Corking Bottle & Corking Stories Series Review - Corkers: The Water of Life Downstairs at the Everyman

This is part of the Everyman’s  Corking Bottle & Corking Stories series, where approximately 50 whisky lovers gathered for a whisky tasting at Corkers 3, after probably attending Series 1 and 2 previously.

An inviting ambience welcomed newbies such as myself, who intermingled with whisky appreciative veterans at the intimate venue, downstairs at the Everyman.

Our host, Trev Fleming greeted us at the bar and escorted us to our tables which were laid out with a whiskey tasting flight of four tumblers for each person, filled with a shot of whisky in each. Trev stood centrally at a table with his laptop surrounded with whisky bottles and a glass for himself.

Before starting explaining about the traditions of the Seanchai, a traditional Gaelic storyteller of the ancient tales of Ireland, he gave us some facts about whisky, such as the difference in spelling between "whisky" and "whiskey" in that it is largely a matter of regional convention, with "whisky" (without the "e")  generally being used for Scottish and Canadian spirits, while "whiskey" (with the "e") is common for Irish and American spirits. Unfortunately, he told us, whoever designed our handouts, had got it wrong! They’d also put the list of tasting whiskeys in the wrong order on the handout, but he reassured us that it wasn’t him or his wife (who was the event organiser and who was also in attendance) who were guilty.

Trev went on to tell us that we would be tasting four different whiskeys and that there would be four different stories to go with them.

The whiskey’s in order of taste were The Legendary Silkie Irish Whiskey, The Connemara Peated Single Whisky, Two Stacks Smoke and Mirrors Irish Whiskey and Feckin Unbelievable Irish Whiskey, my favourite was the final one.

We were then given a demonstration of the correct way to smell and taste the whiskey, those being under the headings of Nose, Palate and Finish. When appreciating whisky, the "Nose" refers to the aroma, the "Palate" encompasses the taste and mouthfeel, and the "Finish" is the lingering aftertaste. We were told to always cover the glass with a hand whist swirling the whiskey to release the aromas before sniffing and finally tasting.

With each tasting of some of the finest Irish Whiskeys available, we learnt from Trev about Irish folklore, traditions and superstitions of the country and its people.

Trev was affable and humorous and he made the evening interesting and entertaining.  We had ordered a cheeseboard to go with our whiskeys which was very enjoyable and went well with the spirits.

This event was described as an alternative way to celebrate St Patrick's Day; an evening of stories fuelled by the Water of Life, Aqua Vita, which is the early name for distilled spirits and the concept of "water of life" is also seen in the Gaelic term "uisge beatha" which is the origin of the word "whiskey".  It was a pleasant way to spend two hours, the atmosphere was informal, the company was very pleasant, and it was a learning experience accompanying a very enjoyable evening.

Age range 18+

Reviewer:  Anne Pritchard

Reviewed:  15.3.2025