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The Craigellachie Hotel Scotch Doc "Scotch
Single Malt Bar of Distinction" with over 150
single malts available to clientele.
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Another view of the Craigellachie
bar.
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The Scotch Single Malt Whisky
Bar of Distinction
Commercial Category
Introduction | Basic
Requirements | Services
& Certification
Introduction
There is a veritable "jungle"
of Scotch single malt options that confront -- and often
confuse and frustrate -- the Scotch single malt novice
who dares approach a modern bar for a drink. To further
complicate the scene for the novice (but thrill the
aficionado), new versions of this "nectar of the
Gods" are coming on the market every few weeks.
The following is an effort to help define the characteristics
of a bar that will address the desires of the most discriminating
connoisseur of the Scotch Single Malt Whisky as well
as educate the novice. The specific malt recommendations
will be based on my personal research, data gleaned
from my fellow members of The International Order of
Scotch Single Malt Whisky Connoisseurs, input from hundreds
of participants who have attended my extensive international
tastings and seminars entitled "Scotch Single Malt
Whisky:The Taste, History and Mystique" and data
gained from professionals in the field. It must be remembered,
however, that taste is a purely subjective sense. Opinions
will thus vary, not only with the individual, but from
time-to-time and place-to-place. They may also be significantly
influenced by the tasting environment.
In addition to the variety and quality of beverages
in the bar inventory, the knowledge of the individual(s)
dispensing these complex beverages and relating to his/her
guests is also important. It should be remembered that,
in most instances, the Scotch single malt aficionado
is an "intellectual." The objective of this
imbiber is "more" than to simply "satisfy
a thirst" or to "become inebriated."
His objective is to "investigate, learn" and
"appreciate" the many unique characteristics
and nuances that are inherently a part of the character
and pedigree of the Scotch single malt. Indeed, not
only is he an "intellectual and student,"
but he is a "gastronome" of the highest order.
He does not "drink" the Scotch single malt.
To the contrary, he "experiences" this unique
and ancient "nectar" with each sip being something
akin to an intimate experience.
The objectives of the establishment that is willing
to expend the time and allocate the space and financial
resources to qualify for, and maintain, a Scotch Doc-certified
"Scotch Single Malt Bar of Distinction" award
are, indeed, special. Such objectives may include:
- The basic innate desire to have
the "best" bar in the locale.
- The ability to "impress"
the clients and friends of customers who choose this
bar for such purposes.
- The desire to "present
an image of distinction" and "exceptional
taste."
- To create a lasting "image"
and provide a "service" that will cause
the client to return frequently.
- The desire to have an international
listing in an advertising medium that caters, specifically,
to the Scotch single malt connoisseur and which is
frequently visited by such individuals.
Whatever the motives, more than an
"accumulation" of bottles of Scotch Single Malt Whisky is required. In fact, a random "hoard"
of alcoholic beverages is not only crude and crass, it
is the first indication of a host who is uneducated in
the nuances of the alcoholic beverage and the skills of
bar management and hosting. It should be remembered that
a large, "intelligently-selected" collection
of Scotch single malts is not a "hoard." To
the contrary, it is a "gastronomic library"
of alcoholic beverages selected to represent the broadest
range of pedigrees of the most complex and culturally
entwined alcoholic spirit of all. With an investment of
a few hours of time and study, the other associated investments
will pay exceptionally higher dividends.
There are hundreds of Scotch single
malts currently available to the consumer. They are most
commonly identified by the distillery from which they
come, their proof and their age. With the ever-increasing
astuteness and interest level of the connoisseur, however,
knowledge of several other characteristics of the single
malt is required. The well-motivated bar owner may, therefore,
desire to address questions pertaining to the "geographical
location" in which the Scotch single malt was distilled
and have a knowledge of the "types" of casks
in which the malt was matured. There may also be an interest
in being able to discuss the "size and shape"
of the "pot still" in which the malt was distilled.
Questions pertaining to the general "flavor characteristics"
that are imparted and influenced by the "environment
and geographical region" in which the Scotch single
malt was distilled, and/or matured, and other such questions
may also be of interest. A bar owner of a Scotch Doc "Scotch
Single Malt Bar of Distinction" Award is more than
an individual who can only "open a bottle, pour a
measure and mix a combination of ingredients." He
is able to host knowledge-based conversations for friends
and clients requesting such information. In short, he
will soon be in the category of "the host with the
most." The bar proprietor that earns The Scotch Doc's
"Scotch Single Malt Bar of Distinction" Award
provides clients more than "a drink of whisky."
He provides them an exciting and intellectual "experience."
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Introduction | Basic
Requirements | Services
& Certification
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