BOOZE THEATER – SCOTCH: A GOLDEN DREAM (Review)
Some time back I was hunting for something to watch on TV and on a whim, typed “whisky” into the search bar, and am I so very glad that I did. Scotch: A Golden Dream is a movie that aims to tell the history of scotch whisky, but in the process, put an emphasis on the modern day Godfather of Scotch, Jim McEwan. I was aware of McEwan, but had no idea of the iconic stature that this man holds within the industry. But based on his reaction when he hears the accolades being bestowed upon him in the first 5 minutes of the film (humble embarrassment) he seems like a hilarious, but pretty average guy. Or as his daughter says, he’s just a boy from Bowmore
The format of the movie is very unique, as it effortlessly jogs back and forth between antidotal stories, historical and industry information and a focus on the life of Jim McEwan. The editor of this film has done a masterful job. Also featured in Scotch: A Golden Dream are Bill Lumsden (Glenmorangie), Ian MacMillan (Deanston), Richard Paterson (Dalmore), Charles MacLean and many others. They truly have brought together the “names” in scotch. Many of the interviews take place on mainland Scotland but a fair percentage of the scenery and stories take place on Islay, especially those featuring McEwan. Perhaps it’s just because I’m a nut about whisky, but the stories and and historical interludes seem remarkably engaging and pertinent throughout. I found myself captured by the images and the tales, as one was woven into the next. I truly hadn’t even released I was on my 3rd dram at the halfway point of the film : )
Though we gain tons of information on scotch, it’s origins, how it’s produced, it’s effect on society etc, ultimately this an ode to Jim McEwen. We learn of his love for the scotch making process at an early age, as he left school at 15 to work at Bowmore. We also see his years as a scotch ambassador, and then his decision to leave Bowmore and lead the charge of Bruichladdich’s phoenix-like rise to becoming one of the most well regarded producers of whisky in the world. He truly knows what makes a scotch whisky great
This is definitely a movie / semi-documentary for scotch lovers. But the story of Jim McEwan is compelling and the scenery of Scotland, and the Isle of Islay in particular, is stunning. For anyone who has enjoyed a glass of this water of life, at some point of their existence and enjoyed it. This is mandatory viewing. It will take that experience and enhance it with some romance, an unwavering vision, and of course passion. Slainte Mhath!
Rating: 5 out of 5 glasses…a dram good film!
ORDER HERE: SCOTCH: A GOLDEN DREAM
RENTAL: SCOTCH: A GOLDEN DREAM
IT’S ALSO CURRENTLY FREE ON THE TUBI APP IF YOU HAVE IT