One taste of Laphroaig Single Malt peated Whisky from Islay brings one local scotch drinker right onto the Scottish highlands under a grey November sky.
Theatre NorthWest will once again host a Scotch and Social Oct. 15 at 7 p.m., with first pouring at 7:30 p.m., led by the theatre's general manager Marnie Hamagami.
"This event is geared for all levels of Scotch drinker," said Hamagami. "We try to get a variety of Scotches that covers a range of flavours."
The past four Scotch and Socials have been typical tastings where people would start by seeing the bottle and the scotch would be identified.
"I would give some tasting notes on the scotch and then we'd try it, and talk about it," said Hamagami. "This time it's a mystery scotch tasting and I will talk broadly about scotch and then the scotch will be tasted and talked about afterwards and at the end of the tasting we'll guess which scotch we drank in which order."
This technique of scotch tasting ensures that palette trumps reputation and price tag, added Hamagami.
"A blind tasting is an interesting way to do it because it gives you an honest response without any preconceived notions getting in the way," said Hamagami of the event that sees at least five different scotches on offer. "This is a great tasting for people who are learning because there's no pressure. You don't have to know the regions or the labels. This is purely about taste."
Hamagami said it was love at first taste when she tried Laphroaig.
"I really like the flavour palette that the French describe as terroir (the distinct flavour imparted by the environment in which a scotch is produced)," said Hamagami. "You can taste the land in the scotch, wine or cheese and the terroir really soaks through into the flavour palette. Laphroaig is well known to be a big, bold, peaty Scotch and for me the first drop on my tongue I was in love."
Over time Hamagami has learned to appreciate flavour profiles of other scotches but Laphroaig will always be her first love.
To join the Scotch and Social tickets are $75 and includes the tasting of several scotches and appetizers. For more information and tickets call Hamagami at 250-563-6969 ext. 305.
All proceeds go to support Theatre North West's upcoming season.
