We stopped publishing meeting updates in 2017. Why?

Firstly, because most people use our site as we intended: a repository of important whiskey info, and an easily sortable and searchable whiskey database.

But also, the whiskey scene has changed, especially with the explosion of bourbon’s popularity. Bragging and clout-seeking are everywhere, and we don't want to seem like we’re trying to contribute to that. We think that sharing and tasting is more important than showing off. So while we continue to meet, we keep it to ourselves now.

 

Ratings and reviews will always keep coming, because we feel that provides a good public service... and because they're fun to do! Cheers all and DRINK WHISKY!

 

 

 

 

In 2006, 10 friends joined to share good whiskey and good times. 10 years later, that small club has blossomed into the best-known private whiskey club in the US with the largest whiskey database, always fiercely independent, and always ad-free.

To understand what makes us tick, check out Sku’s recent interview with founder Adam Herz.

To celebrate our 10th anniversary, we began with some serious cocktails. Niko Novick, one of LA’s premiere bartenders, crafted custom libations made from vintage ingredients. Favorites included a 1960’s Maker’s Mark Old Fashioned and 1970’s BIB Old Fitzgerald Manhattan. We had such a diverse selection of whiskeys that our two hours of cocktails became partly an excercise in some delicious chemistry experiments.

We then opened eight new bottles to taste, including old favorites:

Glendronach 1972 #702 head-to-head w/ Glendronach 1972 #712

Then, we were off to Baltaire for a great dinner featuring whiskey-infused dishes, plus other wines and libations (yes, we drink more than whiskey!).

After 10 years and counting, LAWS remains what it was on day one: a place for friends to get together to share good times and good whiskey.

 

 

 

It was the beginning of 2011 when we last had a meeting featuring the annual Diageo Special Releases. Back then, our writeup remarked, "Sure, the prices could be better, but such are the times." Ah, yes. The most "expensive" of them was the Port Ellen 11th release... for $450, which would be a bargain today. Fast-forward to 2016 -- the new Port Ellen 15th Release retails for $4k in the US, the Brora 37 year old goes for $2300. There's even an NAS Clynelish for $900.

 

We don't like discussing pricing, but every year the Special Releases seem to merit it. Still, we'll be the first people to remind you that there is little correlation between flavor and price. And the idea that higher-priced single malts are of "higher quality" is ignorant if not completely meaningless.

 

As you might expect, the Brora and Port Ellen stole the night. Surprising was the Pittyvaich, which many of us found unusual but really tasty, and The Cally, which showed very well for a single grain. All of them were enjoyed to one extent or another, except the Dalwhinnie which most felt was not bad in any way, but just boring. You can read tasting notes by clicking on each whiskey.

 

 

See also Sku's writeup here. 

 

(Notes and ratings appear as members motivate and enter their results). 

 

 

As you may know, LAWS has a proud tradition of celebrating “Sherry Christmas.” 

But evil forces have been at work. There is an ongoing war on Sherry Christmas! You can see it in the form of all kinds of “finishes” and gimmicky wine casks. In fact, just last week at Starbucks, one of our members was wished a "Merry Peated Christmas." The injustice is enough to make any sherry fan's blood boil. 

But LAWS will always remember the true meaning of Sherry Christmas, and we commemorated it with these malts: