Whisky without an ‘e’ refers to Scottish, Canadian, or Japanese grain spirits. Whiskey with an ‘e’ refers to grain spirits distilled in Ireland and the United States. Generally speaking, it’s only whisk(e)y aficionados who might pull you up on the spelling. The difference ends there, at the country of origin of the spirit. Terminology: The terms to know when talking about whisky

Ballantine’s Finest Scotch Whisky | Malt - Whisky Reviews Ballantine’s Finest Scotch Whisky | Malt - Whisky Reviews

This single malt ages for 14 years in Bourbon casks before being transferred to sherry casks for a final period of aging. This final step results in a whisky that’s luscious and soft, with a full-bodied feel and hints of fresh honey and florals. Throw in some toasted spices and candied fruit and you’ve got yourself a winner in Oban’s single malt. I poured a couple fingers into one of the small leaded crystal tasting cups and the fragrance fully bloomed into a wonderfully evocative symphony of classic whiskey purfumes. Whoa, I again nodded to the imposing bottle. So then I sipped it and my mouth flooded with some of the most satisfyingly balanced flavors I’d yet experienced in my admittedly meager whiskey history. But I had sampled fine 12 and 18 year old Single Malts and Blends and so I had at least a working knowledge of what to expect of a fine or even finer dram. This one certainly deserved consideration among that higher pedigree class, it was so delightfully smooth and subtle yet seductively complex. Finally, the liquid is left to mature in casks. The spirit must mature in casks for a minimum of three years before it’s legally allowed to be called whisky in Scotland. There are five stages to the whisky-making process: malting, mashing, fermentation, distillation, and maturation. Balvenie’s 12 Year Doublewood is known for being smooth and especially enjoyable with a cigar. Mix it into an old-fashioned to bring out the marmalade and orange peel notes for a perfect afternoon drink.Buchanan’s has been making a name for itself in the whisky world for the past 130 years and is widely recognized as another favorite across the planet. It’s affordable with round and complex offerings that’ll leave a strong first impression on your tastebuds. In the mouth: Pale and weak in comparison. There’s a watered-down hint of the nuttiness of the 1970’s dram, but otherwise this disappears without a trace. Almost no entrance, no midpalate, no finish. Conclusions Suntory’s Yamazaki 12 Year Old offers a well-balanced fruity sweetness, making it accessible to novice drinkers, combined with rich complexity to fulfill the most experienced whisky connoisseurs. After my father passed in 2009 I eventually found myself exploring his modest but eclectic collection of spirits and cordials. Most prominent was a nearly half full 1.5 liter bottle of Ballentine’s that I deducted hailed from the early to mid 70s. I assumed it had to have gone to pot, for no specific informed reason. But when I twisted open the cap I was greeted by a rich fragrance which grew in depth and power as it permeated my inner cavities. Whoa, I said to the bottle. Points at the 2019 Ultimate Spirits Challenge, Double Gold Medal and Best in Class Blended Scotch up to 15 Years at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition

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If you want the best value for money with your next bottle of Scotch whisky, the safest bet is Macallan 12 Year Double Cask. An accessible drink, both for the pallet and your wallet, yet complex and rich in taste. The nose is the first thing that’ll impress you: warm coffee, ginger, and cinnamon, followed by dark chocolate and tiramisu. It’s a pleasant aroma that focuses on sweet notes. The taste is an explosion of mocha and dark chocolate with a touch of apricot and exotic spices. You’ll finish on a note of creamy cappuccino and amaretto with bitter-sweet orange. Gold Award at the International Spirits Challenge (2018), Gold Award at the World Whiskies Awards (2017) Gold at the International Wine & Spirit Competition, Gold at the International Spirits Challenge, and a Master’s Award at The Scotch Whisky Masters competition Peat: When used in a whisky distillery, peat can be the difference between a light sip and a smoky drink. Peat layers form on bogs over thousands of years and are used to smoke barley grains during the drying process. The longer the grain is subjected to the peat smoke, the smokier the resulting drink will be.

Points and Ultimate Spirits Challenge Finalist, Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition This Speyside whisky is another great choice from Balvenie’s offerings. It’s a classic after-dinner malt with a richness and complexity stemming from its second distillation in sherry casks.

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Contrary to its name, Glenfiddich’s Bourbon Barrel Reserve is a Scotch whisky. Its name comes from the fact that alongside a traditional Scotch palate, this spirit also offers a sweet hint of classic Bourbon flavors.The 12 Year Double Cask is Macallan’s entry-level spirit — but don’t be put off by that. The vast range of notes from this bottle makes it an enjoyable drink to sip. This Scotch whisky perfectly combines notes of fruits, caramel, and oak spices from Sherry-seasoned European oak with bright citrus and vanilla notes of Sherry-seasoned American oak. The end result is a satisfyingly rich and perfectly balanced flavor experience. Glenfiddich’s focus as a brand is on creating “the best dram in the valley,” so it’s easy to — rightly — assume that any bottle will be a crowd-pleaser. It’s also the world’s most awarded single malt, offering a range of bottles at a medium price point that’s easily accessible for all. This is a spirit paying homage to its American cousins with the Bourbon notes but remains a favorite for whisky lovers across the world. Its long, warming finish provides a silky mouthful with a strong cinnamon hit. It’s a fun and enjoyable drink that’s perfect for enjoying on its own. Blended: As the name suggests, blended whisky is a blend of two or more malt and grain whiskies. Blended whiskies are overlooked by a master blender to ensure a consistent flavor throughout. Due to the nature of the drink, blended whiskies are often cheaper than their single-malt counterparts.