I just completed a 3 day Blending and Maturation course with Nancy Fraley and the American Distilling Institute. The class was hosted by the very generous and talented folks at Ironroot Republic Distillery. As you all know, I just launched my Kings Code Batch 1 Riona with Kings Country Distillery just before Thanksgiving. When I signed up for the course, I had wondered if I was putting the cart before the course (pun intended) . As it turns out, it was quite a self-affirming experience for me. The unique way I’ve developed in the last couple of years to pick crowd pleasing single barrels and to make my whiskey blends, was validated by what I learned in class.

There was much to learn from Nancy, a true Master Blender, but we connected on quite a few different levels. The glee on our faces and the obsidian spirit in our glasses, our “first collab”, tells me that this will not be the last we see of each other. So stay tuned with bated breath on what develops. But in the meantime, drink some whisky, Glen Scotia Single Malt Whisky in particular. QS01 An Epiphany a 9 yr old in ex-bourbon cask from Campbeltown. Need I say more .. Oh ok, this Saturday from 1 to 3 pm. No need to sign up.