
Wrapper: Cuba
This cigar has a beautiful cap and an oily wrapper. ItÕs cedary and leathery with some toastiness. Although there was some inconsistency, this cigar also has some earthiness flavors with a hint of spice.Read other users' tasting notes on this cigar

H. UpmannNo. 22 Alfred Dunhill Seleccion Suprema
Cuba
94
Vintage
4 1/2"
55

Winter 1993
Filler: Cuba
Binder: Cuba
Wrapper: Cuba
What an experience to smoke. Fondly called the Flying Pig in the trade in the late Õ50, this is a thick-girth cigar with a lot of character. It burns evenly and easily with a rich yet delicate tobacco, nutmeg flavor and a long aftertaste. Estimated production date: 1958.

Hoyo de MonterreyDouble Corona
Cuba
94
Double Corona
7 5/8"
49
£14.69
Nov/Dec 1999
Filler: Cuba
Binder: Cuba
Wrapper: Cuba
A beautiful cigar, reminiscent of some of Cuba's best. It has powerful flavors of spice, including a strong hint of cinnamon with a smooth leathery note to round it out. A complex earthy/woody finish.Read other users' tasting notes on this cigar

Padron1964 Anniversary Series Torpedo Maduro
Nicaragua
94
Figurado
6"
52
$15.00
May/June 2001
Filler: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua
This dark, box-pressed cigar is silky. The draw is almost perfect, and the cigar holds a thick white ash. Its flavors range from cocoa to cream to nuts. A complex smoke.Read other users' tasting notes on this cigar

PadronMagnum Maduro
Nicaragua
94
A
9"
50
$7.80

Filler: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Read other users' tasting notes on this cigar

Ramon AllonesGigantes
Cuba
94
Double Corona
7 5/8"
49
£9.90
Spring 1995
Filler: Cuba
Binder: Cuba
Wrapper: Cuba
This cigar has a smooth, creamy texture with strong pepper and spice notes and a sweet, intense, nutty character on the finish.Read other users' tasting notes on this cigar

CohibaSiglo I
Cuba
93
Petit Corona
4"
40
£6.00
Spring 1993
Filler: Cuba
Binder: Cuba
Wrapper: Cuba
A lot of flavor in a small cigar. Beautifully crafted with a rich chocolate wrapper, it is soft-textured and sumptuous to smoke, with dark chocolate and spice aromas and flavors.Read other users' tasting notes on this cigar

Fuente Fuente OpusXPerfecxion No. 2
Dominican Republic
93
Torpedo
6 3/8"
52
$13.50
May/June 2000
Filler: Dom. Rep.
Binder: Dom. Rep.
Wrapper: Dom. Rep.
A powerhouse cigar. This smoke is filled with pepper and sweet spices, backed up by a core of earthy and leather flavors. There is a well-balanced cedar finish. Absolutely gorgeous.Read other users' tasting notes on this cigar

Fuente Fuente OpusXRobusto
Dominican Republic
93
Robusto
5 1/4"
50
$10.50
Jan/Feb 2000
Filler: Dom. Rep.
Binder: Dom. Rep.
Wrapper: Dom. Rep.
A powerful cigar. It is full-bodied. It has notes of leather, coffee beans, and a good dose of sweet cocoa. A great reddish brown wrapper, near perfect performance. Best Opus in a couple of years.Read other users' tasting notes on this cigar

La CoronaChurchill
Cuba
93
Vintage
6 1/2"
46

Winter 1993
Filler: Cuba
Binder: Cuba
Wrapper: Cuba
Another aged cigar with a gorgeous, silky, medium-brown wrapper and a slightly silvery sheen to it. Mellow and refined, these Churchills delivered lots of tobacco flavor and a hint of spice on the finish. Estimated production date: 1957.

Padron1964 Anniversary Series Diplomatico Madu
Nicaragua
93
Churchill
7"
50
$12.40
Sept/Oct 2000
Filler: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Dark as ink and perfectly pressed, with a rough cap. It has a perfect draw, and blossoms with complex notes of wood, spiced cocoa, macadamia nuts and white chocolate. A medium to full-bodied cigar thatÕs a joy to smoke.Read other users' tasting notes on this cigar

Padron1964 Milliennium Series Maduro
Nicaragua
93
Maduro
6"
52
$25.00
Nov/Dec 2000
Filler: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua
This cigar has nearly perfect construction. The chocolate-brown wrapper is firm and silky. It has a full draw, with intense and spicy flavors of Cuban coffee and cocoa. Hard to put down.Read other users' tasting notes on this cigar

Padron 1964 Anniversary SeriesExclusivo Maduro
Nicaragua
93
Corona Gorda
5 1/2"
50
$10.20

Filler: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Read other users' tasting notes on this cigar

PartagasLusitania
Cuba
93
Double Corona
7 5/8"
49
£14.69
Nov/Dec 1999
Filler: Cuba
Binder: Cuba
Wrapper: Cuba
An incredibly smooth tasting cigar. It is filled with leathery qualities, and a strong core of cocoa beans. Great performance. Medium to full bodied.Read other users' tasting notes on this cigar

PartagasNo. 6 Seleccion Superba
Cuba
93
Vintage
4 1/2"
40

Winter 1993
Filler: Cuba
Binder: Cuba
Wrapper: Cuba
What a gorgeous small cigar. It's a virtual spice box of flavors. Medium-bodied with mellow, elegant aromas and flavors of pepper, mint and tobacco, it gives all the smoking pleasure you need and more. Estimated production date: 1959.

Romeo y JulietaCazadores
Cuba
93
Lonsdale
6 1/4"
44
£9.40
July/Aug 1999
Filler: Cuba
Binder: Cuba
Wrapper: Cuba
A powerhouse. This cigar is filled with dark chocolate and strong sweet spice flavors. It has a great, mouth-filling texture.Read other users' tasting notes on this cigar

BauzaPyramid
Dominican Republic
92
Torpedo
5 1/2"
55
$6.00
May/June 2000
Filler: Dom. Rep.
Binder: Dom. Rep.
Wrapper: Ecuador
This is a medium- to full-bodied cigar. It has a strong cinnamon note on the palate and a good earthy core of flavors. It has a leather and sweet-spice finish. Great looking and well made.Read other users' tasting notes on this cigar

BelindaBelinda
Cuba
92
Vintage
5 1/2"
42

Winter 1993
Filler: Cuba
Binder: Cuba
Wrapper: Cuba
This cigar tasted as wonderful as it looked. Its wrapper was dark brown, verging on a maduro, but it delivered smooth, mellow tobacco aromas and flavors that went on and on. Estimated production date: 1936.

BolivarCorona
Cuba
92
Corona
5 1/2"
42
£8.10
Mar/Apr 2000
Filler: Cuba
Binder: Cuba
Wrapper: Cuba
A medium- to full-bodied cigar that is packed with exotic flavors. There are hints of chocolate and coffee, with a solid core of sweet spiciness. A spicy finish.Read other users' tasting notes on this cigar

C.A.O.LÕAnniversaire 1968-1998 Cameroon Belicoso
Nicaragua
92
Torpedo
6"
54
$7.90
May/June 2000
Filler: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Cameroon
Beautifully made cigar. ItÕs medium bodied with a solid cedar character, an earthy undertone and hints of cocoa bean, leather and roasted meat. Great texture.Read other users' tasting notes on this cigar

Flor de FarachPalmeras
Cuba
92
Vintage
5"
38

Winter 1993
Filler: Cuba
Binder: Cuba
Wrapper: Cuba
A secondary brand of Cuban cigar, this came from a batch sold in the early Õ80s at a New York auction. They were surprisingly good for a thick, panatela-sized cigar. Mild and spicy, they delivered plenty of flavor and character. Estimated production date: 1958.

Fuente Fuente OpusXPerfecxion No. 5
Dominican Republic
92
Petit Corona
4 7/8"
40
$7.50
Nov/Dec 1997
Filler: Dom. Rep.
Binder: Dom. Rep.
Wrapper: Dom. Rep.
An excellent full-bodied smoke, with flavors of nutmet, sweet cocoa and a some sweet cedar wood notes on the finish.Read other users' tasting notes on this cigar

Hoyo de MonterreyEpicure No. 1
Cuba
92
Corona Gorda
5 5/8"
46
£8.87
Winter 1996
Filler: Cuba
Binder: Cuba
Wrapper: Cuba
A well-balanced cigar with a powerful, full-bodied spiciness. There is a complex earthiness on the palate with hints of nutmeg. A long finish.Read other users' tasting notes on this cigar

MontecristoSeleccion Suprema No. 4
Cuba
92
Vintage
5"
42

Winter 1993
Filler: Cuba
Binder: Cuba
Wrapper: Cuba
Another old, mellow Monty. This petit corona smokes like a dream with light, smooth tobacco character and a cedary, savory finish. Estimated production date: 1961.

Padron1964 Anniversary Series Exclusivo
Nicaragua
92
Corona Gorda
5 1/2"
50
$8.20
Jan/Feb 2001
Filler: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua
This perfectly box pressed cigar has a perfect draw and an even burn. The smoke is packed with notes of cedar, white choclate, caramel and orange peel. Smooth and medium bodiedRead other users' tasting notes on this cigar

Padron1964 Anniversary Series Torpedo Maduro
Nicaragua
92
Torpedo
6"
52
$15.00
May/June 2000
Filler: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua
A wonderful, sweet, peppery cigar. It is medium to full bodied with a good dose of leathery and earthy notes on the palate. There are hints of nuts and cocoa beans on the finishRead other users' tasting notes on this cigar

QuinteroChurchill
Cuba
92
Lonsdale
6 1/2"
42
6SF
Spring 1994
Filler: Cuba
Binder: Cuba
Wrapper: Cuba
A powerful, full-bodied cigar with a deep nutty aroma and strong flavors of clove and nutmeg, with a cocoa-like finish.Read other users' tasting notes on this cigar

Saint Luis ReyLonsdale
Cuba
92
Lonsdale
6 1/2"
42
£9.40
July/Aug 1999
Filler: Cuba
Binder: Cuba
Wrapper: Cuba
A full-bodied cigar with a rich texture. It has a sweet core of spiciness including nutmeg. It has some hints of cocoa bean around some roasted nut flavors. A long rich finish.Read other users' tasting notes on this cigar

San Cristobal de la HabanaLa Punta
Cuba
92
Torpedo
5 1/2"
52
£10.75
May/June 2000
Filler: Cuba
Binder: Cuba
Wrapper: Cuba
A full-bodied cigar with an excellent balance of flavors between earthiness and woodiness. There are also strong sweet spice notes, with a hint of nuttiness.Read other users' tasting notes on this cigar

Arturo FuentePetit Lancero
Dominican Republic
91
Panetela
6"
38
$9.50
Autumn 1994
Filler: Dom. Rep.
Binder: Dom. Rep.
Wrapper: Dom. Rep.
A beautiful, reddish-brown wrapper and an easy, elegant draw. Complex flavors of robust spices with undertones of cedar and leather produce a rich, full character.Read other users' tasting notes on this cigar

AshtonVirgin Sun Grown Torpedo
Dominican Republic
91
Torpedo
6 1/2"
55
$10.00
May/June 2000
Filler: Dom. Rep.
Binder: Dom. Rep.
Wrapper: Ecuador
A full-bodied cigar. This is a wonderful combination of power and smoothness. It has a floral undertone with strong elements of earthiness, a touch of dried orange peel and a pleasant mineral finish.Read other users' tasting notes on this cigar

Ashton Virgin Sun GrownCorona Gorda
Dominican Republic
91
Corona Gorda
5 3/4"
46
$7.75
Jan/Feb 2001
Filler: Dom. Rep.
Binder: Dom. Rep.
Wrapper: Ecuador
This peppery, woody cigar is full bodied. It has a dark, silky wrapper, and is well made.Read other users' tasting notes on this cigar

C.A.O.LÕAnniversaire eXtreme Churchill
Nicaragua
91
Churchill
6 7/8"
48
$7.70
Mar/Apr 2001
Filler: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuador
A smooth, box-pressed cigar. The cigar is loaded with complex flavors. ItÕs rich and cedary, with notes of chocolate, cocoa and red wine. A medium to full-bodied cigar.Read other users' tasting notes on this cigar

C.A.O. LÕAnniversaire 1968-1998 CameroonToro
Nicaragua
91
Corona Gorda
5 1/2"
55
$7.20
May/June 2001
Filler: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Cameroon
Dark, very oily and flat, this cigar burns and draws well. The chewy smoke has hints of macaroons, leather and cedar. A medium- to full-bodied smoke with a cedary finish.Read other users' tasting notes on this cigar

El Rey del MundoChoix Supreme
Cuba
91
Robusto
5"
48
£10.00
Jan/Feb 2000
Filler: Cuba
Binder: Cuba
Wrapper: Cuba
A medium bodied cigar with a good woody finish. There are flavors of cedar and some pepper on the palate.Read other users' tasting notes on this cigar

El Rey del MundoCorona De Luxe
Cuba
91
Corona
5 1/2"
42
£6.65
Spring 1996
Filler: Cuba
Binder: Cuba
Wrapper: Cuba
Although a little young, this cigar exhibits great spice, including cinnamon, and a strong earthy finish that lasts. Very well-made.Read other users' tasting notes on this cigar

El Rey del MundoRobusto Suprema
Honduras
91
Maduro
7"
54
$3.50
Winter 1993
Filler: Dom. Rep., Honduras
Binder: Honduras
Wrapper: Honduras
This cigar has an oily, dark-brown wrapper and a pleasant combination of pungent/sweet flavors including chocolate, roasted nuts and spice. A long finish enhances this pleasant cigar.Read other users' tasting notes on this cigar

FonsecaInvictos
Cuba
91
Figurado
5 1/4"
46

Sept/Oct 1999
Filler: Cuba
Binder: Cuba
Wrapper: Cuba
A full-bodied powerhouse. This cigar is filled with flavors of cinammon, and other sweet spices. A great looking wrapper, this cigar has a interesting nutty and toasty finish. Will improve.

Fuente Fuente OpusXReserva d'Chateau
Dominican Republic
91
Churchill
7"
48
$12.50
Sept/Oct 2000
Filler: Dom. Rep.
Binder: Dom. Rep.
Wrapper: Dom. Rep.
This cigar has a wrapper like well-tanned leather, with excellent oils. It smokes well, with good texture to the smoke, and it has complex, full-bodied flavors of leather, earth and sweet fruit. ItÕs rich and spicy, and improves with each puff.Read other users' tasting notes on this cigar

Henry ClayH2000 Mirabelle
Dominican Republic
91
Robusto
5"
50
$3.50
May/June 2001
Filler: Dom. Rep.
Binder: Dom. Rep.
Wrapper: Nicaragua
This box-pressed cigar is silky and dark. It burns and draws very well. The smoke is spicy and nutty, with notes of black cherry and leather. Medium bodied.Read other users' tasting notes on this cigar

Hoyo de MonterreyChurchill
Cuba
91
Churchill
7"
47
£15.60
Sept/Oct 2000
Filler: Cuba
Binder: Cuba
Wrapper: Cuba
Beautiful construction. While the firm draw detracts from the smoke, this cigar has an earthy, woody flavor. It lacks depth.Read other users' tasting notes on this cigar

La Gloria CubanaSoberanos
U.S.A.
91
Double Corona
8"
52
$2.60
Spring 1995
Filler: Dom. Rep, Nicaragua
Binder: Dom. Rep.
Wrapper: Ecuador
This cigar has strong flavors of spice and leather and delivers a smooth, full-bodied smoke.Read other users' tasting notes on this cigar

MontecristoEspecial
Cuba
91
Panetela
7 1/2"
38
£12.80
May/June 2001
Filler: Cuba
Binder: Cuba
Wrapper: Cuba
An oily cigar with a nicely finished pig tail. The draw is firm, and the cigar burns evenly. It has an easygoing start, but blossoms into a fuller bodied spicy, leathery cigar with rich, sweet coffee notes.Read other users' tasting notes on this cigar

MontecristoEspecial
Cuba
91
Figurado
7 1/2"
38
£9.00
Summer 1993
Filler: Cuba
Binder: Cuba
Wrapper: Cuba
A benchmark for this size. It's silky and smooth with cedar, chocolate and spice highlights and a long, flavorful aftertaste.Read other users' tasting notes on this cigar

MontecristoNo. 2
Cuba
91
Figurado
6 1/8"
52
£13.00
Mar/Apr 2001
Filler: Cuba
Binder: Cuba
Wrapper: Cuba
A silky, golden-brown cigar that has hints of leather and wood. Medium to full bodied. Some inconsistency was noted.Read other users' tasting notes on this cigar

MontesinoBelicoso No. 2
Dominican Republic
91
Torpedo
"
49
$5.75
May/June 2000
Filler: Dom. Rep.
Binder: Dom. Rep.
Wrapper: U.S.A./Connecticut Shade
A cigar thatÕs loaded with coffee bean and pepper flavors. There is a good core of leathery and earthy notes on the palate and the finish. Medium to full bodied.Read other users' tasting notes on this cigar

PadronChurchill
Nicaragua
91
Churchill
6 7/8"
47
$3.90
Jan/Feb 1999
Filler: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua
A solid unique smoke. It has medium to full bodied character with an light perfumed quality. There are flavors of red spices, and a hint of anise on the palate. Well-made.Read other users' tasting notes on this cigar

PadronMagnum
Nicaragua
91
Odd
9"
50
$5.45
Mar/Apr 1997
Filler: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua
A smooth, well-balanced medium bodied-smoke. It has strong, solid flavors of nuts and coffee beans. It is a very well-made cigar.Read other users' tasting notes on this cigar

PartagasSelection Privada No. 1
Cuba
91
Lonsdale
6 5/8"
43
C$22.6
July/Aug 1998
Filler: Cuba
Binder: Cuba
Wrapper: Cuba
A medium to full bodied cigar. There is a strong core of peppery and leathery flavors, and medium length finish. It has excellent balance.Read other users' tasting notes on this cigar

PartagasSerie D No. 4
Cuba
91
Robusto
4 7/8"
50
£10.00
Mar/Apr 2001
Filler: Cuba
Binder: Cuba
Wrapper: Cuba
A dark and oily robusto that draws like a dream, loading the mouth with rich smoke. ItÕs earthy and woody, with leather and molasses notes. ItÕs medium to full bodied, but a bit young.Read other users' tasting notes on this cigar

2006-08-14T09:56:00.000+05:30

Review of our meeting in July. Mehul is portrayed as the "hero" of this piece, the real heroes of course, were the Partagas Luisitanias, Romoe Y Julieta Churchills and Caol Ila.

Move over blended whisky. Single Malt scotch is here, and to stay.

“Single Malt is not just any old whisky. It IS the water of life, “ explains Mehul Patel, a member of Mumbai’s newly formed Single Malt and Cigar Club. Mehul is a first generation, tech entrepreneur and an art collector and represents a growing worldwide trend of Single Malt Whisky enthusiasts—one that has begun to take India by storm. A quantum leap from the era of whisky or Scotch with soda, water and ice.

The recently concluded sale of distillery, The Macallan’s Fine and Rare limited edition series saw bottles of their oldest and finest 1926 vintage being offered at $ 38,000. It was a complete sell-out.

Whisky is the English corruption for the Scottish-Gaelic slang “uishgi” meaning “water of life”. Scotch literally means “from Scotland”. Much like Champagne refers to the Sparkling wine that is produced in the Champagne region of France, Scotch refers to the whisky that is produced in Scotland.

Originally whisky was made in Scotland by turning barley into malt, adding water, fermenting the mixture and distilling it using copper vessels or stills. Malt Whisky is still made this way. In the 1800s, the blends of malt whiskies began to be leavened with a lighter, and less expensive, style from a variety of grains, not all malted, in a continuous process, using a column-shaped patent still. These unspecified grains could include unmalted barley, wheat or maize. Hence, blended whisky is sometimes referred to as “grain” whisky, unlike malt whisky which necessarily consists of malted barley only.

Single Malt refers to malt whisky that is produced in a single distillery. This is distinguished from “Pure Malt” which may include malted barley from more than one distillery.
Replete with snifters (nosing glasses for the uninitiated), a meeting of the Single Malt and Cigar Club is akin to taking a distillery tour in Scotland, without having to deal with the hardy Scottish weather, while still keeping your date with Fidel Castro.

“Each meeting of ours has a unique theme akin to the individualistic character of the Malt itself. Today’s theme is regional and we are going to broadly explore some of the different regions of Scotland: The Lowlands, The Highlands, Speyside and Islay. We are sporting a Glenkinchie for the Lowlands, Longmorn for the Highlands, Knockando for Speyside and Caol Ila is our Islay of the day.” explains Mehul.

Bottles are opened one at a time. A few drams of the golden-coloured liquor poured into each snifter. The whisky is “nosed”, tasted neat and then a few drops of room temperature water added to “release the bouquet”. Tasting notes are meticulously kept and compared. Cigars are carefully chosen to match the tipple and heighten the pleasure.

“The Glenkinchie has a sweetly aromatic nose, while the Longmorn is complex and firm, the Knockando, is soft and fragrant, almost like perfume and the Caol Ila is lightly peaty. It is a good introduction to the hearty Islay region. Nothing like the Islay powerhouse, Laphroaig, which is our unanimous favourite.”

“We use a number of different criteria to determine the theme of the meeting. For example, age. We did the entire Glenfiddich series starting from one of their most basic, and quite awful, 8 years, all the way to the exalted, vintage 40 years. Another criteria could be finishes, where we compared different casks, sherry, madeira, port and burgundy. But our all time favourite was the non-chill filtered series.”

As Single Malt aficionado, Michael Jackson, explains, “A malt in its natural state throws an unattractive haze if refrigerated. This is why, commercially available malt whisky is filtered at cold temperatures. This chill-filtration removes solids that might otherwise precipitate—but also strips out some texture and taste.”
Non-chill filtered malt whisky is more full-bodied and flavourful, a delight for the cultivated palate. Unfortunately, it is not available commercially and needs to be sourced or even custom-ordered.”
Admission to the Club is by invitation only and highly selective. “We only want members who love Single Malts and cigars, who are eager to learn and passionate about sharing.”

In the meantime, there are a couple of websites worth checking out, “www.maltmadness.com” and “www.cigaraficionado.com”.

Four things that affect the flavour of Whisky

2006-08-12T12:13:00.000+05:30

Bill Hutcheson gives a great primer on what affects the flavour of whisky here:

This is the main extract:

Three things affect the flavour of malt whisky, four if you include peat.

The first major impact is the still. What shape it is, how tall it is and what angle the lyne arm is set at and so on. All these 'still' related factors directly impact the quality and nature of the 'new spirit'. If the still is short then we get a robust oily spirit, if the still is long and thin we get a fine lighter spirit. The lyne arm is the bit that takes the spirit from the top of the still to the condensers where is becomes a liquid again. The angle of this device affects what its called 'reflux'. Also affecting reflux action are the bulges in the still, dents and any other shape change in the still.

Reflux action is when the vapours get so far up the neck of the still but then fall back into the still to be re-distilled again. The more reflux action the more refined the spirit.

The second and biggest impact on the flavour of malt whisky is wood. Malt whisky is put into white oak casks for maturation. These cask are generally ex-bourbon casks, but can be sherry or wine. The characteristics of American white oak are completely different to European oak and this you can taste!.

American oak offers vanillas from the wood sugars, can also get toffee. The effect of this wood diminishes each time the cask is used and they usually only use a cask 3 times.

European oak is completely different, offering fruitier flavours, and if a sherry butt you can get raisins and fruit cake.

'Wood finishes' are when a whisky has been matured in an ex-bourbon cask but is then 'finished' of a few months in another type of cask, and this is what Glenmorangie do. The spirit is fine from their long stills and is smooth. However it's such a fine spirit that finishing it in another wood gives it extra character, some might say making it less bland - I wouldn't of course. Other finishes can include, Marsala, Port, Rum and many wine types.
Be careful though it doesn't always work and the wood can sometimes be too much for the whisky.

The final impact on whisky is 'Time'. If there is one thing a whisky maker must have its plenty of time!. Whiskies have an optimum time, as they can be too young or too old. The skill of the master distiller or blender is to select the casks at the right time. This is different of each individual cask and a difficult job, expensive if he gets it wrong.

Never assume that the older the whisky the better the whisky - I've tasted some pretty mediocre £300 a bottle 30 year old whiskies and some fantastic 7 year old whiskies. Whisky can be over-oaked just like wine - especially Australian wine!

Grades of Whiskey

2006-07-27T17:39:00.000+05:30

Here are the various types:

Blended Whisky; This is whisky made for mass production using grain alcohol as the base and blended with a large number of different malt whiskies for character and flavour, each to its own recipe.

Vatted Malts; these are a blend of malt whiskies designed to produce a particular character from many different single malt distilleries. This is sometime also called 'Pure Malt', a misleading term in my personal opinion. This is where Supermarket malts come from.

Single Malts; these are malt whiskies from a single distillery, but will be made up from a number of casks of different ages for mass market distribution and designed to provide a consistent character. They will also usually be 'chill-filtered', e.g.: Glenmorangie, Glenfiddich and so on.

Single Cask Whiskies; this is the high end, usually from independent bottlers who buy single casks to bottle under their own name along with the name of the distillery. These are unique full flavoured whiskies usually un-filtered at varying strengths.

Cask strength; Single cask whiskies at full strength and flavour - the 'grand cru' of malt whisky. These whiskies can be 50%/65% ABV

Of course, 95% of the world just divides whiskey into 'Scotch' & 'the cheap stuff' :-)

Cheers!

2006-07-25T13:46:00.000+05:30

Welcome to the official blog of the Cigar Single Malt Society!

Our current members are Jetu Lalvani, Abhinav Aggarwal, Mehul Patel & Akhil Shahani.

We are going to be sharing our tasting notes, experiences & general thoughts on our favourite minor vices.

As the Scots say 'Slante!'