| A Wee Dram-amine | | | | By: Darryl Beeson | << back  Page 2 of 2 |
Talisker, a 10-year-old whisky distilled on the sheltered shores of Loch Harport on Skye, is known for its peppery essence. Oban, distilled very near the downtown of the mainland town of the same name, is a West Highlands whisky, known for its fruit-passionate nose, smoky, spicy taste and oaky finish. Lagavulin, a favorite of some is indeed a dark whisky, though strong, it is not as peaty as its neighbors, distilled in a dangerous Islay cove. Lagavulin is bottled at 16 years, being a lovely color, deeply amber with a glitter of gold.
The public can arrange visits to these distilleries with no sailing involvement, driving three-to-four hours to Oban from the international airport at Glasgow. A bridge now connects the mainland with the Isle of Skye allowing for further investigation.
The Classic Malts Cruise is said to be a must-do event in Scotland's sailing year, and you could join in 2003. “Joined by a passion for sailing, breath-taking scenery and single malt whisky, crews embark, choosing their own particular route from Oban to Skye, and back south to Islay,” observes spokesperson Aura Reinhart. “Hospitality offered by the coastal Classic Malts distilleries of Oban, Talisker and Lagavulin provides the social focus for a relaxed few days of cruising. The formula has been tremendous sailing and memorable fun. All crews are welcomed ashore as guests of the distilleries, for barbeques, music, dancing and, of course, for a chance to meet those whose lives are spent making Scotland's finest whisky.”
For enquiries, please contact World Cruising Club, 129 High Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7AX, email classicmaltscruise@worldcruising.com, tel (011) 44 1983 296060, fax +(011) 44 (0) 1983 295959. Entries are limited to a hundred boats. Registrations will be accepted on a first come first served basis. (Later registrations may be accepted, but cannot be guaranteed.
Information is obtained at www.worldcruising.com/classicmaltscruise. To book the Eda Frandsen, visit http://home.clara.net/andydoune/eda.htm for details.
Each captain chooses a particular route from the charming port town of Oban, destined for the Isle of Skye, and then south to to the Isle of Islay, visiting the classic distilleries of Oban, Talisker, and Lagavulin along the way. The roughly 200 mile journey weaves itself through the visual drama of the Inner Heberdes on Scotland’s breath taking western coast. This takes place every summer in July.
The Classic Malts of Scotland stresses that they take no responsibility for the sailing aspects of the cruise. Newcomers should treat the cruise as an independent trip and plan accordingly. Self-sufficiency (i.e., knowledge, experience, charts, planning, weather forecasting, navigation, Dramamine) is essential for the safety of the participating yachts and their crews.
About the Author:
Over the past decade, as sommelier or cellar master of restaurants such as The Mansion on Turtle Creek and the Adolphus Hotel's French Room, Beeson helped garner awards such as the Wine Spectator's Grand Award, Food & Wine Magazine's Best Wine List Award, and nomination for The James Beard Foundation's Award For Best Restaurant Wine Service.
Beeson, an international-level wine judge, not only tastes professionally, but also is a writer and reporter on the subject. He hosts a weekly radio show in Dallas for 990AM KMSR, files reports for San Francisco's KGO/ABC Radio, and is a syndicated columnist. Though a Texas native, he is the "farthest flung" member of Cambridge University's Wine Society. He is the American wine editor for the UK based wineontheweb.com.
Website Name: Wine on the Web.com
Website URL: www.wineontheweb.com
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