This year’s SPA conference was another fine event (for those of a deep thinking technical persuasion like myself). It has become a bit of a tradition for participants to bring along a bottle of whisky for those long evening debates over the merits of dynamically typed languages. This year the ante was definitely upped with a fine selection including some single cask bottlings and even a couple of offerings from closed distilleries.

From left to right:

• Bruichladdich 1991 - Yellow submarine
• Macallan 12yr
• The Balvenie Doublewood 10yr
• Bowmore 12yr
• Auchentoshan 1992, Signatory
• Bunnehabhain Peated 1997, Signatory
• Bladnoch 15yr
• Brackla 1993, Signatory
• Tullibardine 1993
• Auchentoshan 1990, Milroy’s
• Glenlivet 1990, Signatory
• Scapa 1993
• Rosebank 1990, Signatory
• Glen Elgin 12yr

My prize for most interesting goes to the Bunnehabhain — smells like cow, tastes like a whole forest distilled into a glass. For prestige, the Bladnoch has to be the winner. It was purchased directly from the distillery, which just happens to be down the road from John’s house. My choice though is the Bruichladdich, as the man at Cambridge Wines said, “it’s just nectar.”

Many thanks to all those who contributed and to those who just came to share the enjoyment.