World Whisky Day means a taste test of the world’s best whiskies is on the menu.
Click image to shop
1. The Scot: Talisker 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Scotland is the home of origin for whisky, so it makes sense to start here. No other country produces the range and quality of whiskies, or Scotch, than Scotland. Talisker is one of the greats, produced at the oldest distillery on the Isle of Skye. Being made by the sea, Talisker has a smell and taste that reflects its origins better than any other spirit. The wild sea and rugged coastline is embodied in every sip (even if you have to use your imagination a little). Every sip also captures the Scottish strength of flavour (malt whiskies have a far stronger flavour than grain) and alcohol, this is a 45.8% ABV.
Serve it: Neat, on the rocks or with a splash of water (you can have whisky a lot of ways and still seem knowledgeable) as a nightcap.
2. The Aussie: The Gospel Straight Rye Australian Whiskey
There are 333 whiskey distilleries currently operating in Australia, and they range in method. The Gospel Straight Australian Rye Whiskey is made in the American style (which is why it’s spelled ‘whiskey’ rather than ‘whisky’). Climate is a big determiner in how a whiskey turns out. As this whiskey is made with 100% local rye grain in Melbourne – where the weather is dynamic, to say the least – the flavour is truly unique. It’s full and complex with spice, and the more you sip it, the more that palate reveals itself.
Serve it: On the rocks or in a whiskey sour.
Click image to shop
Click image to shop
3. The Irish: Teeling Single Grain Irish Whiskey
The earliest record for Irish distilling comes from the diaries of an Irish bishop living in the 13th century. So Ireland and whiskey have a really long term relationship. Like, historic. Teeling Single Grain is made more complex (and given that amber colour) by the red wine barrels it’s matured in. It has all its natural flavours present because the distillery skips the chill filtration. Spice, berries and grape flavours add to this classically sweet and clean Irish Whiskey.
Serve it: Perfect in a Manhattan.
4. The American: Jim Beam Black Extra-Aged Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
In 2002, Jim Beam’s tagline was “It ain’t bragging when it’s true”. While the advertising rules have tightened up a bit, it stands that Jim Beam is the most famous name in Bourbon (a name reserved only for whiskey made in Kentucky, USA – it was first made in the state’s Bourbon County). Generally, Bourbon is sweeter with notes of cinnamon and nutmeg. This Black Label Beam is triple aged so all those flavours are intensified but just as smooth.
Serve it: In Mint Juleps, The Great Gatsby style.
Click image to shop
Click image to shop
5. The Japanese: Nikka Yoichi Single Malt Japanese Whisky
The Yoichi whisky distillery produces a rich, peaty malt that gets its flavour from a process known as direct heating distillation. From this, pot stills are heated with coal, the traditional method that has vanished almost entirely (even from Scotland). So there’s an argument to be made that this Japanese whisky is more Scottish than Scotch! It even has that briny hint from being aged by the sea. A must must try.
Serve it: Neat, at room temperature.
