Tom and his Uncle Harry were going to Scotland for Tom’s birthday, so I gave a birthday/bon voyage Scotch party in their honor. Attendees included Insurance Genius Paul Tanner and Security Expert Steve Stevens (with his right hand JP).
After the Scotch tasting, we shared some 85 and 90 Brunellos with Pizzas from Vitos (the best Pizza in Los Angeles).
Scotch:
HIGHLAND PARK 30
BALVENIE 30
KING GEORGE V by Johnnie Walker
CARN MOR BOWMORE 25 1991
NOTES: HIGHLAND PARK, which is owned by Macallan, is one of my favorite Scotch, if not my favorite (the 40 is probably my fave of all time, except for old Macallan Vintages). The Highland Park 30 is sublime, and for half the price, a more elegant and balanced Scotch than Mac 25. The KING GEORGE V is a blend of old Scotch from King George V days (including Port Ellen). There are so many incredible layers of flavor here it is staggering — this is by far the best non single malt I have ever had — and as good as the best single malts. This was the group favorite (it is the “highest end” Johnnie Walker made). The CARN MOR 1991 is a special bottling of BOWMORE 25. At first I found this a bit unbalanced and too sweet — but, strangely, after being open for a few days it seemed to change, losing the sweetness and gaining a modicum of balance. Finally, the BALVENIE 30 was the weakest of the group, but this was a very tough crowd. On its own, I am sure it is not too shabby — but compared to the Highland Park and King George IV, it had a hard time.
