Art is truly extraordinary when the artist faces the same constraints as ordinary folks, but creates art that elevates our sensory experience. I feel the same way about whisky.
Scotch – Shorthand for Good Whisky
Like many others across the world, Scotch Single Malt whisky is my preferred drink. The stringent Scotch Whisky Association regulations go a long way in assuring us of a quality product. These are the criteria that qualify a whisky as Scotch Single Malt:
a. Distilled, matured and bottled in Scotland
b. Using just three ingredients – water, malted barley, and yeast
c. Batch produced, at a single distillery, using copper pot stills
d. Matured for at least three years, in oak casks
Leaving a few other details out, this is how every whisky maker must make Scotch Single Malt whisky.
Beyond the Usual
Most of us probably first tasted a single malt whisky through Glenfiddich, Glenlivet, or Glenmorangie. Their marketing and consistent quality has played a significant role in creating the global market for Scotch Single Malt. Today, let us explore beyond these familiar Glens. I have chosen these four examples based on my preference in aroma and taste, and also on the basis of their:
a. Approachability (relatively easy for those new to sipping whisky), and
b. Availability in India (more easily in some places than others)
Glenkinchie 12 (43% abv)
From the Lowland whisky region of Scotland; this distillery is one of the mainstays of Johnnie Walker, providing malt whisky for some of its most popular blended scotch whiskies.
Aroma: Starts with a funky sweet-sour note – followed by deeper sweetness of apricots and dates – then faint woody bitterness from the casks – some hints of vanilla and milk chocolate
Taste: The oaky bitterness is well integrated with the sweetness – enjoyable composite flavours – not very long aftertaste
Feel: Has a sense of light oiliness – texture and mouthfeel demand attention
The light funky sweetness makes this an easy sipper.
Royal Brackla 12 (46% abv)
This one from the Highland whisky region, is part of Dewar’s portfolio. It has spent some time near the end of its 12-year maturation period, in Oloroso sherry casks.
Aroma: Deep/dark sweetness that seems just out of reach – adding few drops of water helps it open up – sticky sweetness of golden and black raisins – sherry influence in play
Taste: Starts with some woody taste – then the sweet raisins and tart flavour – the water drops amplify the sweetness and cut down the tart – rich sweetness in the satisfying aftertaste
Feel: Full flavoured and with a little bit of zing – needs the few water drops
The flavours from the ex-Sherry casks make this a celebratory drink.
Caol Ila 12 (43% abv)
This distillery is on the island of Islay. A peated single malt; it is one of the main components of Johnnie Walker’s Green Label and Island Green blended malt whiskies.
Aroma: Blast of peat – first the strong medicinal, iodine – then moss, wet earth, vegetal – once this peat cloud blows over, it brings the light sweet smell of hay
Taste: Starts off chewy and savoury – then some bitterness like a dry twig – followed by aftertaste like a cough syrup
Feel: Soft and light in texture – makes you feel like chewing, after it goes down the throat
This is made for sipping when watching a grey sunset.
Talisker 10 (45.8% abv)
This stalwart comes from the isle of Skye, off Scotland’s northwestern coast. This is probably on the outer edge of easy-approachability, and may be difficult at the start of your sipping journey.
Aroma: Striking mossy, vegetal peat – lemon/orange rind bitterness – briny air on a beach – this is somehow enjoyable even if these words make it seem unlikely
Taste: Surprisingly sweet start – then a chili-peppery sensation – fleeting ashy taste (not cigarette-like) – Waterbury’s compound in the aftertaste
Feel: Light in texture, but has a little peppery sting in its tail – made me salivate with every sip
This whisky is an event; to sip very slowly, late into the night.
Cheers
The next time you catch up with a close friend over drinks, try something beyond the usual. Who knows, it may be the beginning of your wonderful whisky journey.
[Ravi Vyas loves sipping good whisky and writing about it (not at the same time). He is also co-founder at datavruti, a data talent solutions firm.]
