Maid of the Malt

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! 🥃

12/06/2021

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

12/06/2021

Bear with me, while I celebrate Kyler’s return and another ‘grizzly’ Arizona Cardinals victory! 🥳

My tragic puns will surely get a Laph out of you… 😂

Sláinte Mhath! 🥃🏈❤️

https://www.instagram.com/p/CXHl_cwvNi5/?utm_medium=copy_link

11/26/2021

It’s been a minute, so today, I’d like to share a “wee” whisky review with you! ☺️

I recently had the pleasure and honour of partnering with BC Liquor Stores, to review the newly released The Dalmore Valour, and sample a variety of spirits included in this year’s Premium Spirit Release!

After a private tasting with the delightful BCL Category Manager, Adele Shaw, I was gifted this beautifully presented 2020 Special Release Lagavulin. I mean, would you just look at it! 😍

Appearance | stunning clarity with “great legs”, and pallid blonde Chardonnay hues.

Nose | wow, there is great complexity here! The quintessential Lagavulin bouquet is present, with complimenting atypical attributes. Sultanas dusted with white pepper, smoked paprika, steeping broth mix, pear, red wine salami being enjoyed at a beach bonfire, and freshly grated carrot drizzled with molasses, and sprinkled with soot. Call me crazy, but this transitions into a malty, peppery, serving of chappit neeps? 😂

Palate | the mouthfeel is light and oily, with a drying sensation and Sichuan peppercorn tingle on the palate. The taste is decidedly sweet, which is not necessarily what the nose would lead you to believe. There is a distinct Islay peat influence, swept away by a wave of coastal salinity, stewed pears, and salted caramel. Sweet and spicy Ginger Snap biscuits with a sip of pungent black tea, is accompanied by a curious rubbery flavour (tennis balls, perhaps). There are maritime notes of tidal pools and bladderwrack soaked in iodine, with tangy citrus zest, and demerara. The finish is comprised of a lingering coastal smoke, with fermenting yeast, and crumbled Scottish Tablet.

Thank you, BCL, for a wonderful afternoon and this lovely tipple. ☺️

Happy , friends.

Sláinte Mhath! 🥃
https://www.instagram.com/p/CWv0i1SvFiF/

11/22/2021

Sorry Seattle Seahawks fans, but the boys were in “wee beastie mode”, and crushed you. 😏

Despite our misfortunes last week, the Arizona Cardinals pulled through and continue to lead not only the NFC West division, but the NFL in its entirety!

9-2, baby. ! ❤️🏈

Sláinte Mhath! 🥃
https://www.instagram.com/p/CWjus0TP63f/

11/01/2021

Happy Halloween! 💀

https://www.instagram.com/p/CVtxZ87BI_X/?utm_medium=copy_link

10/28/2021

Today, I will be sharing my review on one of BC Liquor Stores newest additions to their selection of Single Malt Scotch Whisky!

The Dalmore's Valour is an intriguing tipple, which spent its maturation period in three cask types; American white oak, Oloroso casks formerly containing 30-year-old Matusalem sherry, and Tawny Port pipes.

Appearance | stunning clarity, with inviting golden amber hues.

Nose | a beautiful and well-balanced bouquet comprised of coarsely salted butterscotch, citrus zest, vanilla to***co, freshly sliced green apples, and a dusting of white pepper. A richness comes to the fore, that of ripened plums, festive spices, Fry's premium cocoa powder, sultanas, toasted hazelnuts, and a faint treacly bitterness. There's a curious aromatic, which took a while to decipher; raw potato starch.

Palate | the light and oily mouthfeel coats the tongue, accompanied by a Sichuan peppercorn buzz. A spiciness is overcome by malted fudge, demerara coated sultanas, and tart berries dipped in dark chocolate. Upon a second visit; dehydrated candied orange, mixed spices (cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon), Chelsea Whoppers, and peppered desiccated coconut. There's an unusual sensation on the side of the tongue, which would best be described is a 'metallic tingle'. The subtly sweet and malty finish is prolonged and drying, which urges salvation.

This is a comforting Winter's dram, which I plan to enjoy whilst cozying up by the fire to watch a film on a brisk evening. The festive and autumnal flavours and aromatics pair perfectly with a Butter Tart or lightly spiced homemade Apple Pie, served warm and a la mode.

Speaking of The Dalmore, BC Liquor Stores are the only retailer in the Americas offering the opportunity of a once-in-a-lifetime set, The Dalmore Decades No. 4 Collection Set 19, included in this year's Premium Spirits Release!

I am excited to announce another upcoming collaboration with BC Liquor Stores, which will highlight some of my favourites from the Premium Spirit Release, available in-store November 13th.

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

10/07/2021

Happy , friends!

This photograph was the first image I ever posted on Maid of the Malt featuring myself, back in October 2019.

December 28th, 2018:
I had only just returned from a 3-week trip back home to Scotland, when the idea of a potential 'MOTM', became a reality.

In fact, I am fairly certain that my quick visit to Glengoyne, where I picked up a bottle of the Teapot Dram expression as a Christmas gift for my Dad, was the spark that ignited the flame!

You see, I am extremely fortunate to have grown up knowing I had two loving parents, who would support me every step of the way, through the many trials and tribulations of life which were thrown at me, and who only ever wanted the best for me.

“Be the best you can be, babe!" - is still one of my Dad's favourite go-to lines. ❤️

Back to late 2018, I was 4 months post-op, having had my first Total Hip Replacement and I needed a way to pass the time, before returning to my full-time job. I had always been fond of photography (thanks Grandpa) and when your mobility is limited, what better subject to photograph than immovable bottles of whisky. So, we were on our way! 😂

Fast-forward 8 months, and I found myself back in the O.R. for my second Total Hip Replacement. It still baffles me to think that on that very day, I took my last steps with the “hip” I had left, that had been causing me a great deal of pain and discomfort, for, well, basically my entire life.

Needless to say, I had more free time on my hands, yet again! I suppose in a weird way, I can accredit my successes to my hips - as bizarre as that might sound. Had I not had two of the most life-changing operations back-to-back, I may not have had the time and opportunity to create Maid of the Malt, and be in the position which I am, today.

So, in saying all of this jargon, I am incredibly excited to be back home, visiting distilleries, meeting up with "Instagram Friends", and enjoying a few of the things I love most: whisky, photography, and travelling!

“Every cloud has a silver lining", and I know better than most that willpower, grit, and determination, can get you pretty much anywhere.

Sláinte Mhath! 🥃🛩📸
https://www.instagram.com/p/CUvd0fuhGnD/