whiskies worthy of a haggis

Olly Smith

Caol Ila Scotch whiskyAAAAH whisky, the water of life! It's glorious and here in the UK it's a drink that offers a wild spectrum of different flavours and also the possibilities for surprising mixed drinks. Unlike Tintin's mate Captain Haddock, who famously necks his whisky neat from the bottle, I always take my whisky with a splash of water which helps to bring out the flavour and tone down the kick from the alcohol. And there's a world of flavour to savour. A bit like wine, whisky from Scotland offers flavours for all thanks to differences in climates, styles and methods of production. Powerful and smokey from Islay, smooth Lowland whisky, mildly smokey and fragrant Highland whisky, rich pure Speyside and a myriad of variations within the styles thanks to the individual emphasis of each distillery.

However, Scotland has spawned many imitators. There is whisky from Wales, Norfolk and most famously, Japan. Now, you may think these aren't the real deal, but there are some outstanding whiskies to check out worldwide. Furthermore, there’s the smooth mellow world of Irish whiskey and bourbon in the USA. If you're having Haggis on Burns Night but you're really not into your whisky, help is at hand as there are appropriate wines to match. Châteauneuf-du-Pape is light in body yet powerfully flavoured with a spicey edge that works well, or if you're more of a fan of fruity wines, check out cabernet sauvignon from countries such as Australia, Chile and Argentina. And if you're a fan of ginger, try the Whisky Mac - equal parts whisky and ginger wine - scrumptious. Whiskey sour is bourbon, lemon juice and sugar shaken over ice and served garnished with an orange slice. The wapple is whisky and apple juice. Or you can go for the simple and gloriously refreshing option of whisky and soda – classy and gorgeous. However you take your dram this year, don't forget to toast the haggis! Cheers!		  

 

 

Woodford Reserve bourbon

  

Olly Recommends

Waitrose

Best bourbon: Woodford Reserve bourbon whiskey, £21.15 (left), is honeyed, mellow and silky with soft character, stacks of flavour and real class. Superb.

Smokey sipper: Caol Ila Distiller’s Edition, £35 (above). It's spicy, smoky and peaty with fruity flavours thanks to being aged in moscatel casks. Excellent.

Wines from merchants

Justerine & Brooks (J&B) Rare, about £17, is often described as a beginner's whisky, as it's light and simple with refreshing character and a great one to use as the base for mixed drinks. Widely available.

Highgrove's Special Edition boxed Islay Single Malt Scotch whisky, £69.95. It's an absolute treat - a 12 year old single malt from Laphroaig with layers of flavour wreathed in smoky complexity and each bottle comes in its own numbered box.

www.highgroveshop.com

Lagavulin 1993 Distillers Edition is deeply flavoured and a glorious single malt with seriously intense flavour and billowing peaty smoke. This bad boy is aged in Pedro Xinimez casks which gives a sweet fruity edge. Have it!
www.royalmilewhiskies.com

Yamazaki 18 yr old, £61.95, is a winner from Japan. It's a layered, fine, richly complex whisky with finesse and a savoury, lip-smacking excellence. Unbelievable quality.

www.royalmilewhiskies.com