millwatermaltofthemonth
theMillwatermag
Smokehead Islay Single Malt
You might want to dust off your smoking jacket for this one! After last month’s delicious lowland Auchentoshan, we move out to the Western island of Islay, with the wild Atlantic Ocean crashing on the rocky shore and salt spray in your teeth. As the Atlantic rolls in, the debate rolls on about which distillery produces the Smokehead, but the truth remains shrouded in mystery and peat smoke – a bit like this enigmatic Islay whisky. No matter. We decided to introduce a peaty explosion for your taste buds in this month’s 2nd anniversary edition of theMillwatermag. Smokehead is a rich, seaweedy and intensely peaty whisky. The flavour is fresh, fruity and immense, with notes of sherry, iodine, toffee, smoke and sea salt – all fighting for recognition. Distinctive packaging in a uniquely outrageous tin and with a matching, almost poetic, label. Nose: Heavy smoke and peat. Lapsang Souchong. Slightly medicinal. Young yet full. Palate: Like a cannonball – hits the palate at once with cocoa, peat and some honey sweetness, then explodes with peppery spice. Spreads to all areas of your mouth with yet more peat and a light sweetness. Finish: Peat smoke, herbal, tangy fruit. A gentle dryness at the end before the smoke takes over once again. Wow! Smokehead is definitely not one for the faint-hearted but well worth buying as a fine example of Islay peated malt whisky – and great value. Not available everywhere; we shopped online. 700ml, 43% ABV, no age statement, target price below $80 including delivery.
Developing a love of reading Reading is a fundamental and vital skill that students require in order to learn, grow and function in society today and in the future. As teachers, one of our greatest rewards is when our students read; not because they have to, but just for the pure joy of it! At KingsWay School this term a group of our Year 3 & 4 students have participated in a Twitter book chat for New Zealand schools. Students have read and studied two chapter books over the term: ‘Charlotte’s Web’ and ‘Because of Winn-Dixie’. Each week, students are required to read a number of chapters and on Friday mornings at 10am they ‘meet’ on Twitter with students from other schools around New Zealand, who are reading the same books. These 8 and 9 year-old students discuss the texts, share their own thoughts about the stories and are challenged by different ideas from each other. Engaged and excited to be involved in something bigger than themselves, the Year 3 & 4 students in this KingsWay class are going above and beyond what is required of them, and at the same time are developing a genuine love of reading.
Alice Ng (Year 3/4 teacher) believes that “going onto Twitter as a group, to share our work with others, has given students a genuine purpose for reading and has resulted in them completing more challenging tasks to a high standard, reflecting their deeper understanding of the text and their excitement for their learning.” If you are interested in finding out more visit http://chapterchatnz.blogspot.co.nz/
