Ratings that get to the point
Starting in October of 2024, the Saratoga Whiskey Club began a multi-year, alphabetical journey through every Scotch distillery that we could find. We began with the letter A, and Aberfeldy. We’ve tasted whiskies from 6 distilleries at each tasting; and we’ve had 11 tastings (66 different whiskies from 66 different distilleries) so far. As of…
Continue ReadingLost Lantern Co-Founder Adam Polonski hosted a fantastic tasting of 8, yes, EIGHT tasty drams from Lost Lantern last night at First Fill Spirits (Saratoga Springs, NY) for the Saratoga Whiskey Club: it was great to be with great friends, drinking great whiskey and learning about Lost Lantern, an American independent bottler, based in Vergennes,…
Continue ReadingIn September of 2023, I drove a van for a private golf and whisky tour in the Highlands and Speyside. I was able to tour a few places where I’d been before, as well as visit a few new places. And, although I could not drink during the day, I was able to bring back…
Continue ReadingAt the end of July and beginning of August 2023, my good friend Charles Grabitzky led a 10-day Rascal + Thorn whisky tour of Coastal Scotland. It was a spectacular trip. For the natural beauty and spiritual impact, my two favorite destinations were Orkney and The Isle of Skye. We began in Edinburgh; and upon arrival, I…
Continue ReadingI’d been to Ireland numerous times over the past 20 years; however, I’d never been to Northern Ireland, nor to the northwest coast of County Donegal. On my various journeys, I’d visited family and friends, and, of course, distilleries. In July of 2023, I traveled with my partner, Maggie, along the Wild Atlantic Way, hiking,…
Continue ReadingIn March of 2023, my good friend Charles Grabitzky led a Rascal + Thorn whiskey adventure through Japan. In my previous trips, I’d only been to Tokyo and points north. On this trip, we ventured south. Our journey took us along this route: Tokyo – Chichibu (A) – Tokyo – Kyoto (B) – Yamazaki – Kyoto –…
Continue ReadingWhen I started Whisk(e)yPoints a few years ago, pricing was somewhat stable. Recently, however, with rising popularity, inflation and international tariffs, some of my original value assessments may no longer be valid. So, I have updated the algorithm to correspond to today’s market prices (see chart below). For any whisky I have rated, the price…
Continue ReadingSorry it’s taken me a little while to get this on WhiskeyPoints. Better late than never… My good friend Charles Grabitzky led a Rascal + Thorn whiskey adventure through Ireland, on behalf of 9 Maple Ave in Saratoga Springs NY. I’ll try to summarize on a daily basis where we went and what we did….
Continue ReadingI was first introduced to Octomore Single Malt Scotch in August of 2015. And, I’ve been hooked ever since. I was eating dinner at the bar at Sperry’s Restaurant in Saratoga Springs, NY; and I struck up a conversation with the guy sitting next to me. He saw that I had ordered a cocktail and…
Continue ReadingWow! I had an incredible experience at WhistlePig Farm in Vermont with the Saratoga Whiskey Club. The WhistlePig Whiskey folks were kind and generous, the whiskey was delicious, the farm was gorgeous, and we made a new porcine friend, creating a memorable stay. I’m looking forward to enjoying a bottle of the unique 12-yr rye that we…
Continue ReadingI’m back home from Feis Ile 2019, the Islay Festival of Music and Malt held during the last week of May every year on the Isle of Islay. This was the 33rd year. What began as a small, fairly local event, has blossomed into one of the biggest whisky extravaganzas in the world. The tiny…
Continue ReadingIf you’re looking to learn about Scotch Whisky, please join Mike Sirianni from 9 Maple Ave and Charles Grabitzky from The Saratoga Whiskey Club on a 4-week educational course on Single Malt Scotch Whisky. The classes will be held once a week on Tuesday evenings at 9 Maple Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY from 6pm to…
Continue ReadingFriends occasionally ask me what are my favorite whiskies. I have many favorites, depending upon my mood. Sometimes I want a bourbon, other times a smoky Islay malt, a spicy rye, a creamy Irish Single Pot Still, a sweet and fruity Speyside, a funky Campbeltown, a sherry-finished and mildly smoky Islands whisky, or a light…
Continue ReadingI had so many fantastic whiskey-related adventures last year. I visited multiple distilleries in Kentucky, Scotland and Japan, courtesy of Rascal + Thorn; and I had numerous wonderful tastings in Saratoga Springs with the Saratoga Whiskey Club. My top 10 whisk(e)y experiences of 2018 (in no particular order): 1 Chichibu Distillery (tour & tasting room)…
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