Whisky has never been a hotter commodity. Globally, sales are at the largest they’ve ever been and value-wise, Knight Frank just described whisky as the best alternative investment of 2019. Sometimes however, we just want to drink the stuff. Want to get into whisky or pick up a bottle for a friend or parent? Start with the original: Scotch whisky. Here are some epic drams for every occasion, style and budget:
For the Whisky Novice
Wonderfully accessible in both style and price point, these three classic whiskies are hard to beat:
Glen Moray Classic Single Malt (£21, 40%, 70cl)
Think shortbread, lemongrass and butterscotch. Stockist: Glen Moray.
Johnnie Walker Black Label (£20, 40%, 70cl)
Smooth and creamy blended whisky with toffee notes and a touch of fig. Great alone, with ice or with a mixer. Stockist: Amazon.
Glenmorangie 10 year ‘The Original’ (£29.50, 40%, 70cl)
Un-peated, floral and citrussy, this a gorgeous single malt. Stockist: Master of Malt
For the Wine Lover
Many distilleries have taken to ‘finishing’ their whiskies in wine casks for extra depth of flavour and to create a wider range of editions. Lovers of whisky and wine, give these a go:
Glen Moray Port Cask Finish (£25, 40% abv, 70cl)
Sweet, dried fruit, vanilla and spice from eight months ageing in port pipes. Stockist: Glen Moray.
The Balvenie Doublewood 12 year (£38.75, 40%, 70cl)
Finished in Oloroso sherry butts, this is a classic, need-to know whisky that’s spicy, nutty and ever so slightly peated. Stockist Master of Malt.
Glenmorangie Nectar d’Or 12 Year (£50.90, 46%, 70cl)
Honey, marmalade and citrus notes shine from extended time in barrels that held Sauternes dessert wine. Stockist: Master of Malt.
For the Mixologist
Purists look away. Whisky can be enjoyed any which way you like it and if that’s with other ingredients, so be it. Here are three that work particularly well in cocktails:
Johnnie Walker Red Label (£20, 40%, 70cl)
A brilliant, inexpensive, smooth whisky that works particularly well with soft drinks and adds a spicy kick to cocktails. Stockist: Tesco and other supermarkets.
Glenfiddich 15 Year (£39.90, 40%, 70cl)
Made with a solera system like sherry, where barrels are constantly topped up, this is a very smart, marzipan and cinnamon-scented whisky that makes a killer Old Fashioned. Stockist: Master of Malt.
Jura Seven Wood (£55, 42%, 70cl)
Matured in seven types of wood from France to Kentucky, this richly fruited, textured and chocolately whisky actually goes well with white wine and a touch of agave syrup to soften the wood influence. Stockist: Master of Malt.
For the Collector
If this person really know their hogsheads from their butts, try one of these stunning, off-the-beaten track whiskies that will doubtless increase in value if you can keep your hands off them:
Fettercairn 1997, Aged 21 Years, Cask Strength (£106, 58%, 70cl)
A well-loved if little known distillery that have access to fantastic aged casks. This is all hazelnut, ginger cake and chocolate, which sings with a small drop of water. Stockist The Whisky Exchange.
The Dalmore King Alexander III (£184, 40%, 70cl)
A staggeringly beautiful blend of malts finished in sherry, madeira, marsala, port and bourbon casks. Notes of raspberry, toffee, orange and licorice. Divine! Stockist: The Whisky Exchange.
Invergordon 45 Year Old 1972 - Cask 14772 (£244.98, 49.6%, 70cl)
This elegantly aged whisky should be wearing a smoking jacket and slippers. Notes of tobacco, walnut and Christmas cake. Stockist: Master of Malt.
Want to know more about your Scotch whisky? You know where to go! The Three Drinkers do Scotch Whisky, streaming on Amazon Prime now!