Tommy Maaltman on life's greatest fears.

Maaltmen, there are only two things in life that really scare me. No, it's not total nuclear holocaust or Carnies (you know, circus folk, nomads.). Granted total nuclear holocaust would be devastating to mankind and the world and Carnies do smell like cabbage and have small hands. But what really frightens the Maaltman is 1) the liquid-air surface interface that occurs in opened unfinished bottles of cask strength single malt Scotch whisky and 2) the effect of ultra violet light on bottled cask strength single malt Scotch whisky. It has long been my position that if you are going to open a bottle of cask strength single malt Scotch whisky like old Pulteney, vol. 62.7, proof 125.4 with a mid yellow gold appearance, sweet, seaweedy salty, bladderwack nose, sweet, floral, earthy and grassy taste, and dry coastal finish, (this distillery is the only one to be named after an actual person,) plan on enjoying it with enough people to finish the entire bottle. An unfinished bottle creates the Chernobly like environmental disaster of creating the dreaded liquid-air surface interface that in my opinion alters the chemical molecular environment of the high alcohol content of fine cask strength single malt whisky and drastically effects the quality and essence of the expression. Secondly, ultra violet light acts like a stealth bomber direct assault on cask strength single malt Scotch whisky. Without a single warning the entire contents are destroyed. This is why I emplore you to finish the opened bottle of cask strength single malt Scotch whisky and to store your unopened bottles inside a darken cabinet away from the harmful effects of ultra violet light. One last tip. Be sure to purchase quality spirits from an establishment that protects it's products with industrial strength window treatment to minimize and eliminate the potential damage from sunlight through the windows like The Bottle Wine and Spirits in Fayetteville, Arkansas. And while you are there, be sure to inquire about becoming a Friend of Paul. Slainte, Tommy Maaltman