Times are `a changing in the world of whisky. If you’ve bellied up to a liquor
bar recently, you’ve probably seen members of the “Scotch” family multiplying
faster than jackrabbits in springtime. Taking its cue from the microbrewed beer
revolution, the recent popularity of high-dollar single malt Scotches has
brought specialized whisky vintages to the attention of drinkers all over
Austin. The biggest problem a whisky enthusiast now faces is where to start (or
continue) their single malt education.
Enter Michael Jackson — a well-rounded British writer who dedicates his life
to the study and enjoyment of fine beers and whiskies. As a prolific journalist
and author of The New World Guide to Beer and The Complete Guide to
Single Malt Scotch, Jackson has garnered an international reputation as a
formidable authority on all things malted. This Saturday, May 3, Jackson makes
his second annual pilgrimage to Austin for a weekend of tutored beer and Scotch
tastings benefiting the Ceres Society, a local charity for the advancement of
brewing sciences.
The Michael Jackson Tastings (one each for beer and single malt whisky) offer
the chance for fans of both beverages to watch a renowned professional drinker
and scholar of alcohol in action. Less a single-stool barfly than a
world-traveling historian, Jackson leads the audience through samples of 10
fine single malt Scotches — a complete primer to the science, art, history,
and legend of Scotch whisky. Over the course of two hours, participants learn
the proper way to taste and enjoy single malts, as well as characteristics of
Scotland’s whisky-producing districts, traditional distilling techniques and
different barrel-aging practices. It’s also a high-octane geography lesson
covering everything from the grassy Lowlands to the briny island of Islay, with
the peaty Highlands thrown in for good measure.
Last year’s tastings offered eager crowds the opportunity to hear Jackson’s
insights and sample some high-quality whisky. The single malt tasting provided
a thorough overview of Scottish whisky culture and a good starting point for
fledgling Scotch enthusiasts, as well as those looking to sample famous but
elusive bottlings. One of the stars of last year’s tasting — a cask-strength
Clynelish 1972 — would cost $175 a bottle in your favorite liquor store if it
were, in fact, available. (It’s not.)
Both events take place at the Hyatt Regency on Town Lake, with tickets ($25
beer, $45 Scotch) available through St. Patrick’s of Texas Brewing Supply
(832-9045) or at the door. The Tutored Beer Tasting takes place at 3:30pm in
the afternoon and includes post-show hors d’oeuvres. Then at 7pm, Jackson leads
the Tutored Single Malt Scotch Tasting, followed by a buffet. All proceeds from
the event will benefit the Ceres Society. — Pableaux Johnson
This article appears in May 2 • 1997 and May 2 • 1997 (Cover).