Whilst most people may think that with whisky it is all about
taste, for a true appreciation of fine single malts, one needs to start with
the nose. To that end, crews on the 2012 Malts Cruise had the opportunity to
educate their noses and their palates at a series of tutored “nosings”.
Held ashore at scenic locations or on board
the lead boat for the Malts Cruise, the gaff rigged Spray of Wight, these
intimate evenings were a popular way to learn more about the special flavours
and heritage of single malt whisky, as well as their role in island culture and
identity.
The small groups were guided through a
selection of varying whiskies, often expressing the different styles of the
Highlands and Islands distilleries, looking for the flavours and smells that define
a particular single malt.
At Loch Scavaig, one of the most
spectacular anchorages on the west of Scotland, tucked in beside the impressive
Cullin Ridges on the south end of Skye, cruisers had a unique opportunity for a
nosing Talisker 57°North right beside the hills that collect the very water
used to make the spirit. Across the Cullins lies the Talisker Distillery at
Carbost on Loch Harport, the only distillery on the Isle of Skye.
With a warm sun setting behind the hills of Rum, the entire crew
of Akrana were welcomed on board Spray for a nosing of Islay malts,
and a celebration of crew member Libby Deegan’s heritage; her family being
McLean’s who left the Isle of Rum for Australia during the Highland Clearances
of the mid-nineteenth century.
Germans, Australians, Swedes, Finns, Swiss,
Icelanders, Irish, Americans, New Zealanders, Norwegians and Dutch crews shared
with their British friends in cosy sessions in the cabin of Spray when it was
too cool for an outdoor nosing. All went away with a warm glow from
experiencing fine single malts, and good conversation, as well as learning a
little more about this magic spirit – the uisge beatha –
the "water of life".