The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Amber amateur to a dram devotee
As we move closer to March, I find myself reminiscing about how I, almost by accident, began my whisky journey. I say March because it was on the 23rd in 2020 that we were plunged into Covid-19 lockdown, and had it not been for the pandemic, then I most likely would not be a whisky lover.
As you will recall, during lockdown everything quickly transferred online, and I took on the task of whisky tasting for a colleague who couldn’t take part.
The world of malt whisky was a different planet to me and I freely admit the first few sips of the amber drams did not go down particularly well.
Then an astonishing thing happened – I began to enjoy it. The nosing, the flavour profile, the mouthfeel and the finish of these drams. I completely surprised myself and could not wait to buy a bottle to see if this was just a fluke.
Why, I don’t know, but I bought a bottle of Old Pulteney 12 Year Old. I loved the thought of it being almost on the northern tip of Scotland, the bottle design was appealing and 12 seemed like a good age statement, despite my complete lack of knowledge.
One Saturday evening in 2020, I dived in and I have never looked back.
What whisky has done for me in respect of enjoying a dram is that everything is about flavour now for me. Flavour first, spirit second. I love picking up a new bottle and trying it for the first time with a sort of expectation akin to Christmas morning as a child.
As we are only four weeks into the new year, I thought I would share some of my favourite whiskies from 2022.
OLD PULTENEY 12
This was the dram that made me fall in love with the amber liquid. I love the saltiness that comes, I guess, from it being aged near the coast. I always have a bottle on my shelf. It is a superb whisky at an affordable price, as you can sometimes pick it up for £24 or £25 on offer.
GLEN MORAY 15 OLD PARTICULAR
This was an independent bottling from Douglas Laing that I received for my 50th birthday. I think Glen Moray is an underrated dram, but Douglas Laing have taken this and aged it in a refill hogshead cask to create a delicious, easy-drinking dram. At £59, it’s not the cheapest but my opinion is the liquid is worth the price.
GLASSHOUSE
This blended malt is an absolute steal at £28. Bottled at an ABV of 46%, I heard about it through an online vodcaster who was raving about it. And I must say I agree. They say it is specifically made to be served in highballs but I find it a desirable dram on its own with a little water to open it up. Apples, red berries and caramel combine for a great flavour.
BRAVE NEW SPIRITS BENRINNES 13-YEAR-OLD
I purchased this from the online whisky shop, Caskshare, which I joined last year. Filled in 2009 and re-racked into firstfill Chateau Potensac Wine Barrique in June of 2021, this is a warm and inviting dram that is a real fruit bomb. There are notes of strawberry jam and vanilla, with a finish that has a lovely spiced feel to it. Bought as a summer treat, it is not cheap at £79, but it’s an amazing dram I am savouring.