John's Blog
Dislocation Relocation et al
I posted in November that I had buggered my shoulder whilst on 1st vacation for approx. 10 years during the month of October. You can readily recognise that vacations and me are not particularly compatible bedfellows ! My re-hab programme is painfully slow (also painful!), but then I am told that I am a very…
Continue ReadingWhisky, Whisky, Whisky.
I am pissed off with All The crap I keep reading about this Malt or This One, It is Amazing the crap that keeps on being perportrated by by So Called Experts is Actually Believed. ” So Called Experts” Think No Further !!!! //John But Actually the real deal
Continue ReadingGin Gin Gin & Yet More Gin.
Neutral spirit, plus some adjustments now appears to = Gin….in many offerings now available on the shelves. I have taken it upon myself to test as many of these new arrivals as possible, with very mixed results. Some of the new entries are atrocious, pure and simple. have neutral spirit, compound (mix) with flavourisers Hey…
Continue ReadingMaster Distiller Dave Pickerill
I was sadend to learn of Dave’s death. I did not know him well, but I met him a few times in the early noughties. Dave certainly knew his stuff, and with his passing there disappears another walking living fount of knowledge. You gave much Dave, and may you now Rest In Peace. John McDougall
Continue ReadingMY VACATION
First vacation for years! Broke my shoulder on 1st night. Spent all next day in hospital ! Morphined to the Hilt…..Making stupid utterances, but the hospital staff in Hereford were great. They said that even under Very Heavy Sedation That I had them ALL laughing and crying their eyes out. Me ? I got A…
Continue ReadingPlaces 2nd Edition – Incredible India
Top Left Vicky Chand The Visionary and driving force of building this huge distillery (Bottom Left) Of Radiant Distillers (his Family Company) in Khat Khati Upper Assam. Top Middle your truly taking the hot springs in Upper Assam Top right Vicky and me at BORGOS Holiday/nature reserve/Spa Bottom Middle Me trying to be a champion…
Continue ReadingVICKY CHAND & CHANDIDAS BANERJEE
I Have had the great pleasure and honour of working with these gentlemen. CD has praised me well and I respect that. I know that I am reasonably good at what I do. But I also Know that there are other younger & hungry “Young Turks” out there. Also, I must quote my other great…
Continue ReadingI HAD A DREAM
Yes When I was Young I had A dream Just like the ABBA song…… Well I still have that dream !! And why not. Too many people reach a certain age and then disintegrate. That is not for me. Why would it be. The joy of work is overwhelming, as is the joy of my…
Continue ReadingPlaces
Life is a carousel !! OK I have been lucky to have been involved with so many interesting people around the globe. For example a few distilleries, Aultmore, Tormore Laphroaig, Fast forward, at the top of the incline in Pittsburgh PA. USA . Then with the Topping cousins’ in Andrew’ Pipers Pub Pittsburgh. A fabulous…
Continue ReadingTHE NAME OF THE GAME
ABBA produced a wonderfully powerful rendition of the way life goes in the their music. And you know, they captured generations of people with the depth of feeling put into that. Whisky, (AND I REALLY DON’T CARE where it is produced) Can do exactly the same thing for people happy, or sad. As it happens,…
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