I’m turning into an old curmudgeon. My brain is shrinking, I’m getting set in my ways, my joints are creaking, and the weather this weekend isn’t helping anything. Forget the Goretex — give me Grandpa’s wool sweater. And you can keep your hard lemonade and tequiza and wine coolers — when the snow hits the valley floor, it’s time for scotch. And if you are going to drink scotch, location is everything.
Where do you go to drink scotch?
Scotch Selection at the Highland Still House
If you are down in Oregon City sometime, you should check out the Highland Still House. To stand in awe before such a profound altar of scotch — that alone is worth the drive. I like the Islay varietals. I enjoy the Laphroaig 10, Caol Ila 12, and Bruichladdich 12. I want to taste seaweed and heather and peat bog water on my tongue. That’s a clear sign that I am turning into my Grandpa. I cannot afford many of the options, such as the Brora 24 ($38.50 a pour), Caperdonich 1968 ($23.50), and the staggering Ardberg Provenance 1974 (wait for it . . . $149.00 a pour). I was down there earlier today doing a little shopping, and I could not resist stopping by for a wee dram of whisky. Here is a partial menu, although I noticed that today that some of the prices have changed.
Stay warm out there this weekend, people. Celebrate your creaky joints, and drink lots of scotch.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I am not a scotch drinker, but do like bourbon (Knob Creek) and irish whiskey (Powers at home; Jamisons at the bar.) What scotch would you recommend I try, and why?
If you want a nice starter scotch with crossover appeal, try Macallan 12 or The Dalmore 12. The latter is very easy drinking, affordable at $28 a bottle, and has a pleasant nose of dried apricots.
The one that makes me the happiest is Laphroaig, but it is extremely smoky and tastes like seaweed.
I must confess, I have tried less than 20 scotches so far, so I am not an aficionado.
I’m hoping some others will chime in with their favorite scotches, and their favorite places around town to drink them.