Whisky at Christmas – A Few Suggestions
Last night Nicola and I sat down and made a wee list of some Whiskies that should be tasted and/or given as a gift. We put our suggestions into three categories :-
1. The beginner.
2. The regular, but wants to step up a little.
3. The connoisseur, so lets be adventurous.
Now that we have the categories, lets see what drams we suggest.
1. The beginner.
First
Glen Moray – 10 Year Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Old Chardonnay Cask 40% Alc/vol. 70cl.
RRP £25.15. This is very light, buttery, sweet and rich dram, needs only a teardrop of water, if any.
Second
Whyte & Mackay – The Thirteen, 13 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky, 40% Alc/vol.
Priced at around £20.00. This mellow and fruity dram. it has a woody note, gentle on the palate, fresh and clean, the hint of sherry is delicate and delightful.
Third
The Glenlivet – 12 Year Old, Speyside Single Malt Whisky, 40% Alc/vol.
Priced at around £28.45. This one is soft and smooth, quite fruity, pineapples and cream, almonds, a summery dram.
All of these are very fine dram and a great introduction to the wonderful world of Whisky.
2. The regular, but wants to step up a little.
First
Aberlour – A’Bunadh, Small Batch, Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Cask Strength, ( 60% Alc/vol +/-) 70cl.
Priced at around £40.00. Very rich and full of sherried sultanas, citrus burst, a little ginger spice chocolate and a long finish, superb.
Second
Bunnahabhain – 18 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 46.3 Alc/vol 70cl.
Priced at just under £69.25. This fine Islay Malt is full of honey and mixed nuts, salty like the spray from an ocean wave. a dignified dram.
Third
Tomatin – 18 Year Old, Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 46% Alc/vol 70cl.
Priced at around £57.00. This is quite a juicy dram, ginger fudge, singed sultanas, vanilla and sweet sherry, a long and sweet finish.
Another three great drams, my favourite is the Aberlour, a sumptuous dram.
3. The connoisseur, so lets be adventurous.
First
Bruichladdich – Octomore 06.1 167 ppm Scottish Barley, Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 57% Alc/vol.
Priced at £100.00. This is a super peated Islay dram, classic floral notes but this is not one for the faint hearted.
Second
Balvenie – 21 Year Old Port Wood Finish, Speyside Single Malt Whisky, 40% Alc/vol 70cl.
Priced at about £126.00. With the additional months in 30 year old Port pipes has added so much flavour, some smoke, fruit, raisins, honey and cream, a long and delicate finish.
Third
Yamazaki – 12 year Old, Japanese Single Malt Whisky, 43% Alc/vol 70cl.
Price about £54.00. This is a fine, fine whisky with floral notes and Caribbean fruit salad, so soft and sweet, Christmas spices and rum punch. a medium finish.
That is the final three and we had to put in a Japanese Whisky as they are without doubt a quality product that is only getting better and better and everyone should certainly give them a try.
Now that Christmas is close we can certainly recommend buying your loved one a membership of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, which not only allows you to buy some the finest Whiskies in the world but they have some fantastic tasting nights and events.
