14 March, 2024

The World Of Scotch Whiskey & Whiskey Tasting

Oh, whiskey, you golden-hued charmer, you've gone and captured the hearts of folks all around the globe, haven't you? From the rugged Highlands to the lush valleys of Speyside and from the smoky to the smooth, the whiskey world is as rich and varied as an Aussie BBQ spread.

Now, let’s talk about whiskey tasting – it's not just glugging down your dram; it's an art form. It's a sensory safari that taps into sight, smell, and taste. And, let me tell you, it’s about as involved as planning a trip to the outback – you need to have your wits about you and consider all the elements.

Cheers to the Glencairn Whiskey Glass
Alright, let's have a good yarn about the Glencairn, the MVP of custom whiskey glasses. It's the one that whiskey aficionados reach for when they want to get up close and personal with their dram. And it's not just for show – the tulip shape is a bit of a genius design; it's all about corralling those delicious aromas and directing them right where they need to go, straight to your olfactory senses. It's like having a wee scent funnel that enhances every subtle note in the whiskey.

The way the Glencairn sits in your hand is part of the experience, too. It's got a solid base that feels as comfortable as a pair of well-worn Ugg boots. And the glass – whether it’s cut crystal or plain glass – is as clear as the waters off the Great Barrier Reef, ensuring you can appreciate the whiskey’s colour and body in full, vibrant detail.

But, hey, the Glencairn isn’t the only glass on the shelf. Let’s not forget about the other contenders that bring their own flair to the whiskey-tasting table:

The Snifter: This glass is like the Glencairn’s sophisticated cousin. It’s got a wide bowl that’s perfect for cradling in your hand, warming the whiskey slightly to release those intricate aromas. It’s the kind of glass that begs you to take a moment, sit back, and ponder life’s mysteries with every sip.

The Highball: Now, if you’re after a long drink, maybe something with a bit of mixer, the highball is your best mate. It’s tall, it’s lean, and it’s ready for those whiskey cocktails or a classic Scotch and soda. It’s the glass that’s ready for a good time, no tuxedo required.

The Tumbler (or the Old Fashioned Glass): The tumbler is the laid-back lad of whiskey glasses. It’s sturdy, with a heavy base, perfect for those who like their whiskey with a splash of water or on the rocks. It’s the no-fuss choice that says, ‘I’m here to enjoy my whiskey, not just talk about it.’

The Neat Glass: The Neat Glass has a bit of a cult following. Its unique shape, with a flared top, is designed to diffuse the alcohol away from the nose and let the true aromas of the whiskey shine through. It’s for those who take their whiskey neat, as the name suggests, and want to savour every drop without the burn.

Each of these glasses offers a different way to enjoy your whiskey, and it’s worth trying a few to see which one suits your taste. It’s like finding the perfect hat – you’ve got to try on a few before you find the one that fits just right.

So, whether you’re a Glencairn devotee or you fancy mixing it up with a snifter or a tumbler, the right glass can turn your whiskey sipping into a first-class experience. Choose your vessel, pour yourself a dram, and let the good times roll. 

The Whiskey Atlas

Let's wander a bit more through the vast landscape of Scotch whiskey, shall we? The regions of Scotland are like stops on a grand tasting tour, each with its own local flavour and character.

The Highlands: This is the big kahuna of Scotch regions, diverse as the Australian continent. Up here, you'll find drams that can range from dry to sweet, peaty to polished. Take a sip of an Oban, and you're tasting the sea with its brine and smoke. Or perhaps Dalmore is more your speed, with rich notes of orange and chocolate – it’s like a Jaffa cake in a glass.

Speyside: The Napa Valley of whiskey, where the distilleries are as plentiful as kangaroos in the Outback. This region is famed for its refined, elegant drams. Glenlivet or Glenfiddich, anyone? These are the whiskies you bring home to meet your folks – reliable, charming, and complex without any rough edges.

The Lowlands: Now, these whiskies are as easy-going as a Sunday arvo. They're often triple distilled, making them as smooth as a jazz tune. Auchentoshan is a classic Lowlander, gentle with a citrusy zing. It's the kind of dram you'd enjoy in the garden on a sunny day.

Islay: Over in Islay, the whiskies are as robust as a Scotsman in a gale. They're famous for that peat – think Laphroaig or Ardbeg – with a smokiness that's as comforting as a campfire under the stars. It’s a love-it-or-hate-it kind of deal, but those who love it are as loyal as a blue heeler.

But wait, there's more:

Campbeltown: This wee region used to be a titan of whiskey production, and it still punches above its weight. Campbeltown malts like Springbank are known for their briny, savoury, and sometimes fruity characteristics. It’s like a smorgasbord of flavours in each bottle.

The Islands: Not officially a region, but the whiskies from Scotland’s isles – like Jura, Talisker from Skye, and Highland Park from Orkney – deserve a nod. They're as varied as the landscapes they hail from, ranging from the sweet and heathery to the peaty and profound.

And don't forget about the new kids on the block:

New Distilleries: Scotland's whiskey scene isn't just about tradition; it's also about innovation. New distilleries like Wolfburn are making waves, adding their own modern twist to the age-old art of whiskey making.

So there you have it, a wee whiskey atlas to guide you through Scotland's liquid library. Whether you're after something as delicate as a Highland breeze or as bold as the cliffs of Skye, there's a Scotch out there with your name on it. Grab a glass and set sail on your own whiskey adventure. 

Choosing Your Whiskey: A Fine Balance

Diving into the world of whiskey is like walking into a grand library. Each bottle is a tome, and the shelves are packed with stories flavoured by time and place. Whether you’re a seasoned sipper or a curious newbie, the act of picking the right whiskey is a delightful dance of personal taste and a little bit of know-how.

Age, as they say, ain't nothing but a number, but in the whiskey world, it's a number that speaks volumes. Older whiskies, those aged dignitaries of the spirit world, are like the wise old uncles of a cricket team. They’ve soaked up all the nuanced characters of their casks, offering a depth that can range from the dark fruits of a Christmas pudding to the leather-bound luxury of an antique shop. An 18-year-old Macallan, for instance, is a whole different beast to its younger siblings, with a complexity that’s as layered as a mille-feuille pastry.

But age isn't the only player; the cask is a key character in this drama. Just like choosing whether to bowl or bat first, selecting the cask type can change the game. For those seasoned veterans, Sherry casks bestow a rich sweetness on their liquid proteges, often imparting a dried fruit and nutty profile that's as moreish as fruit mince pies at Chrissy. Glenfarclas is a fine example of a sherry cask’s handiwork, with a robustness that’s as comforting as a hug from Nan.

Bourbon casks, on the other hand, are the all-rounders. They lend a spicy, caramel-like sweetness to the spirit, a touch of vanilla, and sometimes a kiss of coconut. It's the sort of flavour that brings to mind summer desserts and beachside barbies. Many a Speyside malt, like the Balvenie, has spent time in these American oak casks, picking up that classic, sweet vanilla twang.

But wait, there’s more! Let’s not forget the rising stars and the curveballs:

Wine Casks: Some distillers have been playing with wine casks, which is like throwing a googly into the mix. Wine casks can impart a whole spectrum of flavours – from the spicy punch of a Rioja cask to the subtle, sweet notes of a port cask. It’s a newer style, but one that’s gaining fans quicker than a spinner on a turning pitch.

Double Wood or Triple Wood: Then there’s the double or triple wood approach, where whiskies are aged in two or more types of casks. It’s like having a well-rounded all-rounder on your team. These expressions, like those from Laphroaig, offer layers upon layers of flavour – each cask contributing its own distinct note to the symphony.

Peat: Peat is another style factor. It’s not just about smokiness; it’s about the type of peat and how it’s used. A whiskey with Islay peat, like Lagavulin, is as bold and smoky as a roaring bushfire, while a Highland peat, like that in an Ardmore, might be more akin to a smouldering campfire, more subdued and with a touch of earthiness.

Selecting your whiskey is a personal journey. It’s about balance, whether you like your drams sweet and fruity, rich and woody, or smoky and intense. It’s about experimenting, trying a sip here and a dram there, until you find that perfect balance that hits your palate like a six on a sunny day. So go on, explore the styles, the ages, the casks – your perfect whiskey is out there, just waiting to be discovered.

The Big Names on the Whiskey Shelf

Strap in, because we’re about to take a wee dram-filled tour of Scotland's whiskey titans, those distilleries that have become as iconic as the Loch Ness Monster herself.

The Macallan: Ah, the Macallan, the Rolling Stones of the whiskey world – timeless, full of character, and with a fan base that spans the globe. It's the kind of dram you’d turn to when you want a guaranteed good night, complete with all the complex layers of a classic rock anthem.

Glenfiddich: Now here’s a distillery that’s got something for everyone, like a top-40 radio station. Whether you’re after the easy-going rhythm of their 12-year-old or the complex notes of their 21-year-old Reserva Rum Cask Finish, Glenfiddich keeps the hits coming.

Glenmorangie: With their tall stills and experimental finishes, Glenmorangie is indeed the jazz club of the whiskey world. They’re all about those intricate notes, with a range that includes everything from port wood finishes to their Signet’s chocolate malt – it's like an improvisational solo that keeps you on your toes.

Lagavulin: Known for its rich peaty smoke and deep flavour, Lagavulin is the blues music of whiskey – soulful, emotive, and with a long finish that resonates in the depths of your chest.

Ardbeg: If Lagavulin is blues, then Ardbeg is the punk rock of the peat world – intense, raw, and with an edge that grabs you by the scruff of the neck. It’s a whiskey with a cult following, and for good reason.

Aberlour: This Speyside staple is like a symphony orchestra – layers of harmonious flavours, from the dark, fruity notes of their sherry cask finishes to the honeyed spice of their bourbon cask expressions. It’s a dram that’s as refined as a night at the opera.

Bruichladdich: They're the indie band of the whiskey world, doing things their own way with a focus on terroir and craft. Their Classic Laddie is a testament to their non-conformist approach – unpeated, floral, and as fresh as a sea breeze.

Talisker: Hailing from the Isle of Skye, Talisker brings a maritime punch with a peppery kick – it’s as wild as a Scottish storm, with a smoothness that follows like the calm after the rain.

Laphroaig: This one’s a love letter to peat. Drinking Laphroaig is like listening to an old folk tale by the fireside – it’s earthy, smoky, and wraps around you like a woollen blanket.

And let’s give a nod to some of the newer distilleries making waves:

Kilchoman: A relative newcomer, Kilchoman is making a name for itself with farm-to-bottle operations and a peaty punch that's quickly becoming the talk of the town.

Daftmill: They're the boutique distillery with a limited output, but what they lack in quantity, they more than make up for in quality. Their whiskey is like a rare vinyl record – hard to find but worth the search.

The thing about these big names is they’ve all got stories to tell. Each dram is a chapter of Scotland’s whiskey narrative, full of tradition and the occasional twist. Whether you like your whiskey on the rocks or neat, there’s a distillery out there that’s playing your tune, just waiting for you to take a sip and join the dance.

Whiskey Wanderlust
Strap on your boots and grab your map, because Edinburgh is just the first stop on a grand whiskey adventure that’ll have you trekking across Scotland faster than a Highland stag. The World of Whiskey in Edinburgh is indeed a treasure trove for the whiskey enthusiast, but the road doesn’t end there. The whiskey trail is long and winding, and it’s dotted with stops that are as full of character as they are full of that golden nectar.

Speyside Cooperage: Head on over to Speyside, the heartland of whiskey, and drop by the Speyside Cooperage. Here, you'll witness the ancient art of coopering, where you can see how barrels are made and learn why they're so important to the final taste of that whiskey you're sipping.

The Scotch Whiskey Experience in Edinburgh: Another gem in the capital city, offering a barrel ride through a replicated distillery, it's like Disneyland for whiskey buffs. You’ll come out with a newfound appreciation for the spirit and probably a wee dram’s buzz too.

Islay: It’s not just a place; it’s an experience. The island of Islay is home to distilleries like Ardbeg, Laphroaig, and Lagavulin, where the air is as peaty as the whiskey. Visiting Islay is like stepping into the pages of a whiskey fairytale, complete with ocean mist and the warmth of the community.

The Highland Park Distillery in Orkney: This distillery gives you a taste of Viking heritage mixed with the ruggedness of Orkney. It’s a bit of a trek to get there, but the reward is unique whiskies with a hint of sea-salted savouriness.

The Glenlivet Distillery in Banffshire: Nestled in the scenic glens, The Glenlivet offers a dram as smooth as the rolling hills surrounding it. The distillery tours are top-notch, and the tasting sessions are like a warm welcome to the family.

Blair Athol Distillery in Pitlochry: This spot is like a hidden gem in the foothills of the Grampians. The distillery's rich, mellow drams are as inviting as the historic buildings and watermill on the grounds.

Dalwhinnie Distillery in the Cairngorms National Park: Known as one of the highest distilleries in all of Scotland, Dalwhinnie offers a sweet, gentle dram and a tour that provides stunning views – a literal and figurative high point of any whiskey journey.

And let’s not forget about the urban distilleries:

Glasgow Distillery: Bringing distilling back to Glasgow, this place is blending the traditional with the modern and serving up some innovative spirits in the process. It's like the trendy new bar that’s popped up in the neighbourhood, but with all the distilling cred.

Holyrood Distillery in Edinburgh: Right in the heart of the city, Holyrood is putting an urban spin on the craft. It's one of the newer kids on the block and is all about pushing the boundaries with its spirits.

Each of these destinations offers more than just a wee dram; they offer an immersion into the history, the process, and the passion behind every bottle. So when the wanderlust hits and whiskey's your compass, Scotland’s distilleries are a journey worth taking – each sip an exploration, each taste a discovery

The Final Pour
So, there you have it – whiskey tasting is more than a sip; it's a full-on adventure. It's about good company, great stories, and finding that perfect dram that sings to your soul. Whether you’re swirling a Glencairn glass or toasting with new mates at a club, it’s a journey worth savouring. So, go on, pour yourself a wee nip, and let the good times roll.

The Glassware Only Team