Please Visit my New Site
Posted By Barleycorn on November 24, 2009
Hello, Everyone.
I was having a tough time maintaining multiple websites, so all new content will be posted on www.DesertDogJournal.com. See you there.
There was three men come out o' the west their fortunes for to try, And these three men made a solemn vow, John Barleycorn must die, They ploughed, they sowed, they harrowed him in, throwed clods upon his head, And these three men made a solemn vow, John Barleycorn was dead.
John Barleycorn personifies barley and whisky in the old English folk song and has kindly lent his name to this Whisky Blog. Think of this as a place to escape the politically correct world and meet with other men that aren't afraid of a good drink, a good cigar, and a good debate about the modern world.
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Whisky Word of the Day: Angel Share
Posted By Barleycorn on November 12, 2009
Have you ever talked to a whisky warrior, someone really fanatical about whisky, and wonder what the hell he was talking about? This video series is your personal Whisky Rosetta Stone. Listen, learn, and impress your friends. 
Today’s word is “Angel Share”.
Whisky Review: Macallan 12 Year Old Single Malt
Posted By Barleycorn on November 11, 2009
Macallan 12 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky
A good whisky but nothing to write home about. Fruity character with an underlying saltiness that reminds me of the ocean. A little too light and a bit forgettable.
Overall Score: 14/25
- Nose: 3/5
- Palate: 3/5
- Finish: 3/5
- Experience: 5/10
Store Review: Total Wine & More, Tucson, AZ
Posted By Barleycorn on November 10, 2009
A little slice of whisky heaven.
I am a happy, happy man! The liquor stores I have been frequenting in Tucson have a limited whisky selection and what they have is a bit overpriced. The Beverage House on Broadway has maybe 25 Scotch single malt expressions and just a handful of Irish whiskies–just the common labels. I suppose I could stay busy enough with this selection, but I like to wander and experiment with the smaller labels. So last Friday, on the way home from the boys’ football game, I saw the Total Wine & More store and thought, “It’s big enough. I wonder what “More” means?” So I popped in and immediately fell in love. In addition to a wonderfully helpful staff, they stock at least 50 Scotch single malts (probably more), about 20 Irish expressions, and more American whiskies than I’ve ever seen. I didn’t have time to explore, but the Glenmorangie 10 Year Old was $10 cheaper than I can get it on base.
This store is definitely a keeper. With locations in Tucson and throughout the Phoenix area, it is definitely worth checking out for you Arizona wine and spirit lovers!
Whisky Dreams: Highland Park’s Vintage Selection
Posted By Barleycorn on November 10, 2009
You probably won't find this in the local grocery.
Here is something for all of you exotic malt hunters to dream about. Highland Park is releasing two vintage single malts, a 45 year old and a cask strength 40 year old. They are expected to fetch 3,750 GBP and 2,250 GBP (sorry no special character on this editor) respectively, or about $6,250 and $3,750 at current exchange rates.
Highland Park was founded in the Orkney Islands in 1798 as an illicit distillery (bootleggers to us Americans) and remains the northernmost distillery in the world. The late 18th century was a tumultuous time for distillers everywhere as the governments of both Britain and America imposed and vigorously enforced taxes on spirits. These taxes led to the Whiskey Rebellion in America, which was the first true test of the new Federal government. In Scotland, underground distilleries were everywhere and one truly must wonder if the government ever collected more from the tax then it spent on its revenue collectors. For Magnus Euson, the Highland Park founder, Orkney must have seemed a bootlegger’s haven. The land was remote, rugged, and blessed with the needed resources, and the islands’ inhabitants were naturally rebellious (not surprising from a people that lived at the edge of the world) with a proven inclination towards smuggling. This common heritage of independence and resistance binds American and Scottish whisky in ways the few of us consider.
So if you do manage to get your hands on one of these vintage Highland Parks, enjoy it well and turn your thoughts back across the centuries to the rugged, independent men that stood against the Crown and Federal tax collectors to perfect the craft of whisky making in its infancy. We could use a little of their character today.
Whisky Review: Glenmorangie 10 Year Single Malt
Posted By Barleycorn on November 9, 2009
Glenmorangie 10 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky
One of my favorites. A great moderately priced Highland single malt whisky. Light fruity character with enough depth and complexity for just about anyone.
Overall Score: 18/25
- Nose: 4/5
- Palate: 4/5
- Finish: 3/5
- Experience: 7/10
