Grape vine
Sam Wylie-Harris heads to the Highlands and raises a wee dram to St Andrew’s Day (Noveber 30)
OLDEST FAMILY RUN BLEND SPEYSIDE in the Highlands has the greatest concentration of distilleries and the iconic triangular bottle shape of Grant’s Family Reserve (£10, 70cl, sainsburys. co.uk) is a classic blend that also stands out for the price.
Smooth, rich and mellow, it balances vanilla sweetness with malty, light floral fragrances with a subtle hint of peat on the finish – an ideal whisky to share with friends.
TEE-OFF WITH A GOLDEN GLOBE STYLED in the shape of a golf ball, there are no club rules attached to Old St Andrew’s Clubhouse Blended Scotch Whisky (£21, 70cl, Asda).
Crafted using a mixture of ex-sherry, port and sweet wine casks to produce a whisky made from a selection of malts and grains, there’s a richness and roundness to the fruit flavours with notes of sweet caramel and vanilla.
OWN LABEL LINKS AGED in oak casks for a minimum of 12 years, Finest 12 Year Old Highland Single Malt (£25, 70cl, Tesco) is dressed in a smart, square bottle, bears the signature of master blender, Richard Paterson, and makes a strong case for ownbrand whiskies.
Smooth, mellow and softly aromatic with citrus overtones, toffee nuances, spice and a trace of peatiness on the finish.
FAMOUS BESTSELLER A BLEND of The Famous Grouse and other fine whiskies from famous distilleries, The Naked Grouse (£25, 70cl, Waitrose) is fruity and spicy with sherry influences from extra time spent in first-fill sherry casks.
Full of sweet, fruitcake spice and hints of stewed plums, cinnamon, and even treacle, it’s moreish and lush and suited to after dinner sipping.
KNOCK ON WOOD ANCNOC 12 Year Old (£29, 70cl, Oddbins) gets its gentle amber colour and honeyed sweetness from maturation in American oak ex-bourbon and ex-oloroso sherry casks, which deliver a full-bodied malt with citrus and heather honey on the nose, supported by a complex, rich mouthfeel and long, smooth finish.
Approachable and hugely enjoyable.
POINTING NORTH A RICH expression that offers an intriguing palate of cloves, vanilla, sweet maltiness and spiciness, Compass Box Oak Cross Whisky (£39.95, 75cl, fromvineyardsdirect .com) is aged in American and French oak and there’s a subtle baked apple note to the fruity character, with lovely toasty oak on the finish.