Deviation: A Macallan induced Purchase

Another confession: I have not touched the previously reviewed whisky since the publication of said review. I may find time to try and discover if it is actually flawed at a later date, but in the meantime I was faced with a conundrum. I,on limited means, do not like opening new bottles while old ones sit, because it feels like a waste. At whisky prices, that is unacceptable. I could up sticks for a weekend for that much, or have a spending spree in a second hand bookshop. Even in London, there are some exceptional dining establishments where it is possible for two to have a very pleasant meal for that much.

However, I rather like having something to drink at home, particularly for post essay writing contemplation, so, rather than spend on another whisky, I went into Adnams' London shop. After a pleasant discussion about their latest wines, I came out with a bottle of their Ruby Port. I had been weighing this up in idle moments, and eventually thought "What the hell. End a bad month with something decent."

This was a very nice change. This is not an expensive, aged, treacly aqua vitae for the bewigged gentlemen of the Law. What it is is a gentle concoction that reminds me of the very best stewed blackberries. You know, when you've picked them off the brambles yourself, taking care to mix in some less ripe ones for their sharp bitterness, and occasionally get a woody chew of a tiny piece of stalk. Mixed in with this are all the other berry fruits that my various relations buy frozen year round to mix in with yoghurt. Soft,warming, and not too sweet. Being a fortified wine, it is sweet, but there is a nice counterbalance of warming that just stops short of being an edged, alchoholic burn, but in no way is this out of place.

So, my conundrum is ended, and all I have to do now is decide what to do with the unwanted bottle. As for the resumption of the Speysiders, I think I'll play it safe and go for BenRiach, but that'll be a while off yet.

Happy New Year!