Maid of the Malt

01/26/2026

Fae the Lassies! ❤️

Fair fa’ your honest, sonsie face,
By the end of the nicht,
I’ll be skurlin’,
It’s nae big deal,
In a cutty sark,
On a teeterin’ six inch heel

Glenmorangie’s Signet is the perfect dram to toast The Bard, and one both the lads and lassies are certain to enjoy.

Hope all you’re all having a wee hauf ‘n a hauf wae yer haggis, and thoroughly enjoying yer Burns Night. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Slàinte Mhath! 🥃

12/13/2025

“Smells like breakfast on Islay.” ✍🏻

Surprise, it’s me again! Having dusted the cobwebs off my Whisky Journal (hello, old friend), I’ve finally put pen to paper. 🫣

Brace yourselves, because I’m coming in hot with a cask strength review of a Warehouse No. 9, hand-filled exclusive Bunnahabhain Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky!💥

I meant it when I said I was looking for bottles to kill, and while this might not be the ‘bottle’ you’d expect, I’ve been holding onto it for sentimental reasons and now feels like the perfect time. 🥰

Appearance ~ beautiful amber tones with rich mahogany hues, reminiscent of a well-steeped cup of Scottish Blend (IYKYK).

Nose ~ this is going to be good! Sweet dried fruits and stewed apples lead, washed over by coastal salinity. Warming spices follow and suddenly it’s Soreen with a generous amount of salted butter and Jamaica Ginger Cake. I ain’t complainin’.

Palate ~ velvety smooth, coating the tongue with a warming, welcomed tingle (think szechuan peppercorns). Gotta love a cask strength dram! Brûléed sugars give way to a light treacle-like bitterness before heavy sherried notes really shine through. Perfect for a dreich December’s nicht! Warming spices, festive fruitcake, malted tablet and crumbled Hobnobs follow. The finish lingers like a box of Sun-Maid raisins with a caramelized sweetness and the peppery seasonings you’d find in black pudding.

I’d heard tales of Islay, and having visited, I can wholeheartedly confirm they’re all true. From the whisky to the people, it really is a magical place.✨

Colin, thank you for the hospitality, banter and for touring me around the island. Memories were made that day… including my first time nearly missing a flight. 😂

I hope to plant my feet on Islay again soon, and who knows, maybe I’ll frolic around in a peat bog.

Well, that was the Dram I Need(ed). ❤️

Sláinte Mhath! 🥃

12/12/2025

The stockings are hung, the tree is up, and it’s definitely not the only thing getting “lit.”🎄

What do you get when you mix Monkey Shoulder with Mainland Whisky’s Coffee Whisky Liqueur and eggnog? A Spiked Eggnog Latte… duh! 💁🏼‍♀️✨

Having spent the majority of my life in Canada, I must say I’m partial to a wee eggnog now and again - but why have it with rhum when you can ? 😉

What’s your favourite festive cocktail?

Sláinte Mhath 🥃

PS. How cute is that little Gingerbread Dude? 🥰

12/11/2025

Back in 2021 I had the honour and privilege of visiting the one and only The Balvenie Distillery, in beautiful Speyside. Since then, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about their ‘The Edge of Burnhead Wood’ expression… some things just stick! 🤷🏼‍♀️

My visit was hosted by the wonderful James Roberts, who toured me around the distillery, sharing his passion and knowledge, before guiding me through a tasting of four impeccable single malts. It was there and then that I found my ‘unicorn’ bottle, which I can officially say has been acquired, thanks to the only and only, Dad of the Malt! ❤️

Sipping on drams and having a blether, Jamie had mentioned not yet having come up with the perfect tasting note for this intriguing expression. I’ll never forget the look on his face when I said “burning black liquorice?”. Jamie, I sincerely hope you’re still using that one… if there’s any left! 😂

Sorry for the digression, but as I began to write this caption, I wasn’t quite sure where to start. First and foremost, I’d like to thank all of you who have reached out to check in, I appreciate it more than you’ll ever know. 🥹

Admittedly, I’ve put Maid of the Malt on the back burner, and as much as I can say that, there have been countless times over the last six months (okay.., more) where I’ve thought about what my next post would be and just never got around to it. Which, does me just as much of a disservice as all of you!

So, with that being said, throughout December and into the New Year, I promise you (and I) to make more of an effort. Now to find some bottles to kill.. and open!

Sláinte Mhath 🥃
Ainsleigh xo

03/09/2025

Here’s to bold spirits, in the glass and in life!✨

Whisky has long been labeled a ‘man’s drink’, in fact, growing up that’s how I would have categorized it. But in all reality, women have always been an integral part of the whisky world, be it as imbibers (who often get scoffed at - I speak from personal experience), distillers, master blenders, or storytellers.

This , I’m raising a glass to the women who break the mold, challenge the status-quo, change old narratives, and pour their hearts into what ignites their passion. Whether it’s whisky, work, sharing a special dram with friends, or figuring things out one sip at a time.

Continue to be bold, brilliant, and resilient, and never hesitate to ask for that damn whisky list.

Sláinte Mhath, ladies! 🥃🤍

01/28/2025

Two posts in two days... I hope I'm not overwhelming you all. 😂

As mentioned, I was back in Scotland over the festive period for the first time in years! A memory I'll cherish forever would be my four-month-old nephew meeting his 103-year-old great-grandmother for the first time. Four generations in one room, what a magical moment. ♥️

Anywho, for Christmas I'd booked for my Dad and I to visit an awakened giant, Rosebank Whisky! After all, it wouldn't be a trip to Scotland without visiting at least one distillery now, would it? 😉

Set on the banks of the Forth & Clyde canal, in the heart of the Lowlands, Rosebank Distillery was founded by James Rankine in 1840. Its location would later become an invaluable asset, as the canal's infrastructure allowed them to ship their product worldwide, right from their doorstep. In the years following the First World War, Rosebank was acquired by the Distillers Co. and the majority of production was used for creating blended malts. Still, its reputation as the 'King of the Lowlands' continued to grow. Locals, and those "in the know", would develop an appreciation for Rosebank's complex single malt.

Fast forward to 1974, when casks were laid to rest with purpose, later becoming an 8 year-old single malt! Despite its reputation and increasing popularity, Rosebank sadly closed its doors in 1993, a victim of the oversaturated blended whisky market. As the years passed, hopes for its return dwindled, and the heartbreak of its decline was compounded in 2008 when copper thieves broke in and dismantled the stills.

If you've followed my whisky journey for a while, you'll know I hold a special place in my heart for a select few distilleries (Tamdhu and Glengoyne, I'm looking at you 👀). In 2017, Ian Macleod Distillers acquired Rosebank and once again the distillery was in family hands. I'll drink to that!

Today, while their focus is solely on single malts, the distillery itself beautifully blends contemporary design with its rich history. Victorian red bricks and a towering chimney stack meet floor-to-ceiling windows, and three striking pot stills were built as closely as possible to the original blueprints. Guess Auchentoshan ain't the only ones triple distilling in Scotland now... 🙃

A special shout out goes to Robert, our tour guide, who put up with my nonsense for 90 minutes. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, passion, and insight with us, and to everyone who visits Falkirk to experience a taste of Scotch whisky history. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Sláinte Mhath! 🥃

01/27/2025

Hi friends, it’s been a minute! 👋🏻

After a whirlwind trip to Scotland over the holidays, I was delighted to attend the Glenmorangie Original 12 Years Old launch event in Vancouver. 🧡

True to Glenmorangie’s ‘kind of delicious and wonderful’ spirit, the afternoon was filled with beautifully crafted cocktails, delicious canapés, and, of course, fantastic company. I was well chuffed to catch up with my good pals Bry and Alex!

I’ve been intrigued by Dr Bill Lumsden’s creations for years, from Ardbeg’s monstrous Wee Beastie to Glenmorangie’s tropical A Tale of Cake, so I couldn’t wait to experience this reimagined signature single malt.

Appearance | golden barley with delicate blonde hues.

Aroma | a vibrant burst of citrus fruits, reminiscent of juicy Honeybell oranges. Ripe stone fruits take centre stage, intertwined with warm vanilla custard and lightly spiced salted caramel. A beguiling dram indeed!

Palate | the mouthfeel is light and velvety smooth with a subtle szechuan peppercorn tingle. Luscious vanilla notes emerge with a dusting of white pepper and elegant floral notes, namely orange blossom, are accompanied by candied ginger, and call me crazy… but, sweet chili heat Doritos? A lingering finish of toasted treacle scones drizzled with orgeat leaves a lasting impression.

If you’ve made it this far, thank you, and I look forward to sharing more with you in the near future.

Sláinte Mhath! 🥃🤍

10/15/2022

Thank you for resharing, Oban! 🥃

Though photo credit would be much appreciated, in future. 📸

Oban 14 Year Old: an amber elixir with flavours of salty toffee brittle.

03/08/2022

As I sat down to write this, I found myself reflecting on the many life changing events and obstacles I’ve had to overcome, literally my entire life. This wee Scottish lassie has come a hell of a long way!

There’s a story my Dad once told me, which always brings a tear to my eye. Its honestly the most perfect example of resilience and willpower - both traits which I have incredulously exemplified, since infancy.

You see, I was born with undiagnosed bilateral ddh (hip displaysia). Still unaware, my parents would watch me at 16 months old try and try again to walk, to no avail.

“But no matter what; you smiled, got back up, and just kept trying!”. That sentence is forever etched in my mind, because that was exactly what I had consciously done, for as long as I could remember.

I’ve still yet to figure out how I actually managed to help carry a u-cut christmas tree with my Mum whilst on crutches, or the time I crutched along the entire Vegas strip, from the Stratosphere to Excalibur. Am aff ma heid!

When I look through photos and think back, I am incredibly proud to be able to say that not once, would I ever allow myself to feel defeated, different, or debilitated, due to my physical limitations, or anything else, for that matter. A “Quitter Queen”, I’ll never be!

Of course, I remember the bad days, but the good ones far outweigh any of those and I find it best not to dwell on the past. I came to terms when I was 9 years old that skiing was just never going to be an “Ainsleigh thing”… Lol!

So, with all that being said - when life gives you lemons, make whisky sours, throw on some red lipstick, and be the best you can be!

Sláinte Mhath! 🥃

12/13/2021

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and the start of Maid of the Malt’s ! 🎁

The best whisky is whisky shared with friends, so I would like to gift two of you a bottle of Shelter Point. 🎅🏻

Head on over to Instagram, for your chance to win!

Sláinte Mhath! 🥃🎄
https://www.instagram.com/p/CXbdhDRpxQI/

12/06/2021

Check out my featured interview in the digital Clandestine Whisky Magazine, with the multitalented David Pearce - former Michelin Star Sommelier, Wine Merchant, Publisher, and professional Photographer.

In the article I touch on what got me in to whisky, my love for Islay and its magical spirit(s), how your surroundings influence your enjoyment, overcoming adversity within the industry, my recent The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant experience, one of the best tastings I've attended, and my "buy two" ideology.

Sláinte Mhath!
Ainsleigh Christie

https://issuu.com/different-perspective/docs/clandestine_issue_1_uk_and_europe/1