Self-styled âwhisky evangelistâ Eddie Ludlow appears to have the perfect job. By combining his passion with his livelihood, this preacher of the noble dram has developed not only a terrific business, but a vast and enviable source of solace via scotch should the credit crunch hit home. Though after all, arenât luxuries said to be the first to go during a recession? Whisky should be safe.
With Church attendances on a steady slide, those among us who wished to renew their evangelism were afforded the perfect opportunity at Eddieâs second tasting in Manchester; his first a highly successful tasting during Manchester Food and Drink Festival 2008 in the well-renowned Tipis at Spinningfields.
The Britonâs Protection is a familiar venue to Mancunian ale and whisky devotees, with one of the finest Scotch and Bourbon selections in the North. We of Eddieâs Whisky Lounge congregation headed upstairs to the function room.
The evenings chosen whiskies, though kept blind till the close, promised a journey through Islay, the windswept western isle that offers much of Scotlandâs most coveted and idiosyncratic malts. There were six tots to move through, each of varying age, peat and maturation, and at each stage our preacher promoted discussion on the merits and pitfalls of each. A quick glance round the room revealed an overlapping bunch of fellow enthusiasts, more likely confident drinkers than competent connoisseurs, and Eddie pitched his advice and comments perfectly. Ever careful to avoid stuffiness and pretention, he encouraged debate and avoided prescription. A question from the floor regarding whether or not to add water was met with measured enthusiasm; try it with both and then do whichever you prefer.
Of course it was the Whiskies that were the real stars, and we tried a set of exceptional drams. From the youthful softness of a Bruichladdich Resurrection to the brash fire of a super-cask strength Laphroaig, all the malts were nuanced, distinct, and delicious. Rarest of the lot was a special edition Whisky Lounge own 1976 âBonnie Havenâ Bunnahabhain. As an old whisky comrade of mine would say: very drinkable. My favourite? A tremendous 1991 Caol Ila that put fire in your belly.
A great evening all round. At £20 a head it would be worth it for the whiskies alone, never mind with Eddieâs evangelical expertise on top. Keep your eyes peeled for The Whisky Loungeâs return, a blind-tasting battle for supremacy between Scotland and the formidable new upstart, Japan, on 1st May.
To find out more or to book tickets, please log on to www.thewhiskylounge.com, or phone Eddie on 01904 466227, or email [email protected].
