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

Whisky Wanderlust: Crossing Oceans, Capturing Flavours

There are many whiskies that aren’t American that can be found in the USA. Now that the tariff war is long gone, the UK has left the EU, and many companies have increased their distribution, there are more whiskies than ever being offered to the US market from the traditional markets, such as Scotland, Ireland and Japan.

The following whiskies are some of my favourites which reach the US and don’t cost the earth. In the US there is the advantage of a larger bottle, and taxes aren’t quite so high, so there is great value to be had. So, with that said, let me introduce 8 bottles you are sure to love.

Mortlach 12 Year Old

The beast of Dufftown, Mortlach is one of the best sherry led whiskies in Speyside. It is big, oily and rich, but also has great finesse and depth of flavour with sweet honey and dates, with lots of fruit cake flavours and touches of spice, oak and chocolate. This is the most expensive whisky on my list, and it’s worth it. It’s great for gifting with its smart new branding brought in a few years ago. It is a decadent whisky which I would serve by itself, with a little water, or if you wanted a superior old fashioned, this single malt whisky would do the trick.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 43.4%
Find it here: $53.99

Nikka Days

Japanese whisky prices seem to have gone through the roof lately, especially for single malts. However, the blended whiskies from Japan can be excellent as well. One has to be slightly careful in Japan with blended whisky as quite a lot of it is in fact Scotch! This one however is all Japanese with Coffey Grain, un-peated Miyagikyo single malt, Coffey malt and a touch of Yioichi malt, this is a complex and delicious blended whisky. There are sweet notes and bright floral notes mixing with fruits, vanilla and caramel giving a long finish. Like many things Japanese, this has precision and elegance.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: $49.99

Tullibardine Artisan

This whisky is simply incredible value. Back in the 1980’s a single malt Scotch would have cost around $25, and this is the price of this single malt Scotch today! Matured exclusively in ex-Bourbon barrels, it is sweet and unctuous with honey, vanilla fudge and digestive biscuits. Whisky Advocate Magazine in the US rated this whisky a best buy at 91 point. If you wanted to try malt whisky from Scotland for the 1st time, I’d recommend this one.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: $24.99

Speyburn Arranta

This single malt like the Tullibardine, uses ex-Bourbon barrels, but in this case they are all 1st fill barrels, meaning that no Scotch has been in them before this filling which gives them an extra sweetness and depth of flavour. This whisky also has a touch of spice and lots of orchard fruits giving it plenty of character but keeping it all smooth and easy to drink. For me this is best over ice on a hot day, or even with soda making a highball. It’s got enough oomph to handle being diluted yet still providing plenty of flavour.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 46%
Find it here: $44.99

Glenmorangie X

This expression from Glenmorangie has been made purely with mixing in mind. There is plenty of rich sweetness, but also spice and rich oaky flavours, It’ll make a great highball, but is best in cocktails like a whisky sour. It mixes extremely well with cola, especially diet cola as the sweetness in the whisky can really shine through and isn’t competing with a naturally sugary drink. My favourite way to drink it is simply with lots of ice, soda and a dash of lemon juice and bitters

Size: 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: $39.99

Ballantine’s 12

This is one of the world’s best blends. If you are used to drinking Ballantine’s Finest, this will be a little different, Finest is lighter and more floral in nature, whilst Ballantine’s 12 year old is richer and has more honey, caramel and toffee notes. There is a touch of spice to keep things interesting, but ultimately this is a smooth easy sipping blended Scotch. With the youngest whisky in the bottle being 12 years old, there are older whiskies in the blend giving further depth and pleasure.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: $37.99

Glenfarclas 12 Year Old

This is the quintessential sherry matured Speyside single malt scotch. There are lots of Christmas cake flavours of raisins, currants, dates and apricots with complex spices including nutmeg, cinnamon and anise. There are sweeter toffee flavours and orange marmalade as well. A touch over 40% abv gives the flavours that little extra boost and the finish lasts for ages. If you’re feeling decadent, this makes the perfect Old Fashioned especially if you make one the traditional way with a cube of brown sugar rather than syrup.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find it here: $50.99

Jameson Black Barrel

Last and by no means least, I have an Irish whisky. If you’re used to Jameson’s regular whisky, this is a good step up and you’ll find it hard to go back! The barrels used to mature this spirit have had extra charring which concentrates the flavours giving extra richness and smoothness which also comes from a triple distillation process which is different from Scotch’s double distillation. There is lots of vanilla sweetness and caramel with orchard fruits, a touch of tropical banana typical of Irish whisky, and warming spices. Don’t wait for a winter fireside with this one, it’s fabulous on the rocks in the evening sun.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: $42.99

All the above I have enjoyed many times over the years, and they have never disappointed. They have even kept my bank balance happy. I love sharing these with whisky lovers and those new to whisky alike and they have changed many people’s minds over the quality of blends over single malts and that Japanese whisky doesn’t have to break the bank. Find a flavour profile you like the look of, sit back and enjoy the rest of the summer.

Words by Colin Hampden-White

TalkTV: Scottish Drinks for Burns Night

What better way to start your whisky journey is there than to taste a dram or seven this Burns Night! In celebration of the great Scottish Poet Robbie (Rabbie) Burns, we won't; quite be addressing the haggis, but we will be looking at some classic Scottish drinks, from Single Malt Scotch to Scotland’s other national drink: Irn Bru!

Rob Roy Cocktail

A classic, easy-to-make, delicious small cocktails for Scotch newbies and aficionados alike. 

It is said to have got its name when a bar in New York tweaked the classic Manhattan cocktail recipe to use Scotch whisky instead of Bourbon in homage to a new operetta called Rob Roy, that was playing in a theatre nearby. The protagonist of this story was a  Scottish folk hero named Rob Roy MacGregor. Simply pour the Scotch whisky, vermouth and bitters into a mixing glass with ice and stir well. Strain into a Nick and Nora glass or couple and garnish with the cocktail cherry. 

Whisky used: Glen Marnoch Highland Single Malt Whisky (£17.49 from Aldi.)

Vermouth used: Cocchi Vermouth di Torino (£23.95 from The Whisky Exchange)

Cocktail Maraschino cherries by Hotel Starlino (£9.99 from The Bottle Club)

Ingredients:

50ml Scotch Whisky

25ml Sweet Red Vermouth

2 Dashes Angostura Bitters

1 Speared cocktail cherry

Ne-bru-ni

Joy of joys, here’s a Negroni with a Scottish twist, swapping out the vermouth for the Irn Bru. At least it’s not as strong, so less bad for you, right? Don’t forget to use a classic, Scottish gin for the full Burns Night effect. Add the gin and the aperitif into a shaker with ice and shake hard for a full 30 seconds. Pour over a large cube of ice into a tumbler and top up with Irn Bru. Stir gently and garnish with an orange wheel if you’re feeling fancy. 

Gin used: Hendrick’s Gin (Find at Ocado for £27)

Aperitif used: Campari 

Irn Bru 1901 in a bottle - the original.  (Find at Ocado for £2.55)

Ingredients:

25ml Gin

25ml Bitter Aperitif

25ml Irn Bru

Oban 14 Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Finally, we can’t toast Burns NIght without a single dram pof fine Scotch whisky and I;ve gone for an Oban 14. One of my favourite Highland Malt Scotches and a classic example of whisky from the Western Highlands, this tiny distillery uses pot still for small batches and more character. The 14 year old is full-bodied and has aromas and flavours of candied orange peel, heather, honey, a whiff of peat smoke and a slick of sea salt in the finish.

Find it at Ocado for £77.50

Don’t forget to watch The Three Drinkers do Scotch Whisky, streaming 24/7 on Amazon Prime! 

See more on Scotch whisky in these articles: 12 Top Whiskies to sip this Burns Night

10 Stunning Scotch Whiskies For Hogmanay

There’s nothing like a dazzling dram to usher in the New Year. Whether you’re clinking glasses with friends and loved ones or looking for a tasty Scotch to arrive with as a ‘first footer’, we’ve got you covered.

Not familiar with first footers? It’s the Scottish tradition of being the first person to enter the house after midnight, who usually brings gifts including coal and whisky in exchange for a meal, before cracking open the good stuff afterwards.

Well, if you bring any of these, you’ll definitely be welcomed into any house in your neighbourhood (okay, maybe not any), because whether it’s peaty, fruity, or sweet, you’ll find the standout Scotch for your Hogmanay in this Top 10.

Black Bottle Double Cask Alchemy Series

Inside this gorgeous retro bottle is an equally gorgeous wine-finished whisky with two intertwined blends. First, a grain whisky matured in red wine casks, and second a malt matured in Spanish sherry. Bright red berries run from nose to finish and are offset by mellow vanilla and nutty notes for a really well put together Scotch on the sweeter side. One of the best options for the price.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46.3%
Find here: £25.75

Glen Grant 10 Year Old

We loved sipping this on our Bring a Bottle podcast because it appeals to whisky beginners and seasoned dram drinkers all the same. Behind that gorgeous amber colouring is a Speyside single malt that’s spent a decade in bourbon casks infusing with a light and malty profile. Green orchard comes through, as does distinct toffee and vanilla with a gentle peat finish. It's completely deserving of its awards, and you’ll have no regrets whatsoever about making it your first drink of the new year!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%    
Find here: £30.99

Glen Moray 12 Year Old Elgin Heritage

Glen Moray has a great portfolio of whiskies, but this is probably their best – the flagship 12-year-old. There’s none of the slightly unusual casks you often see with Glen Moray here, simply American oak done super well. It’s a classic Speyside single malt with good malty depth and variety of notes, from apple and shortbread on the nose to a light vanilla and honey palate. Nothing dominates, the balance is spot on and it’s more than up to the job of being your Hogmanay dram!

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £35.90 // US $43.99

CreAg Dhu

Another beautiful bottle with that river of whisky nectar running through inviting you in, and the landscape hints at Craeg Dhu’s mission too. Smoky Scotch requires peat burning, which releases carbon and can cut into the biodiverse peatlands in an unsustainable way. Therefore, funds from each bottle of this non-peated Scotch sold go towards saving the peatlands, which are the largest UK carbon store. The Speyside dram itself is matured for 8 years in Sherry casks and there’s sumptuous, dried fruits with honey alongside nutty malt notes and warming ever so slightly charred spice. If you like sweet and fruity Scotch then this is great for you, and you’re supporting a good cause at the same time. Win win.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40.2%
Find here: £33.99

Bladnoch Vinaya

Since changing ownership, renovating, and bringing in a new Master Distiller, Bladnoch’s new expressions have levelled up. Vinaya is wonderful single malt matured in first-fill bourbon and first-fill sherry casks for a complexity beyond the price, capturing summery lowland florals, gentle spice with pepper and cinnamon and a comforting fruity sweetness through the heart of it. Easy drinking and a distillery to keep an eye on going forward!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46.7%
Find here: £48.99

Blair Athol 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna

This is a Highland gem from the Flora and Fauna series of single malts. Dating back to 1798, Blair Athol Distillery sits on the peaty foothills of the Grampian Mountains in a stunning landscape, and the Scotch is just as magical. Pure sherry cask maturation gives rich dried fruit spices and a toffee aroma that builds as it’s exposed to the air. As the ice in your glass melts, fresh gooseberries and apricots come to the front before a curiously sweet and slightly unusual aftertaste. One of the most characterful sherried whiskies around and well worthy of celebrating the New Year with.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £48.94

Big Peat 12 Year Old

This Islay Blended Malt arrives in a very distinct and eye-catching bottle, and it’s the first permanent release from Douglas Laing’s peat series, blending various single malts from the island’s distilleries. At 12 years old, the peaty intensity is bold but not overpowering and there’s a fine balance, with forward coastal sea-breeze vibes too. Citrus complexity adds depth to the flavour, and the campfire char arrives early on. Simply put, this is a must try for those of you who love peaty whisky and one you’ll probably revisit a few times in the year ahead after trying.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: UK £49.95 // US $45.99

Deanston 12 Year Old Oloroso Cask Matured

This Oloroso Sherry Cask Matured Scotch is very special, and if you can’t pour it on celebrating a new year then when else can you? It was limited to 13,227 bottles when it was distilled in 2008, and at almost 53%, it has serious oomph. With dried fruit, honey and warming gingery spice, it’s a fantastic way of continuing the Christmassy flavours. From the minute it hits your nose, it’s bold and the smooth mouthfeel is so moreish. Nom!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 52.7%
Find here: £76.99

The Sassenach Blended Scotch Whisky

Double Gold winner for Blended Scotch at the 2020 World Spirits Competition, The Sassenach is the first Scotch launched by actor Sam Heughan (Outlander) and it’s a triumphant debut. It’s bursting with warmth and vibrancy, with cinnamon and zest on the nose, and honeyed almonds alongside vanilla fudge rising up on the palate. It really is a completely satisfying dram with beauty to match the Highlands it’s inspired by. Classy bottle too.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £79.95

Jura Tide 21 Year Old

We’ll finish on a pricier option, but it’s impossible to leave it out. It’s gilded with major awards and if you’re able to splash out, then this is where you want to put your money. 60 miles off the west coast of Scotland is the tiny, remote, and rugged island of Jura. There are 20x the number of deer as there are people, but for an island with just a single road and pub, it leaves its mark and then some. It also has just one distillery that has always been at the centre of the community, and since being rescued from ruin in the 1960s, it has a flawless reputation now. Tide is their 21-year-old single malt that’s released as part of their Aged Vintage series. It’s double matured, in ex bourbon barrels first, and then virgin American white oak casks. The spicy complexity is beguiling, with warming spices like ginger and pepper balanced out by lofty banana and white chocolate biscuits. From start to finish, it’s heaped with flavour that’s driven home by the high alcohol percentage. When it comes to bottling the magic of the surroundings, Jura Tide hits the nail on the head.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46.7%
Find here: £144.99

If you’re more into Irish whiskey, then it might not be the most traditional Hogmanay but hey ho, who’s gonna notice just by looking at it? Here are the best!

Words by Calum Ecroyd

From Budget to Blow Out: The Best Scotch of 2022

Words by Colin Hampden-White

I know we are only really halfway through the year, however, I have come across some blindingly good whiskies and wanted to share them with you. As with most great things, they are not all easy to find. However, this little selection covers some which are, some which you will have to find at auction or somewhere on the secondary market, and some I am afraid you will never find, but do show how private bottlers of whisky someone owns in cask can be absolutely brilliant. The one thing they all have in common is that they are uncommonly good whiskies! I am starting off with one that can be found fairly easily, and if the second half of this year is as good as the first, my Christmas round-up of 2022 is going to be a belter.

Thompson Bros SRV5 8-year-old Blended Malt

The Thompson Bros are both independent bottlers and distillers. The independent bottling side of their business has been lauded with praise. They manage to find extraordinary expressions of whiskies and sell them for a reasonable price. They had maintained the idea that they would in time have a regular expression they would be able to create with consistency, and this is that expression. The balance of the malts is superb and the resulting whisky is very moreish and easy to drink. The SRV5 stands for Station Road VAT 5, as the whisky is created in a solera vat which is never emptied more than 2/3 for any bottling run. The flavours are complex with green apples and lemon. A little char and grassiness. There is gentle smoke in the background and lots of citrus on the finish. An incredibly affordable blended malt, and if you haven’t got into smoky whisky yet and want a good opener, then this is a good bet.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 48.5%
Find here: £34.95

Johnnie Walker Green Label 15 year old

From the stable of the biggest brand in Scotch Whisky, Johnnie Walker sells more whisky than any other brand globally, which is a testament to the consistency of the whisky they produce. This 15 year old blended malt is one of the greatest value whiskies of all time. It is rich and incredibly well balanced with orchard fruit flavours and a deep maltiness and honey sweetness. With vanilla and toffee ice cream and a touch of spice, this is a great dram.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: UK £37.95 // US $58.99

Glen Moray 18 year old

This has to be the best value 18 year old whisky on the market. It is from their heritage range that gives approachable and easy to drink whiskies. This was matured in first-fill American oak barrels giving lots of vanilla with apricot and honey. There are some dried fruits on the palate and a touch of florality and the finish includes a little spicy ginger and dark honey. It’s an impressive dram for the money.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 47.2%
Find here: UK £62.90 // US $121.19

Fettercairn 16 2nd release

This is the second release of the Fettercairn 16 year old, and it is quite different from the first but is certainly not a lesser whisky. This is very sherried in style, using three different sherry cask types in the maturation: first fill Oloroso, refill Oloroso and first fill Palo Cortada butts. This is a complex whisky which is very impressive. The bottling strength might put off purists, but I think they have got it just right. Smooth, yet spicy and brilliantly balanced, with lots of dried fruits and toasty oak too. This won’t be around for long, so grab it whilst you can.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46.4%
Find here: £64.95

Lagavulin 12 year old Fèis ìle 2022

This is the first bottling under the new distillery manager Jordan Paisley and is very rich for a Lagavulin. It is sweet and spicy with a full body and lots of spice as well as well integrated smoke and oak. It was matured in ex-bourbon casks and finished in virgin American oak casks. One of the other things I liked about this year’s Fèis ìle release is that it came with no outer packaging. Diageo is reducing the number of products that have packaging and that makes environmental sense to me.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 57.7%
Find here: £165

GlenAllachie 2006 Single Cask 3292 Oloroso Sherry Butt

Exclusively bottled for The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 2022, this is a 15-year-old single cask expression. It has a great colour and the flavours are intense and rich. It was initially matured in an ex-bourbon cask, and then re-racked into a first fill Oloroso puncheon, and left to rest in a very old Sherry butt which had been part of a solera system for 55 years. It’s got lots of spice and Christmas cake characteristics, as well as fine oak, chocolate, and damp tobacco and on the finish, there are fine tannins and touches of sweetness.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 59.4%
Find here: At auction for around £200 - £250

Benromach 40 2022

This 2022 40 year old recently won best in show at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and it was well deserved. Having spent a full maturation in sherry casks the result is complex and elegant. With nutty flavours and cooked orchard fruits, mixed with ginger and chocolate, cedar wood and dark honey with touches of orange zest in the background it’s an absolute delight. There are only 1132 bottles, so be quick when it is released!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 57.6%
Find here: Coming soon 

The Octave Cask Glenglassaugh Whisky for Everyone  

A bit of a leftfield whisky here as it isn’t for sale. It was bottled by my friends Matt and Karen from Whisky for everyone from a quarter cask. Normally I am not too keen on quarter casks as the wood quite often overtakes the spirit and distillery character, giving a rich whisky, but taking away its essence. This whisky has been bottled with near perfect balance. The distillery character is still there, even though the flavours are rich and warming. Expect cooked and dried fruits and manuka honey with soft spices and a touch of umami. If you ever come across a bottle. Enjoy. It was one of my favourites this year.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 56.7%

Royal Lochnagar 1994 26year old Casks of Distinction

This was bottled within Diageo’s Casks of Distinction range and was sold at auction with the proceeds going to the Scottish Ballet Endowment Fund to support the future of scotland’s national dance company. There were only 470 bottles, and occasionally they come up again at auction. Expect to pay upward of £600. The whisky was incredibly elegant and refined with dried apricots and touches of fresh red apple. The spices were soft and there was a layer of honey running throughout the dram. With a little water, floral notes come through and the finish is not dry at all. A satisfying whisky.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 56.3%
Find here: At auction upward of £600

Brora Tryptic

To mark the reopening of the Brora distillery 36 years after it closed, this set of very special bottles is incredibly rare. Selling originally for £30,000 these can usually only be found at auction. The expressions show off three eras of Brora flavour each giving waxy, peated and earthy flavour. The 1972 Elusive Legacy at 42.8% gives an earthy background, the 1977 Age of Peat gives a peaty flavour and the 1982 Timeless Original shows off the typical Brora waxy flavour. In their own ways, each of these whiskies is incredible to taste and is worth savouring. At the time of writing, I could find one of the 300 sets available at retail in the Netherlands.

Size: 1500ml
ABV: 42.8%, 46.8%, 47.5%
Find here: €53,500

Are you interested in investing in whisky? Then why not have a read of How to Invest in Whisky? If you’re looking for more whisky recommendations, this is a great place to start: The World’s Best Value Whisky.

Three Scotch Whisky Cocktails for Burns Night

Burns night is upon us! 25th of January is the birthday of Scotland’s own ‘Shakespeare’: Robert ‘Rabbie’ Burns. This ‘Scottish bard’ was responsible for many books and poems including Auld Lang Syne. He is celebrated every year on this date, usually by eating Haggis with neeps and tatties and drinking Scotch whisky in some form, while his words are read out before the meal to ‘address the Haggis’. Here are three great Scotch whisky cocktails to try on Burns night 2022.

The Rob Roy

Rob Roy (full name Robert MacGregor ) was an infamous, red-headed, Highland outlaw with a reputation as the  Scottish Robin Hood. His fame was fanned by  Sir Walter Scott’s novel Rob Roy in 1818 and in the poems of William Wordsworth. This cocktail exists however because it was dreamed up at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Manhattan by a barman to celebrate the opening of the Rob Roy operetta in 1984. 

Ingredients

50ml Scotch Whisky (I’m using Glen Marnoch Highland Single Malt - £16.99 from Aldi)

30ml Sweet Vermouth

Dash Angostura bitters

Method

Pour all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice, stir and strain into a coup glass.Garnish with an orange twist or maraschino cherry. 

Smoky Whisky Sour

For this whisky sour, it can only be Scotch whisky from the Island of Islay, just west of mainland Scotland where the peat used to dry the barley imparts that classic, smoky, peaty flavour. Ardbeg is set right by the water and prides itself on its quirky range of peaty whiskies named after myths and legends a lot of the time! If you’re a bit put off by using egg white, you can simply leave it out. It’s there to add a silky, creamy texture. 

Ingredients

50ml Islay Scotch Whisky (I’m using Ardbeg 10 year old)

25ml Fresh Lemon Juice

15ml Simple Syrup

1 Egg white (optional)

Bitters for colour

Orange or lemon peel for garnish

Method

Add the Scotch, lemon juice and egg white if you are using it into a shaker with ice and shake for around 30 seconds. Strain and pour into a rocks glass over ice. If you have foam, add a dash of bitters for colour. Mix the sugar and lemon very evenly for the best effect. 

World of Zing Leather and Walnut Manhattan

World of Zing were allegedly the pioneers of bottled cocktails, founded and crafted by Pritesh Moody from Sunday Brunch. A Manhattan is traditionally whisky, with sweet vermouth and bitters like the Rob Roy above. Rye whiskey is more usually used but it works particularly well with blended Scotch whisky too, such as the Johnnie Walker here. This handcrafted blend features Johnnie Walker Black Label, Rosso Vermouth, Walnut Bitters, Walnut Liqueur and Tannic Tincture.  ABV: 28% Look out for their Easter ones too! Hot Cross Bun-Hattan and Chocolate Orange Negroni

Find it for £15 from www.worldofzing.com, RRP from £15.00

Glenfiddich to Fuel Trucks with Whisky Waste

Does driving a car powered by whisky count as drunk driving…? The jury’s still out on that one, but one thing we know for certain is that a whisky waste powered car is on the horizon!

Making whisky can be surprisingly wasteful, with nearly 85% of the leftover grains and barley from the malting stage going to waste. Wastage is a huge problem in the food and drink industry, but major whisky producer Glenfiddich seems to be on the road to combatting their waste.

Though previously sold off as high-protein cattle feed, Glenfiddich is using its spent grains to create fuel for trucks. The grains are put through ‘anaerobic digestion’, a process in which bacteria break down organic matter and produce biogas. This biogas is what can be substituted for the harmful diesel. Using biogas instead of diesel or other fossil fuels cuts CO2 emissions by over 95% and reduces other harmful particulates and greenhouse gas emissions by up to 99% - now that’s cool. Each truck will displace up to 250 TONNES of CO2 annually!

Glenfiddich currently have four trucks running off this biogas, but plan to convert the other sixteen of their trucks to be biogas fuelled in the near future. At the moment, these trucks are only the ones transporting the spirit to be bottled but William Grant & Sons, Glenfiddich’s parent company, are looking to use the same biogas to power trucks that transport the whisky nationally.

William Grant & Sons have always proclaimed to be at the forefront of reducing carbon emissions in the whisky industry, and they hope to hit carbon net zero targets by 2040. Judging by the way things are going now, that doesn’t seem to be such a huge hurdle anymore.

Glenfiddich distillery director Stuart Watts (pictured above) told Reuters, “The thought process behind this was, ‘what can we do that’s better for us all?’”. This mindset is certainly one that is catching on around the drinks industry as we see more and more brands either utilising waste or becoming carbon neutral (even sometimes carbon negative!).

In Finland, even goose poop has been used to make beer! Check out this article to see how other companies are making their processes a bit more eco-friendly.