Stroll in the park

Concoction: Highland Park 30 year old single malt scotch whisky (this one was like Gardenia bread, so good u can drink it on its own)
Where: Suite 2812, Grand Coptorne Waterfront Hotel
When: Part deux of Ewen and Keith's birthday party
Reviewer's frame of mind : Infantile

The Taste Test
This exceptionally fine whisky came with a world-class reputation (quoted from the website; I had no idea...). And like any 30-year old (or any 28-year old, for that matter), it was to be treated with respect and reverence so we purposefully sipped it from a chilled silver spoon. Toyed with the idea of pouring it down our throat from the bottle for 5 seconds but a glance at the 48.1% on the red velvet box made us veto against it. Still, 5-out-of-5 stars. Best served at religious congregations.

Big Mac meal, upsized

Concoction: Double-shot Macallan Elegancia (Yes, there is a difference between this and the normal 12-year, according to the website) 12-year single malt Scotch whisky, generous sprinkle of Tabasco sauce.

Where: Dan Ryan's Chicago grill
When: Ewen and Keith's birthday dinner
Accompanying food and drinks: Champagne, cream of mushroom, NZ filet mignon/chargrilled striploin/roast chicken, brownies/strawberry sorbet/creme brulee (in that order)
Reviewer's frame of mind: Celebratory and borderline juvenile (Keith was delirious)

The Taste Test
Whisky aficionados may accuse me of sacrilege, but I must congratulate myself for this masterful stroke of pure genius. The burning sensation of the throat closed the meaty main course with a bang and the tangy aftertaste was a perfect counterpoint to the saccharine sweetness of the dessert that followed. Although some at the dinner table displayed a grimace that suggests that the drink may be an acquired taste, its definitely better than the flaming martini they serve at zouk's winebar. 3 out of 5 stars. Best served during gatherings of chest-thumping frat-boy bankers.