But what about a wee dram for me?

You'll be pleased to hear that Gail and I went back to the shop where we had spotted the 'Sweet Wee Scallywag' whisky in the window a couple of weeks ago. (How could anyone resist a drink named after a family favourite wire-haired fox terrier?)

She was about to tie me up outside, but I noticed the sign on the shop door.

Clearly, the 'Deeside Drinks Emporium' understand all about keeping their customers happy. And phew, what a relief it was to find that they had not yet sold out of 'Sweet Wee Scallywag'.

I was a bit suspicious of both the man in the shop and the box containing the whisky bottle, but of course, curiosity won out in the end.

Gail was keen to sample her new purchase, although for some reason she deemed it inappropriate to do so when we arrived home before midday.

I was intrigued by this tasting note from the whisky blender's website:

Scallywag has a rich, dark colour – extracted from the many fine Spanish Sherry Butts selected.  It carries a richly spiced character on the nose woven into delicious vanilla from the Bourbon Hogsheads selected. On the palate detect layer on layer of sweet stewed fruit, Christmas pudding & dark chocolate fused with spice (nutmeg and cinnamon) much of which can be attributed to years slumbering in those Sherry Butts. The finish displays a burst of zesty orange with sweet tobacco, cocoa & rich fruit cake

Another specialist website went further:

Nose: very malty, with Frosties and grain biscuits. Very heavy on sticky toffee notes. Some honey, icing sugar and dried grasses. Vanilla custard. Macadamia nut brittle ice cream. Spices like cinnamon, candied ginger. Some overripe orange in the back. Mouth: sweet and spicy. Raisins, oranges again, revolving around a core that screams young malt. Sugared cereals and caramel. Abundant spices: pepper, ginger, as well as a vanilla woodiness. I think there’s quite some sherried Glenrothes in there – not everyone likes that. Finish: medium long, grainy with a slightly harsh / bitter edge and a dry end.

Imagine how disappointed I was when Gail declared this 46% alcohol/volume tipple NFB*



Later in the evening she poured herself a wee dram, mixed with a splash of water, and declared herself well satisfied with the new addition to the drinks cabinet.

*NFB - Not For Bertie

Window shopping in Banchory

I saw this Scotch whisky in a shop window in the town of Banchory last weekend and I just had to find out more. Oh how thrilling it was to learn from Mr Google that the drink had been named  in memory of Binks, a much loved fox terrier who belonged to the owners of Douglas Laing and Co,  a Glasgow-based firm of whisky bottlers and blenders.

Apparently the fellow pictured was a bit of a 'scallywag'. A wire-haired fox terrier. Who would have guessed? You can read more about him if you click here.

I have asked Gail if, in the statistically highly probable event that I pre-decease her, she would consider arranging for a whisky to be named after me.

The 'Bouncing Bertie Blend' has a nice ring to it, although a single malt would be classier.