SHUCKS Well! What to discuss? The Cardhu row? Rant against Wm. Grant about their use of crude, distorting and sensationalising spinmongers? Regardless of the dubious merit of their argument—was purity their cause, or the fear that Cardhu would topple their market dominance?—the public’s confusion we witnessed in the shop was very distressing and damaging to Scotch in general. Or shall I have a dig at our chancellor’s delusions? Jilted John was right, Gordon is a moron! His blinkered proposals to have us apply arcane tax-strips to bottles serves no benefit to anyone (save the fraudsters) and may make untenable The Loch Fyne blend, our Living Cask concept, independent bottlers and single cask bottlings in general. It will make whisky specialisation less interesting—in the UK anyway. Another typically British self-handicapping measure. Or shall I fume at the discussions behind doors at the SWA? Discussions so important that Diageo endured humiliation by rescinding their Cardhu victory to take part. What are the possible end results of these discussions? New definitions for Scotch that may prohibit independent or alternative bottlings of single malts. Surely not, considering the contribution of Gordon & MacPhail, Signatory and others to the creation of the exciting malts sector. Without them the future would only be of gloomy blend forecasts. No rant then; instead I’ll devote this entire column to more benign ‘thank yous’. 1. Thanks to Inver House Distillers for their patience and superb professionalism in the creation of the Loch Fyne Liqueur; the result is perfect. 2. Thank you, LFW customers who voted us inaugural ‘Retailer of the Year’ in Whisky Magazine’s ‘Icons of Whisky’. Following on from the whisky industry members’ inaugural vote two years ago this is very special. 3. Thanks to Andy and Laura, without whom point 2 would be unlikely...