In this episode of the Embellish Pod, we dive deep into the world of Speyside whisky, a region renowned for its elegant and complex single malts. If you stumbled upon this episode by chance, don't forget to hit the subscribe button to stay updated on all things whisky. You can find video versions of this podcast on YouTube and all my links on Instagram and TikTok at @embellishpod. For more details, visit my website at www.embellishpod.com.

The Great Whisky Forgery of the Late 90s

We kick off the episode with a fascinating story from the late 90s when the rare whisky scene was booming. Bottles of supposedly century-old whiskies started appearing at auctions, causing a frenzy among collectors. However, these bottles turned out to be elaborate forgeries, filled with whisky from the 70s and even cheap blends doctored to look ancient. The fallout was significant, leading to overhauled authentication procedures in the industry. The forger was never caught, and some of these fake bottles might still be sitting in collections today.

Speyside: The Whisky Factory Floor of Scotland

Next, we journey to Speyside, a region that produces more single malt whisky than anywhere else in Scotland. With over 50 distilleries in a small valley around the River Spey, Speyside is a whisky lover's paradise. The region's unique conditions—granite springs, a perfect climate for barley, and dense forests for fuel and barrels—make it ideal for whisky production. Officially recognized as its own region in 2009, Speyside is known for its elegant whiskies characterized by orchard fruits, honey, and gentle spice.

Tasting Speyside: Four Expressions

We then move on to tasting four distinct Speyside whiskies, each showcasing different aspects of the region's whisky-making prowess:

Aberlour 12-Year Sherry Cask (80 Proof) Glen Grant 28-Year (102 Proof) Dalmanach 6-Year (120 Proof) Macallan Fine Oak Triple Cask 15-Year (86 Proof)

Conclusion

Speyside whisky is a graduate school for whisky enthusiasts, offering a range of expressions that highlight the region's dedication to quality and innovation. From traditional sherry cask finishes to modern multi-cask approaches, Speyside continues to define what great whisky can be.

Next Episode Preview

In the next episode, we'll head over to the Highlands, where the geography creates whisky personalities as varied as Scotland's landscapes. Until then, keep those glasses full and those palettes curious.

Closing Remarks

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Embellish Pod. If you enjoyed it, please leave a review on your preferred platform and hit me up on social media at @embellishpod. For more details, visit www.embellishpod.com. Cheers!

00:00:00 - Introduction and Subscription Request 00:00:40 - The Rare Whiskey Boom of the Late 90s 00:02:59 - Speyside: The Whiskey Factory Floor of Scotland 00:05:27 - Tasting Overview: Four Speyside Expressions 00:06:05 - Aberlour 12-Year Sherry Cask 00:08:07 - Glen Grant 28-Year 00:10:06 - Dalmanach 6-Year 120 Proof 00:12:13 - Macallan Fine Oak Triple Cask 15-Year 00:14:40 - Tasting Setup and Glassware 00:16:05 - Tasting Aberlour 12-Year 00:18:02 - Tasting Glen Grant 28-Year 00:19:36 - Tasting Dalmanach 6-Year 00:21:23 - Tasting Macallan Fine Oak 15-Year 00:22:59 - Conclusion: Speyside's Influence on Whiskey 00:24:52 - Outro and Next Episode Preview

In this episode, we dive into a recap of recent happenings and exciting future plans for the podcast. Join us as we discuss:

The lull in the whiskey market during the summer and gearing up for the busy fall season.

Upcoming podcast episodes featuring more diverse and adjacent topics to bourbon and whiskey.

Introducing the Scotch Whiskey Discovery Series!

We're thrilled to announce a new mini-series where we'll explore over 35 expressions of Scotch whiskey, all shared by friends and fellow enthusiasts. This series will delve into:

The human connection and shared curiosity in discovering great whiskey. The balance between tradition and innovation in the whiskey world. The role of independent bottlers and their impact on the market. The unique characteristics of Scotland's five whiskey regions. Stories behind each sample and why they matter.

Whether you're a seasoned whiskey lover or just starting your journey, this series aims to enhance your appreciation and understanding of Scotch whiskey.

00:00:00 - Introduction and Podcast Information 00:00:45 - Recap and Future Plans 00:08:20 - Upcoming Podcast Episodes 00:10:25 - Introduction to Scotch Whiskey Discovery Series 00:11:19 - The Significance of Shared Whiskey Samples 00:17:00 - Community and Curiosity in Whiskey 00:19:01 - Developing Confidence in Your Palate 00:20:04 - Exploring Scotland's Whiskey Regions 00:23:23 - Approaching Tastings with Curiosity 00:24:23 - The Value of Human Connection in Whiskey 00:25:23 - Breaking Down Gatekeeping in Whiskey 00:26:23 - Enhancing Whiskey Experiences 00:27:23 - Personal Preferences and Confidence in Whiskey 00:28:23 - Conclusion and Next Steps 00:29:04 - Outro and Contact Information

Stay Connected:

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Thanks for tuning in, and let's embark on this exciting whiskey journey together! 🥃

#WhiskeyPodcast #ScotchWhiskey #Bourbon #WhiskeyTasting #WhiskeyCommunity #EmbellishPod #WhiskeyDiscovery #PodcastEpisode

Join us in this episode of The Embellish Pod as we dive into the fascinating world of spirits with Monique ten Kortenaar, the master distiller at Lucas Bols. With a legacy spanning over 450 years, Bols is renowned for its exceptional liqueurs, including the newly launched Blue 1575, a modern twist on the classic Blue Curacao.

In this episode, we explore:

Monique's unique journey to becoming the head distiller of such a historic company.

The creative process behind crafting the Blue 1575, including the innovative botanicals and flavor profiles that set it apart.

Insights into the distillation process and the importance of quality control in maintaining consistency across batches.

The role of sustainability in production and how Bols is adapting to modern consumer preferences.

The significance of educating both employees and consumers about the spirits industry.

Whether you're a cocktail enthusiast, a spirits aficionado, or simply curious about the art of distillation, this conversation is packed with valuable insights and stories from the heart of Amsterdam's distilling scene.

Don't forget to subscribe for more episodes and check out our social media on TikTok and Instagram @embellishpod!

Links: Lucas Bols Website: https://bols.com/collections/bols-products Instagram: @bolscocktailsusa Podcast Website: www.embellishpod.com Email: embellishpod@gmail.com

Enjoy the episode!