Premium Scotch tasting

MILFORD, PA — Scotch whisky connoisseurs will enjoy an armchair journey through the Scottish Isles as the Laurel Villa Country Inn & Restaurant in Milford hosts its second annual premium Scotch tasting on Friday, January 5, 2007 at 6:30 p.m.

Guests will enjoy three premium single-malt Scotches and, for comparison, two fine blended Scotches, including one so new that it is not even available in most areas.

“The full, complex flavors of Scotch vary widely depending on a region’s climate and soil,” said Janice Halsted, innkeeper at the Laurel Villa. “We’ve chosen five that highlight these dramatic differences.”

The three single malt Scotches selected for the event are Highland Park, a 15 year old from Orkney Island; Macallan, a Highland twelve year old; and Tamdhu, from the Speyside region. These will be compared with a Famous Grouse, a twelve-year-old blended Scotch. Each will be presented and discussed by Michelle Pivovarnik of Bartolomeo Pio Wines & Spirits.

A highlight of the tasting will be the presentation of JMR’s Smoother Sweeter One, the world’s first Scotch/Irish blend. A Gold Medal Winner at the 2005 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, this trailblazing hybrid blends the sweetness of 70 percent single malt Irish from Cooley’s Distillery with 30 percent single malt Scotch from Bunnahabhain for an unforgettable new taste.

Seating for the “Second Annual Premium Scotch Tasting” is limited and reservations, at $30 per person, should be made by Tuesday, January 2.

For more information call 570/296-9940.