Podcast #8 - Distiller Todd Leopold

This episode, I think, is going to be a big favorite amongst listeners.  Todd is one dynamic character and he loves to geek out about the technical aspects of whiskeymaking, so any amateur distillers out there should listen carefully and take notes!  Another interesting perspective on the craft distilling movement direct from the heart of it.

This episode can be downloaded by clicking here.  Past episodes are archived here and on iTunes .  Or you can always use the flash player below.

-David Driscoll

Diageo Dynamo #3

Back to the ridiculousness that is Diageo's Limited Edition series:

Glen Spey 21 Year Old 2010 Limited EditionSingle Malt Whisky 750ml - $179.99

The Glen Spey was BY FAR the most off the cuff and unusual malt of the tasting.  While the bottle states that it was aged in "new American Oak casks that had also held sherry" (malts.com), this group of tasters had one observation that was unanimous across the board.  "It tastes like Rye Whiskey!"  Having convinced ourselves that this had indeed been aged in oak that previously held American Rye whiskey, despite no indication of this being the case, the Glen Spey qualifies as one of the most surprising and daunting Single Malt tastings in recent memory.  The nose is all baking spices (distinct rye flavors here), redwood bark, with a slight hint of ripe pomaceous fruit.  Toffee sweetness and that rye spice continue on the palate.  I wrote salt water taffy, but the saltiness is illusive.  The malt and the sherry push through on the palate, which continues to be dominated by cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and a little dustiness.  All in all an incredible experience, although it did feel like a series of double takes.  If you can afford it, this is a malt you'll never forget or regret. Distilled in 1988, Only 5844 Bottled at 50.4% unchillfiltered. 

-David Girard

Tuesday Tasting Tomorrow!

The Cooley distillery podcast we did was a big hit and now we're going to serve up the goods at Martin's West in Redwood City on Tuesday night beginning at 6 PM.  For a mere $4 (or maybe even less depending on how generous Moira is feeling) you can get a full pour of the Connemara 12 Year Peated Irish Whiskey from Cooley.  This is a $100 whiskey that we're pouring for less than a shot of Maker's Mark!  So far we've had a great turnout for all of our Tuesday night tastings so come on out and join us.  I'll be there right at 6 and plan on grabbing a bite to eat. 

-David Driscoll

Understanding Tone In A Text-Driven World

Email has brought the world closer together, allowing correspondance that once took days, if not weeks, to be delivered to be read in seconds.  Texting incorporated short, important messages to be received quickly without desisting from current operations.  Posting comments after news articles on websites gave readers the chance to involve themselves in the conversation and gave us a broader impression of the general public mindset.  While all three of these modern developments have strengthened the communicative means that humans use to interact with one another, they have also ignited arguments, ruined evenings, and led to a general tone of intolerance on many blog sites, many times for a lack of understanding rather than any true indignance.

There's a reason why people have started typing :) after their sentences on any written messages.  They need their recipient to know that what is being stated is being done in humor, jest, lightheartedness, or out of love.  I've found that my short, succinct style of emailing can sometimes be interpreted as cold, callous, or snobby, however, in reality it's just that I'm short on time.  There are times when I'm in a jam, but I want to respond to a customer quickly so that they get the information they need as soon as possible.  However, my brief and to-the-point reply comes off as dry because I didn't use the fomalities we are used to in polite society - i.e. addressing the person by name, beginning with a "thank you for your inquiry," or closing with a proper good-bye.

Where I am beginning to worry most is with comment fields on message boards.  Our last post that featured the podcast with David OG and myself is a prime example.  We had wonderful comments from some of our readers that featured a dynamic back and forth from both of us.  It was truly fantastic to see that kind of passion.  What troubles me however is when someone feels like they have to justify their commentary by reenforcing their appreciation of our site and our store.  One can be a loyal patriot of the United States yet still criticize the hell out of our government!

The point is that we shouldn't have to point out that this is civilized conversation and nothing personal.  We are all adults and we all love booze so we are all going to have passionate responses.  Please know that I am always your friend on this blog - even when I don't put a smiley face on the end of the sentence.

-David Driscoll

Podcast #7 - David D and David OG Break It Down

No special guest this week, just the D squared talking smack about the whisk(e)y world.  We discuss the price of young whisk(e)y, the raging attitudes on the blogosphere, and what constitutes the price of booze in today's society.  Hopefully it's just engaging enough to keep your attention and not offensive enough to turn you off of K&L. 

Todays episode can be downloaded here.  Previous episodes are archived here and available on iTunes.

You can also listen in via our embedded Flash player below:

-David Driscoll