tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1806632307874956918.post9073214038828238040..comments2021-04-19T12:22:36.100-07:00Comments on The Alphabet Review: Indistinct DramsA.B.C. Dawkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17526979738652154017noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1806632307874956918.post-11985244539152219092010-12-19T15:56:10.306-08:002010-12-19T15:56:10.306-08:00First of all, I follow you on your arguments, ABCD...First of all, I follow you on your arguments, ABCD, and will always choose to veer on the "snobby side" (read: the full flavored and interesting side) of single malt Scotch, just as I do with beer (and other wonderful things). But, as far as the technical merits of chill filtering go, I do not view it as a bad thing. In fact, if I could, I would be using filtration equipment in the brewery right now...<br /><br />Chill filtering gets a bad rap by association with the Glenfiddichs and Anheuser-Buschs of the world, who turn out flavorless, lowest common denominator products (but, who also do it very well, with great technical merit and efficiency). Chill filtering is actually a good thing, and in my professional opinion, has no negative impact on flavor if practiced properly. Think of it like this: you put a lot of work into your organic garden, and grow amazing, full flavored, beautiful, pest and disease free produce. When you bring it to the table to feed your friends, however, it is covered in dirt because you never bothered to wash it. So, if you put the effort into making a great product, why not make it look and taste its best by washing off the dirt and crap?<br /><br />Obviously, from a personal taste point, Budweiser and Glenfiddich are never going to create the same joy in our hearts and bellies that Oban or Deschutes Abyss will, but that's no reason to ignore the technical benefits of chill filtering. To summarize, you can start with a great product and chill filter as appropriate to make it really shine; or start with a bad/OK/decent product and chill filter to highlight its shortcomings.Joshhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09547857441350067649noreply@blogger.com