Very Able Troopers (Vat 69)
/I’m no expert on liquid spirits, but enjoy the occasional glass of good whisky or scotch. VAT 69? Never heard of it until a close family friend passed away at the well-traveled age of 86 and I inherited a bottle of the stuff from his stash. In layman’s terms, it’s bold with a bite or dare I say, elegant yet understated. Enjoy with a large ice cube or two in a short glass. If you have a flannel shirt and glowing fire pit handy. All the better.
I believe the story behind a brand can sometimes enhance the consumer experience beyond mere product or service. For my fellow history buffs, this one might even wet your whistle. For those of your with a more refined palate, here’s a fancy description from the chaps over at MasterOfMalt.com
“Nose: Hints of spice and caramel, notes of barley malt, with a soft wheat character. A touch of pear juice.
Palate: Ground almonds and barley malt. Slightly biscuity, more of those pear notes, a little pepper. Sweet, rounded.
Finish: Woody, spiced finish. Caramel.
Overall: Simple, easy-going stuff. If you’re looking for a dependable blend, this is an excellent choice.”
Turns out, the spirit was chosen by Sir Ernest Shackleton to accompany him and his crew on the ill-fated Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition of 1914, stating it was provisioned 'for medicinal and celebratory purposes'. Some may have noted bottles of it in the company of Captain Lewis Nixon in the TV series Band of Brothers.
Further research reveals that Vat 69 is the nickname for a subdivision of the Royal Malaysian Police Force. They formed the 69th Commando Battalion in 1969 to counter the tactics and techniques of communist terrorists. VAT is an acronym for Very Able Troopers. The unit is also known as Task Force, Charlie Force and Special Project Team and was modeled after the British 22nd Special Air Service Regiment.
If the sentimental value of the bottle wasn’t enough, all this history and back story sealed my fate as a future consumer. I think about both my grandfathers Jerome Larkin, John Paxton, and my Uncle Brooks Kleber, who all served with distinction in WWII. None of them should have made it home alive, but they did and so I write these words. Knowing what I know now, there’s no doubt they were all familiar with the military heritage behind VAT 69.
In a toast to them all, and our friend Carl, may we never forget and always respect. Salute!
Thanks for reading. {sp}
