Comfort

Yes, it is safe to keep reading. The Cabinet did not take a hard right turn last time with the bourbons and decide to further devolve to an evening of Southern Comfort. That syrupy horror, that hangover expressway, that Angel of Death for Janis Joplin, will never see the interior of The Cabinet Chambers. No, instead, the post title refers to the concept of comfort food translated into comfort drink. September was apparently the second rainiest in Manitoba history. October has begun wet as well. Not only wet but chilly and grey. This is weather that inspires a craving for starch and slow-cooked meats and heavy rich sauces. What then is the drink equivalent? Scotch, of course (duh), but which scotch? Here things become rather subjective. Some might feel drawn the smokiest and peatiest and some might crave the deep wood character of an aged whisky. I am more practical and straight-forward. To me, "comfort" means guaranteed goodness and pleasure. No risks, no challenges. For The Cabinet then the choice was simple. We have about a dozen solid favourites, so we selected three of these to represent the various preferred styles among those favourites.

First was the Springbank 10, the only Campbeltown in our collection. Fiery and sharp with a marvelous long finish.

Then the Oban 14, a coastal Highland malt and another longtime favourite. This was, curiously, a disappointment. At least at first. In the first sampling, we finished the dregs of a bottle first opened three years prior. It was a bit flat and smooth. Too smooth in fact, with much of the complexity we remembered before absent. There was also an odd oily mouthfeel. Hmm. Later we opened a fresh bottle and it was an entirely different whisky - bright and lively, really a delight. Expect an in-depth exploration of the topic of oxygenation next year. This could be alarming as we have dozens of half-full bottles in our stores...

And third was the brand new (to us) Talisker Distiller's Edition, distilled in 2008, bottled in 2018. This was perfect. Smoky, but not overwhelmingly. Sweet, but in a malty way, not in a nasty way. And a great long finish. It was also the least fiery of the three and was enjoyed straight without any drops of water added.

All of this was complemented by a sharp cheddar and conversation that ranged from homelessness to Mt Everest to the glory of The Sonics.

Slainte!