Scotch Saturday: Before the Martini

Summary

In the original novels by Ian Fleming, James Bond drank Scotch. And he didn't need to bother giving a speech on how to serve it, because he mostly drank it neat.

When I enjoyed a dram of Talisker 10 at the Broadmoor, I felt my own inner Sean Connery begin to show. Right off the start, you get the perfect blend of peaty smoke and Scottish sea air. Far from overpowering, the smoke recedes to let fresh apple through. As I took my first sip, I was transported cliffside, sitting on the hood of my Aston Martin. The initial punch is volcanic and brine-sweet with a kick of iodine. It finishes earthy and calls you back for one more glass.