WHISKY BUSINESS
Celebrate World Whisky Day in style this year with some new tips
Launched in 2012, World Whisky Day is celebrated on the third Saturday of May. Whether you’re a connoisseur or not, the day encourages people from all over the world to take the time to learn, savour and enjoy this amber nectar. With so many amazing Australian brands available, it’s high time for some good “old-fashioned” fun. Diageo ambassador Katie Nagar chats with WHO about all things whisky and the many different ways we can enjoy it on World Whisky Day!
What are some common misconceptions people have about this drink?
That it can only be served neat, particularly when it comes to Scotch whisky. This is not the approach to other spirits, so why Scotch? No-one bats an eye when you mix your gin with tonic or tequila into a margarita. Whisky actually works wonderfully in cocktails and, thankfully, we’re seeing more and more bars celebrate Scotch in their cocktail menus.
What is the best way to introduce whisky to a newbie?
Put it in a cocktail! An easy cocktail for new and experienced whisky drinkers alike is the Johnnie and Lemon Highball: 30ml Johnnie Walker Black Label, 30ml Bickford’s Lemon Barley Cordial and 120ml soda water. Add all three into a tall glass and fill it with ice, then garnish with a lemon wedge. Simple to make and delicious to sip.
Do you have any favourite whisky and food pairings?
It’s all about selecting foods that are bold and rich in flavour, so they can stand up to the big character in whisky. This is why it’s often paired with cured meats and cheeses, as they are rich in flavour and fattiness. One of my all-time favourite pairings is Talisker 10-year-old Whisky with fresh oysters. I suggest having a taste of the Talisker 10, eating the oyster, then sipping the Talisker from the spent shell. After coating your palate with the seasaltiness of the oyster, you will notice
a contrasting effect when returning to the whisky. Suddenly there will be lovely, fruit-sweet notes that you may not have noticed before.
Hands down, what’s the best brand you’ve tasted and how much did it cost?
Such a tough one, as there are so many delicious whiskies! One of the most memorable I’ve tried is the Convalmore 32-year-old from Diageo’s 2017 Special Releases collection. Convalmore was a Speyside distillery [in Scotland] that went out of business in 1985, meaning the distillate from 1984 in this release was some of the last drops ever made. Only 3972 bottles were ever produced worldwide. Not only was this whisky incredibly rare and unique, its flavour was equally impressive. It retailed for $1200 at that time, and while it’s not the most expensive whisky I’ve tried, it was one best suited to my palate. At the end of the day, that’s what drinking whisky is all about – finding the flavours that are most enjoyable to you.