Whisky galore

With the popularity of whisky steadily on the rise, we shine the light on four new expressions you may not have tasted

The whisky landscape is being shaped by a whole new generation of craft distillers. We take a look at four new expressions

Whether you like to add a splash of water to your favourite dram, are lured by the amber light of an Old Fashioned, or love to lace it with ice and a slice, simple strong drinks call for a top-quality whisky.

With scotch whisky exports hitting a record high and Irish whiskey becoming the world’s fastestgrowing spirit (sales have increased 135% since 2014), the whisky landscape is being shaped by a whole new generation of craft distillers.

Not to mention the cocktail trend – the rise in popularity of the whisky highball is redefining the way whisky is being appreciated by younger drinkers.

“Undoubtedly the biggest trend in whisky is the way it’s being enjoyed through the emergence of the highball – an artful but simple cocktail made from whisky, sparkling water over ice with a twist of lemon,” says Marco Di Ciacca, brand manager, Edrington Beam-Suntory UK.

“This hugely refreshing summer cocktail is already a massive trend in Japan and the demand for the whisky highball in the west is something that is beginning to really catch fire among drinkers looking for alternative ways to enjoy whisky as part of a night out.”

Here are four new releases you may like to try...

THE DEAD RABBIT IRISH WHISKEY

£39.95, 70cl, 31Dover From the Northern Irish duo behind the multi-award-winning New York bar, Dead Rabbit (named World’s Best Bar in 2015 and 2016) comes this five-year-old blend of Irish single malt and grain whiskey. Aged in seasoned bourbon casks and finished in specially crafted, virgin American oak barrels, it’s light and aromatic with toasted oak notes, a hint of caramel with a deep, rich mellow feel and a hint of vanilla on the finish. Serve on the rocks, or as a base for whiskey cocktails.

SMOKEHEAD HIGH VOLTAGE

£53.95, 70cl, The Whisky Exchange If you love the smoky, pungent, peaty richness of an Islay malt, this intense, bolder version of Smokehead Islay single malt will stir the senses with its flavours of peat, smoke and spice, as well as a delicate sweetness. “Smokehead has always challenged the traditional whisky world with its unconventional look and attitude, appealing to the younger and adventurous whisky drinker,” says Iain Weir, brand director, Smokehead. “It’s not for everyone, but that’s OK.”

SUNTORY TOKI

£79.95, 75cl, The Whisky Exchange A blend of carefully selected whiskies from Hakushu, Yamazaki and Chita distilleries in Japan, Suntory has created a whisky designed to be used in cocktails. Staying true to the quintessential characteristics of single malt and grain whisky, the blend reveals a greater depth and complexity, resulting in a refreshing, citrusy character with a subtly sweet and spicy finish.

THE GLENLIVET CODE

£99.95, 70cl, The Whisky Exchange Inspired by Second World War British code breakers, Glenlivet’s latest release has no cask information or tasting notes as they want whisky fans to put their taste buds to the test and decipher the flavour map themselves. To begin the drinking adventure, the bottle’s code needs to be scanned using the Shazam mobile app, so you can then attempt to crack the flavour code. “With the Glenlivet Code, we had a unique opportunity to create a whisky that has never been crafted before, using new casks and techniques to push the boundaries of what people expect from The Glenlivet,” says Alan Winchester, master distiller.

VINTAGE SELECTION FROM BALBLAIR

Balblair, the distillery in Edderton, near Tain, has released two exclusive additions – the 2000 and 1991 editions, created by Balblair’s respected distillery manager, John MacDonald.

He said: “The 2000 has been matured for 13 years in American oak, ex-bourbon casks and five years in first fill Spanish oak butts. It is a whisky full of character and life and deserves a place in any discerning drinker’s arsenal.”

The 1991 vintage, matured for 24 years in exbourbon American oak casks, with a further three years in first fill Spanish oak butts, it is a dram designed to impress your guests – whisky aficionado or novice.

“Bright amber in colour with rose gold highlights, the nose is expansive and complex with rich citrus fruits and vanilla notes as well as toffee and chocolate,” said John.

Balblair 2000, priced £125 and Balblair 1991 at £70, can be bought online and in independent and specialist retailers.

SUPERMARKET SWEEP

Supermarket Aldi has been celebrating after its own-label whiskies were again named among the best in the world, having picked up two gold and three silver medals at the world-renowned Spirits Business Scotch Whisky Masters competition.

Having blind-tested the whiskies, judges awarded both Aldi’s Highland Black Scotch Whisky (£12.99) and Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (£17.49), gold medals, while its Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (£17.49) picked up a silver medal.

Lidl whiskies also enjoyed wins at the prestigious competition. The Ben Bracken Speyside Single Malt won a coveted gold award in the Speyside Standard category.

The Standard Blended Malt award also claimed a silver medal with the Abrachan Triple Oak Blended Malt, which sells for just £17.49 in store.

Chairwoman of the panel, Melita Kiely, said: “Once again, The Scotch Whisky Masters demonstrated the vast diversity of styles and flavours available in the category. But it was also evident that price and age are not necessarily synonymous with ‘better quality’, and it was great to see this reiterated throughout the competition with some delectable, but affordable, whiskies.”

GLENMORANGIE ANNIVERSARY

Glenmorangie celebrated its 175th anniversary with the release of a rare singlecask bottling. Available exclusively to those who visit the distillery in Tain, only 191 individually numbered bottles of the 16-year-old malt have been created.

Dr Bill Lumsden, Glenmorangie’s director of distillery, whisky creation and whisky stocks, said: “This single-cask bottling is the perfect way for us to mark such a seminal year in the distillery’s history. Its aromas of vanilla and coconut and richly balanced tastes of tropical fruits, spice and oak, offer a unique insight into Glenmorangie’s quintessential style. I hope those lucky enough to own a bottle will enjoy celebrating this landmark anniversary.”

It can be bought at the distillery shop and has an RRP of £650 per bottle.