History: The Orphan Barrel Whiskey Distilling Co. was created in early 2014 to locate forgotten barrels of whiskey from around the world and share them with whiskey lovers everywhere. That’s right, just like loving parents to an orphan child taking them in off the street and giving them a home, this creative initiative rescues lost whisky ‘orphans’ and gives them purpose again. So far the distillery has released four different variants of its growing orphan family: Barterhouse 20-Year-Old, Old Blowhard 26-Year-Old, Rhetoric 20-Year-Old and now this gem, Lost Prophet 22-Year-Old.  Lost Prophet stocks were found in the Stitzel-Weller warehouses in Louisville, Kentucky., and distilled in 1991 in Frankfort, Kentucky. Lost Prophet, like the rest of the Orphan Barrel releases so far, was hand bottled in Tullahoma, Tennesse. Lost Prophet will be a one-time release, as was the case with Old Blowhard, a 26-Year-Old Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey previously released by Orphan Barrel so if you have the chance to get your hands on a bottle you will only be one of a few. The Orphan Barrel Whiskey Distilling Co’s objective is to search for new and interesting whiskeys and as they are discovered, they will be added to the family to provide bourbon lovers a great selection of rare whiskeys.

Tasting Notes: This 22-Year-Old bourbon begins with a nose hinting of honey, dried fruit, apricot and clove. Lost Prophet has a silky, full bodied taste of spice cake, vanilla and leather, with a sweet, smoky finish. Oooooo smooooth!

Price: $129.99

Wisemen Word: With interest in America's native spirit at an all-time high, aged bourbons have captured the imaginations of whiskey enthusiasts everywhere.  Learning about older whiskeys can be a window into the past and a uniquely fascinating sipping experience for old or new whisky drinkers.  This unique bourbon is a definite must try and a special addition to any aficionado’s collection for home.  We highly recommend trying this, or maybe not since there will only be a limited supply!  Tuck this bottle away for a special occasion and tell the story of how you rescued an orphan barrel of whiskey to the grandkids. Please enjoy responsibly.  Slainte

History: Now most of us are no strangers to this iconic whisky brand from the Great White North.  From their purple velvet bags to their classic bottle design, Crown Royal is the premium Canadian Whisky that we've all come to know and love. Over the past couple years, we appear to be in the midst of another flavored whiskey storm with various brands continuing to release new products enhanced with unique flavours.  First a whisky enhanced with maple for the Canadian distiller, and now this winter, Regal Apple arrives on shelves with appropriately toned packaging.  Crown touts this rendition as a combination of their traditional whiskey and "Regal Gala Apples." It is a unique blend resulting in the perfect balance of robust whiskey notes and crisp apple flavor. The apple extension is a great option for those fun-loving whisky drinkers looking for a high-quality flavored offering from a brand with a history of fine whisky making. 

Tasting Notes: On the nose is an immediate blast of apple. The entry for Crown Royal Regal Apple is very sweet with the strong apple from the nose. As we get to the mid palate there’s a building level of spice, including cinnamon, clove, vanilla and oak, that tries to balance and counterpoint the apple. It is definitely sweet on the lips but quite refreshing too.

Price: $29.99

Wisemen Word: If you are a fan of Crown Royal, you are going to go tart about the new flavor. Not tart as in angry, but their new flavor, Crown Royal Regal Apple is perfect for those who love the original whiskey, but want something different. Regal Apple stands as a combination of Crown Royal flavors and a blend of natural apple making the second flavored offering after Crown Royal Maple. Did we mention this goes great in a cocktail or simply neat sitting by the fire place over the holidays? Don't forget your slippers. Please enjoy responsibly. Slainte

We'd like to extend a HUGE thank you to our special guests at our #socialwhisky event this past Third Thursday, the always stylish and leaders in online custom menswear, Indochino.  The event was another smashing success as more than 100 community members showed up to show their support and socialize. Indochino's A team classed up the evening with their chic pop-up shop as they were measuring up the guys and educating us all on how to dress like a gentleman.  

Indochino took it a step further and graciously offered up the chance to win a brand new, custom suit as part of the night's takeaways and we are happy to announce that the winner is Ryan Supeene!! Congratulations Ryan! We hope you enjoy your new suit as every gentleman should!

Be sure to visit Indochino at their stunning Gastown location as you can book your own appointments and get custom fitted for that perfect suit anytime!  They also offer a ton of great accessories which are perfect stocking stuffers or secret Santa ideas for the man in your life.   

Indochino plans to join us again in 2015, so don't worry if you missed out this time as we'll be sure to let you know what's coming up next. Keep checking back to The Grain for the latest and greatest with our Whisky Wisemen community!

The First Annual Moustaches For Movember Gala was launched this year and we were thrilled to partake in the awesome event that happened on November 4th at Holt Renfrew in Vancouver.  The goal of Movember is to "change the face of men's health" and the goal of this event was to create Canada's biggest ever Movember Gala event and raise money and awareness to support all of the fine men we know and love.  Vancouver favorite Fiona Forbes MC'd the festivities for the stylish crowd while some of the city's finest men worked the runway dawning custom Movember ties that were up for auction.  Models included ex-Whitecaps player, Jay DeMerrit, Love It or List It Host, Todd Talbot, Indochino CEO, Kyle Vucko and many more.  All proceeds from the event go directly to Movember and Holt Renfrew also kicked in 10% of all sale on the evening!

Bartender Extraordinaire Jeff McKinnon crafting up The Wiseman at MFM

Our Whisky Partner and MFM event sponsor Glenmorangie supplied the goods while two of our very own Board Members pulled a quick Clark Kent and jumped into a phone booth and jumped out as the event's best bartenders crafting our very own Wiseman cocktail for all of the attendees.  Our cocktail was a crowd favorite and kept the boys busy as they made more than 200 drinks for people to savour while enjoying the evening.  

All around a great cause and job well done by the all volunteer staff who put on the event.  It was a grand success and we are already looking forward to next year.

More details, pictures and memories here

Slainte!

Jeff McKinnon & Nick Harborne celebrating a job well done after the party with a Wiseman

History:  The Nikka Coffey Malt is the result of a unique distillation process in “Coffey” type column stills, which are normally used for grain whisky production. This rare 100% malt bottling offers a surprisingly rich texture with deep oaky notes.

The Coffey still is named after its inventor, Aeneas Coffey. In 1830, he perfected the continuous distillation technology, which would later be widely adopted by the Scotts to produce their blends. The distillation process in column stills takes place continuously without requiring two separate distillations as with the pot stills used for single malts.

While the Nikka Coffey Malt is produced from 100% malt in a single distillery, it is not technically a single malt whisky due to its distillation method in Coffey stills. Nikka has two Coffey stills at its Miyagikyo distillery. Imported from Scotland in 1963, these old stills produce yield a distillate with greater richness and complexity compared to spirits produced in modern column stills.

Tasting Notes: Apples. Black pepper. Fruit cake. Tobacco leaf. Creme caramel. Toffee. Madeira cake. Cinnamon. Coffee beans. Very smooth delivery but which feels a touch under-powered. I would have liked a little zing but it stays soft.

Price: $89.99

Wisemen Word: By running 100% malted barley in Coffey stills, Nikka have come up with quite a unique flavor profile. The strong tobacco leaf and apple combination is quite nice. We’ll be trying the Nikka Coffey Grain (made from corn) next for a little head-to-head comparison.

History: Te Bheag, pronounced "chay-vek", and means "the little lady" and is the name of the boat in the company's logo. The name also means a "wee dram" in colloquial Gaelic.. This whisky was a real treat for us as it was the first time we had tried it. A blended whisky, Te Bheag includes more than double the malt content of most standard blends, this Gold Medal award winning whisky contains quality Islay, Island, Highland and Speyside malts aged from 8 - 11 years.

Tasting Notes: Nose: Peat and Sherry. Palate: Strange but deliciously, coffee and salt and a crowd favourite, caramel. Finish: hot and spicy but in a soothing, I want another taste, type of way.

Price: $46.99

Wisemen Word: Will not disappoint and will make you look like you know a thing or two about a true blended scotch with a long history.

History: Born from the Central Highlands of Scotland, Aberfeldy Distillery was built by John Dewar's sons only two miles from their father's humble farmhouse.  They built in Aberfeldy because of an emotional link to the family and because the land is famous for deposits of gold. The 12 year old has been a staple of the distillery since its inception and has been a popular single malt since its beginnings in 1898.

Tasting Notes: Fruity and spicy is the flavour camp that this distinct scotch belongs to with peaches, honey and peat on the nose, syrup, heather and spice on the palate and a long and sweet finish of citrus, oak and cigar smoke.  Smooth is an understatement as this single malt feels like warm silk going down.  

Price: $59.99

Wisemen Word: A great bottle to add to your collection or to give as a gift to your much deserving friend.  This scotch won't break the bank but offers good value for its price point making it accessible for many to enjoy.  Perfect for a brisk fall evening indoors and best paired with a good book to help warm the soul.  

History: First released in 2011 after the untethered successes of the more recognizable and readily available Bulleit Bourbon, Bulleit Rye is tightly tied closely to both the brand and its roots as a rye forward, high alcohol content (45%) spirit.

Tasting Notes: Very smooth as compared to many Canadian Ryes, with a very sweet start and spicy follow up. The layers in this rye give it a depth that is found more often in single-malts than rye, and the long warming finish is a thing of beauty. 

Price: $36.99

Wisemen Word: A great bottle for the cocktail aficionado and Bulleit Bourbon loyalist. It’s a somewhat rare find in your more traditional liquor stores which adds to the allure of trying something new from a brand that has delivered so well in the past.

Starting June 2014 the Whisky Wisemen will be contributing one blog post per month dedicated to our take on classic whiskies. Last night the Wisemen board members enjoyed Centennial 10 Year Old Canadian Rye Whisky. Below are our brief notes on it.

History: Produced in Canada, we love our heritage and love that Centennial is 100% Canadian

Tasting Notes: This rye is smoooooth. For a 10 year aged Canadian Rye, it is our favourite. Not only is it pleasing to look at with a golden amber glow – it hits your palette with fruit, spice, and something distinctly Canadian... Also, vanilla, you will definitely love the flavour of vanilla as you finish the sip.

Price: $25

Wisemen Word: Pick this bottle up as a gift. It is off the beaten path but tastes like a best seller and for its $25 price point, we are huge fans.

Ladies and gentlemen, we present to you The Wiseman cocktail. $1 from each one of our signature cocktails sold benefits a Vancouver-based charity.  

With the help of ten early adopters and ambassadors of our NPO as well Joel Virginillo, Diageo's Reserve Spirit Specialist and world renowned cocktail artist, The Wiseman was created on the very bar where the first whisky of the first Third Thursday was poured.  

At an invite-only gathering in January, Joel created three different cocktails based on the attributes of a gentleman. These beverages were then placed in front of a panel of ten men and women to vote. The vote was unanimous when we tried a mix of Johnnie Walker Black Label, Cherry Heering, Ramazzotti Amaro, chocolate bitters, and a twist of orange, and so The Wiseman was born. (See photos from the event here.)

The making of The Wiseman cocktail

Less than 10 months ago, a signature whisky cocktail was merely a dream. Now we are drinking that dream (lots of them, actually) and using it to further support our fundraising goals.  

The intention of The Wiseman cocktail is to grow the Whisky Wiseman brand and mission while extrapolating the fundraising objectives of our monthly events and reaching as many people as possible.  

This drink has legs, and not the kind winos talk about at fancy tastings. The Wiseman has the kind of legs that need the exit rows on airplanes, and the stamina and strength to finish under three hours in a marathon. We are excited to bring The Wiseman to restaurants and bars around the city and reach an affluent demographic that is thirsty to give back to their community.  

We are grateful to The Irish Heather and Shebeen Whisk(e)y House, where our monthly events are held, for being the first to support this idea and put The Wiseman on their menu.  

View fullsize

April was the first month we've sold The Wiseman at these establishments and the response was heartwarming. Including the cocktail launch in March, our April #SocialWhisky event, and everyday drink sales to the public, we have already sold over 300 cocktails, which amounts to more than $300 for charity in a one month from a single venue. 

Our aim is to have this cocktail on menus across North America. Please help us spread the word and support us when you can – next time you are out and you see the two Ws beside The Wiseman on a menu, know that much like the Oceanwise symbol means you are eating sustainably caught seafood, the WW logo means you are treating your tastebuds to a cocktail for a cause.  

After much anticipation, our limited edition Whisky Wisemen snapbacks ($40) and baseball tees ($30) are ready for purchase. We'll only be producing 40 of each, so get your orders in soon by emailing info@whiskywisemen.com, and please specify your size (XS-XL) if ordering a shirt.

Whether you've been before or are new to the Whisky Wisemen community, these events are a fun way to connect with existing friends and meet new people in a casual setting, whether you come alone or with a group.

There's no cover charge and your first whisky is on us; after that 10% of your bill will go toward Project True, as well as $1 from every Wiseman signature drink sold.

If that's not enough to entice you, this Third Thursday falls right before Easter long weekend; accordingly, we'll have an Easter theme with fun surprises throughout the night. hing here

We never thought a conversation between two buddies about creating a way to spend more time with our friends, while growing our interest and knowledge in whisky, would come alive in such a way that it has.

More than a year ago, we decided to dedicate one night a month to gather friends to enjoy a few glasses of the appropriately named water of life, as this spirit was a budding mutual interest of ours.

It was the ultimate scenario for a group of 20-something professionals with common passions to step away from it all for an evening. And without much more thought, the inaugural Third Thursday was born!

In January of 2013, four of us gathered at the Irish Heather in Gastown, the only place in the city we knew guaranteed an elaborate whisky selection that wouldn’t disappoint. We sat around discussing why we were there, and ideas began to float around about who to invite and what else we could do to make it exciting.

Being the group of guys we are, we decided to find a way to make this idea mean something more. How could we develop this concept to benefit others and to give back?

We reached out to other friends we knew would be keen about this project and before long, the Whisky Wisemen was alive. We wanted to create a brand, and we wanted to develop it with care and charisma. We wanted it to embody what we all strive for on a daily basis – to be better in every capacity, and constantly push ourselves. We wanted to promote chivalry and prove it wasn’t dead, but just a forgotten art. Thus our mantra of “an inspiring brotherhood of aspiring gentlemen” was a suitable statement for the type of impact we wanted to create.

So if we were going to give something back, who would be the beneficiary? Lots of great options were presented, and we are looking forward to doing our best to support many of them over time. After meeting the founder of Project True, we knew that was a great place to start

Project True is a Vancouver-based not-for-profit that was created out of the lack of accessible resources for people living with serious body image disorders and/or disordered eating. After hearing the founder’s story, it was clear this organization was in need of our help and we were happy to designate them as the inaugural recipient of whatever funds we would raise in our first year. Finally we felt purpose.

Shortly after the second monthly event, we approached the Heather Hospitality Group with the idea of hosting regular whisky events, and they opened their arms to us. The owner, Sean Heather, is well known for his philanthropic work around the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver and saw this as another means to extend his open heart to the community. We easily agreed on our now solid model of having the establishment as a partner and began kicking in a free ounce of whisky to start the evening off for everyone attending. What a great relationship!

Before long, we had a logo, a strategy, regular meetings and launched our social media platforms. As we started to invite others, the feedback was positive and encouraging. We knew we had something, and we knew we had to keep going.

Fast forward a year, with over 12 successful and ever-growing Third Thursday events behind us. We have raised over $1,000 for charity, attracted hundreds of social followers, had 100 unique people attend our events, and are on the verge of reaching another milestone: the launch of our signature cocktail called “The Wiseman”.

They say good things happen to those who wait, but great things happen to those who do.

Looking forward to seeing you out at the next event!

- Jordan Scott

We regularly hear men say they don't know where to meet women outside of a bar, club or Tinder. But if we just implemented a bit of old fashioned chivalry, meeting a quality woman might not be so hard. 

Think about it. What if you... 

• Held a door open for a woman, made eye contact, and smiled as she said thank you?
• Held your umbrella over a woman while you both waited to cross the street in the rain?
• Helped a woman struggling to reach something up high up a shelf at Whole Foods?
• Picked up a woman's jacket from the floor and gently interrupted her conversation: "Excuse me. I think this fell from your chair."? 
• Let a woman struggling to carry a heavy grocery basket go in front of you at checkout?
• Offered to help a woman place her bag in the overhead stowage bin on the plane, or helped her get her suitcase off the luggage belt when you arrived at the airport?
• Offered to share the cab you're both trying to hail, and offer to pay the fare if you're headed in a similar direction?

There are many ways being a gentleman can help you meet women, and believe us, you'll impress a woman more with modern manners and courtesy than buying her a drink at the bar.

Has chivalry every helped you meet a woman? Or ladies, has a man every won you over with a chivalrous gesture? We'd love to hear your stories in the comments.