Posted By KATHLEEN HAY, KHAY@STANDARD-FREEHOLDER.COM

From the mineral waters of France, to the water of life in Scotland, Regis Lemaître has found himself a home among the finest of single-malts.

One of Europe’s premier Whisky Masters, the Vittel, France native arrived in England in 1989 with the intention to learn English, before life lead him north to Scotland.

“I had planned to go to Spain,” said Lemaître, guest speaker at the Companion of the Quaich -Cornwall Chapter meeting recently, “but then I was offered a job as bar manager at the Old Course Hotel in St. Andrews.

“When they told me they had 122 single malts, I said, ‘Absolutely!'”

Since then he’s made it his business to learn and share his knowledge with others. In 1997, he won the first Hotel Whisky Bar of the Year award, and for three years he has managed Gleneagles Hotel (Scotland) bar where he was responsible for its extensive collection of nearly 200 Scotch whiskies.

So it’s no wonder in 2005 he established his own company, Regis Whisky-Mad, and is recognized as one of the most highly-respected individuals in his field.

As well as conducting master classes and leading taste testings, he is a juror for many panels and is an independent bottler.

In fact, two of his whiskies, Linkwood (1992) and a 22-year-old Tullibardine (tasted two days pre-bottling May 15), were among those sampled at the bimonthly local dinner.

“What’s most important is you must have fun with whisky,” said the personable Lemaître, an interesting blend of kilt-cladded Frenchman, who’s accent has notes of German, English and Scottish brogue. “You need someone to celebrate with when you open a bottle, it’s not something to be had alone when you’re feeling down.

“Secondly, people are interested in a basic understanding, without jargon, a clear message.”

Scotch whiskey, he continues, is a very personal and subjective experience. Learn to listen to your tastebuds. Taste it a couple of times – first with the tip of your tongue, then hold a few drops on your tongue, then decide how much water to add.

Yes, water. But not too much . . . a little drop will often do you.

“People are armed with the ability and understanding,” he said. “Listen to your tastebuds.”

Frank McDonald, chapter convener, was introduced to the club about five years ago by his late uncle, Ernie Bellefeuille. Currently, there are about 70 members and spouses who attend the bimonthly gatherings, held at the Best Western Parkway Inn.

“What I especially enjoy is the opportunity to get together with people who like single-malts, too,” he said. “You have the opportunity, too, to taste single-malts that are very limited.

“For instance, there are only going to be 93 bottles of Tullibardine when it’s bottled, and we’ve got five here in Cornwall.”

One thing that doesn’t surprise McDonald is the broad scope of people who enjoy the libation. They come from all walks of society, all professions and all ages, from 20-somethings to retired folks.

The club meets every two months, with the next get-together slated for July 24. In addition to special occasions like Robert Burns Day and St. Andrew’s Day, guest speakers, like Lemaître, are booked from time-to-time.

For more information on the club, call 613-936-1761.

Article ID# 1573783. Send us a letter at letterstotheeditor@standard-freeholder.com