ON THE GRAPEVINE

BY SAM WYLIE HARRIS

Whether you’re new to the wonderful world of whisky or a whizz when it comes to woody notes and cask ageing, here’s what’s hot on the whisky block to tantalise taste buds right now. 1.Bell’s Aged 8 Years, £18 for 70cl, Sainsbury’s A new eight-year-old blend, barrel-aged in oak casks and a great entry level Scotch that will even appeal to ‘non-whisky drinkers’. Its mellow character is instantly approachable, with soft spice on the finish and a pleasant oaky sweetness.

2.Benriach The Original Ten, £37.95 for 70cl, Master of Malt

The years in bourbon, sherry and virgin oak casks have shaped a splendidly fruity whisky with a wonderful honeyed texture, full of toasty oaky notes, a malty sweetness, spiced vanilla, almond and faintest hint of smoke on the long, smooth, sumptuous finish.

3. Legacy Series Chapter Two, £64.99 for 70cl, Glengoyne

Fabulously fruity and matured in first fill bourbon and refill sherry barrels, this is a rich, complex Highland single malt. There are honeyed flavours of sweet oak, pineapple, cinnamon, dates, a vanilla sweetness and great richness on the finish. 4.Tamdhu

Batch Strength 006, £79.99 for 70cl, Tamdhu

A sherry bomb of a whisky (at 56.8% abv) and matured in the finest oloroso sherry seasoned casks, rich fruitcake notes, spiced oak, vanilla custard, lemon peel, roasted nuts and a rich layer of sherry flavours define this batch strength beauty. Add a drop of water to heighten the spicy richness and citrusy zest.

5.The Balvenie Stories The Week of Peat 17-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, £115 for 70cl, Clink

This heavily peated whisky is beautifully balanced with just the right measure of fragrant smoke, honey and citrus flavour notes with peaty undertones galore. A whisky worthy of your best tulip-shaped (copita) glass.