In Good Spirits

A Proper Toast For Rabbie Burns

Jo McGarry — 2009-01-21T10:00:00+00:00

It should be a big year for Scotch whisky. It’s the 250th anniversary of the birth of Scotland’s bard, Robert Burns - the anniversary will be celebrated Jan. 25 in Hawaii with a traditional Burns supper - and the entire auld country is celebrating.

Sipping Whisky In Sunny Hawaii

Jo McGarry — 2008-09-03T10:00:00+00:00

The winter before our son Max was born - and the last time I traveled as a free spirit unencumbered by baby buggies and bottles - I spent a week on the island of Islay in Scotland. It was an unusually cold December, with record low temperatures of minus 10 degrees and freezing fog.

The Isle of Skye And Its Whisky

Jo McGarry — 2008-04-16T10:00:00+00:00

In the middle of preparing for a whisky dinner, I’m reminded of one of the most intriguing aspects of single malt scotch: its elusive nature.

Blue Roses And A Rare Whisky

Jo McGarry — 2008-02-13T10:00:01+00:00

Need to say it with flowers, but bored with the usual red or yellow roses? Trust a whisky maker to come up with something a little different. In Japan, Suntory Ltd. (best known as makers of beer and Yamasaki whisky) have identified the gene in roses that leads to synthesis, and have created a blue rose.

A Whisky To Fall In Love With

Jo McGarry — 2008-01-23T10:00:00+00:00

Eden Algie might have the best job in the world. Yes, even better than mine. He’s the brand ambassador for one of the world’s best whiskies. That means he spends most of his working life traveling the globe talking about - and drinking - The Macallan.

Holiday Gifts For Whisky Drinkers

Jo McGarry — 2007-11-28T10:00:00+00:00

There’s no better time of year to browse the spirits aisles in your local fine wine store and end up being thoroughly confused about what they have to offer. Gone are the days of a few good, recognizable brand names.

An Exotic Vodka From Vietnam

Jo McGarry — 2007-09-26T10:00:00+00:00

When it comes to spirits, I’m not easily wooed. I won’t taste a cocktail until I’ve tasted the pure alcohol that goes into it, and most times I’d rather drink any spirit

God Bless Blending Johnnie Walker

Jo McGarry — 2007-06-27T10:00:00+00:00

There are those who say that without the blending skills of John Walker, a Scotsman who lived in the early 1800s, whisky might never have caught on as an internationally loved spirit. I can hardly bear to think of it! But I do understand why.

The 11 Generations Of Ketel One

Jo McGarry — 2007-03-28T10:00:00+00:00

With the baffling array of vodka lining supermarket shelves right now, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to know what to buy.

Dalwhinnie, The ‘Gentle’ Whisky

Jo McGarry — 2007-02-07T10:00:00+00:00

As we listen to tales of winter weather on the Mainland and observe the strange beauty of the ice storms that have descended, spare a thought for the folks who live near the Dalwhinnie distillery in Scotland.