Listing your top five whiskies is like listing your top five women. It takes time, consideration and thought. It can change depending on how you feel, what the weather is like and how many drinks you have had when asked to compile the list. After much deliberation, I will recommend my favourite whiskies so that you guys can try them and tell me what you think.
In no particular order…
Tomintoul 27 yo
Tomintoul is quite near Glenlivet and is the highest village in the Highlands. This was one of the first Whisky’s I drank and truly enjoyed. Hints of sherry, chocolate, creaminess with a touch of oakiness. Truly a gentle dram. One of my Christmas presents to myself. Me, Lucas and our friends enjoyed this on Christmas Eve.
Where you can find it
Cost: £54.95
Bowmore 16 yo Port cask
One of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, Bowmore is a fantastic Islay malt. This limited edition port matured whisky is an excellent gift. Mixing the sweet and syrupy flavours of port with the smokiness of the Islay whisky creates an excellent dram.Great with dessert and cheese.
Where you can buy it
Cost : £61.16
Benrinnes 15 yo Flora and Fauna
Diageos Flora and Fauna range has many gems but this is my favourite. Spicy, rich with a hint of Smokiness. Very heavily sherried. A good winter warmer.
Where you can buy it
Cost: £33.00
Glenmorangie Original
Light on the palet, easy drinking with subtle sweet vanilla flavours. Very cheap to buy and always worth having. Glenmorangie is one of the biggest selling single malts in the world and it is well worth taking a look at their new releases. It took a bit of deliberation before this whisky went on my top 5.
Where you can buy it
Practically anywhere
Cost: between £19-£30 (definitely shop around)
Balblair 1997
Founded in 1790, now owned by Inverhouse, Balblair is an aperitif whisky. Light, hints of banana and syrup, apples. A very refreshing whisky. Packaging makes a nice gift and makes it look more expensive than it actually is.
Where you can buy it
Cost: £28.95
I am sure when I re-read this post I will change my mind about my top 5. I’d probably like to make it a top 100.
Chris
Lucas: Yeah, yeah, yeah, quite impressive, Chris. But wait for my top 5! You’ll be green with envy.
Looking for a whisky tasting experience? Look no further! We've hosted hundreds of tastings catering for all budgets and themes. Let us tailor a bespoke whisky experience for you - drop us a line now at edinburghwhisky@gmail.com!
