System of a Dram: Myspace Top 8
Back in the days when Pluto was still a planet, Myspace was a thing. Prior to the algorithm, people carved out community spaces on the internet to chat and do their own thing - back when the internet was fun. Switch to desktop for the OG experience.
System of a Dram is my space to share the moments enhanced by great drinks. You’ll find a song I’m currently enjoying and most importantly my current top 8 drinks, just for fun. There aren’t any rules about what is included - it’s simply a snapshot of the drinks that have caught my attention recently. Individual bottles will change throughout the year, there will be seasonal rotation for example as my drinks choices reflect the time of year. Given this is the first time sharing this here are my thoughts on the bottles included.
Delamain La Rambaudie needs to be enjoyed in a relaxed manner totally unrushed. I enjoy a glass whilst reading. There is a special pleasure in being lost in a book, curled up and totally engrossed in the story. I get Cognac-like notes with tropical mango and wood polish from Kavalan 15, a Taiwanese single-malt whisky. The notes keep on going such is the complexity given the increased maturation rates and combination of four casks. I particularly enjoy a dram in the evening post-meal.
Sometimes you just have to buy a whisky because it sounds so bloody good. That’s how Kornog 2016 ended up here - 60.5% peated French single-malt whisky refill PX cask. I love how this modern French whisky has such an old school character. Staying in France but moving across to brandy, I’m a fan of Calvados and enjoy the Domfrontais AOC profile. Lemorton 10 makes an appearance when chilling in the afternoon with picky-bits. The texture starts off with gentle sharpness then rounds off with softer delicate notes - good riff on a Sidecar cocktail.
The combination of fruit / sweet and floral / spice in Chateau Beaulon VSOP makes this one of my favourite VSOPs. Fins Bois and Folle Blanche is a vibe - served long in a highball with Vichy Catalan sparkling water is double naughty. At this time of year highballs and longer drinks are ideal in heat being both refreshing and a lower alcohol option. Jean-Luc Pasquet Marie-Framboise is an organic aperitif combining eau de vie, grape juice and fresh raspberries. It’s made to be shared and enjoyed in the sun. Impossible not to like.
I stumbled upon Sylva Orchard whilst searching for a non alcoholic drink that could work in those transitional moments such as at the end of the working day - double measure served over ice in a tumbler. Sylva’s innovation grabbed my attention and delivers impressive flavour sans-alcohol. Cotswolds Signature is where I find that same innovation and flavour, wrapped in a real sense of place. I enjoy this after gardening at the weekend and it is my goto whisky for an Old Fashioned cocktail.
It was cool thinking about what I’d pick for the first eight bottles and sharing them here. At times it is difficult to find interesting and new drinks on social media as the endless carousel of content doesn’t allow for impact or connection. An internet that is slower, less polished and more curious lets drinks be shared and enjoyed, rather than scrolled <3