Author Archives: Rob

The Language of Whisky

Posted on March 28, 2009 by Rob

With no Internet access at my Islay cottage, I rely on the WiFi at the Lochside Inn in Bowmore or at the house of my friend Martine Nouet. Martine, as you may know, is a fantastic writer of all things … Continue reading →

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Love Still Rules

Posted on March 23, 2009 by Rob

Whisky making is really the marriage of water, grain and yeast.  Once wed, they never part.  With such romantic pairings in the whisky, it’s no wonder that charming a charming German couple chose the Bruichladdich Distillery Still House to take … Continue reading →

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A Cure for Your Ales

Posted on March 17, 2009 by Rob

There is more than just whisky on Islay, and that’s a good thing.  Last week, I took a stroll down a tree-lined lane to an unassuming courtyard.  The courtyard contains the renovated buildings from an estate’s farm.  Today, it houses … Continue reading →

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Ardbeg’s Long Road to Renaissance

Posted on March 3, 2009 by Rob

Ardbeg Distillery sits at the end of a two-lane highway that shrinks to a single-track road.  Those willing to continue on that road find it to be narrow and bumpy with steep hills, blind turns and an otherworldly landscape.  It’s … Continue reading →

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A Taste of Islay

Posted on February 21, 2009 by Rob

Forgive the delay in my latest post.  I am back to intermittent Internet access and can’t update as frequently as I’d like.  One of the blessings/curses of being where I am on the island.  It’s secluded and beautiful, but not … Continue reading →

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What’s in a Label?

Posted on February 16, 2009 by Rob

I spent the other day in Bruichladdich’s bottling hall.  They are one of the few distilleries that bottle their own whisky, which allows Bruichladdich to be highly innovative in their release selections.  It’s economically viable for them to run small … Continue reading →

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Jigsaw Puzzle

Posted on February 13, 2009 by Rob

For those of you who have never been in a whisky warehouse, let me try to help you visualize.  Imagine having a can of Coke in your refrigerator.  Now, fill every shelf in your refrigerator with cans of Coke.  And … Continue reading →

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Welcome to the Family

Posted on February 10, 2009 by Rob

I’m going to take a break today from the descriptions of life behind the scenes at a distillery to chat about the most visible aspect of a distillery: the gift shop.  Seriously! Where is the first place you go to … Continue reading →

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Warehouse Wishes

Posted on February 9, 2009 by Rob

Well, my last post about having so much respect for and interest in the Bruichladdich warehouse sent out the cosmic message that said, “Rob needs to return!”  I started my second week at Bruichladdich this morning and Jim McEwan said the … Continue reading →

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Roll Out the Barrel

Posted on February 8, 2009 by Rob

For weeks, I’ve been walking the hills in Islay, exploring ancient ruins, enjoying incredible views of the ocean and other islands (including the big island of Ireland) and taking in the freshest air imaginable.  The arduous strolls have been great … Continue reading →

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