by Michael Gill
The room looked impressive with table settings for forty two people. Each had a place mat numbered one to seven, with a glass on each number with a paper lid on top of the glass to keep the aroma in. Tables were set with a place mat for all seven whiskies.
“The next two tastings will be whiskies of the last thirty years.” Raymond continued with his opening presentation. “All whiskies are labelled by the year they were bottled rather than age statement. Anne has been busy making up a video for the night. We will all have fun trying to remember the years in question. She has fashion, music, and domestic and world news. It will be a fun night. The second tasting in two months will be somewhat different and definitely some whisky offerings you won’t have sampled. It’s entitled “Parliamentary Whiskies” and a big thanks to Don our resident expert on all things government. For the new members, Don is the assistant to the Speaker of the House in London. He has carefully over the past few years managed to purloin whiskies that were bottled for government officials to host emissaries, diplomats and occasionally a world leader. Whisky is often the drink of choice at these meetings.
“Since we have eighteen new members tonight, we thought it would be a good idea for the new members and at the same time remind our established members of the whiskies trending today that most consumers buy. These six are top sellers and perfect for training your nose and palate. To finish the night off, we have a special whisky that Frank donated. He detests whisky collecting dust at home. Thanks to Frank for the bottle of the Shackleton Discovery, the replica of the famous Shackleton whisky. The stash found in the Antarctica from the voyage in 1907.
“We will take the six global brands that will best help you in nosing single malts.
“I would like to applogise to our old members and also thank you all for attending. Usually, our mission here at the club is to find rare and highly allocated malts to sample. It’s why the membership fees are high. I’m sure the new members have realised this from all our website information. A good single malt is expensive these days and so why not try a wee dram with a bunch of whisky enthusiasts and keep the cost to a minimum? I have expensive malts at home that will be there for far too long.”
“You never invite us round to your place Raymond. I will help you polish them off in no time,” said Frank, one of the founding members of the club.
“I’ll keep that in mind, Frank. So these six malts are everybody’s favourites and easy to find in your local whisky shop. The point to this is the six are perfect for developing your nose. Also, we did once have an interesting tasting when a member found a Talisker 10 from his dad’s collection with a receipt dated in the 1980’s. We nosed and tasted it alongside one we bought last year. Shocking amount of difference. So tonight, while our senior members offer any tips to our new members bear in mind, over the years these popular malts may have gone through slight taste profile changes.
“If you take the lids off the first three. The Glenlivet and Glenfiddich 12 are the top two selling in the world. Both from Speyside and quite similar in the nose. Once you get to tasting them you’ll pick up the difference much easier. We have plates of fruit in the middle. Once you have nosed both, try picking up the apple, pineapple and pear. So many connoisseurs argue over these two when it comes to the nose.
The club members all sat with their noses in the two glasses, comparing each one. They picked up both glasses in turn and made notes on their writing pads.
“Right, Glenfiddich is pear. Do we all agree?” They all nodded. “Glenlivet 12 will smell similar.” They all nosed, some picking up apples, while one or two also had pears.
“Now taste them side by side. Glenlivet will be more of a peach flavour. Sweeter with more viscosity.”
“He means more body,” said one member.
“Okay bright spark. I meant more syrupy. Next Glenmorangie 10 which is different and from the highland region. This malt is the most popular with Scots who know a bit about the subject.”
“I pick up apples again,” said one of the new members.
“Yes, but more citrus fruits than the first two with plenty of spices,” said another.
“Absolutely,” agreed Raymond. “Now taste all three. They all did and had a discussion lasting almost an hour, swirling the glasses, adding a touch of water and making notes.
“Okay, now for the next three. Take off your lids and be prepared for a wonderful array of smoky aromas. Highland Park 12 is a classic malt and with a nice marriage of peat, honey and oranges. The level of peat used here is very similar to the next one. The difference being the peat from the Orkney Islands is very different from other parts of Scotland and especially Islay. We have lots of heather growing around the peat bogs giving a flowery, softer smoky smell and taste to the others. Medium level peat in this malt and the next one.
“We have Talisker 10 from the Isle of Skye. Lots of ocean, seaweed and the smoke will be at a medium level. Using the phenols per million guide for peat levels in the malt we are looking at twenty phenols per million.”
“The last is the peaty monster we all love or hate. Laphroaig 10. Notice the peat is so intense and smells nothing like the Highland Park. The peat on Islay is unique and with no trees on the island has a much stronger smell of bonfire smoke.” Raymond paused for a breather.
“Right, lets taste the three of them and add a bit of water after you try without. Compare the difference in taste. You will find pipettes somewhere near to you. One drop is all you need.”
Each member delicately squeezed one drop of spring water from the pipettes.
“What a difference,” they all remarked.
“It opens up the single malt like the first spring shower brings out the aromas of the flowers in your garden,” Raymond explained.
“Okay, finally this evening our Shackleton discovery whisky.” Anne brought up pictures of the expedition to Antarctica with a shot of the cabin containing the whisky they had found. This followed an interview with master Blender Patterson of Whyte & Mackay who had made the replicas.
“Probably the best nose in whisky full stop, and his nose is insured for millions,” said one member.
“Really?” said another.
“Yes, true.”
“Okay, finally the Shackleton whisky,” Raymond announced.
They nosed it with most picking up on the aromas of fruits, one shouting orange marmalade.
“I have not had marmalade on my toast in ages. It’s 47.3 alcohol so nose gently.”
“Treacle and nuts!” one shouted after swirling a sip around his mouth.
“So they brought back bottles and did tests. The master blender used a syringe through the cork to extract samples. Those kiwis take all this very seriously with the Antarctica treaty. Actually, I am surprised they allowed it. Something about the Whyte and MacKay owner flying them over himself in his private jet. Probably done the New Zealand government a favour in return.”
Anne was raising her hand. Raymond turned and urged her to speak.
“Sorry, I am a rookie in whisky but Shackleton is one of my speciality subjects. Did a thesis on him at college. He was a lover of fine whisky and had crateloads on both of his major expeditions. Rumour is he would have a few single malts tucked away in his cabin for private use while he made sure the crew got a good ration of the blended stuff.”
“Interesting Anne. There wasn’t much aged whisky back then, was there? A few distilleries did but it all went to the rich in London.”
“I think Old Pulteney had a ten year old back then,” offered a member.
Raymond stood thinking. I learn something new about Anne every day. A thesis on Sir Ernest Shackleton, amazing! The club members started discussions on the heroic leader of exploration and this great find of whisky from Antarctica and how close they’d got to the South Pole.
“Right, enough about Shackleton and let’s have an opinion on the nose and taste of these whiskies from our special guest. A master blender all the way from across the pond.” At that moment, a
blues song blared with members looking in the direction of their guest. Jeffrey pulled out the phone from his jacket pocket, looked at the screen.
“One moment guys, I need to take this.” He made his way to the exit door at the rear of the room.
Chapter 6
The members in the room got agitated, checking their watches at regular intervals. After twenty minutes, Raymond stood. “Well, it seems our guest has been detained on an urgent phone call. I think it time to wrap this up and let you all get home.”
The members dispersed, all eager to get home and into bed. Starting work at eight-thirty meant being up by six at the latest.
Raymond was clearing a table, packing all the mats and glasses into a large box. Jeffrey came towards him, no longer on the phone.
“Raymond, could we have a word back at the hotel? A night cap and just the two of us. Anne won’t mind, will she?” asked Jeffrey in a whisper.
“Of course not. I just thought you would be tired out from all the travelling. Are you sure this can’t wait until first thing in the morning?”
“I’d prefer tonight, sooner the better.”
“Okay, no problem. What was your room number again?”
“Number eight.”
“Okay, I’ll be there within the hour. One of the guys will drop you off when you are ready.”
“No problem.”
Raymond finally got the chance to relax and sat down in the chair, pulled Anne close to him and picked up the remains of the Shackleton discovery malt. She did likewise and they both took a sip.
“Heaven,” he said.
“This is so good it has put me in a most adventurous and lively mood,” she said with a twinkle in her eyes. “I had forgotten how passionate I get on the history of Sir Ernest Shackleton.”
“Damn it,” said Raymond, looking gloomy.
“What, are we too exhausted?”
“Not in the least. I like your idea but Jeffrey wants to meet me at his hotel room. Something urgent that can’t wait until breakfast.”
“How weird. Seems like I need to watch an old film, take my mind off what I had planned for you. No doubt I will be asleep by the time you come back.”
“Can I take a rain check?”
“Of course silly,” she said leaning over to kiss him on the cheek. Bloody guests, he thought.
***
He arrived at the George Hotel that dated back to the 15th century, when it was a busy coaching inn. He saw Jeffrey in the bar drinking a whisky and joined him.
“I was just on my way to your room.”
“It’s okay, I needed a drink to calm my nerves. Let’s go sit in that corner.” He pointed to a quiet spot well away from the bar.
“Raymond, I need your help with something. It’s quite strange and while I know you are based in the UK, friends tell me you are connected globally. States for example.”
“Yes, I have a few across the pond. What’s up?”
“I was just robbed, like literally today! My wife was away on a business trip and just got back in the house.”
“What did they take?”
“My prized single malt along with my wife’s jewellery.”
“What was the single malt, just out of curiosity?”
“Dalmore 1964.”
“The Trinitas?”
Jeffrey nodded.
“Hang on. That’s worth what, maybe a quarter of a million?”
“Yes.”
“What about the jewellery?”
“Maybe hundred and fifty thousand.”
“They left the diamonds and took all the precious stones?”
“Yes.”
“Seems like a pro at work. Diamonds are easy to trace.”
Raymond digested this information, muddling over the facts in his mind. “You had more valuable items in plain view and the safe would have revealed some cash?”
“Yes,” he nodded.
“So, that was your best malt right?”
“Yes!”
“How many malts do you have in your collection?”
“About five thousand.”
“Very specific on the whisky then and the jewellery can be fenced easier than most valuable items. What did the insurance say?”
“They think I have misplaced them. No signs of a forced entry, asked me if a family member could have taken them.”
“They got your keys and made duplicates. It’s the only thing that makes sense. What they stole makes no sense to me at this point. Do you have pictures of the jewellery items? I will send them to some of my contacts to see if they surface.”
“Yes, I will send. There is one other small piece missing which the thief must have thought went with the whisky.”
“Really?”
“My grandfather loved whisky. He gave my father a Masonic item for safe keeping. All I have ever known about it is it must always stay in the family. My grandfather and Dad were big in the masons, while I have never had the time or desire. I kept it in the Dalmore whisky box, just as a reminder I will always miss him.”
“What was the item in question?”
“It was a mason’s collar. My grandad was quite active and passed it on to my dad. We had no time for that stuff but we knew it was important to keep it in the family. It seemed like a good spot to keep it without having it on show. The Dalmore was one of my most treasured single malts in the collection.”
“Could you describe it?” Raymond asked.
“It was gold for sure. It had three white roses on it.”
“Like the Yorkshire rose?”
Jeff looked vacant.
Raymond pulled out his smart phone, sliding his finger across the screen.
“Like this?”
Jeffrey studied the picture Raymond had found through the browser.
“Similar. The outside was red petals I think.”
“A Tudor rose.” Raymond said while sliding his finger across the phone screen.
“Yes that’s it.” Jeffrey confirmed staring at the image on Raymond’s phone.
“What else?”
“Four figures playing the harp or maybe five.” He scratched his head.
“That’s brilliant. Anything else?” asked Raymond.
“There was a badge on the end of the collar but I can’t think what it was like.”
“Would you keep thinking and call me or email with anything else?”
“Of course. Didn’t look at it much. Never thought to take a picture for insurance purposes,” he mumbled.
“It was probably not worth much anyway. Except maybe to a collector of Masonic pieces. This thief seemed to be interested more in rare whiskies. Fascinating!”
Part Two
Chapter 7
Antarctica November 1915
Chippy sat by the fire sipping a mug of tea, his hands shaking not from the bitter cold but rather the loss of his dear friend. Who would have believed the loss of his cat would make him feel this way? But it was more than that! This man, the one he and the crew would have to rely on to survive was an egotistical bastard who never thought things through. An explorer, a lord with too much of an ego ever to take a step back and make the right choices. He thought about the odd beginning to this expedition and why he should have leapt off the Endurance the first chance he got. In England or Buenos Aires.
Three months of severe weather with no land in sight. Chippy read from his bible and prayed everyday but to be honest he didn’t expect they would survive. The giant ice floe wasn’t about to crack, which meant no open water where he felt comfortable and would give hope they could sail to land. Chippy wasn’t a land man and that included ice floes. He needed to be on a ship. He was ordered by the boss to make all three boats ready to sail once they had open water in sight. He strengthened the boats with wood they had salvaged from the Endurance and used seal blubber to seal it.
Chippy had kept his distance from the boss who had in turn never apologized or explained why he couldn’t have made his own decision on the cat’s fat
e.
I would have shared my rations with him. Hell one penguin’s heart would have kept him going each day . He shook his head and tried to focus on how they could make it out of this mess. His thoughts returned to the start of this voyage and consequently the dire straits they were now in.
He had signed up for this trip since he always had itchy feet after a few months on land and was happiest on water. He could build boats no problem but once he had built one he desperately needed to be on the water and away for at least six months at a time. He had seen the strange advertisement that had intrigued him and when he’d asked around and thought about the possibilities – this was really the last attempt to conquer the Antarctica continent. If they failed, no doubt a Norwegian or someone non-British would succeed. That wouldn’t do for king and country in a time of war and the diminishing empire.
He was accepted immediately for his carpentry skills and seaman experience and sold them on the notion he was purely an adventure seeker in his time of life. The real reason besides the natural desire to get on the ocean was the women in his life. He was on his third wife and now had a mistress. Not quite living to god’s word which was very important to him. A serious religious man who hadn’t seriously sinned in life except adultery which was number seven in the top ten. And now he was at it again. The latest love in his life had a small daughter from a previous marriage and he adored her. Never saw himself as much of a father until now. So, he was torn between two women or more like he wanted to be with his love which meant divorce number three in life. They could be away for a year, which would be ample time to sort things out in his mind. It was perfect timing for this voyage of exploration far away.
The really odd thing about this trip was the timing. There they were in dock, a week or less from sailing when Britain announced they were entering the war. Surely they would postpone the expedition and join the country in defeating the Germans. They’d talked about it on board and it seemed the crew were ready to do their country proud.