Whiskey House

Whiskey House

We recently got invited to a private whiskey tasting at Manhattan's swanky Core Club.  "Whiskey House" is the creation of Rob Levin, a friend of ours from some epic whiskey nights and the former publisher of New York Enterprise Report.

The premise: An up-scale venue for networking among professionals who happen to also be whiskey aficionados.  Core Club offered a tasteful modernist setting with room for private conversation or hobnobbing with the group.

Norm spins a yarn over a glass of malt.

The subject: a tasting of the current line of independent bottlings from Gordon & MacPhail.  Chris Riesbeck was on hand from G&M to catch us up on the in's and out's of this year's barrel picks. 

Macallan 18-Year

Macallan 18-Year 1995: Though obviously here at SmokyBeast we're more into the outrageous firebomb side of malt whisky, it's hard to go wrong with a nice old Macallan. This one had the signature silky smooth Macallan glow with an emphasis on little hints of pepper, tobacco, leather, and a little sweet island fruitiness.

Caol Ila Cask Strength

Caol Ila Cask Strength 2004: We'd already tried this one, but what a mighty beast it is!  Caol Ila really shines at this young age of nine years at its full 59%. It's full of roast nuts, rolling with phenolic peat smoke, and layering in richness of honey and orange candies. The smoke absorbs the high ABV wonderfully and the result is a powerful, tasty, and warm whisky.

Mortlach 25

Mortlach 25: The surprise of the night was the chance to taste the new Mortlach 25 Year release. Mortlach came out of relative obscurity having been one of the principal blended components of Johnny Walker. It's all the rage right now and with good reason.  The 25-year was very subtle yet flavorful leading with baking spices, oozing into a warm chocolaty place, and closing with some interesting pepper and wood notes. We'd really need a full bottle to properly evaluate this one - good thing Whiskey House offers preferred prices to its members! 

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The Skinny: Robert is a buddy of ours and so we're not doing any type of impartial review here. But if you are looking for a high-end club to join, bring clients, enjoy a whiskey, and get to hang out in some of NYC's exclusive spots, Whiskey House does a classy job.  Thanks Rob and everyone and see you soon!  

Rob and the Whiskey House crew

Cheers/SB