Laphroaig quarter cask

Low on single malt Scotch Whisky stock in my cabinet, I dutifully headed out to the local state liquor establishment to select a bottle to replenish the inventory.  All the usual suspects are there (Glen this and that) but I want something more unique and less typical.  I spy a bottle labeled quarter cask which piques my interest.  I read the fine print, which raises the eyebrows more than once, and then proceed to the checkout.  A bottle of this golden elixir is now mine.

Laphroaig quarter cask is allegedly a throw back to a few centuries ago.  This local whisky might have been transported via mule over cattle paths to avoid paying duties.  (Check out the link above from the distiller, it is quite interesting)  Oh, and according to Wikipedia it is pronounced lə-FROYG.

Before you open the bottle, you learn it is an Islay malt, 48% abv, with a golden amber color.  Pop the cork and you are greeted with a most unusual nose.  It certainly is peaty, but a muted soft peat, and perhaps a hint of the sea in the smell and then smoke.  There is something else in the smell that I have been struggling to identify, almost an aromatic rubber like smell but not quite rubber.  Looking for inspiration, I went to some reviews and one called it band aids.  That is exactly it, there is a smell that is like a freshly opened metal box of band aids!  You might think this is an unpleasant mix, but it is not.


Due to the high alcohol content, I decided to add some water.  Normally, I take my Scotch neat.  It was very smooth.  There were tastes of sweet peat, smoke, a hint of citrus and some other tastes hovering just out of my reach.  Alas, I think I added too much water.  Even considering that it had a very long finish.  


This is a very nice Scotch, one that will take more of my time to explore.  I will take the next glass neat, and report on the findings.  Even with my over watered faux pas, it was quite pleasant.  I recommend you try it if for nothing more than the singular experience.

Home Brew Spell - Lesser Swap Places

It is fun to add new spells to the game that add an interesting twist, rather than spells that just do damage with a different description.  Here is a spell with endless possibilities which can be used on or off the battlefield.  It is in 3.5E format, but it would not be hard to change it to fit your game template.

Lesser Swap Places
Conjuration (Teleportation)

Level: Wiz/Sor 2
Components: V, S

Casting Time: 1 standard action

Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)

Targets: You and one ally in range, or any two allies in range; see textDuration: Instantaneous

Saving Throw: Will negates (harmless)
Spell Resistance: Yes

You instantly swap positions between your current position and that of a designated willing ally in range. Alternatively, you can swap the positions of any two willing allies in range. This power affects creatures of Medium or smaller size. You can bring along objects that you can normally carry, but not other creatures.