The Spirit World

WELCOME TO EDITION 803 of GRAPEVINE

I first visited Scotland about 25 years ago.

In pursuit of whisky.

Including to the Highland but also Speyside, and to the northernmost Scotch Whisky distillery in the world where my favourite Single Malt comes from (more about that another time).

Over the years, I have written about whisky.

But, not in a concerted way.

Next year, I will celebrate the 10th Anniversary of a special moment.

Keepers of the Quaich

“The Keepers of the Quaich is an exclusive and international society that recognises those that have shown outstanding commitment to the Scotch Whisky industry. 

The Society recognises outstanding achievement in those who work, write or evangelise about Scotch Whisky by honouring them with the title Keeper of the Quaich. 

Keepers of the Quaich come from all corners of the world to accept their medal at a ceremony and banquet held at Blair Castle, in Perthshire. Only two banquets are held a year at the spiritual home of the Keepers”

I was inducted in 2012 as a Keeper in Blair Castle.

The occasion remains one of the most memorable dinners in my life.

As in all such bi-annual celebrations, we ended up with one foot on the table and the other on the chair, drinking and singing to the glory of Scotch Whisky.

Only two banquets are held a year in Blair Castle to induct new Keepers


Quaich is the Scottish rendering of the Gaelic word “cuach” meaning cup

Skara Brae, the Neolithic settlement going back 7,000 years. My favourite Single Malt comes from Scotland’s northernmost distillery in Orkney

Whisky of the Week

Starting Wednesday 10 February 2021www.chngpohtiong.com will feature a Whisky of the Week.

The website will go on to carry articles, including:

  • How Whisky is Produced
  • Differences between Blended, Single Malt & Blended Malt Whisky
  • Different Regions of Scotch Whisky
  • Great Whisky Food Pairings
  • Aperitif or Digestif Single Malts

I should had done all this longer ago.

Never too late to start something new in a New Year.

After all, my last drink in the night is almost always a whisky.

Wishing you A Very Good Week Ahead.

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