Bracket Tourney - The Scottish Blends

Team Turismo – Round 1We just finished off playing Round 1 of ‘Team Turismo’ bracket, and though the favorites will advance, it was much closer than anticipated.I’d have to say that the overall satisfaction of each whisky was very well received. Ballantine’s 17 year was very full.  A true top shelf whisky. J&B rare surprised some with it’s smooth consistent taste. Pound for pound, this well priced bottle holds its own with other house blends.Famous Grouse 12 yr edged out Cutty Sark, ok, maybe edged out is a bit of a stretch.  Although both were enjoyed, it wasn’t that close on the scoreboard.

We are looking forward to the next round with Ballantine’s 17 takes on the Famous Grouse 12

Mahogony – Round 1It was a wonderful night of tasting as we started play in the Mahogany Region First Monkey Shoulder took on one of its relatives from the Grant and Sons distillery by edging out Grants Ale Cask.  This was much closer than expected (or than price dictates) New as it is (2005), Monkey Shoulder is authentic to its core and uses only malt Scotch whisky from three of Speyside’s finest distilleries. Rooted in malt whisky lore, it is named in honor of the maltmen who once suffered from this injury through turning the barley by hand.As for Grant’s Ale Cask, it is the only Scotch whisky finished in Ale Casks.   This is after the whisky is first matured in oak casks.

 The second match had the #7 seed Ballentine’s Finest going against the #2 seed Smokehead. This also proved to be closer than expected. Ballentine’s is very smooth and includes the whisky from over 50 single malts. It is regarded as the taste to satisfy a modern style.  The first thing you notice from Smokehead  is its clever marketing of tin and bottle. The second noticeable trait is the ‘nose’  WOW. A full bouquet of  everything that is an Islay malt.

China Grove – Round 1We started play in the ”China Grove” Region.  Many of you most likely remember the Doobie Brothers from the Larry Bird/Magic Johnson College days.   In a one sided affair Dewar’s White Label just didn’t have what it takes to test Johnnie Walker Gold.  It was quite a privilege to start this tournament with such a fine whisky.  The other match was considered a minor upset as Johnnie Red edged Chivas 12yr  in a ‘drink off’ where we needed to go to the score cards to decide a tie vote. 

In this great first week match, Johnnie ensures at least one of the 4 brothers in this tournament is guaranteed a Final Four

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