Ed Kohl founded ImpEx Beverages, Inc. which controls an impressive catalogue of products such as the Chieftain’s line of independent bottlings, Kilchoman, Isle of Arran, and others both within and outside of the Scotch Whisky category. With nearly 40 years in the Beverage Industry, Ed Kohl has a wealth of experience and spirits knowledge that he happily calls upon while touring America and Europe giving educational seminars on all matters Whisky.

From Kilchoman Distillery on Islay, joining the group will be Anthony Wills to lead tasters through a couple of the distillery’s recent releases. Wills founded Kilchoman in 2005, making it one of the newest distilleries in Scotland, and the first to open up on Islay in over 100 years. The production levels at Kilchoman are small, but it continues to be one of the most exciting distilleries in the business due to its artisanal production methods, wide array of frequent releases, and the variety of styles that Anthony and his colleagues take on.

Talking about the Isle of Arran line of Single Malts will be Louisa Young. Having spent time at Tullibardine Distillery, Young is currently the senior brand manager for Arran Single Malt. The Arran Distillery opened in 1995 and joins the island’s long history of superb and unique Whiskies.

VITAL STATS:

Date:    October 4, 2012 at 6:30pm

What:   Scotch Tasting & Light Appetizers

Place:   Zibibbo Restaurant – 430 Kipling Street, Palo Alto

Price:    $49.00 per person

Required: Advance Reservations by calling Rick at 650-325-2806

THE SCOTCHES:

BunnahabhainPeated 14 Years Old Chieftain’s Bottling

Glenturret 21 Years Old Cask Strength Chieftain’s Bottling

Balmenach 28 Years Old Cask Strength Chieftain’s Bottling

KilchomanMachir Bay

Kilchoman Sherry Cask

Isle of Arran 10 Years Old

Isle of Arran 14 Years Old

Isle of Arran Sauternes Finish

PRONUNCIATION KEY:

Kilchoman(kil-HO-man)

Arran(AIR-ren)  

Bunnahabhain(boon-a-HAH-vun)

Glenturret (glen-THUR-ret)

Balmenach(bal-MEN-ick)

Neal F., Beltramo’s Spirits Staff

The classic Johnnie Walker Black ($25.89) has hints of smokiness due to the use of Whiskies from several distilleries located on the Island of Islay, including Caol Ila and Lagavulin.  Double Black is Master Blender Jim Beveridge’s tweaking of Johnnie Black.  He blends peatier malts and malts aged in heavily charred oak barrels – the result being a smokier, blacker Whisky than the original. In the words of the Johnnie Walker people: “Simply put, it is Black, amplified”.

Aromatically, Double Black offers aromas of peat smoke, oak and dried fruits. Take a pull and notice more of that smoke, stone fruit notes, vanilla, caramel, and spice. Very easy to drink with a lush mouth feel and a dry finish. It’s somewhat heavy-handed on the oak, with lots of char but that’s the idea: it is, after all, called Double Black.

Johnnie Walker Double Black is certainly not intended for those that are devotees of peaty Islay Whisky, but it should appeal to fans of Johnnie Walker (collect them all), and I think it serves as great intro to anyone who wants to try a Whisky with some peat smoke cloaked in sweeter toastier barrel. After your Double Black, try Caol Ila 12yr ($49.79)  from Islay for your next step in our smoky, peaty program.

         Cheapest International flight from the Bay Area:  $444 to Mexico (Double Black not included)

         Johnnie Walker Double Black at Beltramos: $39.99 (free parking included)

Rick C., Beltramo’s Spirits Staff