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.

the-beginner

 

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.

the-regular

 

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.

the-connisseur

 

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.

You may also like...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.