The Toshan Man

Another weird title for a Toshan Tale, but if you’ve read the previous one, you’ll understand.

At the same FACTS show, something extraordinary happened.

The Canadian actress Teryl Rothery, who is best known for her role as Medical Officer Janet Fraiser in the popular sci-fi series Stargate SG-1, was taking a break in the green room, enjoying a Belgian beer. She complimented me on the selection of beers we Belgians have and asked me what my favourite beer was. I explained to her that I am not much of a beer drinker (except for the Fraoh Heather Ale, finished in Auchentoshan ex-sherry cask, but this is obviously not a Belgian beer).

I explained I am more of a whisky drinker. The next conversation is verbatim, I give you my word.

Teryl: Oh, are you into single malt whisky, then?

Mark: That’s right.

Teryl: How funny. Me too! But unfortunately it’s very hard to find good single malt in Canada. Especially my favourite brand, Auchentoshan.

Mark: (Laughing out loud) You must be joking!

Teryl: (Frowns) Why?

Mark: Auchentoshan is my favourite brand too!

Teryl: No! Really? (she then high-five’s me) How cool is that?!

Mark: Forgive me, but I think you guys are pulling my leg.

Teryl: Excuse me.

Mark: I think my crew has informed you about my love for Auchentoshan and you are kidding me. Aren’t you?

Teryl: (flabbergasted) I have no idea what you are talking about!

So I got some of my crew to come in, as I was certain that, after the James Callis admission that he loved Auchentoshan (which could not possibly have been ‘tampered with’ as I was the first to meet him), my crew was playing a prank on me with the help of Teryl. It was not, I repeat not, the case. The crew is obviously aware of my love for Auchentoshan and they were as flabbergasted as I was.

Now, how freaky is that? A show with 8 guest stars and two of them are aficionados of Auchentoshan whisky, just like their crew supervisor (i.e. me)? That is weird. I could not believe it. But it is true.

During one of the Q&A’s, which I hosted, Teryl alluded to it and it soon turned into a friendly banter between myself and Teryl onstage, making for quite a hilarious twenty minutes which the crowds really enjoyed (and so did Teryl and myself). This was almost stand up comedy and I told Teryl as much. She professed it was something she would very much like to do. Saying ‘we would make for a great show’ made me blush a bit. Only a bit, though.

I would be remiss if I did not treat my new found friend (who jokingly but publicly proposed marriage twice, which I kindly declined, thank you very much) to a great Toshan dram. I selected the 21 year old Auchentoshan 1990 Silveroak from the duty free range. I choose this one, since the regular 21 Year Old is her favourite. Mrs Rothery absolutely adored it and gave me instructions to make sure it becomes available in Canada. I promised her I would talk to the distillery people (which I have already done).

Mrs Rothery is an absolutely charming lady (her proposals were tempting) with a good knowledge about single malt in general and Auchentoshan in particular. She was not only open, accessible and pleasant to work with, she is also a very, very funny woman to hang out with. I was blessed to have been able to work with her during this weekend.