[Harp-L] Whisky (OT) and books (was "famous")

[Tom Ball <havaball@xxxxxxx>]

Glenn wrote:
> I thought single malts were Scotches (my current love is Glenmorangie). Is
> that term rightfully applied to Irish whiskies?
> I know this one is off-topic, but some things are important, after all.
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Hi Glenn,
Actually the term "single malt" applies only to process, not to 
region. Basically it just means unblended, and made from a single 
type of malted grain.  Most Scotches (as well as most Irishes) are 
blends, but it is the single malt varieties of both that are most 
distinctive.  The main difference between a Scotch and an Irish malt 
is that the Scotches tend to add smoke from the peat fire to the 
flavor, whereas the Irish do not.  Bushmills and Jameson both make a 
run-of-the-mill blended Irish (which isn't bad,) but both also make a 
fine single malt. However the best Irish malt (IMHO) is Red Breast 
12-year-old.  (I am also a fan of good Scotch.)
--------------------
> I have a book of transcriptions, Masters of the Blues Harp, covering Little
> Walter Snny Boys I and II, Paul Butterfield, and others. It has standard
> notation, harp tab, guitar chords, and an advanced sytem of indicating
> techniques like tongue blocking and note bends. In his foward. Charlie
> Musselwhite calls it the "the coolest harp instruction book I've ever read."
>
> http://www.celticguitarmusic.com/Masterstoc.htm
>
> There a guy around here named Tom Ball who drinks Protestant whisky and is
> also a harp author as well. He's not shy, so I'm sure he'll he getting in a
> wee word about himself and his fine books. Just buy mine first.
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(Laughing!) I can vouch highly for Glenn's book -- it's a fine piece 
of work!  However I take mild umbrage at the assumption that I drink 
only Protestant whiskey.  My all-time fave is Red Breast, a good 
Catholic variety, but when it comes to any Nectar Of The Gods, I am 
entirely pan-theological and thoroughly multi-ethnic.   :)

(hiccup,)
TB