Monday, March 26, 2007

F: Is for fusion of scotch and film

My idea of drinking is a great glass of red wine. So when Tom asked me to join him at a Johnnie Walker Scotch tasting I had my doubts. They were soon dismissed. This company cares about its product, its users and its intentions. What could of been an evening of hard core drinking turned into a spectacular multi-media extravaganza complete with a symphonic rock and roll beat.
Let me take you through the night. When you arrive you are given one drink ticket and are introduced to JWR or JWB in an assortment of ways. Not being a scotch drinker I tried the tropical JWR Margarita and was surprised that I liked it. While enjoying the drink there was an array of appetizers to allow for a full stomach in which to continue the night safely. Next the group was assembled into another room that was comfortably set up with white leather couches and 4 wide screens. In front of each guest was a place mat of the five colors of Johnnie Walker and 5 places for shot glasses, 3 filled. Placed next to the mat was a striding man pin, the symbol for Johnnie Walker. To complete the set up was a bowl of ice, and vases of coke, ginger ale and water. Starting the program was the ambassador a man we later find out resembles the original inventor. He is the perfect person to lead us through this journey of scotch. Witty, knowledgeable and a true lover of the product he makes every color seem like the perfect drink for every occasion. Starting with "Vibrant Red" the screen fills with images of stop signs, red cars, lava, sunsets and every imaginable red image. We are told about the hint of vanilla and spicy warmth and the combination of 35 single malt and grain whiskeys that make this label distinctive. Moving on to "Deep Black" the screen turns retro with city landscapes and Rolls dominating. Aged 12 years it is the original. Smokey with sherry, raisin, orange and citrus zest this label is meant to be served neat. Rainforest's, trees, flowers, grass growing all things "Nature" make up the "Green" label. The combination of 4 malt whiskeys aged 15 years offer an intense blend of forest, shore and fruit. Spicy with coco, ceder and smoked, it is finished with sweetness and oak. "Indulgent Gold" was brought in chilled by hostess eager to share their bounty. Creamy with honey, raisin and toffee this 18 year old scotch was like a Carmel richly blended into a drink. While enjoying visions of gold filled the 4 screens. Finishing off "Rare Blue" one of the rarest aged whiskeys in the world was served. This diamond of the collection came in a snifter. Smooth, mellow, with honey, toffee, smoke and sweet spice. On the screen the ocean with sails blowing in the wind while whales keep the pace assaulted my senses and I don't know if it was my love of the water or the drink but I found a whiskey I could enjoy. I recommend this visual journey that started in 1820. Not only is it informative but some of the best film making around. Everything should be tried once for you never what your missing and that is a F.A.C.T.

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