For those of us who are Sir Ernest Shackleton groupies, this story is wonderful. Five crates of whisky and brandy belonging to Shackleton have been recovered from under the Antarctic ice after 100 years. Just for the record, as we wait to receive our estimated 30 inches of snow today, I am burying crates of my favorite wine under the house for the regulars of my blog to recover after my demise.
The spirits were supplied by the venerable Scottish distillers Whyte and Mackay and found underneath Shackleton’s Antarctic hut. The hut is being restored by the New Zealand Antarctic Heritage Trust. Thank God it was not the Scots who did the work or we would have heard about five empty crates being found under the hut.
One crate is labeled Charles Mackinlay Co. and another was labeled The Hunter Valley Distillery Limited Allandale.
The team believes that the crates may have simply been forgotten. I am glad the team did not live to learn that they were feeding on fried penguin and hot water with a trove of booze under their feet.
For the full story, click here.
WOW
lets go to Gyges house—set um up
As a member of the booze industry, I have to give me expert opinion: Good whiskey (of all types) is good.
Current favorites include: Glenlivet’s Nadurra, Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey, (I do think it’s overpriced by about five to ten dollars most places I’ve seen it), Maker’s Mark, Evan Williams (I have to confess a weakness for their honeyed whiskey), and Johnny Walker Blue Label.
Now while we’re on the subject of fermented beverages made from malted barley… J.W. Lees 2007 Vintage Harvest Ale is the best commercial Barley Wine I’ve had in a LONG time. I also recently tried a few beers from Kona Brewing company, and highly recommend them.
Mespo:
call me gauche, what can I say. I love Ahnold movies.
And I couldn’t think of another movie that would answer that question as succinctly. If you know of one let me know.
Byron:
“have you never seen the movie Twins?”
*****************
Ok, Byron. I stand in awe of your cinematic acumen.
Mespo:
“Try a Dewars Signature. That will disabuse you of that single malt hype. Who cares where the barley came from or how many distilleries got involved!”
have you never seen the movie Twins?
Bdaman,
You are too much….
“There is nothing as relaxing as a Bunnahabhain on the rocks and a good cigar.”
Although I derive some enjoyment from the whiskies of Islay, I wouldn’t be so elitist as to make such a silly statement.
There may be nothing as relaxing as a lissom asian maiden massaging a tired body by standing on it. But it’s a matter of taste not for public dissemination.
Sadly they were in bottles and not casks. Although it’s possible some casked liquor might have suffered by being underground for so long, it’s a fact that bottled liquor doesn’t improve with age. Unless it’s in the mind of the imbiber.
Duh:
“I’m a fan of the single malts. There is nothing as relaxing as a Bunnahabhain on the rocks and a good cigar.”
***************
Try a Dewars Signature. That will disabuse you of that single malt hype. Who cares where the barley came from or how many distilleries got involved!
A product of Charles Mackinlay & Co is likely a blended whiskey. That’s too bad. I’m a fan of the single malts. There is nothing as relaxing as a Bunnahabhain on the rocks and a good cigar.
MMM as much as I like liquor…Prof.!! you must make sure for your continued health because this country cannot afford to lose a constituional lawyer of your stature….Tho anytime you want us for drinks Im in!
Did I hear someone say that the Professor has invited everyone over for wine this evening? What time?
Like my wife, she only knew that his reach would exceed my grasp –and she was very willing to say it! 🙂
Prof,
You and I were on the same wave length!
Scary, isn’t it? lol
Don’t worry. You probably won’t turn green. Probably. Er. Maybe. 😀
Professor,
Your offer of a post dated case of wine is most generous. But knowing this group, don’t be surprised if you hear “strange noises from the snow” a little earlier than expected. It might not be Yeti
mespo,
Great quote. Did Mrs. Shackleton know Zapata? Had she seen “Scott of the Antartic”? Enquiring minds want to know.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVc0EZl3AfU&hl=en_US&fs=1&]
JT:
I’ll take the “under” in a 100 minute bet.
Will do in 90 days or less.
May I propose a toast:
“. Just for the record, as we wait to receive our estimated 30 inches of snow today, I am burying crates of my favorite wine under the house for the regulars of my blog to recover after my demise.”
**************
Make mine a decent cabernet if you please, and remember the immortal words of Shackleton to his wife who reminded him that he failed to reach the South Pole: “A live donkey is better than a dead lion, isn’t it?” Sage words, indeed.
Will do, Mespo, but given the impulsive record of all of our regulars, I am betting that the crates are dug up before 100 days rather than 100 years.
Ah ha, the great things that we find when we least expect. It gives that warm feeling. Invincible to be exact.