The Whisky Affair (Raymond Armstrong Series) Read Online Free

stream, studying the vegetation and all that came into contact with the water as it tumbled down from the mountains into the reservoir.
    Willy was known in the industry for sticking to tradition – relying on the old ways that had worked for centuries. ‘You always start with the water and not focus on casks alone,’ he would debate at many large whisky conferences around the world.
    Willy walked quite a few miles that day, according to the story Gordon told many times. Upon his return he sent the water samples to a lab in Glasgow and waited for the results. Finally, a few days later, he gave it two thumbs up, announcing this was one of the best water sources in Scotland and would make a wonderful single malt whisky. Then he accepted the job.
    Gordon’s daughter, Louisa, applied her master blender skills and assisted with the sales and marketing side of the distillery. She had attended Durham University and graduated with a master’s degree in chemistry and spent all her spare time alongside her dad in the distillery. Raymond had to laugh each time he saw Louisa as she grew up. By the time she was twelve, she could nose any single malt and give you a full description of aromas. She was not allowed to sip until she reached fourteen, when her dad let her have a wee sip to study all the tastes. It was obvious, even before she attended university, that her chosen profession in chemistry would land her front and center in the whisky industry.
    James, Gordon’s son, was a different kettle of fish and the oddball of the family – a bit of a dark horse. Gordon had actually sent him to an exclusive private school, hoping that the discipline and camaraderie would help James develop interests and skills. That did not work out too well, but at least he graduated. James finally chose Bristol University and he barely scraped through their marketing program. His campus life was more about partying and generally doing as little as possible.
    After a few years working at the distillery, Gordon’s derelict son was given the title of Brand Ambassador. A job that most people in the whisky world would have killed for – metaphorically speaking. He would swan around the world overindulging on a large expense account, regardless of the consequences of his actions. His notoriety in the industry was already established at his young age.
    Most around the whisky world were impressed with his breathtaking video of the Isle of Bute – he produced it himself, using some fancy software. It featured the distillery as the key focal point. He also added the audio that put forth the compelling story of the distillery’s success.
    As for the business, James had a decent palate but a dreadful nose. He would invent the aromas as he went along. His only salvation was the book of notes on the specific aromas provided by his sister Louisa, who had a perfect whisky nose.
    “Raymond, I am close to taking the spirit. Would you help me over here?” Willy asked while studying a glass half full of clear alcohol.
    “I had a feeling you were doing your magic.” Raymond moved closer to get a better view.
    “After all these years and modern technology, it’s not magic. I could do this in my sleep,” Willy said in a matter of fact manner.
    “Quiet, or you will take all the mystique out of whisky making. My whisky club members could debate for hours at every meeting about taking the middle cut. In their minds, distillery managers and stillmen are up there with the likes of U2 and the Stones.”
    “Showing your age, Raymond. I imagine that analogy would have a young person thinking I am ancient.”
    “I get your point: Some super fresh rapper with ten #1 hits. A hip guy doing his whisky magic.”
    “Much better,” he said, laughing. Then his attention turned to the liquid again. “Right, she looks clean,” he said, referring to the spirit running through. “Alcohol content at 71%. What do you think?”
    “Good to me.”
    Willy nodded, obviously pleased.