Sunday, February 20: Library Foundation Hosts Glenlivet Whisky Ambassador

The Glenlivet Scotch whisky ambassador from Chicago will host a benefit fund-raiser for the Racine Public Library Foundation on February 20 at 6:00pm at The Ivanhoe Pub & Eatery, 231 Main St. Space is limited to whisky tasting for 80 people. A $40.00 donation to the Foundation is requested, and reservations may be made at The Ivanhoe Pub & Eatery or at the Racine Public Library circulation desk by Feb. 11.

For more information, contact The Ivanhoe Pub & Eatery (637-4730) or Jessica MacPhail (636-9252).

"This fund-raiser is unique for Racine," said Jessica MacPhail, Director of the Library and a member of the Foundation Board of Directors. "It provides an opportunity for those of us who don't know too much about single malts to learn and taste some of the best that's made," she continued.

The Foundation's purpose is to raise money to sustain the future growth and services of the public library. It continually seeks ways to gain support in various sectors of the community. "We thought this would be a fun approach to fund-raising with a new group of people," says Andrew Mclean, president of the Foundation. "It will introduce many to the work of the Foundation," he added.

The Glenlivet was chosen in part because it is a celebrated single malt distilled in the heart of the Speyside high up in the northeast Highlands of Scotland. The distinctive Glenlivet flavors are enhanced by the purity of the water from Josie's Well. (This mineral-rich water extracts sugars more easily from the malt, creating a unique flavor when yeast is added to the fermentation stage.)

The event features The Glenlivet: 'The Single Malt that started it all.' So-called because it was the first distillery in Speyside to be granted a Royal license, back in 1824. Speyside is, by far, the most popular and prolific of all the single malt producing regions of Scotland, accounting for 70% of all exports. It is known for its generally unpeated style with a flavor profile that is typically fruity and floral with notes of honey and vanilla.
The Glenlivet was also the very first brand of single malt to gain widespread popularity in the United States after the abolition of Prohibition in 1933. It has been the top-selling single malt in the U.S. since that time. It currently commands approximately 27% market share. Consequently, The Glenlivet is widely regarded as the definitive Speyside malt, against which all others are judged.

The Glenlivet Ambassador himself, Mr. Winston Evans, will host the evening. He is a respected authority on the subject and will take us on an enlightening and entertaining journey of discovery through the wonderful world of single malt Scotch Whisky This includes featuring five distinctive marques of The Glenlivet: The classic 12 Year Old (YO); the seductive 15YO, French Oak Reserve; the dynamic 16YO, Nadurra (Natural Cask Strength); the distinguished 18YO (Sherry Cask influenced), and ending with the most decadent, ultra-premium expression, The Glenlivet 21, Archive.

Evans will also answer questions that may arise along the way, as he conducts his inimitable "Masterclass."

Douglas Nicholson, owner of The Ivanhoe Pub & Eatery, is preparing light foods for the evening. In addition, a bagpiper will play, and many kilts will be worn, lending a truly Scottish festive atmosphere to the event.

McLean, a first generation Scot, likes to quote Scottish literary critic David Daiches: "the proper drinking of Scotch whisky is more than indulgence: it is a toast to civilization, a tribute to the continuity of culture."

"We expect this tasting will fill up very quickly, and we encourage anyone interested in attending to reserve space as soon as possible; the deadline for reservations is February 11," says McLean.