The Angels' Portion, Volume 1: A Clergyman's Whisky Narrative

by Christopher Ian Thoma

Did you know that Darth Vader prefers Lagavulin? Were you aware that Santa Claus keeps a bottle of Caol Ila on the shelf? Have you heard that Scoresby was squeezed from the very veins of the Devil himself? Emerging from the mind of a surprising whisky connoisseur, The Angels' Portion is a substantial assortment of whisky reviews like none you’ve ever read before. By means of storytelling, and with charming wit and vibrant style, Reverend Christopher I. Thoma shepherds the reader toward a divine insight: If you don’t like whisky, it may only be because you haven’t danced with the right bottle.

358 pages, Paperback

First published April 22, 2015

About the author

REVEREND CHRISTOPHER I. THOMA is a husband, father, and Lutheran pastor in Michigan. He is allergic to sharks, has a 4th-degree black belt in Monopoly, is bored by scary movies, and drives a Jeep Wrangler he pretends is the Millennium Falcon.

Reviews

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, this book. I have laughed. I have nodded pensively. I have been both interested in taking a sip and thoroughly repulsed. Who would have thought a book of whisky reviews -- by a Lutheran pastor, no less! -- would be such a little treasure. I have entirely enjoyed the anecdotes, the creative journeys, and the lessons included therein. Among my favorites:

The "creative writing" reviews of the Balvenie 17 Islay Cask, the Glemorangie 18, and the Caol Ila 12.

The nostalgia generated by the Cragganmore 12.

The true Lutheranism found in the Macallan 17 and the Dalmore 12.

Peeking behind the scenes of the church in the Oban Distiller's Edition.

The feeling behind the Tullibardine 20.

Lagavulin Distiller's Edition with which I felt myself nodding along in appreciation.

And, my personal favorites, the scathing reviews of the Kilchoman Machir Bay, and, the one I anticipated the entire book, which did not disappoint: the Scoresby, which made me laugh until I wept.

[Sue Hieber · Rating 4 out of 5]

quite enjoyed this book that i got free from goodreads giveaways. rev. Thomas has a dry and sort of twisted sense of humor. i particularly liked the times he used folk tales to illustrate his reviews. if you are a scotch drinker,(or not), or a family man,or a lutheran of any level, you should read this book. (ignore the teetotalers,they are holier than thou),sit back, pour a we dram, even if itis hot chocolate,and enjoy reading this book.

[Amy Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is an awesome book! i won it in a goodreads giveaway... i have really been into whiskey lately too, so this was awesome to get! it is very well written and really interesting!

[Brenda Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed the stories. Fun. I won this book through goodreads.