Some would say I have a one track mind. I think about wine from the time I wake up until I go to bed. I have been known to cheat though.
My deviancy leads me to the harder stuff, particularly brown spirits. You’d think I’d gravitate to brandy as it’s distilled from wine, however, my tendency is towards whiskey (or whisky, depending on its country of origin), which is essentially distilled beer. And I don’t even drink beer. Yet once the alcohol and flavours have been concentrated then matured in wood barrels, I’m left weak at the knees. And I love it all; rye, bourbon, Irish and Tennessee whiskey, but most of all scotch.
My ultimate temptation is a single malt scotch. Made from malted barley, single malts are the expression of one single distillery. Generalizations about single malts are often based on which region in Scotland the distillery is located in. The Lowland is associated with a lighter more delicate style (try Glenkinchie or Auchentoshan). The island of Islay is famous for its peated single malts, dominated by smoky, tarry flavours which come from peat fired kilns used to malt the barley. For some this is heaven, for others it’s akin to licking an ashtray. Lagavulin and Laphroaig are classic examples but I like the balance and complexity of Ardbeg. Yet not all Islay scotch is peated and truly the character of a single malt goes well beyond location. When you get into the regions of Highland and Speyside, there are dozens of distilleries and their single malts range from light and elegant to richer, fruitier and weightier. And some may even have a hint of peat.
Single malts start around $50 and increase rapidly. When I can’t afford this, I pick up a blended scotch to satisfy my craving. Blended scotches combine malts from a number of distilleries and add scotch made from grain other than malted barley. In no way should these be thought of as inferior. The better ones demonstrate that the sum is great than the parts.
So in honour of Robbie Burns on Jan. 25, I say: Dear Rabbie, thank you for your beautiful poems and songs but most of all, thanks for giving me a legitimate occasion to indulge in a wee dram. Slàinte!
The Black Grouse • Blended Scotch whisky • $35.95, available at BC Liquor Stores
For those who like a peaty character but can’t afford an Islay single malt. The peatiness is well balanced by honey and wood notes. Great value!
Gaelic Whisky, Té Bheag Nan Eilean • Blended Scotch whisky • $46.99, available at BC Liquor Stores
Rich yet firm with aromas of smoke, caramel, chocolate and orange peel leading to a spicy finish. Packs tons of personality for the price.
Bruichladdich, The Laddie Classic • Islay single malt Scotch whisky • $71.99, available at BC Liquor Stores
Proof that not all Islay scotches are peated. Vanilla and dried pear with a smooth elegant mouthfeel and delightful tang of fresh sea air.
Glenkinchie, 12 Year Old • Lowland single malt Scotch whisky • $91.99, available at BC Liquor Stores
Classic Lowland. Light and delicate with grass, lemon, hay and pretty meadow flowers. A sophisticated before dinner scotch and my go-to summer malt.
Glenfarclas, 17 Year Old • Highland single malt Scotch whisky • $119.99, available at BC Liquor Stores
Opulent and complex with raisins, plum pudding, clove and toffee then a smoldering smokiness underneath. Made for cozying up by the fire.
