Whisky vs Whiskey - A Brief History and Overview

Whisky is a spirit with a large historical and cultural significance, with many people having flown its flag to make it the globally known spirit it is today. Its history and origin, however, are muddied and up for debate (the whisky itself probably did not help either). Both the Scots and the Irish claim to be the inventors of it, but there is insufficient evidence to favour either party in the debate.

Whisky/Whiskey comes from the old Gaelic ‘uisge beatha’, or ‘usquebaugh’, meaning ‘water of life’, similar to the Scandinavian ‘aquavitae’. While there is some evidence suggesting the technique of distillation was brought over to the British Isles by Christian missionary monks, it is insufficient to disprove that Scottish or Irish farmers did not discover the technique of distillation themselves. However, the oldest evidence of distillation we have can be traced back to as far as 2000 B.C. in ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq and Syria) as a way to produce perfumes and aromatisers. Hence, it is more than likely the former is the case, and lacking the climate for vineyards, opted to ferment grain, leading to the first versions of what we now know as whisky.

While we are unsure who made this wonderful liquid first, there are key differences between Scotch and Irish whiskies, from their raw materials to distillation and maturation.

Irish v Scottish

Peated Scotch Whiskey - Caol Ila 12 YO

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £55

Unpeated Scotch Whiskey - Balvenie Double Wood 12 YO

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £43.95

Irish Whiskey - Redbreast 12 YO

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £49.95

Blends

The Scots and Irish also produce many blended whiskies, a mix of multiple liquids, from multiple distilleries (malt, grain, and rye whiskies all included!) within the same geographical region. These liquids are masterfully selected by a master blender and proportioned expertly to produce a whisky that is greater than the sum of its parts.

A few years ago, I had the privilege of having Emma Walker, master blender of her namesake Johnnie Walker, perch up at the bar of the prep room while I was working a prep shift. This allowed me unfiltered access to one of the greatest minds in the modern whisky world and she (to my benefit) oversimplified what she does for work and explained it as:

“Not too dissimilar to making a cocktail. The same way you would balance a cocktail behind a bar using spirits, liqueurs, juices, and syrups. In the blending room we take the same approach, the only difference is we are tasked with balancing whisky with, well, more whisky.”

Blended Scotch Whiskey - Johnnie Walker Black Label

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £24.99

Blended Irish Whiskey -Tullamore D.E.W.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £24.64

The United States

As British colonisers started to land and settle in the Americas, specifically Kentucky, they realised the climate in the Southeast area of the United States was not conducive to the cultivation of barley. To work around this, they started distilling whiskey from corn, which later became known as the bourbon we know and love today.

Bourbon must be made in the United States using at least 51% corn in the mash bill. To be considered bourbon, it must also be distilled to no more than 80% ABV, bottled at a minimum of 40% ABV, and aged in charred virgin oak barrels with no minimum maturation period. However, to be considered “straight bourbon”, it must be aged for a minimum of two years.

Rye Whiskey has very similar production process specifications to Bourbon, with the same requirement of at least 51% Rye in the mash bill to be considered as such. The key difference in flavours, comes from the raw materials used in the production process. Bourbon tends to be more full-bodied and sweeter, while Ryes are generally drier, spicier, and have an underlying bready note.

There is also Tennessee whiskey, which is akin to bourbon in many of its processes, to the point where most Tenessee whiskies meet the requirements for bourbon. The key difference is that all Tennessee whiskies must be filtered using the Lincoln County Process which entails filtering (or steeping) the new-make spirit in charcoal chips before aging. However, many producers do not label themselves as such and prefer to label their products as Tennessee Whiskey.

Rye Whiskey - Rittenhouse Straight Rye

Size: 700ml
ABV: 50%
Find here: £39.99

Bourbon Whiskey - Buffalo Trace Bourbon

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £26.68

Tennessee Whiskey - Daddy Rack Straight Tennessee Whiskey

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £39.99

Canada

Canadian whisky later joined the party as American and European immigrants used their experience in distilling wheat and rye to preserve surplus grain in attempts to prevent spoilage. This was done in improvised stills and resulted in inconsistent, and uncontrolled new-make spirits, drank unaged by the local market. Commercial whisky production in Canada started when John Molson purchased a copper pot still initially used to distill rum.

Canadian whisky has the most relaxed controls in the world of whisky as the regulations lack any strict stipulations in terms of mash bill content and additives. As per Canada’s Food and Drugs Act, to be called Canadian whisky the liquid must "be mashed, distilled and aged in Canada", "be aged in small wood vessels for not less than three years", "contain not less than 40 percent alcohol by volume" and "may contain caramel and flavouring". However, distillers must not veer too far away from the original form as the liquid must "possess the aroma, taste and character generally attributed to Canadian whisky."

Canadian Whiskey - Lot 40 Rye Whisky

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £37.99

Japan

The advent of Japanese whisky can be attributed to two main characters, Shinjiro Torii and Masataka Taketsuru. Torii was a pharmaceutical wholesaler by trade who made a profit by importing Western world liquor with his company “Akadama Port Wine”, named after the Portuguese fortified wine. Torii then set his sights on creating a Japanese whisky to rival that made in Scotland, Ireland, and the United States, and opened the distillery which would later be known as Yamazaki.

Torii hired Taketsuru, who had honed the art of making whisky in Scotland and used this knowledge to help establish the Yamazaki distillery as a successful one, before parting ways with the company in 1934 to start his own company Dainipponkaju, which would later become Nikka.

The influence these two people had on Japanese whisky resulted in it being the closest thing to Scotch whisky you can get outside Scotland. With very similar legal requirements to its Scottish counterpart, the key flavour differences come from the two countries' environmental differences.

Japanese Single Malt Whisky - Yamazaki 12 YO

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £139.95

Japanese Blended Whisky - Toki Blended

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £31.89

New World Whiskies

As whisky is currently enjoying another moment in the spotlight, new kids on the block, from different corners of the globe, are looking to stamp their mark on the whisk(e)y industry. Notably, these include Taiwan, France, Germany, Australia, and China, but as of 2022, over 30 countries are producing new world whiskies.

French - Domaine des Hautes Glaces Epistémè

Size: 500ml
ABV: 47%
Find here: £72.24

Chinese - Goalong 5 YO

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £52.95

Ultimately, the choice of spelling it as whisky or whiskey boils down to traditional use and does not depict any discrepancies in raw materials, production process, or flavours. Scotland, Japan, and Canada all make whisky that tastes remarkably different from one another, within the United States of America alone there are three variations of whiskey with unique processes and flavour profiles.

By Fowwaz Ansari

The Best Scotch and Pizza Pairings

In the weird and wonderful world of food and drink pairings, rules exist about which pairings are good and which are bad. In the days of yore, they may have been as simple as red wine with red meat, white or sparkling wines if paired with seafood or white meat, or something as simple and delicious as pizza and beer.

However, as globalisation occurs at an ever-increasing rate, we have increasing access to food and drink across the globe. On top of this, with increases in technology, producers are bringing more and more unique products to the metaphoric dinner table every single day. As a result, these rules become dated and have been removed in place of more general flavour terms. Rather than strictly looking at wine, or even just the colour of it, we look at 7 aspects of flavour:

Sweetness, which pairs well with sweetness in turn

Umami, which contrasts beautifully with fruity flavours

Acidity, which, is similar to sweetness, matches best with more acidity

Salt, which likes light, fresh, and bitter flavours

Bitterness, which can be tempered by sweetness

Chilli, which enjoys a lower alcohol pairing

Fattiness, which can be cut through with bright acidity

So if not just wine, what else can I pair my food with? The answer is anything really, but one that stuck out to me was how well Single Malt Scotch Whisky goes with a well-made pizza.

This pairing was made aware to me out of necessity, as a friend and I were enjoying a couple of drams at Edinburgh institution, The Black Cat, and we started to feel peckish. As the pub does not have a full-sized kitchen, the staff were kind enough to allow us to grab some pizza from Dough, the stone-bake pizzeria just next door, and the rest was history.

Let us delve into some incredible Scotch Whisky and pizza (Italians and purists look away) pairings, and what makes them so special.

HAWAIIAN PIZZA & Glen Moray Chardonnay Cask Finish

It's a controversial one right off the bat, but hear me out. While the marriage of pineapple, ham, and cheese may be blasphemous to some, the mixture of acid from the tomato sauce and pineapple chunks, and fattiness from the ham call for a whisky with sweetness and acidity.

This bottling from Glen Moray provides exactly that! Upon the first sniff, you are met with a welcoming aroma of boiled lemon sweets before moving into a middle note of vanilla ice cream, and fresh pineapple with a lingering bread-and-butter note to finish, offering all the implied sweetness needed to stand up to the pineapple and tomatoes of the pizza.

You are met with rich creamy vanilla wafer notes on the palate to bolster the sweetness before moving into a mid-palate of fermented bread, not dissimilar to sourdough - or a well-made pizza base! As the flavours dissipate you are met with the dry fleeting finish of bright granny smith apples, and white peach cobbler.

The notes of the Chardonnay cask finish bring the desired (implied) sweetness and acidity you would get from a grape such as Chardonnay while still being dry and very sippable while you enjoy your pizza!

This is a love-it-or-hate-it pairing, but if Hawaiian Pizza is up your alley, for only £29.90 a bottle of this delicious single malt, it is worth a try!

GLEN MORAY CHARDONNAY CASK
Size: 700ml
Find here: £29.90

DIAVOLA PIZZA & CAOL ILA DISTILLERS EDITION

This pairing is one of my favourites, and is right in your wheelhouse if you rather your flavours punch you in the face over kissing your palate. Diavola pizza translates to devil pizza and Caol Ila is a classic Islay single malt bringing peat to the party, indicating where this pairing is headed.

Diavola generally consists of your usual tomato sauce and cheese base, topped with spicy salami and chilli peppers. The rich fattiness of the salami, along with the spice from it and the chillis are tempered by the chewy pizza dough and the sweetness of the tomato base and cheese, resulting in a spicy pizza that tickles your tongue but still is not a challenge to eat.

Caol Ila Distillers Edition is a peated single-malt double matured in Moscatel seasoned American Oak casks. The distillery character of sea salt, peat smoke, and damp ash brings to the nose a vivid image of a nostalgic beach barbecue, amplifying the spicy oiliness of the pizza. The cask finish contributes a scent of dried apricots and aloe vera vegetality allowing a reprieve from the potent spice and smoke of the pairing.

On the palate, you are met with a rich wave of sweet wood smoke, akin to that used to smoke a brisket, again, tempering the punchy flavours brought to the table by the pizza and the malt. We then move into a mid-palate spice mix of black peppercorn, nutmeg, and cinnamon which season the meat and chilis. The malt is then rounded out by a lovely lingering smoke finish, turning your delicious pizza and dram into a sensory experience that will blow your socks (and potentially your head) off, but you cannot stop returning for another bite and sip!

CAOL ILA DISTILLERS EDITION
Size: 700ml
Find here: £67.95

WHITE PIZZA & NC’NEAN HUNTRESS 2024 RELEASE

An understated player in the game, the pizza bianca is a delicious, lighter variation of your standard pizza. Omitting tomatoes entirely and simply topping the traditional pizza base with ricotta, mozzarella, and garlic, the creamy and lightly salted profile of this unique pizza pairs with a single malt just as unique - the Huntress Orchard Cobbler of Nc’nean distillery.

The Nc’nean distillery is notorious for pushing the boundaries of Scotch whisky, distilling two different kinds of spirits over the course of the year to be used in different age statement bottlings. This Huntress bottling has been distilled in the week post-recipe change, resulting in a hyper-fruit-forward spirit to the point where the bottling is named after one of the favourite desserts of the team!

On the first sniff, you are hit with aromas of rich black cherry conserve with back-end notes of puff pastry, vanilla custard, and an ever so slight fresh mintiness. When the whisky hits the tongue, we are met with a rich syrupy texture that coats the mouth, combined with a rich apricot jam note that bolsters the texture. In the mid-palate, the fruitiness prevails further but is accompanied by a warm spice of ginger nut biscuits, before moving into a long-lasting finish of custard sweetness.

This almost dessert-like dram jam-packed (pun intended) with flavours of cherry and apricot conserves brings out an incredible contrast to the soft cheeses and garlic in the pizza, reminiscent of the flavours of a mezze board.

NC’NEAN HUNTRESS 2024, ORCHARD COBBLER
Size: 700ml
Find here: £84.95

PIZZA CALABRESE & ARRAN SAUTERNES CASK

Consisting of tomato sauce, parmesan, tuna, olives, capers, garlic, onion, and hot Calabrian chilli peppers, calabrese pizza is one for those who love the salty savoury flavour profile that Italian cookery does so incredibly. 

To cut through the punchy flavours of this spicy, savoury pie, we recommend leaning towards the sweeter side of the Scotch malty whisky-verse, and where better to look than the sole distillery on the Isle of Arran, famous for their cask-finished malts? Specifically, the Sauternes cask-finished bottling brings to the pairing a fruit-forward honeyed profile that offers a sweet reprieve from the umami spice of the pizza.

This deceptively complex malt is the gift that keeps on giving, as I find a new tasting note for it every time we are reacquainted. On the nose, we are met with a pronounced honey scent before delving into a fruit bowl that is somehow tropical, orchard and stone all at the same time.

The palate has a mild saltiness and baking spice flavour running throughout, seasoning the layers of lemon zest, toffee apples, and honey. The finish is a short burst of crisp orange zest, honey, and unmistakable sauternes character.

The malt and pizza play together in this salty, spicy, sweet combination in a contrast that allows each component to shine brighter than if they were to be enjoyed in solidarity.

P.S. This bottling always sells out fast upon release!

ARRAN SAUTERNES CASK
Size: 700ml
Find here: £49.90

PIZZA PARMA & AUCHENTOSHAN AMERICAN OAk

A pairing that brings together the flavours of Northern Italy and the central belt of Scotland! Pizza Parma consists of Parma ham, paired with fresh rocket, and cherry tomatoes all added to the classic pizza base post-bake resulting in a fresh peppery pizza, with fatty saltiness coming from the Parma ham.

Lowlands distillery Auchentoshan’s American Oak aged bottling evokes memories of playing football (or your outdoor sport of choice) in the rain! On the nose you are hit in the face with the smell of dewy grass, accompanied by citrus notes of orange wedges and an ever so slight chocolatey toffee sweetness.

The palate follows suit, as upon first sip you are met with coconut water flavours married with mixed citrus peels and stone fruit, before developing into the distillery character of grassy freshness and malty, oaky spice on the mid-palate. On the lingering finish, the tongue tingles in a way that is reminiscent of grapefruit zests or Szechuan peppercorns, while also being tempered by a pronounced caramel sweetness.

The peppery notes of the fresh rocket boost the malt and oak spice of the malt, while the acidity from the cherry tomatoes and salt and fat from the ham cut through the recurring toffee notes.

Owing to its approachability in flavour and accessibility in price, a pairing I highly recommend as an introduction to the world of food and Scotch Whisky Pairings.

AUCHENTOSHAN AMERICAN OAK
Size: 700ml
Find here: £26.94

It is also worth noting that drinking the whisky neat is not the only way to approach this pairing! If you feel that a neat dram may be too potent to pair with a pizza, opting for a Highball, Old Fashioned, or Sour, is not only allowed but encouraged! Adding different ingredients would allow other flavours to enter the pairing and also make the world of whisky more accessible to those with less experience in drinking neat spirits, or even to those who simply do not like drinking neat spirits. We hope that these combinations of a dram and a slice have set you in the mood to go out and try a pairing of your own!

By Fowwaz Ansari

What Are The Most Popular Whisky Cocktails?

Whisky cocktails are some of the most iconic and classic serves, but over the last few years, their popularity has somewhat dwindled. Margaritas, Mojitos, Martinis, and Piña Coladas have taken over, but we believe whisky is underrated and underordered when it comes to cocktails.

Nonetheless, the whisky classics are legendary and remain widely favoured, and when it comes to winter warmers, whisky can’t be beaten. We’ll cover those delicious concoctions, as well as the rest of the most ordered whisky serves in this Top 10.   

The Godfather

A contemporary classic, The Godfather is made of just two ingredients: Scotch whisky and amaretto, with the latter bringing sweet, almond, and stone-fruit flavour. Some people just have a dash of amaretto, others go half and half, but it’s a boozy alternative to water when it comes to softening the spirit, and enhancing any oaky, smoky notes.

Ingredients
60ml Scotch whisky
10ml amaretto

Method
Simply combine the two ingredients in a rocks glass filled with plenty of ice and enjoy. Leave a little bit of room so that you can add more amaretto if you wish!

The Rob Roy

Overshadowed by the similar Manhattan cocktail outside of the UK, this historic serve is named after Scottish hero Rob Roy MacGregor, who had just been the subject of an opera at the time of its creation. It’s short and crisp, and it’s great for really letting the whisky shine.

Ingredients
50ml Scotch whisky
20ml sweet white or red vermouth
A couple of dashes of Angostura bitters
Maraschino cherry (garnish)

Method
All you need to do to make a Rob Roy cocktail is pour Scotch, vermouth and your bitters into a mixing glass and stir well with ice. Strain and garnish with a pretty cocktail cherry. Because no ice ends up in the cocktail, you might want to chill your glass beforehand.

The Rusty Nail

The origins of the Rusty Nail’s name are lost to history, but we do know that it was the Rat Pack’s love for it that cemented its place in cocktail history. If you just can’t get enough of whisky, then you have to try this because not only is Scotch the main ingredient, but the only other ingredient has it in too! Drambuie is a honey, spice, and Scotch liqueur, which gives a sweet and punchy feel. A sophisticated slow sipper that lets the whisky shine.

Ingredients
50ml Scotch whisky
20ml Drambuie

Method
Simply combine the liquids into a mixing glass and stir well before pouring over plenty of ice into a tumbler. As easy as that.

The Hot Toddy

Was this the tastiest medicine of all time? That’s how Hot Toddies began in 18th century Scotland, as a way to fight back the chills and colds of the brutal cold weather. Whisky is the king of hot cocktails, and the soothing intensity of flavour of a Hot Toddy is perfection on a cold night. Riffs are plentiful with this cocktail, as you can see here, but this original is just the ticket.

Ingredients
2 tsp lemon juice
1 tbsp honey
100ml-150ml hot water
35ml Whisky (Johnnie Walker Black Label is great)
1 cinnamon stick (optional)
Lemon wheel (garnish)

Method
Use a handled glass to see those alluring colours (or just a mug will do) and first add hot water (just below boiling). Using the cinnamon stick, stir whisky, lemon juice and honey until everything is the same viscosity and then taste. Adapt with sugar or lemon or even more whisky for personal preference!

The Irish Coffee

We adore Irish Coffees at The Three Drinkers, so much so that we’ve got our own special guide for them here. And it seems like the UK does too because it’s one of our favourite hot drinks, competing with coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. The recipe goes back to Ireland in the 1940s at Foynes Airport, and you can find the full interesting backstory watching The Three Drinkers in Ireland. Indulgent, warming and velvety – nom.

Ingredients
2 teaspoons brown sugar
120ml hot coffee
45ml Irish whiskey
Cream lightly whipped

Method
Heat your glass first, before adding sugar, fresh coffee, and Irish whiskey. Pour the cream over the back of a spoon so that it sits seductively on top and enjoy – slainte!

The Mint Julep

The Mojito for whisky lovers, a good Mint Julep lures you in with icy freshness, before punching with sophisticated flavours. There aren’t many ingredients in play here, so it’s all about the quality of them and the ratios. It’s a Southern States favourite but you can find it across the world in many bars.

Ingredients
65ml bourbon
10 mint leaves (save some for garnish)
15ml sugar syrup

Method
Shake bourbon, mint, and syrup with ice before straining into a highball glass or julep tin, filled with crushed ice. If you want more minty flavour then use more mint, or muddle slightly. Stir well and add a mint leaf for aesthetics and fragrance.

The Sazerac

With whiskey and absinthe in the mix, this is a dangerous serve indeed. It’s seen as the cousin of one of the more popular cocktails later on this list, and it was crowned the official cocktail of New Orleans in 2008. A twist of lemon or orange is a necessity to soften the boozy intensity a touch. Rye whiskey is the traditional spirit used (though it was French brandy centuries ago), creating a peppery, anise-laced bright and breezy mix.

Ingredients
 Absinthe rinse
10ml syrup
15ml chilled water
3 dashes of Peychaud’s bitters
1 dash of Angostura bitters
50ml rye whiskey/bourbon
Orange twist for garnish

Method
Swirl absinthe round your glass. Ideally, you’d pour what’s left into the next glass and repeat but if you’re only making yourself a cocktail, then just try to use as little as possible to avoid wastage. Combine syrup, bitters, water, and whiskey in a mixing glass and stir with ice. Strain into your glass and garnish with orange for those gorgeous citrus oils.

The Whisky Sour

These last three cocktails are far and away the most popular whisky serves across the world. Closer to home, the Whisky Sour was the most ordered cocktail by men in the UK in 2017 – not just whiskey but full stop! Out of all the cocktails on this list, this is probably the hardest to pin down, but it absolutely has to be included. It first appeared as a Boston Sour in the 1870s, and now has tonnes of variations. Sometimes though, simple is best, and the below recipe is the modern classic.

Ingredients
50ml Bourbon
35ml lemon juice
12½ml sugar syrup
2 dashes Angostura bitters
½ fresh egg white
Cherry/orange/lemon for garnish

 Method
Shake everything very thoroughly with ice and strain into an ice filled glass. Many garnishes go well with this so take your pick out of cocktail cherries, orange twists or lemon wedges.

The Manhattan

Legend goes that this popular order was first designed for a banquet hosted by Winston Churchill’s mother in 1870s NYC. Rye whisky is used, but because of its Prohibition history, Canadian whiskey has always played a big role too. Modern incarnations have taken it down various routes, from sweet and sour to swapping out the whiskey for rum or tequila.

Ingredients
50ml bourbon
25ml sweet vermouth
2 dashes Angostura bitters
1 dash orange bitters
Brandied cherry for garnish

Method
Combine everything in a mixing glass and stir well with ice until it feels chilled. Strain and garnish with a cherry, or ideally a brandied cherry! Delish.

The Old Fashioned

Consistently one of the most searched for and sought after whiskey cocktails (even since Mad Men finished), the Old Fashioned is the most popular whiskey cocktail. It’s so simple because it’s effectively a glass of whiskey with a twist. Usually made from bourbon or rye, Angostura bitters, sugar and water are added to lighten, sharpen, and sweeten the mix. The polls show that this remains America’s favourite cocktail – over 200 years old and still going strong.

Ingredients
50ml bourbon/rye
Brown sugar cube
Splash of water
2 drops of Angostura bitters
Twist of orange to garnish

Method
Muddle (with the back of a spoon for example) sugar, water, and some orange peel. Make sure the sugar is dissolved – that’s essential. Fill the glass with ice, before slowly adding your chosen whisky and stirring. Orange twist for garnish and you’re all set.

Well now you’ve got your recipes, you need your star of the show – whisky! We’ve got some unique Scotch whiskies here, and delicious Irish whiskeys here!

The 5 Best Scotch Whisky Cocktails to Try at Home

When thinking of a Scotch whisky bar, it’s likely that an image of a dark room with mahogany and leather furnishings will pop into the mind, perhaps with a lingering cigar scent. However, in this modern Scotch whisky and cocktail renaissance, the norms are changing to brighter bars less reminiscent of old boys’ clubs and more akin to the modern high-end cocktail bar.

A change in attitude accompanies this change in the atmosphere; there is less nose-turning when mixing a cocktail with Scotch whiskies, and in some cases, even single malts! When prepared correctly, a Scotch whisky cocktail is just downright incredible. Whether your favourite mixed drink is an Old Fashioned or a Whisky Sour, there is a Scotch Whisky classic out there for you! Here are some of our favourites.

Mizuwari

The Japanese cousin of Scotch and soda simply replaces soda water with still water and is a staple in Asian drinking culture. The single-ingredient replacement in a 2 ingredient drink makes more of a difference than one would think as soda water has acidity and bitterness from carbonation, so the still water results in a softer flavour profile, allowing the drinker to experience even more layers of the single malt of choice, and arguably, it’s even more refreshing! The beauty of this drink lies in its versatility; you can use any Scotch of your choice, blended or single malt and it will be smooth and refreshing. You can even play around with flavoured waters that complement your whisky of choice! e.g. Cardhu 12 and red apple flavoured water.

Ingredients
50ml (1 &2/3oz) Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Still water to top up

Method
Add Scotch whisky to a highball with ice and top with still water. Optionally, garnish with a slice of lemon.

BRIGADOON

The whisky sour gets the daisy treatment with this lesser-known classic. Like many historic cocktails, not much is known about the origin of this drink other than the fact it was the creation of Adam McGurk at the Player in London. The combination of apricot brandy and orgeat is a well-utilised one in many a tiki cocktail and works just as splendidly when swapping the base spirit of rum for whisky. For this drink, we recommend any well-rounded blended scotch so as not to overpower the other flavours running through the drink.

Ingredients
40ml (1 &1/3oz) Blended Scotch
20ml (2/3oz) Apricot Brandy
20ml (2/3oz) Lemon Juice
15ml (1/2oz) Orgeat
3 dashes Angostura Bitters

Method
Combine all ingredients into a shaker and shake with ice for 10 seconds. Lastly,
strain into your favourite cocktail glass and enjoy.

WILLIAM WALLACE

This Scotch Manhattan adjacent tipple is one of the newest drinks to take the bartending world by storm. Created by Joe Schofield of Schofield’s Bar fame in Manchester in 2019, it was a simple stroke of genius by taking the classic Rob Roy template and substituting a portion of the Sweet Vermouth for Pedro Ximenez Sherry. This adds an extra layer of complexity to the flavour profile, alongside a touch of extra body and sweetness. This one-ingredient switch lands the William Wallace a touch sweeter than the Rob Roy it is based on, and a touch drier than their brother, the Bobby Burns.

Top Tip: This is a cocktail that is also very much batchable, you can pre-combine multiple serves of this drink with water added for the dilution that would have been achieved by stirring (10% of total volume is ideal), bottle it up and stick it in the freezer to enjoy later.

Ingredients
50ml (1 &2/3oz) Blended Scotch Whisky
10ml (1/3oz) Sweet Vermouth
10ml (1/3oz) Pedro Ximenez Sherry
3 dashes Orange Bitters

Method
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass and then stir over ice.
Next, strain into your favourite cocktail glass before finishing it off with an orange twist garnish.

MORNING GLORY FIZZ

This whisky sour variation is the quintessential hangover cure of pre-prohibition America and is very much a reflection of the lifestyle there at the time. Initially mentioned in O.H. Byron’s Modern Bartender’s Guide (1884), this scotch-based, absinthe-laced sour, is topped with soda and served without ice all in the name of knock-back-ability. While the drink was initially created as a corpse reviver, it also makes a delectable evening tipple once the recipe has been modified to be more suitable to the modern palette, and has been getting more love than it has been used to in recent years as the bartenders of today are increasingly flicking through the history books for inspiration.

Ingredients
50ml (1 &2/3oz) Blended Scotch Whisky
25ml (5/6oz) Lemon Juice
25ml (5/6oz) 1:1 Simple Syrup
20ml (2/3oz) Egg White (Can be subbed in for any vegan foamer)
4 dashes Absinthe
Top with Soda Water

Method
Combine all ingredients except soda water in a shaker with ice for 15 seconds.
Next, add ice into your tin and shake for 10 seconds. Fine strain into a highball glass and top up with soda water. Nom.

SKYE 75

This drink was made known to me during my time working in the cocktail bars of Johnnie Walker Princes Street, Edinburgh; the Skye 75 takes the classic gin number, the French 75 on a holiday to a tiny island off the West coast of Scotland, the Isle of Skye. The simple substitute of Single Malt Scotch, Talisker 10 Y.O. for London Dry Gin completely revamps the character of this summer staple. The lightly peated, maritime character of Talisker 10 pairs perfectly with the buttery orchard fruit notes of dry, crisp Champagne, and makes for a perfect cocktail as we approach the warmer months ahead.

Ingredients
35ml (1 and 1/6oz) Talisker 10 Y.O.
25ml (5/6oz) Lemon Juice
25ml (5/6oz) 1:1 Simple Syrup
Top with Champagne

Method
Combine all ingredients except Champagne in a shaker and shake, shake, shake for 10 seconds. Fine strain into your champagne flute, fill it up with fizz and finish off with a pretty lemon twist!

If all this talk of Scotch cocktails has got you drooling for one, then check out some Scotch recommendations here!

By Fowwaz Ansari

Rogues of the Regions: Your Guide to the Most Unique Scotch Whiskies

From the misty highlands to the rugged islands, from the peated bounty of Islay to the verdant valleys of Speyside, Scotch whisky is as varied as the landscapes surrounding its beautiful distilleries. The Scotch Whisky regions have long histories and flavour styles developed from, and woven into Scottish landscapes, traditions, and terroir. These flavours have developed and grown with the innovation and craftsmanship of the Scottish people residing and working in those regions. The following six suggested drams will take you on a sensorial journey around Scotland to see the whiskies that boldly defy the norms and shake up the status quo in the five official - and one unofficial - regions of Scotch. 

Bladnoch Taking Lowlands Whiskies on a Rise to Luxury

The Region: 

Lowland whiskies are renowned for their approachability and make for excellent introductory drams, appealing to both novice and seasoned whisky enthusiasts for different reasons. 

The Rogue: 

Bladnoch has changed hands several times over its 207 year history, but the most recent ownership has brought about exciting changes and a lot of noise to the distillery occasionally called the “Queen of the Lowlands.” After a 2015 private purchase, the distillery’s 2017 relaunch set them apart from other Lowland whiskies. Bladnoch’s “taste-first” whisky making philosophy - now guided by ex-Macallan Master Distiller Dr. Nick Savage - rises out of a non- restrictive house style. They have developed several expressions varying broadly in flavour profile and even more broadly in price. They definitely still maintain the signature Lowland approachability in flavour and affordability for their core range. And also, this brand is investing in quality and releasing luxury lines to show it. The suggested bottle below is reasonably priced for any whisky lover, while some of their expressions have, in lieu of a price tag, a link to register your interest for very limited luxury releases. 

The Different Dram:

Bladnoch Vinaya - this spirit starts with aromas that take you to an open meadow around a distillery. You’ll definitely get the Lowland style of grassiness and floral scents. After sipping, you’ll feel the pepper zingyness and start to taste the tree fruits like a warm and cozy apple pie. The finish is a light vanilla that may just give you those 46.7% vapours and have you slumping down on a chaise lounge. 

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46.7%
Find here: £49.50

Fettercairn (re)Defining Highland Whisky in a “Cool” Way

The Region: 

Highland whiskies are known for their diversity, offering a broad spectrum of techniques, flavours, and expressions.

The Rogue: 

The uniqueness of Fettercairn - outside of the unicorn-festooned bottle - emerges from its distinct production process. Experimentation and innovation in the mid-1950s led to the development of an entirely unique cooling ring distillation system - a process that pours water down the vertical column of the copper still. The cascading water causes rapid cooling of the vapours inside. The cooling  leads to extended copper contact and more reflux during distillation, resulting in a more refined spirit. Extra copper contact also helps to eliminate sulphur compounds which bring unwanted flavour and aromas to the finished product. Additionally, Fettercairn whiskies often undergo a variety of cask finishes, adding layers of depth and character to the final product. The higher age statements of Fettercairn are rich and bold with their Scottish oak finishes and candied tropical fruit flavours.  

The Different Dram:

Fettercairn 12 - on the nose, you get vanilla and honey sending most of us into dessert-brain territory. Upon sipping, you take an unexpected, but not unwelcome left turn into caramelised pineapple with a bit of ginger. The finish gets oaky and coffee-esque, making you wish someone would barrel-age your morning pick-me-up.  

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £43.50 (usually more!)

Bruichladdich Boosting Barley and Pulling Peat from Islay Whiskies

The Region: 

Islay whiskies are famed for their intense and divisive taste. The maritime influence and use of the abundant peat bogs on the island can impart distinct flavours of smoke, brine, seaweed, and iodine. 

The Rogue: 

Bruichladdich is uncommon on Islay producing a range of unpeated or lightly peated expressions - very different from many of its full-force island-mates. The distillery focuses on terroir-driven spirit, showcasing the influence of local barley, water, and climate on their whiskies - even specifying the field of origin on some bottlings. They embrace traditional methods alongside modern techniques, They use traditional Victorian-era equipment, including wooden washbacks and a cast-iron mash tun, which contributes to the character and flavour of their whiskies. Bruichladdich is also renowned for its wide range of cask finishes and experiments with ageing, resulting in whiskies that push the boundaries of complexity and tradition. Community engagement has also been a pillar of Bruichladdich’s modern approach. The company maintains a strong presence on social media, interacting with fans and sharing insights into the production process. It’s also undeniable that the striking teal bottle has led to success on store shelves and back bars. 

The Different Dram:

The Classic Laddie - this is a bold, fun, strong spirit. It smells like sweet barley sugar and orange peel. And then when you taste it, there’s grapefruit, honey, a slight salty minerality, and lots of warming cereal grain. At 50% it’s gonna feel toasty warm on the tongue, and that coupled with the bright fruits and honey sweetness, it’s all breakfast. Hopefully you’re not having whisky for breakfast… but maybe brunch. 

Size: 700ml
ABV: 50%
Find here: £44.50

Mortlach Moves Speyside Whiskies to Center Stage

The Region: 

Speyside whisky brings flavours of bright orchard fruits like apples and pears combined with light nuttyness, all wrapped up in folds of vanilla, caramel, and toffee.

The Rogue: 

Contrary to the expected bright fruits and easy sweetness, Mortlach is known as “The Beast of Dufftown” for what is often described as meaty or weighty malts. Mortlach's spirit is rich, multi-layered, and full-bodied, distinguishing it from the more straightforward production methods used by other Speyside distilleries. This is due to their unique strategies around distillation known as “The Way” wherein the spirit is said to be distilled 2.81 times. This very un-round number comes from the first distillation being split and redistilled different amounts in the six completely uniquely shaped stills. The results of these are then recombined to create Mortlach’s complex flavour. Ageing also plays a big part in the Mortlach signature heft. While many Speyside whiskies are aged predominantly in ex-bourbon barrels and occasionally sherry casks, Mortlach whiskies undergo maturation in a wider variety of cask types. 

The Different Dram:

Mortlach 16 - other expressions can graze the affordability threshold for some but this dram sits well within the “special treat” pricing tier. The initial aromas are going to take you straight to a house full of loved ones with tables overflowing with festive foods. Rich, dried festive fruits with bold savoury notes just below. The taste will sit you right down at those tables and nourish you with a charcuterie of delightful pairings all packed into one dram - jams, oak, and spices wrapped in a “beasty” overtone.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £99.90 (usually more!)

Kilkerran Made It Campbeltown - Party of Three

The Region: 

Cambeltown whiskies are the result of a combination of maritime influences and peat smoke, along with fruity and sweet notes. 

The Rogue: 

Once home to over 30 whisky producers, Cambeltown at its lowest dwindled to two. The Glengyle Distillery, revived after over 80 years in 2004, is now producing Kilkerran whiskies with distinguishing characteristics of rarity and experimentation. While Kilkerran embraces traditional whisky-making techniques, it also incorporates modern innovations. The distillery experiments with different cask types and finishes, as well as various peating levels, showcasing a balance between tradition and innovation. Due to the very small-scale production, each expression results in a limited number of bottles which has become a feeding frenzy for collectors around the world.

The Different Dram:

Kilkerran 12 - the 12-year is a lightly peated whisky aged in a combination of bourbon casks and sherry casks. Bright toffee and light peat on the nose put you on the outer rim of a campfire. Once you take a drink, light butterscotch and vanilla pair with orange peel and traditional Campbeltown salinity. After trying this, you’ll wanna book a caravan and spend some time exploring the great outdoors. 

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £44.95

Jura Stretches the Edges of Islands Whiskies

The Region: 

Island whiskies form a diverse and mineral-rich category within the spectrum of Scotch whisky regions. While not officially recognized as a distinct region by Scotch whisky regulations, the island distilleries, including those from Skye, Jura, and Orkney, share common characteristics shaped by their coastal environments. Also we just really like ‘em.

The Rogue: 

Just a ten minute ferry from Islay, Jura is wildly different from the neighbouring region. Jura’s core expression, Jura 10, is divisive amongst whisky enthusiasts because of the strong malty character and rich spice notes. The island of Jura, surrounded by the sea and rugged terrain, influences the character of the whisky, imparting coastal notes. The distillery is known for its use of a diverse range of cask finishes, including bourbon, sherry, and wine casks, which contribute to the complexity of the whiskies. Additionally, the distillery experiments with different barley varieties and peating levels, creating a range of expressions that appeal to a wide range of tastes and preferences. Jura's dedication to craftsmanship is evident in its small-batch production and community-focused hands-on approach, ensuring each bottle embodies the spirit of the island. 

The Different Dram:

Jura 14 year old American Rye Cask - On the nose, Jura’s signature smooth and malty profile is prominent. The flavour of this whisky transports you to a US state fair with caramel apples and pecan pie. A burst of baking spices swirl around the normal dry rye effect on the tongue. The finish has cinnamon and oranges mixing with warming nutmeg. 

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £40.00

By Zach Sapato

The Best Scotch Whisky to Sip This Burns Night

If there’s one night to open a special bottle of whisky, then it’s Burns Night. If you’re celebrating the Scottish poet (or just looking for excuse to drink and feast), then you’ll want a Scotch that’s a guaranteed hit. We’ve pulled together some of best whiskies whatever your budget and preference - Sláinte Mhath!

The Best Scotch Whisky Under £35

Black Bottle Captain's Cask - Alchemy Series Whisky

Inside this gorgeous retro bottle is a round-the-world journey from Scotland to the Caribbean. Smooth malts meet intense ones, as well as aged grain and peated malts, all before finishing in rum casks. As a result, the depth is fantastic, with subtle wafts of smoke, raisins, coffee, oak, and caramel. A complete flavour explosion.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46.3%
Find here: £28.95

Angels’ Nectar Original Whisky

This is a great blend of Speyside and Highland malts, and a step above most of the blended whiskies in supermarkets. The nose is delicate and pleasantly grassy until the first sip unveils tasty oat notes, orchard fruits, toffee, and a little vanilla, before the peppery finish.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%    
Find here: £33.95

Creag Dhu Whisky

The backdrop of this beautiful bottle lets you know what Creag Dhu are all about. If you like smoky scotch, then you should be aware that the peat burning required isn’t all that great for the environment – with carbon release and biodiverse peatlands cut into. However, Creag Dhu put money into saving these precious peatlands, and this bottle isn’t peated itself. It’s a Speyside dram, aged for 8 years and all that time in sherry casks delivers luscious, dried fruits, honey notes and nutty malt. The charred spice finish is dreamy.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £33.99

The Best Scotch Whisky Under £50

GlenAllachie 8 Year Old Whisky

This whisky brings all the sherried ageing you expect from GlenAllachie, but as well as two different sherry casks, it’s rested in virgin oak and red wine barriques. The result? Rich, syrupy, fruits, but balanced. Expect warming spice, floral honey, nutty malt, heaps of dried fruits, and a surprising minty finish. Every sip is so interesting, and it’s a great whisky to share around and explore together.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £43.99 (usually more!)

Fettercairn 12 Year Old Whisky

This is a young whisky for Fettercairn, but still carries those tropical, floral notes the distillery is loved for. Old bourbon barrels have used those 12 years to infuse mellow, ginger spice and toffee flavours, which join peach, pear, and vanilla. It’s lovely and accessible, but the masterful balance will impress seasoned dram drainers all the same.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £47.50

Bladnoch Vinaya Whisky

Bladnoch’s new ownership have been doing great things, like Vinaya, their single malt taking on the beautiful flavours of first-fill bourbon and sherry casks. From lowland florals to winter spice, there is a comforting sweetness and dried fruits punch to this expression that is very comforting indeed.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 47%
Find here: £47.90 (usually more!)

Great Scotch Whisky Over £50

Ardbeg Uigeadail Whisky

Ardbeg is peat, peat is Ardbeg. But perhaps that is a disservice to the exceptional balance this Islay distilleries weaves into their intense, smoky expression. This one is named after a nearby loch and displays the brilliance of their sweet and savoury style. Expect maritime salinity, dried fruits from sherry casks and curious complexity.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 54%
Find here: £59.75

Chivas Regal 18 Year Old Whisky

This is a standout rich and indulgent Scotch, blending over 20 single malts from across Scotland. The awards speak for themselves with this one, picking up international gongs for its excellence. It’s fantastically smooth and silky, with winter spices, malt and marmalade integrated masterfully. Tremendous dram.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £69.95

The Sassenach Blended Scotch Whisky

This is one of the best ‘celebrity drinks’ out there. Maybe the best. It’s the passion project of Sam Heughan (aka Jamie Fraser from Outlander), and shortly after launching it was awarded the prestigious Double Gold at the 2020 World Spirits Competition. Malts between 9 and 20 years old have been delicately blended to deliver mouthwatering caramel, vanilla and baking spices. Dreamy dram.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £79.90 (usually more!)

Whisky and haggis are, of course, a classic combo for Burns Night, but if you fancy some other drinks to pair with it then check out our guide here!

The Best Whisky to Gift for Christmas

We all know whisky can take a while to get into, and once you’re in, there are so many delicious styles to try, so buying the right bottle for someone this Christmas is a challenge.

From sweeter, ex-bourbon casks to smoky peat expressions, we’ve sniffed out the best whiskies in each category to gift for Christmas. They’re all bottles that we love, with rave reviews, and crucially, they more than justify their price tags. Let’s start with a wee dram…

The Best Scotch Whisky to Gift for Christmas

Arran Barrel Reserve Whisky

This is a bourbon-matured single malt from, of course, the Isle of Arran, a picturesque place rich with whisky heritage. It’s light and soft, with surprising citrus and crisp green apples, as well as a touch of fiery smoke. The smoothness and distinct profile will be a winner for those wanting to try something a little different.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £34.24

Mac-Talla Terra Whisky

Over to Islay now, for a single malt bringing that signature woody smoke and sea salt. ‘Mac-Talla’ means echo in Gaelic, and ‘Terra’ is Earth, so the name hints at the savoury peat, oaky cinders and peppery earthiness that stretches deep into the finish. Vanilla lifts things up a little too, and makes this one of the more approachable smoky drams.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £47.49

The Best Irish Whiskey to Gift for Christmas

Proclamation Blended Irish Whiskey

Celebrating Ireland’s independence, Proclamation is a glass of history, even down to the ABV which is a nod to the 1916 document’s 7 signatures. The blended liquid itself is really delicious, full of character with créme brulée and fruity caramel infused from bourbon maturation and the sherry finish. Smooth, complex, and fantastically rounded, it’s well worth the hype and top notch value too.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41.7%
Find here: £27.49

Kinahan’s The Kasc Project Whiskey

This is a brave exploration of hybrid casks, making use of 5 different woods (Portuguese, American, French, Hungarian oak, and chestnut), all in 1 barrel. Tasting this is such an adventure, with so much depth behind the dark amber hue, and smoothness on every sip. Expect charred tropical fruits, winter spices, nutty undertones, caramel chocolates, and overall, an Irish whisky that draws comparisons to bourbon and cognac.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £33.95

The Best American Whiskey to Gift for Christmas

Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey

This is one of the best value whiskies in America, delivering a seductively creamy profile laced with fruity sweetness. The expression is rounded out by being half wheat, 20% malt, 20% corn and a little rye too, so you get great vanilla and rich toasty notes too. Fabulously balanced.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 45.2%
Find here: £39.94

WhistlePig PiggyBack 6 Year Old Whiskey

WhistlePig have blazed a trail in the world of rye, bringing it back to the premium positioning it deserves. This was made with cocktails in mind, so for any Manhattans and Old Fashioneds, it’s perfect. It delivers great spice and sharpness, but it’s a smooth ride the whole way, with citrus, ripe fruits and toasted winter spices.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 48.3%
Find here: £49.90

The Best Japanese Whisky to Gift for Christmas

Toki Blended Japanese Whisky

This is a blend of The House of Suntory’s 3 distilleries, primarily made of Hakashu single malt and Chita grain whisky, and what an introduction to Japanese whisky it is. It’s light in colour and feel, but full of flavour with lofty vanilla and caramel notes, as well as fruity citrus. It’s approachable and rounded, and therefore very quaffable.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £31.89

Nikka Whisky From The Barrel

Nikka Whisky has great oomph with that boosted strength packing lots of precise flavour, hence the awards. Bourbon, sherry, and hogsheads are all used to age it, and the palate punches with winter spice, caramel, and toffee, plus plenty of rich fruit. It doesn’t lack smoothness either, delivering that classic Japanese elegance.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 51.4%
Find here: £40.25

The Best World Whisky to Gift for Christmas

Starward Left-Field Whisky

Whisky from Melbourne is sure to make for an interesting Christmas gift, right? All the ingredients are sourced nearby to the distillery, and that includes the red wine barrels used for ageing. The wine-woodiness quality here is noticeable, rich with dried fruits, maple syrup and baking spice. It isn’t the most complex whisky out there, but it’s super smooth and full of characterful fruity deliciousness.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £32.95

Paul John Bold Whisky

This is a fully peated single malt from Paul Distilleries, using quality Islay peat which is brought to Goa to dry their Indian barley. All that work pays off because it’s deliciously intense, playing off peat, fruits and honey harmoniously. The tobacco, coffee and smoke come through at the end for an in-your face Indian whisky that demands your attention.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £39.94 (usually more!)

Lot 40 Rye Whisky

Now for some Canadian rye, and this is a legendary representative of it. Once discontinued, Lot 40 is now back, to the delight of whisky connoisseurs. The rye is earthy and kicks straight away before spices like cardamom and pepper florally unfold alongside vanilla. The spice lingers on the finish as you expect. This is one of the best ryes around this price, if not the best.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £37.99

Mackmyra Svensk Rök (Swedish Smoke) Whisky

The fundamentals of this whisky sort of explain themselves – it’s from Sweden, and it’s packed full of smoky peat. The nose is expected but lovely, but there is a bright juniper note in the mouth that comes out of left field, before a smoky, aniseed finish. If you know someone who’s into peaty Islay numbers, then this is a great twist to give them.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 46.1%
Find here: £48.65

We’ve been busy bees lately, working to get Christmas guides and recommendations for tonnes of drinks on the website, so you can deliver a memorable gift that hits the spot. Perhaps you’re looking for unique bottles that stand out? Or maybe you know a gin lover? Or rum? They’re all there and more on the site.

The Only Drop: A One-of-a-Kind Whisky Sculpture

A whisky ‘one of one’ always gets our attention, and when it’s part of a sculpture, well, it’s definitely worth a look. Combining the rich flavours of Scotch whisky with the artistry of sustainable design, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) is about to unveil their masterpiece, "The Only Drop," at the Distillers One of One auction at Sotheby's on October 5, 2023, a full event dedicated to whiskies that will never be repeated.

Teaming up with a team of artists and craftspeople led by STCKMN, James Cropper and Matter Agency, The Only Drop stars the 33-year-old dram as part of a meticulously designed paper pulp sculpture, embedded with shavings from the original casks, reuniting the whisky with the cask it was once within. The lovingly crafted ripple formation is not only beautiful but relates to the unrepeatable pattern of water in nature, with the droplet hinting at the precious whisky within. It's a marriage of craftsmanship, sustainability, and artistry that brings the whisky full circle, reuniting it with its origins.

It's not just the presentation that makes this a special offering either. Born in 1989 at the mysterious Distillery No. 24,, it matured for 30 years in an Oloroso sherry butt, but in 2019, the experts decided to split it into two hogsheads – one Oloroso and one Pedro Ximénez. Three years later, they were reunited to create a one-of-a-kind bottle that will never be replicated.

This decadent and elegant dram combines the dry, nutty flavours of the Oloroso with the dark, treacly notes of the Pedro Ximénez for a Scotch rich in complexity and flavour. ‘But how will the lucky owner taste it?’ you might be thinking. Well, to leave the 700ml bottle as part of the art, a 100ml miniature will be included for sampling, sharing the same charming design with wax neck, foil embellishments and hand-bound stitched copper-foiled paper book documenting the entire journey. What a treasure trove.

And here’s the best part, the proceeds from this great project will support The Youth Action Fund, transforming the lives of disadvantaged young people, helping them develop confidence, resilience, and skills for a brighter future.

The Only Drop also ties into the 40th anniversary of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society so we can expect more exciting ventures on the way, but for now, if you’re lucky enough to be considering a bid at the auction, then make a note of October 5th in Edinburgh to get your hands on a collector’s dream dram.