For decades I have journeyed across the Highland Islands of bonnie Scotland on a quest for single casks of exceptional, or potentially exceptional, whiskies. The aim has been to nurse and influence the spirit in preparation of releasing a satisfying rare dram which we would use for our award winning range of independent bottlings.

It was on a recent such journey that my companion commented that I used the term Sexy Cask (not really being aware). I realised it was in response to finding such casks as described above. I got to thinking what was it that prompted that statement when examining and tasting the contents on the discovery of such a gem.

Simply, really on reflection, looking at a beautifully put together cask with curved long lines closely pressed against each other containing the inner beauty that it’s outside teasingly promises.

These individual staves, express themselves confidently, be they young or mature, and in unity held together with rings (hoops) of commitment… Yes, “Sexy Casks” indeed.

Then as you get more intimate with the contents, the allure of aromas often are seductive and inviting, perfume of nature and provenance sometimes sweet, sometimes spicy. Followed by the sensation of taste on your lips that fill your senses with excitement and desire… The incredible personalities of some casks and content come to life and bring you along for the journey, so much so that the lingering sensation leaves you wanting more.

Yes there is “Sexy Whisky” for sure.

Here are three such beauties all international award winners.

Benrinnes 20 year old, Auchroisk 19 year old, Ben Nevis 18 year old.

Slainte,

Ron Morrison
Chairman

Ron Morrison is the Chairman of the C.Gars Ltd group, but also our in house whisky specialist with a huge wealth of knowledge at his finger tips. Enjoy a snippet of a day in Ron’s life:

I took a leisurely afternoon walk along the sunny Liverpool docks where I could see vessels of every kind resting after a lifetime filled with experiences and adventure. I decided to embark on my own little adventure for the day.

So inspired, I popped in to our beautiful Turmeaus store on Old Hall Street. As I walked into the whisky room, in which lies a spectacular array of whiskies from around the world, I was confronted by someone with a question; what was my favourite type of cask finish for whisky?

Now standing in a room with thousands of whiskies of which many are my favourite, my mind raced through the delights of, bourbons, creamy vanilla freshness or sherry casks with raisin-y nuttiness and berry driven red wine casks.

However I realised from the conversation what they really wanted was a recommendation! So, no problem, the previous evening I had the experience of the most loveliest of drams which paired wonderfully with my Davidoff Orchant Seleccion Lancero cigar. The whisky was a relatively new release from Dalmore, The Dalmore Port Reserve. The dried fruity, orange-y spice notes danced around my palate keeping it fresh then slid away in a smooth satisfying finish. It had a rather generous, and my preferred, ABV of around 46%. That was my recommendation to the customer who happily embraced it.

Whiskies are a real, and relatively safe, adventure 🙂 This one is certainly worth a try!

Slainte,

Ron Morrison
Chairman of C.Gars Ltd

Welcome to the whisky blog from Turmeaus Whisky and Cigars, Watergate Street, Chester.

Firstly let me introduce myself; I am Peter Spinks and I am lucky enough to work within our whisky and spirits store. Over the coming months I hope I can introduce you to some fabulous whiskies, fine spirits, wines and champagnes.

One of our best-selling whiskies has been the delightful Glen Scotia Double Cask, this whisky is a classic Campbeltown malt and is finished in a combination of first fill bourbon barrels followed by time in Pedro Ximenez sherry casks to produce this outstanding malt whisky that provides the perfect balance of rich spicy fruits overlaid with the characteristic sea spray and vanilla oak finish of the house of Glen Scotia. this whisky is one of my favourites and especially at the current bargain price of £39.99 per 70cl.

With summer upon us, I would like to recommend some gorgeous summer drinks ideal for those BBQ’s and summer parties. We currently have some delightful Swedish AIVY flavoured vodkas, which are infused with some really interesting ingredients. My favourite is the Pear Strawberry & Mint which is lovely to make a fruit punch out of.

I combine crushed ice with four measures of vodka, fresh strawberries, fresh mint and top with soda water. This makes a lovely fruity punch style drink ideal to share or just for yourself!

Gin has made a massive comeback in recent years and is more popular than ever, it fascinates me how many types and brands of Gin are available. We stock an amazing range which includes dry, cocktail and botanical gins, all which can be complimented by our range of Fever Tree tonics.

The current must have gin, Chase Williams dry gin, is now in stock and really is something special. Chase Williams are from cider country in Herefordshire and they have won numerous awards. I love this gin and pair it with Fever Tree Mediterranean tonic water and a slice of lime, just so refreshing!

We had another very successful cigar & fine spirits event at the Gorgeous Bar Lounge Chester. At this event we enjoyed some newly launched Drew Estate Undercrown Shade cigars paired with Flor de Cana Nicaraguan rum and single malt whisky from Glenturret.

I can honestly say that Flor de Cana rum is one of the finest I have tasted, a beautiful smooth rum which is unusually 5 times distilled. This gives a rum of superior purity and contains no additives or colours. The rum is slow aged in hand made oak barrels which give it great depth of flavour. Flor de Cana is available starting at the entry level 4 year old which is perfect for mixing Cuba Libre and Mojito, 7, 12, 18 years and the flag ship 25 year old.

So with the weekend now so close, come and visit us and treat yourself to something to quaff. I’ve already got my eye on a bottle of Flor de Cana 18 year old rum!

Whatever you choose, enjoy and have a great weekend!

Cheers,

Peter.