St. John Ambulance Fundraiser

Posted on April 9, 2012 by Ouidram

Guests review the whiskies

Continuing with our goal to support at least one charity per month in 2012,  our March effort was for St. John Ambulance held at the Black Watch Armory in Montreal.  The Officer’s Mess is a perfect setting for a Scotch whisky tasting… steeped in history… of the Scottish kind!  Our appreciative guests were treated to five whiskies from different regions of Scotland.  The funds raised were to help purchase portable defibrillators for St. John Ambulance.

Speyburn 10 year old

There were two whiskies the patrons mentioned as their favourites, and they couldn’t be farther from each other on the whisky spectrum.  One was Speyburn 10 year old, the other was Big Peat.  Speyburn 1o is a whisky that is flying under the radar here in Montreal.  It has not been available for long and there has not been a lot of advertising about it.  In fact, it is very popular in the USA; one of the top six single malts.  It is light and refreshing, with floral and citrus notes that Speyside is known for.  A perfect summer whisky, in my mind.

Big Peat Scotch Whisky

Big Peat is completely different…. just as the name says it is BIG PEAT!  A vatted malt of four of Islay’s best know whiskies; Ardbeg, Bowmore, Caol Ila and the cult favourite: Port Ellen.  For those of you in-the-know, Port Ellen closed in 1983 so if you do the math that means that the Port Ellen whisky in Big Peat is at least 27 years old.  I must admit, Douglas Laing have got this blend right.  The complexity of Ardbeg and Port Ellen mixed with that fabulous Bourbon sweetness, this is a great whisky!  Definitely one of my new favourites!

Just to top the evening off, we were treated to Schwarz’s smoked meat.  Hello!  Smoked meat and Big Peat… luckily the St. John Ambulance people were there to revive me…

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Glenfiddich Cask of Dreams

Posted on April 9, 2012 by Ouidram

While visiting Toronto in March, I was invited to attend the official launch of Glenfiddich’s Cask of Dreams at Allen’s on the Danforth.  Canada is one of only 5 countries lucky enough to carry the Cask of Dreams single malt Scotch whisky.  The world’s most awarded single malt Scotch whisky is rolling their whisky barrels from coast to coast, inviting Scotch lovers to sign their aspirations and dreams on a Cask of Dreams barrel.  Making stops in ten cities across the country, The Cask of Dreams tour gives Canadians the rare opportunity to participate in the creation of a special vintage Single Malt Scotch and become part of Glenfiddich history.

Cask of Dreams

In conjunction with Glenfiddich’s “One Day You Will” campaign, Torontonians finished the statement “One day I will” on the finishing cask.  The casks will now return to Dufftown, Scotland to be filled with the limited edition single malt Scotch.  Once finished and bottled, Glenfiddich Limited Edition “Cask of Dreams” variant will be shipped back to Toronto where people can purchase the rare spirit from the cask they have personally inscribed.  The limited edition bottle is expected to be on shelves by December 2012.

While at Allen’s, I had the chance to meet the owner, John W. Maxwell.  When I interviewed Ian Millar in Montreal last November, Ian told me the next time I was in Toronto to make a point of meeting Mr. Maxwell.  It is one of the best things I have ever done!  John treated me to taste a rare bottle of Scotch whisky from his own private collection!  It was one of those out-of-body experiences where you say to yourself… “I am not worthy!!”  Along with Trevor Walsh of Jesson + Company, John poured a dram of a 1936 blended whisky from the Grant family of distilleries.  The whisky was rich and full-bodied, nothing like most blends today.  John then had us sample Grant’s Family Reserve for comparison.  He then followed up with a taste of Glenfiddich 40 year old!!

As Trevor and I were sipping the whiskies, John shared whisky stories and his long relationship with Glenfiddich.  John Maxwell is a true gentleman; well-spoken, gregarious and generous.  He welcomed Trevor and I as if we were old friends… Allen’s will definitely be my new “go to” spot in Toronto.

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Still Waters Distillery

Posted on April 8, 2012 by Ouidram

The stills at Still Waters Distillery

In March I had the opportunity to visit an artisan distillery called Still Waters Distillery in Toronto.  Owners Barry Bernstein and Barry Stein have a great little operation going on… making small batch vodka, single malt whisky, rye whisky and corn whisky; they believe in quality over quantity.  Every batch is carefully made by hand, even the bottling.  Their plans are to release the whiskies as single cask, limited edition bottlings.  Based on today’s market that’s hungry for new expressions, I think this is a great idea.  While the core spirits have their own character, every cask will have its own personality and from what I sampled on my visit, there’s going to be some great personalities!

The casks maturing

Barry Bernstein was kind enough to grant me a tour of their facilities and an interview.  Their operation is compact and efficient, with a separate pot still for whiskies and a column still with adjustable plates to vary the character of the new-make spirit.  I had the chance to sample a variety of whiskies, rye, corn and single malt.  I tried the new-make spirit and casks that have matured about a year and 18 months.  Of course, by law, the whisky cannot be sold until it has matured for at least 3 years, but this doesn’t necessarily mean the whisky will be ready by then.  Barry and Barry will carefully monitor their casks and decide when each one will be ready for bottling.  Based on what I sampled, I have a feeling we may see a cask or two released in 2013… I can’t wait!

When in Concord, Ontario, visit their facilities and purchase a bottle of their award-winning vodka or limited bottlings of imported malt whiskies.  www.stillwatersdistillery.com  See my interview and product sampling with Barry Bernstein below…

 

 

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Jura Brand Ambassador Willie Tait

Posted on March 5, 2012 by Ouidram
Willie & Esther with guests at the Jura/Dalmore tasting

March came “in like a lion” in Montreal, but not even a big snowstorm could keep Terry and I from meeting Jura Brand Ambassador Willie Tait.  Thanks to a wonderful invitation from the distributors of Jura and Dalmore in Quebec, we were present for a fantastic tasting of both the Isle of Jura single malt range and a selection of the Dalmore single malts.

 

Willie and Jura 21yo

Listening to Willie take us through the process of making Jura and then tasting the 10yo, 16yo, 21yo, Superstition and Prophecy, I now have a heightened appreciation for their whisky.  The light and delicate nature of the spirit lends itself well to the different age expressions.  Willie explained the tasting profiles that went into the lightly peated Superstition and the heavily peated Prophecy, which I really enjoyed. 

 

Willie is a real character; with over 35 years in the business, from Stillman to Distillery Manager, his ‘no nonsense’ approach to whisky making and tasting is evident in his passion and stories about the amber spirit.  He told us that the 21yo we were tasting was probably made under his watch.  What a great legacy to leave the world…. 

Brian & Willie with the signed bottle of Jura 16yo

 

Willie signed a bottle of 16yo Jura for OUIDRAM… this bottle will be a raffle prize at our upcoming annual Sons of Scotland fundraiser scheduled for April 21st, 2012.  Follow this blog or visit or website www.ouidram.com for more information coming soon.

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Black Watch Association Fundraiser

Posted on March 5, 2012 by Ouidram

Brian leads the tasting Photo Credit: Andy Gural

On February 17th, 2012 OUIDRAM was pleased to host a whisky tasting fundraiser for the Black Watch Association here in Montreal.  The Association supports retired Black Watch Regiment soldiers and disabled veterans.  They are planning a trip to The Netherlands in 2014 to honour several important World War II dates, so we were very happy to support them in raising funds for this wonderful trip. In true Black Watch fashion, the crowd was boisterous and ready to enjoy themselves, and the five whiskies we served matched the mood.  The guests were treated to; Jura 10, Highland Park 15, Smokehead, Glengoyne 12 Cask Strength and a special Scotch whisky single malt bottled by Gordon & MacPhail for the 150 year anniversary of the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada. 

Black Watch 150th Anniversary Single Malt

This single malt bottling was from an unknown Speyside distillery and selected specially by the master blenders at Gordon & MacPhail. It has a lovely round, ripe fruit flavour from maturing in ex-sherry casks.   There is a limited number of these bottles available, so if you are interested in purchasing one, please contact Gordon Ritchie at mtlritchie@sympatico.ca or by telephone at: (514) 331-8497.

The guests were treated to some rousing tunes from the Black Watch Regimental Pipe Band accompanied by a highland dancer.  With delicious Scottish appetizers supplied by the Burgundy Lion everyone had a fantastic evening… and rumour has it there are plans to launch another event in the future.

Brian & Terry with the Black Watch Pipe Band in the background

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OUIDRAM Inteviews David Blackmore of Glenmorangie

Posted on March 3, 2012 by Ouidram

Terry and David enjoy a dram of Glenmorangie

On February 1st, 2012, I had the privilege of interviewing David Blackmore, the Global Brand Ambassador for Glenmorangie & Ardbeg.  David was in Montreal for a private whisky tasting at the beautiful and historic University Club and a gourmet whisky dinner at L’Auberge Saint-Gabriel.  He took time out of a very busy schedule (and I do mean busy!) to chat with us about the Glenmorangie and Ardbeg expressions.

Even though he was nursing a cold, David was charming and professional as we discussed the Glenmorangie brand.  He explained the wood management process at Glemorangie and how the core spirit is the base for all the extra-matured expressions.  We were fortunate to share a wee dram together and we sampled both the Glenmorangie Original and Lasanta.  Both were smooth and accompanied by some interesting stories on David’s part.

Brian and David with the signed bottle of Ardbeg

David was also kind enough to autograph our bottle of Ardbeg Uigeadail … I promised him that we wouldn’t auction it off on eBay! ( My fingers are crossed behind my back)  Now comes the tough decision… collector’s item or pure enjoyment.  We wish David all the best for 2012 and we hope to catch up with him at one of his dynamic masterclasses at the World of Whiskies, San Francisco or later in the year. Please watch the video for the full interview at the University Club.

 

 

 

 

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OUIDRAM Celebrates Robbie Burns

Posted on January 30, 2012 by Ouidram

Enjoying the whisky at the Burgundy Lion

OUIDRAM celebrated the birthday of Robbie Burns (which is January 25th, by-the-way) in style this year by hosting two Burns Supper whisky tastings and participating in a promotional event arranged by the local Chamber of Commerce.

The Burgundy Lion Pub; Jan. 22nd

The Address to a Haggis

We kicked off the week of celebration by presenting four Scotch whiskies at the Burgundy Lion Pub 3rd Annual Burns Supper.  Toby, Paul and their staff put on a great spread (as usual) for a full house.  A roast beef dinner with ‘neeps & tatties’ and, of course, haggis.  Dessert was a famous Scottish delicacy; deep-fried Mars bars with ice cream!  YUM!   The whiskies we served were Jura 10 year old; Bruichladdich Laddie; Islay Mist 12 year old; and BenRiach Tawny Port.  Our guests were pleasantly surprised with the Bruichladdich and excited to be tasting the limited release of the BenRiach Tawny Port 15 year old.  This was my first time giving the “Address to the Haggis” and I like to think I did it justice.  Our next tasting at the Burgundy Lion is on March 11th; an Irish whiskey tasting to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

The President’s Cocktail: West Island Chamber of Commerce

Introducing the St. Leger Scotch

On Robbie Burns’ actual birthday, January 25th, we had the pleasure of joining West Island Chamber of Commerce President Ms. Joanne Photiades at her ‘meet & greet’ cocktail evening for about 150 people representing local businesses and Chamber members.  Along with 6 prominent restaurants from the West Island, we treated guest to a ‘wee dram’ of Scotch, and toasted Scotland’s bard.  Ms. Photiades even mentioned that we were celebrating Robbie Burns in her welcoming speech!  We sampled Jura Superstition, Macallan 15 Fine Oak and Chivas Regal 12 year old.  We also had a mystery bottle that we asked guests to try.  The bottle was disguised to prevent any personal bias before tasting.  The whisky was St. Leger, recently relaunched in Québec with new contemproaray packaging.  Most people were pleasantly surprised at the smooth, light taste and warm finish.  The evening was a great success!

Burn Supper at The Gananoque Inn

Our Burns week finished on January 28th with an amazing Burns Supper and whisky tasting at the Gananoque Inn in Gananoque, Ontario.  Chef Adam and his team from the Watermark Restaurant at the Inn put together a superb menu that paired with the whiskies.  Guests came from all over the regions to join our Burns supper.  Here is the delightful menu that we tasted:

    • The Chef’s Amuse Bouche – appetizers paired with Isle of Arran Robert Burns Scotch whisky
    • A Salad of Organic Greens with Candied Pecans, organic blue cheese and vanilla poached pears with maple vinaigrette; paired with Tomintoul with a Peaty Tang
    • Grilled 10oz. New York Strip Loin Steak with buttermilk whipped Yukon Gold potatoes, roasted butternut squash, broccolini and whisky infused demi-glaze; paired with Glendronach 12 year old Original
    • Warm Cranberry Sticky Toffee Pudding with a house made whisky infused toffee sauce; paired with Glenfiddich Snow Phoenix

    While all the whiskies were well matched with the food, we were excited to serve the Glenfiddich Snow Phoenix.  As this was a one-time expression release from Glenfiddich, we were lucky indeed to serve  one of the last bottles available in Ontario to our guests that night! Quite a few people remarked on the concept of whiskies complementing the dinner courses and all were anxious to attend another event in the future.
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Whisky Conquers the Weather

Posted on January 16, 2012 by Ouidram

Marc & Terry warm up before the event.

On Friday, January 13th, 80 die-hard whisky enthusiasts weathered a snow storm here in Montréal  to attend a great event hosted by Marc Laverdière, the Canadian Brand Ambassador for The Macallan & Highland Park whiskies.  Ouidram and Marc teamed up to raise funds for Santropol Roulant, the youth-based community centre that  has its own version of meals on wheels. www.santropolroulant.org  This was the first fundraising event of the year organized by Ouidram in its quest for 12 fundraisers for 12 different non profit organizations in 2012.

Thanks to the generosity of Marc and Ouidram, guests enjoyed six  Scotch whiskies from Macallan and Highland Park. All the money raised through the ticket sales was donated to Santropol Roulant.  The whiskies tasted were:

    • The Macallan 12 year old
    • The Macallan 15 year old Fine Oak
    • The Macallan 18 year old
    • The Macallan Cask Strength
    • Highland Park 12 year old
    • Highland Park 18 year old

 

Marc explains some of the finer points to whisky making.

The whiskies were accompanied by some delicious appetizers prepared in the Santropol kitchen by their enthusiastic volunteers.  As always, Marc was the consummate presenter; explaining the whisky-making process of The Macallan while entertaining the crowd with his whisky wit.  We look forward to the next time we can team up together again!

 

Next month: A fundraiser for the Blackwatch Association; veterans of the Regiment who serve the needs of aging veterans and maintain public awareness of the sacrifices their soldiers have made. It will be an intimate evening taking place at their Armoury with piping, Highland dancing and five wonderful whiskies catered by Burgundy Lion. Come join us on  Friday, February 17th, 2012, at 7:00pm.

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2012: A Year of Giving Generously

Posted on January 4, 2012 by Ouidram

Happy New Year to all!  Terry and I want to wish you all a healthy and prosperous New Year in 2012.  While our main goal is to share the rich and diversified history of whisky, especially Scotch, this year we plan to add a new “spirit” to OUIDRAM’s repertoire; the spirit of giving.

Inspired by Canadian author Lawrence Scanlan’s book A Year of Living Generously, we plan to organize at least one whisky tasting a month throughout 2012 to benefit a charity or non-profit organization.  While not quite on the same scale, we are excited about working with different organizations and we want to contribute to helping the less fortunate, while continuing to promote responsible alcohol consumption through our tasting events.

Marc Laverdiere

Our first endeavour in January starts the year off with a bang, with a special fundraising event for Santropol Roulant.   This event may be hard to top, as we will be featuring our special guest and friend, Marc Laverdière, Canadian Brand Ambassador for The Macallan & Highland Park Scotch whiskies.

Marc will present his single malts from  Macallan and Highland Park, accompanied by delicious appetizers from Santropol’s own kitchen.  Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Marc and Macallan/Highland Park and OUIDRAM, the cost of this not-to-be-missed event is only $30.00 per person.  If you attend one event this year, it should be this one. Tickets are limited, so purchase them at: http://santropolroulantwhiskytasting.eventbrite.com/

Santropol Roulant is an award-winning community organization founded and run by young people in Montreal.  In a city where isolation among the elderly is the highest in Canada, Santropol Roulant employs an innovative approach to meals on wheels that uses food as a vehicle to bridge cultures and generations, break social and economic isolation, and engage a diverse group of citizens to take an active role in helping their community.  Visit their website: www.santropolroulant.org for more information.

Follow this blog for future fundraising events.  If you know of any organization that could benefit from OUIDRAM’s support, please have them contact us (Brian & Terry) at info@ouidram.com.

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Give the Gift of Whisky

Posted on December 7, 2011 by Ouidram

 

This Holiday Season give the perfect gift… no wrapping required… it fits in an envelope and will warm your heart, and the recipient’s too… the gift of WHISKY!  Ouidram has four great events scheduled for January and February 2012, a gift for everyone’s budget.  By purchasing tickets for these events as gifts, you will be giving a wonderfully delicious sensory experience.  We also have the famous Glencairn Tasting Glass for sale at a special Christmas price… The whisky lover in your life will thank you for it!

SANTROPOL ROULANT   Friday, January 13th, 2012, 7:00pm

Marc Laverdiere

 Following the success of our last fundraising event with Santropol Roulant, Ouidram is proud to present a special whisky tasting fundraiser featuring Marc Laverdiere, The Macallan and Highland Park Brand Ambassador in Canada.  This fun and educational evening will be a unique opportunity to savour the excellent whiskies of two of Scotland’s most distinguished distilleries, in an intimate setting while giving to a worthy cause.  Tickets are $30.00 per person and can be purchased at: http://santropolroulantwhiskytasting.eventbrite.com/

  

BURGUNDY LION ROBBIE BURNS SUPPER on Sunday, January 22nd, 2012, 6:30pm

This is a Burns Supper not to be missed.  The Burgundy Lion pulls out all the stops with a roast beef dinner complete with all the trimmings, including haggis.  We will be tasting four Scotch whiskies along with the full Burns supper.  There will be an Address to the Haggis featuring  an  ”Ancestral sword”… surely not to be missed!  Tickets are $60.00 per person, and a credit card reservation is required.  Contact Toby at (514) 934-0888 or toby@burgundylion.com

 

THE GANANOQUE INN – Robbie Burns Birthday Getaway Package; Gananoque, Ontario   Saturday, January 28th, 2012 at 7:00pm

The Gananoque Inn & Spa

To celebrate the birthday of Scottish national poet Robert Burns, the Gananoque Inn & Spa has organized an weekend of festivities; a whisky tasting Burns Supper!  The weekend package price is $255.00 per couple. A great gift idea… you can even purchase a gift certificate for this weekend!  The package includes:  

- Overnight Accommodation and parking
- Whisky Tasting Dinner & Story Telling by Brian McQueenie 
- 4 Course Dinner in Watermark Restaurant Saturday night
- Full Breakfast on the Sunday
- Price per couple, per package and does not include taxes and gratuities. This rate is for all rooms available at the Inn. 

 Reserve online at: www.gananoqueinn.com or directly at (888) 565-3101.

 

 THE BLACK WATCH ASSOCIATION WHISKY FUNDRAISER; Friday, February 17th, 2012  7:00pm

The Black Watch Association is raising funds to send veterans to Holland in 2014 and we are glad to help.  This whisky tasting will feature a rare Scotch whisky that was selected as an anniversary bottling specific for the Black Watch.  The event will have a selection of appetizers paired with the whiskies and guests will enjoy traditional piping and dancing provided by the Black Watch.  The event will be held at the Black Watch Armory on Bleury St.  Tickets are $45.00 per person.  Contact Gordon Ritchie at mtlritchie@sympatico.ca or by telephone at: (514) 331-8497.

 

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