Scotch a Deacon Would Smuggle…and Did

Reserve 101 will host a complimentary Tuesday Tasting of 12-, 15- and 18-year-old Highland Park single malt Scotch whiskey at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 5th. Register for the event at http://reserve101.com/whiskey-tastings-houston.

The world’s northernmost distillery, located in the Orkney Islands off Scotland’s North Coast, was founded in 1798 by Magnus Eunson—church deacon by day and smuggler by night. For most of its existence Highland Park has been used as a “top dressing,” providing backbone, structure and flavor to such major blended Scotch brands as Chivas, Haig, Ballantine and Dewar’s. The distillery began bottling single malts under its own brand in 1979.

Eunson was a colorful character, hiding his whiskey from excisemen (revenuers) under the church pulpit. When he got word that tax authorities would search the church, he concealed cases of whiskey under a phony funeral bier in his home, discouraging closer inspection by claiming the deceased had succumbed to smallpox. Eunson was eventually arrested but never convicted. Magnus must have been doing something right, because the distillery was sold in 1813 to a syndicate that included his arresting officer and an exciseman.

“Old Magnus would fit in really well with the regulars at Reserve 101,” says co-owner and whiskey expert Mike Raymond. “We offer over 180 varieties of premium whiskey—the best in the region—and pride ourselves on our laidback, edgy atmosphere.”

Reserve 101, “not your daddy’s whiskey bar,” is located in the heart of Houston’s EaDo (East Downtown) entertainment district at the corner of Caroline and Dallas next door to Dirt Bar and across the street from House of Blues. In addition to its superb whiskey collection, the neighborhood bar is also famous for its Signature Cocktails and infusions, organic material steeped in liquor to impart distinctive flavorings.

“Happy Hour,” with dollar-off beers and wines and half-price signature cocktails runs from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday with specials just about every day of the week, including Sundays.

More information about Reserve 101 and whiskeys is available by contacting This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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