All training should involve whiskey.....

So whiskey tasting before shift then.

There's a novel idea.all gone

Out of the group of about ten only two of us had to work afterwards. This was harsh. A tear escaped from the corner of my eye as they all headed of to the nearest bar to continue with the whiskey sampling. No doubt beer and wine would be consumed in large doses as well. The lushness of the whiskey and it's rich history long since forgotten by the time they hit their fifth round and they're asking for Jägerbombs and ordering wine by it's alcohol content rather than by grape.

Bastards.

I can be so bitter some times.

You know when you have to go to such training sessions there is always one guy who never shuts up? He asks a thousand questions and makes lots of pointless points and remarks despite there being an unwritten rule about asking questions. (ie. you don't so that everyone gets away quicker!) The guy who gets shot dirty looks and evokes huffy sighs every time he opens his mouth. The guy who even the trainer gets bored with and has to ask, "anyone else?" ? Yeah that was me. The longer the training went on the more whiskey I got to drink the less time I had to spend with actual customers.

Well what would you do?

The training/tasting itself was jolly good fun unlike most training. Most training is patronising and pointless, especially when you know everything. Do I know everything? Probably not but I can bullshit like a champion when backed into a corner.

We were focusing on Kilbeggan Whiskey today, Ireland's only independent whiskey distillery. And I have to say the chaps from the distillery did a great job. I mean it really is hard to dislike anyone who is pouring you whiskey for free.

We sampled the Kilbeggan itself, lush caramel like flavours and smooth to taste. Then we hit the Tyrconnell single malt. This was a little bit harsher to me but you could detect the fruit like tones and honey like flavours to it. Again it was lovely stuff. But for me the gem in the bunch was the Connemara Peated Single Malt. It was like drinking a turf fire. The aroma of the peat was captivating and enticing before you even touched it to your mouth. Magnificent stuff though when it did. The flavours were explosive to say the least. The room burst into chatter and amazement at it. Not one to knock back quickly but rather one to be sipped and enjoyed as you wisely stroke your beard. You will need a beard to drink this stuff oh and an Aran sweater too. It is a five time gold medal winner at the International Wine and Spirt Competition. And it is easy to see why.

Delightful stuff, so step away from the Bushmills and Jamesons for a moment and try these, you really will thank me for it.

I wish there was training everyday, I want to learn.........and drink whiskey.