I'm often asked: "So, just what is a Knucklehead of Scotch?" Well, take a look, here's a dictionary definition. OneMalt.com sponsored a table at the Westwood-Washington Township Education Foundation Gala recently at Seasons. A great event for a good cause, raising funds for advanced technology for the Westwood Regional schools, here in the Pascack Valley. The WWEF put on a great event and the towns came together in record breaking numbers to toast the school district and help raise the bar for integrated technology in the classroom.
And how did Seasons live up to their reputation for hosting a class event? By stocking the bar with some outstanding Scotch whisky! Yes, way in the back, behind the myriad bottles of premium vodka and other distilled spirits, were hidden gems gathering dust and typically overlooked by the non-enlightened. A Benriach 10yr Curiositas! The very same bottle that stunned and delighted the Festival during its "Drink Until You Go" Blind Tasting was sitting back there, ignored, screaming at us, "for god's sake, take me, take me", and we just had to respond. Healthy rounds were poured and it caused so much excitement at the crowded bar that others nearby wanted to know what we were drinking. "Drano" we responded, and the puckered expressions thus ensured the bottles would hold their mantle of dust until OneMalt members made the right move.
What kept Benriach company back there? A steady-Eddie bottle of Glenlivet 10yr, typically the only single-malt that ever shows on catering bars was nearby. And next to it, a half-empty bottle of Glenmorangie 10yr, decidedly more adventurous that the 'Livet, but not as esoteric as Benriach. And hey, a Bowmore, an Islay at the Gala. This was going to be a great night.
And with that, Mike made the first move at the dinner table by ordering a round of the Benriach for the Knuckleheads. Our waiter got the idea that these guys were serious and did us one better: he brought the bottle to the table. We practiced our nosing techniques at the table much to the puzzlement of others and to the chagrin of our wives, who looked around in embarrassed pain as we splashed our palms with Scotch, rubbed them together and opened them to our nostrils to help identify the rich sweetness of honey and oak, some flower, malt and oatmeal. The palatte was the surprise we all enjoyed the first time, surprisingly strong and robust despite the delicate nose, with a medium finish that was fresh with a touch of cinnamon. And of course, the peat, the only peated malt in Speyside, gives Benriach a specialness that distinguishes it from others in the district. Alas, all too soon, the bottles were shaved of their dust and emptied.
We next found the Glenmorangie for only one round and the waiter realized that the way to great tips for the evening was to take care of the Knuckleheads. A gentler dram, Glenmorangie is a constant favorite as its gains more notice among those seeking to broaden beyond the blends. It always appealed to me because I typically found it rich in exotic fruit, maybe because its a little thicker and creamier, so I always think I'm tasting vestiges of banana and mango. But then, that's me.
Eventually, the Bowmore showed up in time for the main course, and as medium bodied Islay, was able to hold up to the roast beef and potatoes on the plate. Actually, I found it a great pairing, as the smoke and peat were a perfect compliment to the mustiness of medium-rare beef, the earth-like qualities and sweetness of the finish a great parlay to the next bite. They were both "chewy". The only thing that would have made it better would have been a half-dozen of fresh, Wellfleet oysters.
Finally, the Glenlivet came out, and as many of us are beginning to understand, if we were really doing this right, it would have been first, followed by Glenmorangie, Benriach and Bowmore batting cleanup. But hey, its a party. I do have to admit, I really enjoyed it, and maybe it was accidently at the right place, because it was clean, toffee-laden and light, and at the end of the evening, was a welcome palatte refresher.
I had a hidden gem in my inside pocket: a mini-bottle of Lagavulin 16yr, and I was happy to share it with a few of the Knuckleheads, especially Rory who came over to investigate what all the fuss was about and who we found appreciated a good whisky.
Uisge beatha, lads. A grand evening. Now let's get out there and get some SmartBoards.