Andrew Acomb

I spent yesterday evening at 9 Maple Ave for another great Angel’s Share Sampling Society get together. Music from John Coltrane created a great backdrop for a delicious selection of drinks.

First to be served was the Irish Whiskey called Michael Collins Blended Whiskey. It was developed by Sidney Frank in partnership with the Cooley Distillery. It was named after the legendary Irish hero Michael Collins who was also affectionately known as “The Big Fellow”. Collins was the spearhead of Ireland’s struggle for independence and the architect of the treaty signed in 1921 called the Anglo-Irish Treaty.

Ardbeg 10 Year Old, a Single Malt Scotch Whisky from the Islay region was next. It’s from the Ardbeg Distillery located in Port Ellen, a small town in Argyll, Scotland. Jackson rated this an 85. Typically, most whiskies are chill filtered but this one is not. This is why it maintains its strength, body, and flavor.

Up next was the Bourbon Whiskey from the Buffalo Trace Distillery called Rock Hill Farms Single Cask Bourbon. This has been called the “World’s Greatest Bourbon” by the Washingtonian Magazine. It has also won numerous awards including Gold at the 1999 International Wine and Spirits Competition.

Finally for the drink demonstration, they showed everyone how to make a Scotch Sangaree. It is a combination of blended Scotch, Port and Drambuie, then stirred and strained straight up in a chilled Martini glass. Tasty.