In the spirit!

Dalmore 18-year-old scotch

By Al Davis

Shalom achim!

Anyone who has been to any major FJMC convention or LDI, or to any regional retreat, knows that one of the highlights of these events is the “hospitality suite.” The snacks, the camaraderie and the sharing of ideas are always enhanced by a variety of “spirits” in the room.

What many of us have also learned at these events is that the FJMC is blessed with leadership that knows not only how to run an organization, but knows their way around a good Scotch or bourbon… and some other delectable potables.

This month, we are kicking off a new feature in HaD’var called “In the Spirit.” Yes, the play on words is deliberate – feel free to boo. I’m pleased to represent the East Brunswick Jewish Center Men’s Club (NNJ Region) with my write-up of our first spirit. Please do share your favorite “spirits” with us for inclusion in subsequent issues of HaD’var. Please include your club name and region for mention in the article (individual members are also welcome). And please try to limit your write-up to three small paragraphs.

One caveat: While the Rabbinical Assembly of the Conservative Movement has declared that all spirits are kosher for casual consumption, those used for Kiddish must be kosher-certified. That means, if the spirit was second-casked in a wine cask (port, sherry, etc.), we need to know that in your presentation such that no mistakes are made in its usage. Please send your articles to Al Davis, at . Note: articles are subject to edit. Todah rabbah.

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I recently received a Dalmore 18-year-old as a gift, and recommend it highly. The scotch is matured in white oak casks that were used to produce bourbon, and then finished in three-decade old Oloroso Sherry casks. According to the distiller, these casks are very rare and only made available to them. While I was able only to pick out chocolate and licorice in the aroma, it is said to include vanilla and English marmalade as well. Again. I got the chocolate, coffee and spices on the tongue, but missed the citrus fruits.

The return notes provided a satisfying toffee, with the chocolate still lingering. Again, I didn’t get the fruitiness purported to accompany the finish. Still, it was a most delightful indulgence, with only a mild bite, and melded well with the shortbread offered with it. Not a cheap potable, coming in around $370, but worth the price.

Since this is finished in a sherry cask, it may not be used for Kiddush. L’chaim!

Al Davis is a member of the East Brunswick Jewish Center Men’s Club, and a longtime member of FJMC International. He also loves a good spirit.