Tasting 17 Pix in the Stix & ELWS
November 2nd, East Linton Community Hall
Showcasing not only some excellent drams but also a community spirit that was truly heart warming. The venue was packed to the brim with over 100 guests, so many, in fact, we nearly had to turn people away! This level of excitement added to the evening’s electric atmosphere, making it clear that the event was a hit from the get-go.
The evening started with a pour of the Balblair 12-year-old, a great introduction that set the tone with its smooth, warming flavors. Then, with glasses in hand, we settled in for the first half of The Angel's Share, a fitting film choice about whisky and its delightful, if sometimes cheeky, role in Scottish culture. The movie, which follows the humorous and heartfelt journey of a young group of misfits on their quest for the perfect dram, had the crowd laughing and engaged throughout.
At the halfway point, we enjoyed another pour—this time the Glengoyne Teapot Dram. Bold, rich, and full-bodied, it was the perfect contrast to the first selection, and it paired well with the anticipation in the air as we geared up for the film’s second half. The Angel's Share continued to delight, its sweet, spirited storyline providing just the right balance of humour and drama for an evening centred around whisky.
The entire event was an absolute steal at £5 entry, which included two complementary drams and a cinematic experience. What made the night even more meaningful was that all proceeds were donated to support various food banks across East Lothian, giving the night a community focus beyond just the shared love of whisky.
Overall, Tasting 17 was an evening well spent, blending quality drams, laughter, and a strong sense of purpose. It was the kind of event that highlights how the Movie goers and whisky community comes together not only to enjoy a shared passion but to make a positive impact. Here's hoping for more evenings like this in the future with Pix in the Stix
https://www.pixinthestix.org.uk/
Glengoyne Teapot Dram Batch 10
This is part of Glengoyne's special series, designed to reflect the rich, sherry-heavy style once reserved for distillery workers. Batch 10 continues the tradition with bold and luscious characteristics.
Nose:
Rich and indulgent with intense sherry notes.
Stewed fruits, raisins, and sultanas.
Dark chocolate, orange peel, and a hint of toasted almonds.
Subtle spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
Palate:
Full-bodied and velvety.
Sweet dried fruits like figs and dates dominate.
A wave of caramel, treacle, and toffee sweetness.
Warm spices (clove, allspice) with hints of oak tannins and espresso bitterness.
Finish:
Long and warming, with lingering sherry sweetness and a touch of spice.
A whisper of dark chocolate and orange zest rounds it off beautifully.
Overall:
A decadent dram perfect for sherry-cask enthusiasts. It showcases balance despite its boldness, with richness and complexity.
Balblair 12-Year-Old
This is the entry point to Balblair's core range, highlighting their focus on balance and subtlety. Aged in American oak ex-bourbon and double-fired American oak casks, it is approachable yet characterful.
Nose:
Fresh and light with notes of green apples and citrus (lemon zest).
Honeyed maltiness with a touch of vanilla.
Gentle florals and soft oak spices in the background.
Palate:
Smooth and well-balanced.
Sweet notes of creamy vanilla, honey, and orchard fruits (pears and apples).
A touch of spice—think cinnamon and white pepper—alongside light oak.
Hints of cereal maltiness and a whisper of citrus zest.
Finish:
Medium-length with a gentle fade of sweetness.
Delicate oak and soft spices linger, leaving a clean and refreshing impression.
Overall:
An elegant and easy-drinking whisky. It’s a great introduction to Highland single malts, offering finesse and subtle complexity.