Posted on 12/29/2010 4:22:43 PM PST by aMorePerfectUnion
It's the time of year when we push the boat out and when it comes to that Christmas spirit a good whisky is hard to beat.
Whether it's Scotch or Bourbon, Japanese or Irish, the world of the water of life is complex and varied - and it can be daunting for the novice tippler.
But help is at hand in the form of a book published by whisky expert Ian Buxton. 101 Whiskies to Try Before you Die is a distillation of years of his research into the spirit, and Buxton was in Canary Wharf recently to dispense his knowledge to lovers of a wee dram or two.
He said: "The book is about making whisky accessible for real people. Whisky has got very fashionable now, but I wanted to take some of the mystery out of it for people, to help them open their eyes to the things they might want to try.
"A lot of books are about whiskies that are no longer available, or are very expensive. £1,000 for a bottle is nothing these days, while £10,000 is commonplace. There's even a Highland Park that's available for £100,000. But what's the point of that? Most people would never be able to afford it.
"I've tried to be irreverent. The marketing of whisky is often a lot of nonsense. Whisky is simple stuff. It's for drinking and enjoying, not investing in or showing off.
"And a bottle of whisky is good value. People think nothing of paying £30 for a bottle of wine, but that's gone in an evening. A bottle of whisky will last a lot longer than that."
There is a serious side to the book. Whisky production plays a major part in the Scottish economy. And while many whisky drinkers are sniffy about blended brands, Buxton feels single malt snobs should be grateful for them.
He said: "That wonderful single malt would not have survived but for blending. 90 per cent of whisky produced is blended and then sold around the world. That's what keeps the industry going.
"It's a vital industry for Britain, a real success story. Distilling supports jobs in fragile rural economies, and brings in money through tourism. It should be celebrated."
Buxton's top tip for finding a whisky you like is to think small.
"There's no point buying a £30 bottle and finding you don't like it after a couple of glasses," he said.
"The best thing is buy some miniatures to try. You get to learn about several different whiskies for less than the price of a whole bottle, and when you find one you like, go to your local retailer and talk to them about it. They'll be able to guide you towards the perfect whisky for your palate.
"But one thing I would stress is you should always enjoy it responsibly."
Ian Buxton's top tips for enjoying a dram:
-Take time to sample different types of whisky to find the one you like. The variety is huge.
-Add water slowly and carefully to the glass to bring out the full flavour of the spirit. It will also give you a longer drink.
-Try different whiskies at different times of the day. A Talisker is good if you're out for a walk, while a more mature malt is better after a meal.
Whisky facts:
-Whisky is made by distilling fermented grain. Scotch is made from malted barley, while Bourbon is made from maize.
-The distillation process has been traced back to 2,000BC, although whisky production is a bit more modern than that, with the first Irish distilleries appearing in the 12th Century.
-Scotch is matured for at least three years, usually in oak casks.
-The first blended Scotch whisky was made by Glenlivet in 1853. Blends now account for 90 per cent of Scotch production.
-Whisky (or whiskey) is made all over the world, with distilleries as far afield as Sweden, Australia and India.
Five to try:
1. Highland Park 18-year-old (£60.59). Smooth and balanced single malt with a smoked finish.
2. Johnnie Walker Blue Label (£170). Old and rare whiskies blended for a complex finish.
3. Yamazaki 12-year-old single malt (£30.99). Sweet, delicate Japanese whisky with hints of vanilla and butterscotch.
4. Woodford Reserve Bourbon (£26.99) Triple distilled and aged for nine years for a full, rich flavour.
5. Bushmills Original (£18.95). Oldest Irish whiskey, smooth and light.
All available at Waitrose, Canary Wharf.
Tullamore Dew -- didn't like it
Irish Mist -- kind of light and sweet
Bushmills -- the stanadard
Jamesons -- another everyday, a bit sweeter than Bushmills
Balvenie -- very nice
Laphroaig -- like drinking woodsmoke. I love it.
Glenmorangie -- not peaty like Laphroaig, I like its finish.
Jim Beam -- good in pecan-chocolate pie.
Chivas Regal -- nice sipping scotch.
Cheers!
Yes I hate that. I love the flavor though. Not much one can do about what corporate America does.
I enjoy Evan Williams 1783... but I’m a cheap date.
Laphroaig - How is it pronounced? Is it “Laff-rogue” or “Laff-ro-aig?”
La-fro (kinda like the sound in Freud’s name) -gah
At least that’s what I’ve heard.
Summary of every name mentioned on this thread,
if anyone is interested:
Aardbeg
Bakers
Balvenie
Balvenie Double Wood
Black Bush
Blue
Bookers
Buffalo Trace
Bulliet
Bushmills Original
Caol Ila
Chivas Regal
Crown Royal, especially Crown Royal Black
Cutty Sark
Dewar’s
Dimple PINCH
Elijah Craig Single Barrel
Evan Williams 1783
Famous Grouse
Four Roses Single Barrel
Glenfiddich
Glenlivet.
Glenmorangie
Highland Park 18-year-old
Irish Mist
Jack Daniels Black Label
Jack Daniels Single Barrel
Jamesons
Jim Beam
Johnnie Walker Blue Label
Johnny Walker Green
Johny Black
JW Blue
Labrott Graham
Lagavulin
Laphroaig 15 Year
Macallan 12- year
Maker’s Mark
Maker’s 46
Oban
Old Bushmills
Powers
Talisker
The Irishman
The Macallan
Tullamore Dew
Wild Turkey Rye
Woodford Reserve Bourbon
Yamazaki 12-year-old single malt
I'm envious! You've been to Scottish Mecca.
I will do my pilgrimage some day ...
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