Whisky

Friday night fun with Charlie and Mel - a few pints in the Guildford Arms, then into the civilised club environment of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, Queen's street branch.

They sell whisky decanted directly from the cask, so for some reason you can't buy standard brands. Instead, you choose from a menu with a description. I had:

Greater Speyside, Lossie - 'Explosive': "The first nosing has a bitter orange, filling out into a bouquet of orange blossom, dahlias and chrysanthemums with spice and a smear of glue. "

Islay - 'Parma violets and white soap': "Pale gold in colour, the first note is quite closed, a hint of brine (mmmm, brine) and some light medicinal notes, with a trace of footbaths."

Despite how they sound, both were quite special.