World Whisky Day takes place on the third Saturday of every May, this year falling on the 15th. So what should you be drinking to pay tribute to the classic distilled beverage? Here’s our round-up of our favour whiskies to enjoy right now.
X by Glenmorangie
Glenmorangie has released a new single malt Scotch whisky specially made for mixing. Crafted with top bartenders, X by Glenmorangie’s sweeter, richer taste is perfect for tall, simple serves, which promise to refresh the way single malt whisky is enjoyed. This luscious whisky is an extravaganza of flavours, from pear, vanilla and honeysuckle to orange sherbet and chocolate fudge. Expertly created from a combination of whisky aged in bourbon casks, and some finished in new char oak casks, its sweet and rich taste both complements and cuts through all manner of mixers, for delicious drinks.
Cotswolds Single Malt
The first whisky to be distilled in the Cotswolds, the blend contains Warminster floor-malted barley (you can check the variety and which farm it came from on your individual bottle). A brand full of character, the stills used in production are named Janis and Mary. Non-chill filtered, light, honeyed and fruity, it’s aged for three years, resulting in a 46% ABV.
Compass Box Artist Blend
Paying homage to Scotland’s capital city, Artist Blend is inspired by Edinburgh’s painters, performers, writers and restaurateurs. Around half of its ingredients come from existing Highland whiskies, which are then blended with Lowland grains, before being matured in first-fill ex-Bourbon barrels. This makes the single malt extremely versatile, much like its creative namesakes.
Rampur Double Cask Indian Single Malt Whisky
In search of an exotic, intoxicating beverage? Matured in American oak bourbon barrels followed by European oak sherry casks, Rampur’s double cask is an intriguing mix of dry and sweet textures. Rampur has been distilling for a quarter of a century now, and here brings a fruitier flavour in comparison to many other Indian single malts.
Aberlour 14-Year-Old
The Aberlour distillery was founded by James Fleming, back in 1879. This esteemed Speyside malt, is buttery, sweet, well balanced and light, golden amber in colour. Bottled at 40% ABV, it’s ideal for those wanting a gentler experience, without lacking any depth or aroma.
Glenburgie 8-Year-Old
Fun and funky, this bottle is presented by a boutique whisky company. Its award-winning blends and malts all feature cartoon-style illustrations (this one features a giant, roaming the distillery grounds). Glenburgie’s 8-year old batch is a 55.2% limited release and comes presented in a creatively designed box, with a cutout window revealing the bottle’s artwork.
Ledaig 2010 9-Year-Old Provenance
Matured in a single bourbon barrel for nine years, Provenance single malt was then bottled in July last year at 46% ABV. The Scotch comes from Tobermory, on the Isle of Mull and makes up a batch of just 325 bottles. Peaty, smoky and sweet, it’s also infused with seaside aromas, reflecting the independent distillery’s coastal location.
Shanky’s Whip
This is a creamy liqueur and whisky blend that brings together Black Irish Whiskey, Irish Spirits, caramel and vanilla. Easy to drink (serve over ice), the beverage comes with a whimsical story; the label evokes vintage matchbox artwork and features Shanky, a jockey who was thrown from his horse, but returned to the track with an ostrich, cart and whip.
