I posted a review update for one of my favourite gins, The Botanist Islay Dry Gin, last March. My intention was to re-visit the gin with an updated review to see if the quality I observed seven years previously had been maintained in the absence of its original creator, Bruichladdich Master Distiller, Jim McEwan, who had retired in 2015.
Of course, once I publish a review it is not always obvious to me how my audience will react to my written words. I try very hard to be clear and precise in my descriptions such that my feelings and judgments are understood correctly by all. However, once I hit the publish button, it really is up to my readers to decide for themselves what my words mean to them.

Rebecca Stern – A Very Stern Word
With that in mind I want to share an email with you that I received from one of my readers, Rebecca Stern. who wanted to share, not just with me, but to her audience as well, an emotional reading of my Botanist review. My words had obviously provoked feelings in Rebecca far beyond my intentions.
Rebecca, a voice actor and Audiobook narrator has her own website, A Very Stern Word, where she tells us little about herself and shares her love of the English language (she is also a violinist with a love of music).
This is the part of the email she sent me.
Hello!
First, I must let you know how much my husband and I have been enjoying your reviews. But the reason I am writing is a bit of a strange one. I am a voice artist, and I would like to read your review from March 2020 of Botanist gin to post on my YouTube page as a type of long-form meditation. The way you use language brings me joy, and I would thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to allow others to experience the poetry of what you’ve written. Besides, I have a couple friends who I think would enjoy this as an adult bed-time story 😉
Please let me know how you feel about this.
Thank you so much for your time, attention, and art with the English language!

Rebecca Stern – A Short Bedtime Story …
Needless to say, Rebecca’s email flattered me beyond belief, and I agreed wholeheartedly to her idea.
Today I thought I would share Rebecca’s reading, and thank her for the wonderful compliment. (And I apologize for taking so long to share this with my readers.)
Here is a link to Rebecca’s wonderful reading of my Botanist Islay Dry Gin review:
I hope everyone enjoys this as much as I did!
Chimo!
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