Guy Mannering

Now reading Sir Walter Scott's Guy Mannering for the third time and am focusing on musical plays that immediately followed its publication..  I find it amusing that Daniel Terry's version flooded the stages with hundreds of songs not from Scott.  Henry Bishop's overture was highly popular and the production frequently concluded with an audience participation song There's nae luck about the house.  In spite of the marvelous characters Meg Merrilies and Dandie Dinmont, no film has been produced and I can only find one BBC radio drama. 

Islay whisky

Our murder mystery/scotch tasting centered on Islay single malts.  The murder mystery game was a delightful Murder at the Distillery.  This game required ten participants and was great fun.  The peaty, smokey, phenolic whisky samplings were:  Ardbeg Uigeadail, Ardbeg 10 year old, Lagavulin, Laphroaig 15 year old, Laphroaig quarter cask, and Bowmore.  Everyone's taste buds are still recuperating but we all agree that Port Ellen needs to continue its maltings to support these exciting distilleries.  I do recommend that when choosing an aged Laphroaig, go for the 18 year old.