Grander Than Expected

Life just isn't fair. While CA Scotch Chick was winging her way back to California after spending a week in Québec on a business trip with her Scotch Gent, DC Scotch Chick was on an airplane to Grand Rapids, Michigan on a business trip with hers. Come on, DC Scotch Gent, there is something seriously wrong with this picture.

And, I know what you're thinking. Especially those of you who have never been to Western Michigan. What could DC Scotch Chick possibly find to write about pertaining to single malt scotch in Grand Rapids? Surprisingly, more than one would think.  

Prior to setting forth, DC Scotch chick put out requests to the folks on Chowhound.com for recommendations for scotch bars and establishments with stellar single malt collections. Her pleas went unanswered, and she was resigned to the high probablility of drinking Glenlivet all week.  

That is, until she remembered D Shuler's, a little wine cellar she had visited several years ago.  

It couldn't hurt to check out their single malt collection, could it? Indeed it did not. Not only did D. Schuler's have a fantastic selection of single malts, they also had a variety of independent bottlings. DC Scotch Chick picked up a bottle of Highland Park 12 for the week and a bottle of Signatory Highland Park 12 for her next visit with CA Scotch couple. 

While selecting the Signatory, DC Scotch Chick struck up a conversation with the proprietor of D. Schuler's, Jimmy Mulder. Not only was Mr. Mulder knowledgeable and helpful, he was also enthusiastic about single malt scotch. Moreover, one got the impression that he very much enjoyed discussing the finest of liquids with his customers – a true Scotch Gent.

While chatting with Mr. Mulder, DC Scotch Chick also noticed a unusual-looking room. It turned out to be a walk-in humidor. Now, unlike CA Scotch Chick, DC Scotch Chick has not yet indulged in cigars. Consequently, she could not evaluate what she saw, but it looked very interesting.

On her way to the hotel from D. Shuler's, DC Scotch Chick stumbled upon an amazing chocolate selection at a gourmet food store called De Reuze. DC Scotch Chick has yet to find a single store that offers as many different bars of chocolate as this one. DC Scotch Chick will revisit De Reuze when the Chix do their chocolate and scotch write up, but suffice to say this trip was getting better and better. 

Of course, although the DC Scotch Couple's intentions were good, with chocolate on hand and a new type of Highland Park just waiting to be explored, the DC Scotch Couple had no choice but to break open the Signatory. While the DC Scotch Couple found the Signatory delightful, it lacked the heft of the Highland Park OB. It was, however, sweet and lightly smoky on the nose, and it hit the palate with tones of malt and toffee. Moreover, the sweet lingering finish was a sweet thing indeed.

Thinking back on it, it wasn't such a bad trip. In fact, it was quite fun to find hidden gems in Western Michigan. Both D. Schuler's and De Reuze could hold their own in a major city, and both are well worth exploring.

Below please find DC Scotch Chick's review of Signatory's Highland Park. We'll add CA Scotch Chick's comments when she has an opportunity to sample.