Andrew Acomb

Last night was the first Angel’s Share at 9 Maple Ave for this year. The one in January usually doesn’t happen because of the holidays.

First for sampling was the Tyrconnell Single Malt. It’s an Irish Whiskey from the Watts Distillery named after a successful racehorse owned by the Watt family. This particular whiskey has been kept alive by the Cooley Distillery, the only independent distillery in Ireland. Tyrconnell has won many awards. Most recently it took a silver medal at the International Wine and Spirits Competition in 2006.

Next up was the Glengoyne 10 Year Old Single Malt, nicknamed “The Unpeated Whisky“. It is a Single Malt Scotch Whisky from the Highland region. Usually once germination has taken place, the malt is dried using the smoke from peat fires which imparts an aromatic smoky flavor. However, the Glengoyne distillery is different as it uses only barley that has been dried using warm air thus earning its nickname. Glengoyne is also one of only two distilleries in Scotland that use the “Golden Promise” barley. The other is Macallan. This particular barley was highly favored by distilleries for its delicious, rich nutty flavor. However, as the whisky industry grew distillers started to look for varieties of barley that gave a higher yield of fermentable sugars rather than varieties that gave the best
flavor.

The Bourbon Whiskey for the night was the Sam Houston Very Small Batch from the McLain and Kyne Distillery. Named after a Texan, Sam Houston was instrumental in the fight for the state’s independence from Mexico.

The final drink for the evening was the “The Mad Moyinhan Manhattan“. It is a blend of Irish Whiskey and Atholl Brose. It is stirred and strained straight up in a chilled Martini glass garnished with a twist. Out of the last few drink demonstrations, this was definitely my favorite.

The Atholl Brose has a cool story of it’s own: “In 1475, under a sentence of death, John the last Lord of the Isles fled to the hills.
The Earls of Atholl and Crawford rapidly set off in pursuit. Upon discovering where the fugitive was drawing water, the Earl of Atholl ordered that the well be filled with a mixture of whiskey, honey, herbs and oatmeal so as to encourage him to stay put while the reinforcements were brought. Alas the Lord of the Isles was beguiled and ‘Atholl Brose’ was created.“

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.

Last night was spent sampling whisky/whiskey at 9 Maple Ave.What a great way to end the trip back from Salem. We arrived back in Saratoga Springs just in time for the start of the tastings.

First up was an Irish Whiskey called Bushmills 10 Year Old. It’s from the world’s oldest licensed distillery. Originally called ” Uisce Beatha” (”Water of Life” in Irish), the name was difficult to pronounce by English speakers and was then shortened to “Uisce”. Over time, the name eventually became whiskey. It is believed that the troops of King Henry II enjoyed the taste of Bushmills some 400 years before the distillery became officially licensed in 1608 by King James I. In 1784, the Bushmills Distillery became an officially registered company.

Next came the Single Malt Scotch Whisky, called Glen Moray 12 Year Old. It is from the Speyside district of the Highland region. Jackson gave it an overall score of 76.

My personal favorite of the night was the Bourbon Whiskey called Kentucky Vintage Small Batch. It comes from Bardstown, Kentucky also known as the “Bourbon Capital of the World”. This is a new addition to the collection of Bourbon at 9 Maple Ave and I will be adding to my own.

Last night was the first whisky/whiskey sampling night at 9 Maple Ave for the new season. They started the sampling off with an Irish Whiskey called Clontarf Black Label. This whiskey was inspired by Brian Boro’s legendary victory at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014 AD.

The next drink was a Single Malt Scotch Whisky from the Lowland region called Auchentoshan 10 Year Old. Auchentoshan is the only Scottish Distillery to use a triple distillation process. This process was rumored to have been brought to Scotland during the potato famine of the 1840’s.

Next was a Bourbon Whiskey called Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Sour Mash from the Buffalo Trace Distillery. Elmer T. Lee is actually a Master Distiller there with more than 50 years experience.

The fourth and final drink for the evening was part of the drink demonstration. They taught everyone how to make a Magnolia Maiden. it contains Bourbon, Grand Marnier Orange Liqueur, simple syrup and club soda. I really enjoyed it.

Usually the event costs just $20 for all of the above, but last night a cigar was included for $25. You really can’t beat that. Plus you could smoke inside. Remember it’s the first Wednesday of every month and starts at 7pm. It’s a great way for new or experienced whisky/whiskey drinkers to try something different.

If I am going out for a good drink, I head to 9 Maple Ave. This is definitely my favorite bar in Saratoga Springs. It has been voted the best scotch joint in a variety of local newspapers. They have a huge selection of single malt scotch, 158 to be exact. Ask to see the scotch book when you go. It contains all the scotch they carry divided by regions. Most of my favorites come from the islay region. They aslo have a nice selection of bourbon and Irish whisky. If you want to try something a bit different, ask to see the martini book. This has descriptions for over 250 different martinis.

The first wednesday of the month starting at 7pm, they host a small gathering for people who really enjoy whisky. For $20, you can get a glass of Irish whisky, a single malt scotch, and a bourbon. Before each glass, they explain a little about the particular whisky you are about to try. They give you about 20 or 30 minutes to enjoy the drink before they hand out the next one. Plus they have a drink demonstration where they show you how to make a particular mixed drink. Of course everyone there gets a glass. Sometimes, the event becomes a “smoker”. So for an extra $5, you also get a high quality cigar, worth well over $5, to go along with the great drinks. This is one of the very few times you can actually smoke inside. This event starts in October and runs until the beginning of Summer. I’ll see you there.