Distillery to Revive 184-Proof Whisky

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LONDON (AP) - A Scottish distillery said Monday it was reviving a centuries-old recipe for whisky so strong that one 17th-century writer feared more than two spoonfuls could be lethal.

Risk-taking whisky connoisseurs will have to wait, however - the spirit will not be ready for at least 10 years.

The Bruichladdich distillery on the Isle of Islay, off Scotland's west coast, is producing the quadruple-distilled 184-proof - or 92 percent alcohol - spirit ``purely for fun,'' managing director Mark Reynier said...

   I've tried Bruichladdich's (pronounced brook-laddie) single malt whisky, and quite enjoyed it, but I don't know if I'm up for a 184 proof version. I've tried 180 proof rum, from both Jamaica and Barbados, and it seems to be a product created for only one pupose: to get as drunk as possible as quickly as possible. There is certainly no pleasure in drinking it. The multiple distillations have taken out everything that adds flavour, leaving behind only the alcohol.
   I drink expensive single malt whiskys for the enjoyment of experiencing the unique and varied flavours imparted by the various distillation processes. A glass of Aberlour, for example, is quite different from a glass of Talisker, or Laphroaig (pronounced just as it looks). I can't imagine that the distinctive characteristics of these whiskys would still be present at 184 proof, after four distillations. To each his own, I guess. I'm sure there will be a market for the product, even if it is only to collectors who have no  intention of ever opening the bottle.
   Still, the distillery has an innovative idea for customers. Says Reynier:

customers will be able to watch the whisky's progress on the distillery's webcams.

Live webcam feed of whisky aging in the
Bruichladdich warehouse.
Time remaining until bottling:
9 years, 11 months, 17 hours, 42 minutes

tags:News,Misc.