Author Archives: Rob

The Manhattan Project

Somewhere in the remote recesses of the American West, a team of highly specialized alchemists went to work on a secret project that would forever change the course of history: I will call it the Manhattan Project. No, not THAT … Continue reading

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Grapes and Grottos

I’ve been answering a lot of questions about whisky lately, from friends who want recommendations to bartenders that want to know better ways to promote their whisky selection. I’m going to take a break from whisky for a bit to … Continue reading

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Alcohol Around the World

Absence makes the heart grow fonder, they say. Well, I’ve been absent so long you may think my heart has stopped working. Fortunately, it’s still beating strong and has propelled me across Europe in the month-plus since my last post. … Continue reading

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Poking Around the Peat

Peat is an important component of Scotch whisky, giving distinct levels of smokiness to barley as it dries the grain.  Considering the vegetation that comprises peat died thousands of years ago, it’s perhaps the original recycled product.  Peat harvesting has … Continue reading

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Highland Park’s Tradition of Excellence

At some point, within the first five minutes of finding out I write about whisky, people inevitably ask me what my favorite whisky is.  As I’ve stated here many times before, I can honestly say the best whisky is the … Continue reading

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Caol Ila Is Islay’s Big Little Secret

Let me get this out of the way: Caol Ila has the best location for a distillery I’ve ever seen.  Are there others I’ve yet to see that could be better? Perhaps.  If something can top Caol Ila, I look … Continue reading

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Getting Your Fill at Lagavulin

A year ago, in my life as a media strategist, I sometimes would have so much going on that I’d have up to ten meetings a day scheduled.  I’d be a slave to my schedule, running from location to location, … Continue reading

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An Island Friend to the World

As I talk with John, I hear the sea crashing against the rocks of Laphroaig’s oceanside doorstep. I realize that from these shores a whisky was launched nearly 200-years-ago that still makes huge waves around the world. Continue reading

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The Kindness of Strangers

I’m writing from the Port Mor community center just south of Port Charlotte, Islay.  The sun is cutting through low clouds to deepen the blue color of Loch Indaal, the grass is green, and the center is filled with local … Continue reading

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A Warehouse of Knowledge

Friday night at the Ballygrant Inn can be a big night here on Islay.  I recently stepped out to join the locals at a fun “Quiz Night” trivia contest, thanks to the invitation of Adam and Grant from the Bruichladdich … Continue reading

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