WEDNESDAY CLUB - The Pogues - Streams of Whiskey, Thin Lizzy - Whiskey in The Jar

WEDNESDAY CLUB - WHISKEY TIME
a wee dram a fore you go

 
THE POGUES - Steams of Whiskey

When I was between the age of 7 and 12 years old, during the summer holidays I was always sent to my aunt Nan and uncle Alex for 2 weeks. It was a place called Dalmore. It was situated on the other side of the BlackIisle, the other side from the Inverness side. For a young kid it was perfect, it was by the sea and there were many inlets,  that when the tide was out you could jump over, catch crabs and there was always something exciting to find which had been washed up by the sea.

It was in the countryside and was perfect for someone like me who loved all animals and birds. I found voles, moles, snakes, lizards, mice, rats, hedgehogs, weasels and stoats. I was in my element. They also had a dog named Whiskey which I was able to take for walks.

The highlight of my day was to walk to the distillery, only about 10mins from the house. I met there my uncle Willie. He was not really an uncle, but was the brother of my Aunt Nan. Willie was my favourite uncle we fought, we played tricks on each other and gambled for pennies, For some reason I always seemed to win.

At eleven sharp all the distillery workers met in a room for their elevenses, which was a large glass of raw whiskey. They had several of these breaks during the day so in effect they were kept 'topped up' all day.

Can you imagine that happening nowadays. It would be unthinkable.

I would then follow Willie to his work place and watch until I got fed up and then I would return home for my lunch by the seaside route.

I saw all the processes that go to making whiskey and the sounds, sights and smells have stayed with me until this day. What I am trying to say is I still enjoy a 'wee dram.'

If you ever get the chance to taste a malt from Dalmore  then you will be in for a treat. The bottle will have a picture of a stag. The emblem for Mackenzie (my name) and the owners of the distillery.

Happy memories, especially being woken up each day to the sounds of the rooks and the crows.
 
THIN LIZZY - Whiskey in the Jar

Comments

Anonymous said…
Your holiday sounds utterly idyllic. Would love to try a tot of that good stuff one day. Great tunes, of course.
The Swede said…
Note to self: Instead of a pot of coffee for elevenses tomorrow, try a large glass of raw whiskey. I wonder how much work will get done for the rest of the day? Not a lot I suspect.

Great memories Old Pa. I'm more of a Bourbon man myself (if you ever see Knob Creek behind a bar, do yourself a favour and try a glass), but I'll be sure to keep an eye out for Dalmore on your recommendation.
Old Pa's Corner said…
SB/TS thanks for the comments...Knob Creek...Bourbons equivalent of viagra. Sorry that is below the belt.
C said…
Old Pa, you are a man after my own heart - with the wildlife, that is! I do rather like a small tipple now and then too. But I'm such a girl I have to have it sweetened with a top-up of ginger - or even Coke - aargh I can see your head shaking in despair from here.... :-)
Great memories of carefree times.
London Scouser said…
C - don't worry, a few years back on Burns' Night, Old Pa made me a drink. He said it was just like Robbie used to have it. It was whiskey and cherry diet coke !! It was bloody lovely too
Old Pa's Corner said…
C - Thank you for the kind words, and as for you London Scouser you have shot my credibility down to zero....I remember the first time we went on holiday from Jeddah it was to Kenya....we had some res wine the first night....and ended up putting leamonade in it...we were so used to doing that with the home made stuff...the waiter could not believe it....

Malt whiskey - neat or little water.
Blended Whiskey - little coke or ginger..or more whiskey....why not!