For all the thrill there is to be had in finding new drams and boldly going where you haven’t been before, there a few whiskies which are real old friends. Wherever you meet them, you’re happy to see them.
The Dramalot boys pay their respects to a hero.
1. Bunnahabhain
This isn’t just a cracking dram, it’s a design classic. It’s the contrarian Ileach’s dram of choice. Whilst the other Islay malts jostle to be the smokiest and the most modern, Bunnahabhain remains steadfastly old fashioned. Rather than chafing under the yoke of being an old mans drink, it revels in it. Better still, it offers a distinctive and pleasing flavour profile. Ginger, rich fruit and teeniest teasing hint of smoke. The 12 is excellent, the 18 is sublime.
2. Talisker
Even though many whisky fans have their problems with Diageo, it’s hard to dispute the quality of many of their distilleries. Talisker is a case in point. Part of the “Classic Malts” range for some years now, it remains a favourite for many. What makes it so popular? Talisker’s winning hand has to be its balance. There are smokier whiskies available. Equally, there are lots of whiskies which are sweeter, smoother and more fully flavoured on offer. But few of them combine all of these elements with a pleasing balance – not too little, not too much.
3. Highland Park
Balance is also the key to Highland Park’s popularity. The Orcadian distillery is another good all rounder with its flavours. Better still, it offers and unrivalled degree of consistency. Certainly, when faced with a random selection of unfamiliar independent bottlings, I know if I pick the Highland Park, it’s likely to taste good. This impressive consistency extends to all the official distillery bottlings too.
4. Glenfiddich
I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve had the Glenfiddich conversation. It shouldn’t surprise us that the world’s number one selling whisky is actually quite good, but it remains comment-worthy. Independently owned Glenfiddich rarely wins the pundits prizes, but taste a newly opened bottle and you’re likely to admit it’s not too bad. Certainly it’s a little too sweet for some palates, but on careful reflection it’s as good as or better than many Speysides.
That’s my four, any thoughts on yours?
Yo Leggy!
I can not argue with your choices. All are positively delightful, and the Talisker and Highland Park in particular are among my favorites. If I had to add any others to the list, I would go with The Balvenie, Laphroaig, and the distillery that is quickly rising to my top 10, Ardbeg. Truth be told, there are very few truly dreadful and undrinkable whiskies out there (at least once you get above a certain price point), but these three consistently make me happy.
And speaking of happy… as I type, I am drinking a Glenmorangie Astar. I’m beginning to think that I need to approach whisky in the same manner that I approach music, i.e. I can’t sit there and just listen to an album. I need to have it on in the background and just let it creep into my subconscious. The same goes with a much anticipated whisky. When my expectations are high, that first sip will almost always be a disappointment. But when I just sip it casually, I learn to really appreciate it as its subtleties are slowly revealed. I’m liking this whisky! Stay tuned for a full review…
Cheers!
G-LO
G-LO, I’ve noticed something similar. Whilst there’s something to be said for the expectant hush when you have the first sip of a dram, more than once I’ve been happily tippling something when it’s full virtues creep up on me. For this reason I have been known to put down a dram and stare at it in disbelief, saying “Wow. That is really nice whisky!”
I’m interested to hear it was a Glenmorangie as well. Their newer range does have some crackers in. I have to admit, it was never a favourite of mine until I had some SMWS bottlings, at which point I discovered a whole different character to the stuff.
I’ve felt the same about Glenmorangie. Either too subtle or too Sherried for my taste, but since I’ve been digging deeper into the gentler drams (too much Peat numbs the palate afterall), I have learned to appreciate what they’re doing. All in the name of research! HUZZAH!