What to do with my diamond dram?

[whisky_rob]

I suspect I'm not alone in having a sample or a bottle that is the star of a collection. That once in a lifetime dram that you could only dream of normally having.

Well my dream dram has been looking at me recently from my drinks shelf but I just can't bring myself to drink it! How and when would you drink what is likely to be one of the most special whiskies your ever going to have the privilege to consume?

The dram in question is a 30ml vile of 1949 Balblair bottled in 1964 from the distillery managers private stock of a now empty bottle. Although not certain it is thought to be part of the 1st distillation after the distillery reopened after WW2 in 1949. As a Balblair fan it doesn't get more special than that!

So back to my original problem bringing myself to drink it!! Thoughts?

[Calder]

Rob, I would say when a special occasion comes along, get it opened and enjoy. I have done this in the past with some special whiskies i had been saving and it made the occasion even more special. The last special bottle i opened was a bottle of the Port Ellen 1978 31 year old 2010 10th release which i opened to share with my father on his 80th birthday last year. I also filled a couple of wee sample bottles to keep which i will drink some time in the future, perhaps on my own 80 birthday which is a good few years off yet.

[James T]

I agree Calder, ther is nothing more special for a whisky drinker than a special whisky to mark a special occasion, i have done this a few times.

That does sound like an extra special sample of Balblair you have Rob, enjoy if you do decide to pour it.

[Quaich1]

Rob, I also agree with our friends here. I was the recipient of another's good will when a good friend and single malt aficionado brought over a 37 year old Bunnahabhain that he had been saving for ages. He wanted me to open it and try it. I had several large drams and he was sincerely and strictly interested in my taste impressions and he didn't actually try it himself at the time. I let him try a few of my special drams. The pleasure of a rare dram is in the enjoying of it. I have opened many a rare bottle and have never regretted ever doing it. Plus I remember with great clarity how much I enjoyed them and their character.
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"Always carry a large flagon of whisky in case of snakebite and furthermore always carry a small snake."
W.C. Fields (1880-1946)

[Whisk]

I'm going to offer a different perspective & suggest that you drink whenever you 'really feel like it' and think you'll get the most enjoyment out of it. Be it after a long day at work, a Sunday afternoon when the weather's looking good (or terrible), or indeed if a special occasion rolls around.

Whilst I certainly agree with, and share the same sentiments as Quaich, James and Calder, the main difference is that you have a single dram and not a whole bottle to share. I'm also thinking that as a Balblair fan, you probably obtained for your own personal enjoyment (rather than sharing), so for that reason, I think you should just open it up & enjoy it whenever it feels right to you!

[Brummie]

A 30ml sample is certainly only big enough for one pour so i would say pick a time to drink it yourself, whether it is to mark a special occasion or simply to taste the whisky.

[TheWM]

[sorren]

It's one of those questions that will get so many different opinions, my thoughts are don't wait too long, you never know what's around the corner, some night you pour a drink and your nose and taste buds are alive, this is the time you should pour it, get everything out of it you can, like said it's a measure that is only good for a single pour, so sit yourself down, pour it, nose it, nose it again then sip it so slowly, remember it and most of all enjoy it, you prob won't get another chance..

[STUDOGG37]

sounds a rather special dram Rob but since you can't share it with me, I would make it my last dram one evening outside on the decking during summer.

Let us know when you open it.
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You can't push anyone up the ladder unless he is ready to climb himself.

[whisky_rob]

Just consumed.......... So lovely and creamy, knowing I'll never have it again really made me savour it and enjoy every note!!