In the UK, “100 proof” signifies a spirit with 57.15% alcohol by volume, often rounded to 57.1% ABV. It also names an extensive, affordable series by independent bottler Signatory Vintage, with over 30 releases filled at 57.1% ABV (some of them being ‘Exceptional Casks‘). We are examining three early releases in this series: the Glentauchers, Glenrothes, and Caol Ila 100 Proof Signatory Vintage, specifically numbers 6, 8, and 10.
When I joined the SMWS, I first did it as I wanted to partake of some cask strength unfiltered goodness. Obviously, for a whisky aficionado, this is one of the good places to be a member of.
Then, at one random point in time I realised there was an “event” category on the website where things were actually organised. I remember thinking – surely there’s nothing in Paris. Boy, was that a stupid thought. You can find the full account of my first SMWS tasting session here.
This time around, yet another discovery: I realised there
were events in a small committee at a Speakeasy where whiskies were paired with
cigars. My blood just went boiling at the sheer idea of the combination of
both, being a fan of cigars (H. Upmann & Romeo y Julieta in particular if
you wish to know).
Our whisky line-up for the evening
So I purchased my ticket and eagerly went to Gentleman 1919,
in Paris, a quite excellent venue. It was 21h. I got back home at 1h45. Here’s
why.