Todays dram is the Arran 16 year old Single Cask bottled by
the Master of Malt. At 55.4% this is likely to be a potent sipper…. At least I
hope so. As a musical accompaniment I have chosen to throw on Bela Fleck and
the Flecktones – Flight of the Cosmic Hippo.
Bela Fleck and the Flecktones is a unique band of incredible
talents. They play a mix of bluegrass, jazz, funk and rock. Essentially they
are a jazz-funk-bluegrass fusion band; if a name must be given. Master banjo
artist Bela Fleck formed this band in the late 80s. Also in the band is one of the
worlds’ greatest bass players Victor Wooten and his brother Future Man (Roy
Wooten). Future Man is not only a phenomenal drummer he is a musical inventor
of genius proportions. One of his inventions that he plays is an instrument
called the “Synthaxedrumitar”. This instrument is held like a guitar and sounds
like one of the most impressive drum kits around. Recently he also invented an
instrument that looks like a piano yet plays notes based on the Periodic Table
of Elements and the Golden Ratio. The Golden Ratio is an algebraic term. This
Future Man is truly the funkiest nerd I have ever heard of. I mean that as a
complement.
According to the Master of Malt Website the single cask that
this Arran whisky sat in for 16 years was a refill sherry cask. It was distilled
in 1996 and bottled in 2012.
The Isle of Arran is the seventh largest Scottish island. It
is located off the east coast of Scotland. Due to its bisection by the Highland
and lowland lines it apparently has incredible rock formations. It is therefore
considered a geologists paradise. Geologists come from all over the world to
bask in this rocky glory. It is also rumoured that Robert the Bruce while in exile
hid in a cave on the island. While hiding he watched a spider repeatedly climb
the cavern wall to build its web falling many times. I wonder if this is the
origin of the Itsy Bitsy Spider song.
Musical genius with mathematical and scientific influence,
geology heaven, and a bit of history. With this dram I am going to make a toast
to nerds everywhere.
Nose: Initially I get notes of the sea; salt and seaweed. There
is also a syrupy (not maple) sweetness.
Palate: A warming sensation envelopes the notes of pepper butter
and ginger and a gentle sweetness.
Finish: The finish is clean leaving traces of wood, clove,
cinnamon and iodine.
An interesting dram but not one I was entirely fond of. I
found that it was a bit dry and I didn`t get any of the sherry.
“JlQoS” (I`m Sorry - in Klingon) Nerds. Endeavour to honour
you in the future with a more pleasing toast, I will.
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