It has been so long in fact, Ive forgotten how to add posts! To be fair, it looks like the interface Ive been using (Elementor) has gone through some significant changes. Also, I am editing on a Galaxy tab rather than on a PC, and I am curious if this may have something to do with why things dont seem as they should. More to come. This is a test post.
Smokey peat oversees a delightful bevy of distant flavors
Nose: slightly burnt wet timber, salty lemon, beef jerky, pepper, mandarin, peach, over ripe fruit, popcorn
Taste: campfire, hint of butterscotch, oats, bitter chocolate, maple syrup, touch of fudge, bit of pear, and a fresh band aid
The flavors, the quality, the presentation…all are beautifully represented in this lovely gem from the Scottish Isles. The way Ledaig have managed to include such depths of flavour in the limited real estate that a peaty profile allows is amazing – especially at just ten years old. Equally amazing is that Ledaig packed this kind of quality into a bottle under £50. I don’t mean to be a gate keeper – but Im glad that Tesco, Asda, and other retailers in the UK are selling various big named brands at this price point. It saves the quality for the rest of us out there who relish it. In a world where vintage scotch whiskey has become a commodity – because new wood isn’t as good as old, because more ingredients are sourced from tired soil…because demand ravages supply, this is one of those thoughtful specimens that will probably be remembered by the current generation of scotch drinkers – once old – of the good old days – when there were still examples of premium products for the common man.46.
Here we take a look under the hood at some of the interesting dynamics contained within this classic Irish tune…
The introduction is set in the key of D, using the following progression:
D, G. Em, Bm. The progression degrees are I, IV, II, VI
The beginning vocals “I met my love…” transition us to the key of G – the body of the song – with the following supporting progression:
G, C, D, Em. A progression of I, IV, V, VI
The song then changes into the key of C for the solo section
F, G Am A progression of I, IV, V, VI
The relationship of the key changes themselves are observed as D -> G -> C -> G
As a transition observation, the key changes follow this order: D to G; G to C; C to G.
D -> G = I, IV G -> C = I, IV C -> G = I, V
This resides within the I, IV, V – the classic major progression of countless songs.
The Circle of Fifths illustrates the close relationship the chord degrees and key changes have with eachother.
We also see that each family of chords within the keys reside very close to one another on the circle and occupy a little of the other’s space.
As well, the relative minor for each key is also included in the chords (VI).
This relative minor element serves as the catalyst for each key change.
The change to G of from Bm grabs your attention in an agreeable way as we leave the key of D.
From VI to I
The change to C of from Em grabs your attention in an agreeable way as we leave the key of G.
From VI to I
And the change to G from Am grabs your attention in an agreeable way as we leave the key of C.
From VII to I
An unlikely pairing of a Scottish lowland single malt and middle Japan blended whisky yields an interesting voyage into famiiar flavours.
Periodical – Oloroso Barrel
Nose: Pronounced banana, honey, orange rind, hints of apricot, vanilla, and mixed fruit
Age: 14 years
Region: Lowlands (Loch Lomand)
ABV: 50%
Pallate: Spicey vanilla, boiled fruits, watercress, sea salt
Finish: Long, with very little bitterness. Doesnt dry the mouth, shallow depth of melon flavors.
Source: Purchased form Valhalla’s Goat in Glasgow<
I am learning that whiskys I initially dont like tend to grow on me as I make my way through the bottle. I am the same way with music, actually. I recall that many a favorite song today was a tune I initially cared very little for until I ‘got it’. I think some aspect of that plays into my still juvenile journey of appreciating good drams… but there is no doubt something else going on. Oxygen i reckon. The venom like potency of this Periodical spirit softens over time. The more air that replaces the liquid in the bottle, the more tame it becomes. I suppose this is why a tasting legend like Ralfy always articulates that patience is the master key toward enjoying a good whisky, going as far as to recommend that one should wait at least one minute for each year listed on a bottle’s age statement prior to tasting. So 21 year Balvenie should sit in its glass for 21 minutes before it is experienced. Periodical benefits greatly from some time with the windows down. However, at 50% ABV it is still a handful after using Ralfy’s formula. Indeed, it is a very hot drink out the gate. Enter a second technique, the controlled introduction of water. Interestingly, Periodical has a glass jaw when it comes to water. A drop too many and you instantly get a hazy bathtub of worn, stretched flavours of no value. Get the balance right however, and you’ll break through the fire and into a corner of delightfully rewarding flavors. Periodical’s flavor profile does not contain much depth. however, it is the voyage to get there that makes the experience worthwhile. At 50% ABV, Periodical is the strongest bottle of Scottish whisky I’ve had yet. It is a unique dram, and one that seems geared entirely for those who’ve been through the introductions already. For the rest of us, it might take a few jams on the headphones before we can actually ‘get it’.
Rating: 6.5/10
Suntory Whisky Toki
Nose: Citrus flavors, vanilla extract, ripe cantelope, hint of lemon drop
Age: No age statement (Blended whisky)
ABV: 43%
Palate: Floral, Hints of fig, honey, pear, vanilla
Finish: coasting finish of diminshing flavours, a bit dry towards the end, but overall pleasing through its course.
A smooth blend that is extremely welcoming, both in its flavor profile and its smooth delivery. At 43% it is a cut above most blends Ive had in its price range, and it is simple to enjoy. At its heart is a soothing sweet charm that that somehow manages to be almost perfectly balanced. At 43 percent it retainsa nip out of the cask, and allows for a bit of water to assit in accessibility. It really is almost too easy. to enjoy. Its only shortcoming is that there is very little depth of flavor for me. It says what it says at the beginning (very sweet , affable whatnots) then sits down shly until the next sip. This was a very nice bottle to enjoy along with the Periodical. They both have similar characteristics, but deliver them defferently. One with the fire of a short tempered Spanish brunette (that wants you in the sack), and the other with a much more courteous approach. But almost so much as to they become invisible amongst the rest of the crowd.
Rating: 6.5/10
Tonight I am polishing off 4 bottles of dram. A Clynelish 14 year, a Mortlach Rare Old, a Chivas Regal XV Balmain, and an Arran Barrel Reserve.
Mortlach Old Rare – big hat for the cattle.
Type: Single Malt
Age: No Age Statement
Region: Highlands/Speyside (east coast)
ABV: 43.4%
Pros: All rounder, allows for quick acclimation to its character, lovely bottle
Cons: No age statement, colour likely added, chill filtered, short finish, shallow depth
Nose: Scent of lemon, salt, vanilla spice, passion fruit
Taste: Dates, a bit of raisin and vanilla, overripened fruits, chocolate, a bit of peatiness, and nippy for 40% abv
Finish: Leaves the mouth dry but physically watery
Comments: While it does deliver on some nice overall flavours, none of them quite possess the depth needed to impart a lasting impression. However, this lovely little bottle was a suprise gift from my Father in Law for my 47th birthday, which propels this to an all time fav. 6/10 + 4 in sentimental value
Chivas Regal XV Balmain – a notable blend after some time.
Type: Single Malt
Age: 15
Region: Highlands/Speyside
ABV: 40%
Pros: A decent bttle of dram for the price point
Cons: Colour likely added, chill filtered, nice flavours but fade very quickly, plastic bottle cap
Nose: Scent of lemon, salt, vanilla spice, passion fruit
Taste: Dates, a bit of raisin and vanilla, figs, melon, cool on the bite
Finish: A nice lingering of the same flavours that seems to develop into a faint floral sweetness
Comments: A medley of sweet flavours that culminate into a satisfying experience. No water necessary but a small taster spoon also doesnt take away from it. 6/10
Arran Barrel Reserve – not nearly to my fancy as the 10 year, but still chum-worthy
Type: Single Malt
Age: No Age Statement
Region: Highlands/Lowland divide/Isle
ABV: 43%
Pros: A peaty addition to the Arran collection, natural color, smooth and mildly complex
Cons: No chill filter statement, seems a bit young, not quite on the maturity mark
Nose: sea salt, passion fruit, apple, vanilla spice, mango and pear
Taste: A nice echo of the nose, with the vanilla ripened fruit bcoming more pronounced as it develops, a bit of peach and a taste of peat.
Finish: Best finish of the bunch so far, with a gradual fade into subtle vanilla and maple creaminess.
Comments: While not as mature or a impressionable as the legendary 10 year Arran, this bottle stand on its own as a quality bottle for its low price point. 6/10
Clynelish 14 – the Alpha of the bunch
Type: Single Malt
Age: 14
Region: Highlands
ABV: 46%
Pros: The most quaiity for price I have had in recent memory.
Cons: No chill filter statement, no colour statement
Nose: Wonderful aroma of butterscotch, sea salt, caramel, and mixed fruits, apricot melon, and orange specifically.
Taste: Rich, sweet notes compared to the other spirits in this list.It just covers the tongue in floral notes, butter, faint toffee, hints of cocao, and more.
Finish: Apple peach, apricot, banana,
Comments: This little tasting adventure truly ended on the best note that it could have. The Clynelish dwarves the other drams in just about every facet of its expression.A long smooth finish a beautilful balance of alcohol and flavour, a wonderful nose. An absolute joy of an experience. 8.5/10
Went to a free meditation session last night. I found elements of it to be very useful in levelling one’s keel through techniques, affirmations, visualisations, and concepts. The session however had a shrine set up for the woman who developed this meditation. We were also shown a 25 minute video of a speech she had presented many years ago. I found this bit to be oddly out of place from the rest of the session – a lazy buy-in effort with little effect. Maybe Im just not to the level required to gain something out of it, I dont know.
The overall issue I have though is that, the more a spiritual position is focused down to just one person, the more skeptical I become. This usually suggests an infallabiity of that one individual. Which we all know is bullshit.
It is the idea of spiritualism that is pure, it is the knowledge collected and delivered by many that gives it its power. Anyone who hits the podium without acknowledging this first always loses points in my book.
It has been a bit. Lot has changed since my last post. New books read, new trips taken and planned. Be posting more about it all soon.
Been really missing home lately. I’ve found myself reliving old times…simple affairs, walking outside to the crisp, dry autumn air in Denton. DIY [projects, gardening, jamming with my mates. Eastside, the Denton square, busking, hanging with my neighbor John, my dogs, firepits, camping, my rock polishing. My family, going to Houston and stopping at Buccees somewhere in between. Seeing my Mom and step Dad, my Father, sisters, Aunts, geez…everyone and everything.
I don’t want to leave England until it is either unavoidable, or on my own terms. Those terms dictate that I reach a comfortable position to stay, and still feel the relentless call back. That is when I will know for sure, it is the right path.
I had to take a minute this morning to reflect on the fact that I got lost in an English forest yesterday. It wasn’t for long, but still, for about fifteen or twenty minutes I was definitively without direction.
Keira dropped me off at the train station at about 5:20 this morning. My ticket showed the train to London departing at 6:30AM. Turned out the farkin station doesnt even open until 7AM. So I was stuck outside the station in downtown Glasgow with all of my luggage. One of the station employees felt sorry for me and let me in to the station even though weren’t to open for another hour. Super cool.
It was a long wait, and holy chit was it cold in the station. But I managed to get everything lined out. That guy who helped me was an awesome fella. There was also a station attendant named Emma, who also assisted me greatly with getting everything squared away with the train admin.