The festivities spread across the downtown area, and included access to many shows by performers of all types. Lots of different local musicians created an artistic smorsgasbord of music to ring in the new year. The first show my friend and I visited after I was done playing was Erin and the Wildfire. Its was both of our first times seeing them play, and they were amazing. Erin's voice was stunningly impressive to say the least, and the talent of the others in the band had folks grooving and dancing and feeling good on this last day of the year. One of my favorites from the evening was named Got Dem. Take a listen, pour yourself a dram of your choice, and toast to a 2017 full of whatever it is that you want most.
This show was in the Omni hotel, and when they were done, we visited the hotel bar to see if they had any interesting Scotches. Indeed, they did.
The middle shelf seemed highlighted by the uniquely curved design and the intriguing abstract art behind it. It held four gentlemen: Macallan 15, Talisker 10, Macallan 12, and Talisker 18. It was really the only shelf I could see.
I knew which one I wanted, but I was concerned about the price. When I inquired, it was a little outside of my budget, but I was able to order a half shot so I could meet the most enticing lad of the group - Talisker 18.
The glass was a beautiful snifter, and although I couldn't get a full shot, I was sure to make the most of what I had. From the familiar smoky sweet nose to the spicy flavor, I savored every moment with this Talisker.
So much like his cousin, he still had his own personality. His nose had a hint of pine which seemed different, and tasting the peat and sweetness, there was a more refined quality that was new. He's the most mature Scotch I've tasted so far, and I was thrilled to be ending the year in his company.
Meeting Bunnahabhain recently, after so long away from the Islays, confirmed for me that my true perfect Scotch must have that smoky peat component. I can enjoy the others just fine, their presence being part of many of a lovely evening...but if we're talking about love, my Scotch has to have a bit of fire and smoke. I have been missing that lately. Stumbling upon this opportunity, amidst of sea of random possibilities of the evening, it sort of seemed like fate.
This is a concept I've been grappling with. I used to have a strong belief in fate, destiny, and what was meant to be. I've lived moments at both extremes - from absolute faith, to utter disbelief bordering on disdain. But I am someone who believes in magic, and for that you need to make space for fate, particularly in the form of serendipity.
So much like his cousin, he still had his own personality. His nose had a hint of pine which seemed different, and tasting the peat and sweetness, there was a more refined quality that was new. He's the most mature Scotch I've tasted so far, and I was thrilled to be ending the year in his company.
This is a concept I've been grappling with. I used to have a strong belief in fate, destiny, and what was meant to be. I've lived moments at both extremes - from absolute faith, to utter disbelief bordering on disdain. But I am someone who believes in magic, and for that you need to make space for fate, particularly in the form of serendipity.
Making the most of this serendipitous meeting, I sipped this Talisker slowly, knowing our time was short. After adding the water, he seemed even more sophisticated than before. Breathing in at the top of the glass I sensed a bonfire breeze, somewhere in the distance, and the sea salt in the air besides. The flavor had all the qualities of Storm, but milder overall, with the many characteristics blended together in a smoother presentation - smoke, spice, salt, and sweet.
Something about serendipity that I've learned is that you have to create space in your life to allow it to happen. Years ago I heard the expression: "If the devil can't make you bad, he'll make you busy." I don't actually believe in "the devil" per se, but I found the meaning behind the statement powerfully enlightening. Through making observations in my own life, and those of others, I saw proof of this magic in action. When a person packs their days so full that they never have time to be spontaneous, or do something on a whim, they close the door to fate. In order to be open to the little signs and nudges from the universe, you have to create space in your schedule for happy accidents and unexpected coincidences to occur.
This New Year's Eve was an exercise in just that. I had no plan for the evening, and just went with the events as they unfolded. This method led me to meeting an exquisite Scotch, hearing some fantastic music, and closing out the year laughing and celebrating with a great friend.
At the stroke of midnight we found ourselves at Fellini's, listening to Robert Jospe Express, and hopeful for the new year ahead.
May this last night, at first night, bode well for the coming year. And may the treasured secrets of serendipity find space in your days to be seen.
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