The Casual Dram:16 - Sunday 30 March, 2.30pm, Mean Doses Taproom

Level 1, 66 Tory St (above Mabel’s), Te Aro, Wellington | $55

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It’s time for another Casual Dram and this time we’ll be taking a look at a bunch of distilleries that have one thing in common - worm tubs.

A worm tub is a type of condenser - the part of the still that turns the vapour back into liquid. Modern stills typically use shell and tube condensers, which maximise the copper surface area and are therefore, super efficient. Worm tubs, on the other hand, despite being hefty structures comprising long coils of copper and a cooling tub of water, actually decrease the copper conversation and, therefore, typically produce a heavier malt.

Will five drams from distilleries all using worm tubs show a commonality? Or will the other elements of house style, such as fermentation times and cask use etc. end up defining the whiskies?

There’s only one way to find out!

Here’s the lineup….

• Springbank 10 years old Cask Strength Palo Cortado 55%

• Knockdhu 'Infrequent Flyers' 2013 / 10 years old 59.2% (Pedro Ximénez Puncheon)

• Glen Elgin Adelphi 2008 / 2024 15 years old 55.6% (Refil Oloroso Sherry Butt)

• Edradour 12 years old Cask Strength 2012 Batch 3 58.6% (1st Fill & 2nd Fill Oloroso Sherry Butt)

• Mystery whisky - hint - it’s from Springbank Distillery

Join John Shearlock from Regional Wines and Drinks Creative for some single malt magic and a decent dose of whisky banter at the Mean Doses bar.