Angel’s Envy: The Finished Whiskey Just Getting Started

Abandoning his retirement with his son by his side, Lincoln Henderson took his first taste of their new bourbon, joking that if it ‘the angel’s share’ is the 5% of spirit that evaporates, then what’s left in the barrel must be ‘angel’s envy’, and so Angels’ Envy was born… but this isn’t any ordinary bourbon.

Influenced by techniques in scotch whisky making, Lincoln and son, distillation expert Wes, explored ‘secondary barrel finishing’, something seldom seen in the world of bourbon. It’s matured in charred oak, before being finished in another cask giving luxurious complexity and character, which in the case of the signature Angel’s Envy bourbon, is Port, adding sticky dark plum and vanilla.

This merger of iconic legacy and pioneering youth looked at age-old bourbon techniques without the fear to change it up, and as a result, put themselves firmly on the American map. Though the brand launched back in 2011, a teenage rebel compared to many bourbon brands, they didn’t settle down into a distillery for another two years.

Now, however, on Whisky’s Row in Downton Louisville, Angel’s Envy have a distillery and after cleaning up a foot and a half of barley that was blown into the wrong room on the opening day, they have thrived, welcoming 10,000 guests every year, expanding to become the first full-production whiskey distillery on the street, and being named one of the Top 25 distilleries in the country.

Expansion hasn’t ended there either, because their finished whiskies can be bought across the world, adding rum-finished-rye to their bourbon portfolio. Much of this latest progress has been under Owen Martin, who was appointed Master Distiller in 2022 and has continued experimenting with maturing, blending and the art of secondary finishing.

This December, Owen’s first release will see a Cask Strength Straight Rye Whiskey finished in Sauternes and, for the 12th year in a row, a Cask Strength Kentucky Bourbon finished in Port, using noteworthy Portuguese barrels from its rickhouses. Previous releases in their series have put a strain on Angel Envy’s award shelves to say the least, with the 2022 edition receiving a Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirit Competition among others.

Lastly, something that we think is worth pointing out is the white oak used in bourbon making, which is gaining in popularity each year. Well, Angel’s Envy, making use of it themselves, have decided to give back, with their Toast the Trees initiative. It raises awareness for the importance of these trees and plants them in exchange for drinkers’ photos, hashtags, and quizzes. More trees… more barrels… more bourbon – everyone wins.

Now, not all Angel’s Envy releases are available or easy to find in the UK, but their trademark bourbon is, and you can get your hands on their rye too. Those hard-hitting cask strength bottles won’t be far off either, we’re sure. This is a tremendous American whiskey to try, so let’s take a look at their bottles.

Angel's Envy Bourbon Whiskey

The one that started it all, this bourbon moves from charred oak to Port casks, combining rich vanilla with sweet, sticky Port fruits. It’s silky smooth, teeming with warm fruits on the finish, and combines a flavoursome kick with so much softness.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £56.24

Angel's Envy Rye Whiskey

Harder to find, this Rye is finished for up to 18 months in authentic Caribbean rum casks, infusing the liquid with delicious, sweet spice. Syrup, cinnamon and sticky toffee pudding intertwines with the earthy kick of rye, making every sip unforgettable.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 50%
Find here: £129.99

The Best Whisky to Gift for Christmas

We all know whisky can take a while to get into, and once you’re in, there are so many delicious styles to try, so buying the right bottle for someone this Christmas is a challenge.

From sweeter, ex-bourbon casks to smoky peat expressions, we’ve sniffed out the best whiskies in each category to gift for Christmas. They’re all bottles that we love, with rave reviews, and crucially, they more than justify their price tags. Let’s start with a wee dram…

The Best Scotch Whisky to Gift for Christmas

Arran Barrel Reserve Whisky

This is a bourbon-matured single malt from, of course, the Isle of Arran, a picturesque place rich with whisky heritage. It’s light and soft, with surprising citrus and crisp green apples, as well as a touch of fiery smoke. The smoothness and distinct profile will be a winner for those wanting to try something a little different.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £34.24

Mac-Talla Terra Whisky

Over to Islay now, for a single malt bringing that signature woody smoke and sea salt. ‘Mac-Talla’ means echo in Gaelic, and ‘Terra’ is Earth, so the name hints at the savoury peat, oaky cinders and peppery earthiness that stretches deep into the finish. Vanilla lifts things up a little too, and makes this one of the more approachable smoky drams.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £47.49

The Best Irish Whiskey to Gift for Christmas

Proclamation Blended Irish Whiskey

Celebrating Ireland’s independence, Proclamation is a glass of history, even down to the ABV which is a nod to the 1916 document’s 7 signatures. The blended liquid itself is really delicious, full of character with créme brulée and fruity caramel infused from bourbon maturation and the sherry finish. Smooth, complex, and fantastically rounded, it’s well worth the hype and top notch value too.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41.7%
Find here: £27.49

Kinahan’s The Kasc Project Whiskey

This is a brave exploration of hybrid casks, making use of 5 different woods (Portuguese, American, French, Hungarian oak, and chestnut), all in 1 barrel. Tasting this is such an adventure, with so much depth behind the dark amber hue, and smoothness on every sip. Expect charred tropical fruits, winter spices, nutty undertones, caramel chocolates, and overall, an Irish whisky that draws comparisons to bourbon and cognac.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £33.95

The Best American Whiskey to Gift for Christmas

Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey

This is one of the best value whiskies in America, delivering a seductively creamy profile laced with fruity sweetness. The expression is rounded out by being half wheat, 20% malt, 20% corn and a little rye too, so you get great vanilla and rich toasty notes too. Fabulously balanced.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 45.2%
Find here: £39.94

WhistlePig PiggyBack 6 Year Old Whiskey

WhistlePig have blazed a trail in the world of rye, bringing it back to the premium positioning it deserves. This was made with cocktails in mind, so for any Manhattans and Old Fashioneds, it’s perfect. It delivers great spice and sharpness, but it’s a smooth ride the whole way, with citrus, ripe fruits and toasted winter spices.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 48.3%
Find here: £49.90

The Best Japanese Whisky to Gift for Christmas

Toki Blended Japanese Whisky

This is a blend of The House of Suntory’s 3 distilleries, primarily made of Hakashu single malt and Chita grain whisky, and what an introduction to Japanese whisky it is. It’s light in colour and feel, but full of flavour with lofty vanilla and caramel notes, as well as fruity citrus. It’s approachable and rounded, and therefore very quaffable.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £31.89

Nikka Whisky From The Barrel

Nikka Whisky has great oomph with that boosted strength packing lots of precise flavour, hence the awards. Bourbon, sherry, and hogsheads are all used to age it, and the palate punches with winter spice, caramel, and toffee, plus plenty of rich fruit. It doesn’t lack smoothness either, delivering that classic Japanese elegance.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 51.4%
Find here: £40.25

The Best World Whisky to Gift for Christmas

Starward Left-Field Whisky

Whisky from Melbourne is sure to make for an interesting Christmas gift, right? All the ingredients are sourced nearby to the distillery, and that includes the red wine barrels used for ageing. The wine-woodiness quality here is noticeable, rich with dried fruits, maple syrup and baking spice. It isn’t the most complex whisky out there, but it’s super smooth and full of characterful fruity deliciousness.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £32.95

Paul John Bold Whisky

This is a fully peated single malt from Paul Distilleries, using quality Islay peat which is brought to Goa to dry their Indian barley. All that work pays off because it’s deliciously intense, playing off peat, fruits and honey harmoniously. The tobacco, coffee and smoke come through at the end for an in-your face Indian whisky that demands your attention.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £39.94 (usually more!)

Lot 40 Rye Whisky

Now for some Canadian rye, and this is a legendary representative of it. Once discontinued, Lot 40 is now back, to the delight of whisky connoisseurs. The rye is earthy and kicks straight away before spices like cardamom and pepper florally unfold alongside vanilla. The spice lingers on the finish as you expect. This is one of the best ryes around this price, if not the best.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £37.99

Mackmyra Svensk Rök (Swedish Smoke) Whisky

The fundamentals of this whisky sort of explain themselves – it’s from Sweden, and it’s packed full of smoky peat. The nose is expected but lovely, but there is a bright juniper note in the mouth that comes out of left field, before a smoky, aniseed finish. If you know someone who’s into peaty Islay numbers, then this is a great twist to give them.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 46.1%
Find here: £48.65

We’ve been busy bees lately, working to get Christmas guides and recommendations for tonnes of drinks on the website, so you can deliver a memorable gift that hits the spot. Perhaps you’re looking for unique bottles that stand out? Or maybe you know a gin lover? Or rum? They’re all there and more on the site.

The Best Boozy Coffee and Hot Chocolate Recipes

Is there anything better than a steaming hot drink when it’s cold outside? Well, maybe – booze! These grown up coffee, hot chocolate and tea cocktails are deliciously comforting, but also pack a punch, be that with Baileys, whisky, rum or whatever! Decadent, indulgent and utterly soothing – treat yourself to one of the beautiful recipes below.

Baileys Hot Choc

This is a classic, and of course you don’t have to use Baileys (find alternatives here), but it’s a winter favourite that lots of you will have in the cupboards. This recipe keeps it fairly simple because there’s already a lot of delicious flavours going on, but try including different creams, cinnamon, and/or coffee liqueurs if you fancy going all out. Rich whiskey undertones, a sweet hot chocolate hug and the soft texture of whipped cream – nom. We’d recommend making the hot choc with water but if you want it even thicker, then try a half and a half mix, or all milk – it’s up to you of course.

Ingredients
60ml Irish cream liqueur
100ml hot chocolate
Whipped cream (optional)
Grated chocolate (optional)

Method
Make your hot chocolate separately (try it so it’s just right) and pour it gently over your Baileys. That really is it, unless you top up with whipped cream and some grated chocolate for a special touch… which we always recommend.

Irish Coffee

One of the most indulgent and delightfully rich winter warmers, Irish Coffee is pretty much mandatory at this time of year. It’s so warming and velvety smooth, and if you’ve never clicked with it then try out all these subtle variations here. The fundamentals don’t change too much from Irish whiskey, black coffee, and cream, usually with some sugar too, but like any simple classic, adjust it to your preference. This original recipe is the one we recommend for waking you up and soothing the soul.

Ingredients
45ml quality Irish whiskey (like Powers or Teeling)
2 teaspoons brown sugar
120ml hot, fresh coffee
20ml double cream (can lightly whip)

Method
Preheat your glass a little, and slowly add your favourite whiskey, sugar, and coffee. Once combined nicely, pour your cream over the back of a spoon (a valuable skill to learn), making an inviting and luxurious cream top. Slainte!

Hot Scotch Tea

At its essence, this is a Hot Toddy tea remix. In fact, some Hot Toddies are actually made with tea. For so many people, tea is the most comforting and familiar drink there is, so combining that with this sweet and warming tonic to battle the cold weather is magical. Combining different teas and whiskies for this is great fun, but regular English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Rooibos works a treat. Also, if you’re into Japanese whisky then try using that with green tea – it’s big over there as a chilled drink, but would work hot too.

Ingredients
1 clove
1 cinnamon stick
½ lemon juiced
1/2 tbsp honey
100ml-150ml tea
40ml Whisky
Lemon twist (garnish)

Method
Add your tea first, and then mix in the whisky, lemon juice and honey until it’s completely disappeared – it needs a good stir. Chuck in the clove and the cinnamon if you like it and let them infuse. There are no hard rules, so just add more whisky (oomph), or more lemon (less sweet), or more honey if needed (more sweet).

Spanish Coffee

Carajilo, popular in Spain and Mexico, is the combination of fresh coffee, sugar and liqueur or spirits, and this showy variation on it, more popular stateside, is delicious. Brandy is common, but dark rum is gorgeous, bringing together a rich, caramelly flavour that pairs with the orange liqueur, coffee liqueur and coffee for a dessert style hot cocktail with intense flavour and kick. It can also be set alight if you wish! (see the method below).

Ingredients
25ml dark rum
35ml coffee liqueur (Kahlua)
25ml Triple Sec or Grand Marnier
90ml strong coffee
Whipped cream (or 25ml heavy cream)
Granulated sugar (for rim)
Orange/lemon wedge (garnish)

Method
Rub the lemon or orange wedge around the rim of your glass and roll it in sugar (make sure it’s super fine and shake off any excess bits). Now, once you’ve poured in your rum and orange liqueur, you have a choice. You can dazzle guests and set them alight, thereby caramelizing the sugar rim before extinguishing it with the coffee liqueur. Or, you can just add the coffee liqueur and do without the flames. Depends how brave you’re feeling! Top up with hot coffee and float the cream using the back of a spoon.

Vert Chaud

The Vert Chaud, or Chaud Vert, is a classic après ski drink popular in the French Alps, and no wonder because not everyone has chartreuse lying around. But, even though is a bit pricey it’s adored by so many, and here the powerful, herbaceous, peppery notes and fresh palate combine gloriously with hot chocolate. The minty flavours in particular come out with the heat, creating a mint-chocolate paradise.

Ingredients
40ml green chartreuse
120ml hot chocolate
Whipped cream (optional garnish)

Method
Super simple pouring of both into a handled glass or mug, stirring to combine. The whipped cream tempers the intensity of the chartreuse nicely and puts a cap on the boozy aroma for the first sip, but it’s up to you as always.

Hot ‘n’ Minty White Russian

This warm twist on the classic offsets silky sweet white-hot chocolate against hearty vodka, rich espresso and distinctly, a cooling, flavoursome peppermint syrup. It’s thick and full-bodied, with that lush chocolate and lively espresso, packs a vodka punch, and the peppermint touches the lighter side of the palate.

Ingredients
25ml vodka
25ml espresso shot
80ml white hot chocolate
15ml peppermint syrup
Whipped cream (optional garnish)

Method
You could combine everything in a saucepan so it’s nice and hot, but if the espresso and white-hot chocolate are nice and hot, then simply combining and pouring in vodka and peppermint syrup should come out at a drinkable temp. Whipped cream if you like to finish!

It’s easy to look at something like peppermint syrup and think that it needs buying or is complicated, but syrups are actually some of the easiest things to make and can completely elevate your cocktails. For more syrup recipes, go here!

Luxury Whiskey Gifts and the Perfect Dessert and Cocktail Pairing from Bushmills

From luxury whiskey gifts to the perfect dessert and cocktail pairing, Bushmills has plenty to offer this Christmas. Irish whiskey fans now have the chance to experience some of its oldest and most treasured liquids with the recent launch of the 25 and 30 year old expressions.

These two luxurious spirits are the perfect Christmas gift for that special loved one who appreciates the whiskeys’ intensely complex flavours. The two expressions are triple distilled in wine-seasoned oak barrels all of which have been meticulously selected by Bushmills’ Master Blender, Alex Thomas.

The 25-Year-Old is matured between four to six years in ex-sherry and Bourbon casks, and then has spent up to 21 years in Ruby Port casks, resulting in layers of intense, dark fruit flavours, luxurious honey sweetness and gently toasted wood. Meanwhile, the 30-Year-Old was matured for 14 years in ex-sherry and Bourbon casks and finished in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks for 16 years, creating a sublime whiskey characterised by deep, signature sherry aromas and enticing fig, raisin and praline richness.

Both expressions are available at The Whisky Shop and House Of Spirits.

For those seeking something a little more adventurous than tea and cake this Christmas, Bushmills Irish Whiskey and Sager + Wilde have put their heads together to develop an exquisite new whiskey cocktail and cake pairing that explores the warm, rich, earthy flavours of the season.

The new cocktail – crafted using Bushmills 10-Year-Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey, Amontillado sherry, Angostura bitters and porcini maple syrup – was designed to perfectly set off an indulgent Spiced Pear and Walnut Cake served with Bushmills Butterscotch. The delicious pairing celebrates the smooth, honeyed flavours and chocolate and vanilla characteristics that make the 10-Year-Old so enjoyable when sipped neat – due to influences of  an extended sherry/bourbon cask maturation - with a sweet treat.

Available from now until Christmas at Sager + Wilde’s atmospheric Paradise Row restaurant, which is set in a beautiful old railway arch, it is a must taste for all whiskey lovers, flavour obsessives and seekers of exciting seasonal pairing experiences. 

Address: Sager + Wilde, 250 Paradise Row, London E2 9LE
Website
Price: £21 for dessert + cocktail
Dates: Available from now until Christmas

Perfect Drinks to Keep You Warm on Guy Fawkes Night

Remember, remember the 5th of November, as a time to indulge in the cosiest, most soothing cocktails of the year. In front of a crackling bonfire, gazing up at fireworks or staying snug indoors these warming concoctions complete the evening to perfection. So, whether you’re into Baileys, Cider, Wine, Gin, or Whiskey, we’ve got the drink to elevate your Bonfire Night to the next level.

Baileys Hot Choc

You can kinda take this as far as you want regarding whipped cream, grated chocolate, coffee liqueurs and all sorts, but keeping it fairly simple works a treat. Of course, other Irish Creams are out there (check these), but for easy familiarity and reliable indulgence, Baileys with hot chocolate however you like it is classically idyllic in front of the bonfire. The Baileys is thick enough to make the hot choc with water, but as always, go with whatever you think is best!

Ingredients
60ml Irish cream liqueur
100ml hciderot chocolate
Whipped cream (optional)
Grated chocolate (optional)

Method
Knock up the hot choc separately and pour it gently over your Baileys. That’s literally it. Unless of course you want to go the whole hog with cream and grated chocolate and we wouldn’t blame you for that at all.

Cider Hot Toddy

The hearty world of hot cider is a wonderful Autumn accompaniment. Whisky is the obvious pairing, as with most Toddies, but try this one with spiced rum instead. Those winter spices of cinnamon and nutmeg come to life in as the cider warms, and mingling with the warm, caramel spice of the rum, you end up with an apple pie style drink that is about as soothing as it’s possible to imagine.

Ingredients
100ml cider (try Toffee Apple flavour for extra sweetness and nostalgia)
40ml spiced rum
Sprinkle of cinnamon/half a cinnamon stick
Sprinkle of nutmeg

Method
Very gently heat the cider in a pan and be careful to not boil, stirring continuously. Add your cinnamon stick and sprinkle of nutmeg, as well as your rum nearer the end. Pour into your mug or flask, cup your hands and enjoy.

Mulled Wine

Our favourite way to use leftover wine, mulled wine is a staple of the colder months and rightly so. Don’t make the mistake of going super cheap because even though we’re heating it through, you will notice. Go for big, bold wine that will carry strong flavour and smooth mouthfeel. We recommend fresh cranberries that will soften up when heating, but just add a nice textural and acidic crunch. Try and avoid just adding sugar when there’s so much natural fruity sweetness, instead, include plenty of cinnamon, Grand Marnier liqueur if you have it (brings rich fruity Cognac and orange), or honey. Delish.

Ingredients (for 6)
750ml bottle of Red Wine (Zinfandel, Primitivo, Grenache)
4 cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
1 quartered orange
1 star anise
Small handful of fresh cranberries
100ml Grand Marnier (optional)
2 tbsp honey (optional)

Method
Add your wine to the pan and very slowly begin heating through, always stirring as you add your spices and fruits. Do not let it get anywhere near boiling and add your Grand Marnier (if included) towards the end before turning off the heat and letting everything infuse for at least 30 mins. Then simply strain and serve!

Mulled Gin

For something deliciously different this Bonfire Night, how about Mulled Gin? Sure, it won’t quite be the delicate, chilled exploration of botanicals that gin drinkers are used to, but it more than makes up for that in other areas. Aromatic spices, sweet apple, and vibrant, fresh citrus all tease out different corners of the gin to make something beautifully rounded. Sweetness, richness, herbaceous notes, inviting fragrance and that soothing, comforting quality perfect for Autumn.

Ingredients (for 4)
200ml dry gin (bold character)
400ml good apple juice
½ lemon
1 bay leaf
1 clove
1 cardamom pod
½ cinnamon stick
2tsp honey
2 or 3 black peppercorns
2 or 3 juniper berries (optional)
Lemon slice (garnish)

Method
Remember, unlike other mulled concoctions, we’re not heating the gin here. Divide the gin into your glasses, and then combine everything else into a large pan, warming gently. Again, don’t let it boil and just as the first bubbles form, take it off the heat and allow it to cool for a minimum of 30 minutes. Pour and stir to combine with the gin and garnish with lemon.

Hot Toddy

The traditional Hot Toddy might just be the king of cozy cocktails. There are so many delicious variations, but we’re going for the original here. You find some recipes that are simple as water, whisky, and sugar, but we think that fresh lemon to slice through, a touch of honey for silky sweetness, and Autumn spices are a must. Balanced, dreamy sweetness that soothes the soul – ah!

Ingredients
40ml Whisky (Johnnie Walker Black Label works great)
120ml hot water
1 clove
2 tsp lemon juice
1 tbsp honey
1 small cinnamon stick
Lemon wheel (garnish)

Method
Nice and simple, you’ve just got to combine everything. Leave the water till last and just top up to the top with it, make sure everything is thoroughly mixed and infused and then taste. It’s easy to adjust if it isn’t spot on – just add more of what it’s missing!

Irish Coffee

Rich, warming, velvety smooth and full of indulgence, the Irish Coffee is a must for Guy Fawkes Night. The fundamentals are Irish whiskey, black coffee, and cream, usually with some sugar too, but like any classic, you can adjust it to your taste. We’ve got different recipes for more fruit, more spice, more peat etc. here, but you can’t go wrong with this original recipe to wake you up.

Ingredients
45ml quality Irish whiskey (like Powers or Teeling)
2 teaspoons brown sugar
120ml hot, fresh coffee
20ml double cream (can lightly whip)

Method
Preheat your glass and gradually add your chosen whiskey, syrup, and freshly brewed coffee. Once mixed nicely, pour your cream over the back of a spoon so it sits invitingly on top. Slainte!

If you want a bigger selection of whiskies that suit Irish Coffee down to the ground, have a look through these.

The Maple Syrup Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is a cocktail that can be endlessly reinvented, and one version we love is The Maple Syrup twist. It really brings the warm caramel flavours out of the Bourbon for a rich cocktail layered up with those delicately poised herbal and aromatic bitter notes. If you opt for the crispy bacon garnish, then the salty and smoky touch is an obvious winner with Bourbon and maple syrup and adds a wonderful intrigue to the flavour. Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it!

Ingredients
60ml/2 oz whisk(e)y (preferably Bourbon)
7.5ml/0.25 oz maple syrup (or to taste)*
2 dashes angostura bitters
Garnish: 1 orange peel or if you’re feeling fancy a piece of crispy bacon

Method
1.      Take a tumbler and stir together your whisky, bitters, ice, and syrup* - make sure you get your hands on proper maple syrup and not maple flavoured syrup because you will definitely notice the difference!
2.      Strain over large ice cubes, ideally in a rocks glass.
3.      Finish with your garnish. Now, orange peel is the traditional choice and works but if you want to try something different, try a piece of crispy bacon!

You can find other autumnal easy-to-make cocktail recipes all across our website like our Spiced Rum Hot Toddy and Fig Martini! If you want other Old Fashioned variations, go here!

The Best Whiskies For An Old Fashioned

The definitive cocktail of the dram drinker, The Old Fashioned is so simple using just whisky/whiskey, a sugar cube, a little dash of Angostura bitters and an orange twist.

Like with all recipes so simple though, the base ingredient has to be good quality so you need a whisky that can live up to the headline act billing. There are so many directions you can take the Old Fashioned in using your drink of choice, be it smoky, zesty, spicy, or sweet, so have a read through of these bottles and the effect they’ll have on making a stunning Old Fashioned.

Classic Glen Moray

A complete favourite here at The Three Drinkers with so much flavour for the money. Fresh and sweet Speyside orchard fruits flood the palate, with rich honey and vanilla bringing sweetness and just a touch of lemony zest to keep you on your toes and add subtle refreshment to the cocktail. Such a popular and reliable Scotch and for good reason.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £24.74

Jura 10 Year Old Whisky

We can never praise Jura enough, a really characterful distillery on a tiny Scottish isle that sits at the centre of a resilient community which saved the production years ago and has gone on to completely flourish since. Jura 10 is now a prized inclusion in Jura’s core range, adored for its delicate, fragrant smokiness intertwined with velvety, sweet honied raisin notes and hints of cocoa and vanilla. A decade of maturation in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels, followed by a sherry cask finish, imparts complexity and depth on your Old Fashioned too.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £33.90

Deanston Virgin Oak Single Malt

We loved sipping our way through Deanston on our podcast, and their Virgin Oak Single Malt is perfect for cocktail versatility. Crafted by hand, it matures in ex-bourbon casks from a Kentucky cooperage, then blooms in virgin oak casks, creating a subtly zesty and spiced character that will really bring out the best in the Angostura. Aromas of heather honey, green apples, and citrus zest lead to candied fruits and creamy toffee on the palate, all before a lingering finish with spices and honeyed malt. And let us tell you, this tastes so much older than it actually is so the value here is immense.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46.3%
Find here: £27 (usually more!)

Glenturret 12 Year Old

Glenturret’s 12-year-old is always a stunning dram, and the latest batch is no different. European oak and American oak hogsheads casks boast creamy vanilla, and spiced, dried fruits that create a really appetizing profile in an Old Fashioned. The warmth of the spice here, with that touch of ginger in particular is a dream in the cocktail.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £64.90

GlenAllachie 15 Year Old

A real crowd pleaser and favourite of Billy Walker, GlenAllchie’s 15 year old is masterfully enhanced by sherry casks boasting dark chocolatey fig notes with indulgent mocha, honey and treacle flavours. The spices are sweet, there’s tremendous warmth, there’s smoothness and balance – it’s so complete. A jewel for Old Fashioned enthusiasts.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £66.95

Laphroaig 10 Year Old Whisky

If you’re bored of Old Fashioned’s always ending up the same, then this is the one for you. Not a beginner’s choice, this is a dram that embraces the essence of Islay with quintessential peated single malt delivering serious smoke and a touch of medicinal, seaweed character. A decade of Bourbon cask ageing marries those peat notes with warm spice for a full body that carries a little surprising fruity sweetness and sprinkles of salt. Rich and briny, this will take your cocktail in directions you never expected.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £39.45

Well, now you’ve got the whisky, how about the Old Fashioned? Master the traditional recipe going back centuries here, and experiment with twists too – especially check out the Maple Old Fashioned!

Whisky Wanderlust: Crossing Oceans, Capturing Flavours

There are many whiskies that aren’t American that can be found in the USA. Now that the tariff war is long gone, the UK has left the EU, and many companies have increased their distribution, there are more whiskies than ever being offered to the US market from the traditional markets, such as Scotland, Ireland and Japan.

The following whiskies are some of my favourites which reach the US and don’t cost the earth. In the US there is the advantage of a larger bottle, and taxes aren’t quite so high, so there is great value to be had. So, with that said, let me introduce 8 bottles you are sure to love.

Mortlach 12 Year Old

The beast of Dufftown, Mortlach is one of the best sherry led whiskies in Speyside. It is big, oily and rich, but also has great finesse and depth of flavour with sweet honey and dates, with lots of fruit cake flavours and touches of spice, oak and chocolate. This is the most expensive whisky on my list, and it’s worth it. It’s great for gifting with its smart new branding brought in a few years ago. It is a decadent whisky which I would serve by itself, with a little water, or if you wanted a superior old fashioned, this single malt whisky would do the trick.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 43.4%
Find it here: $53.99

Nikka Days

Japanese whisky prices seem to have gone through the roof lately, especially for single malts. However, the blended whiskies from Japan can be excellent as well. One has to be slightly careful in Japan with blended whisky as quite a lot of it is in fact Scotch! This one however is all Japanese with Coffey Grain, un-peated Miyagikyo single malt, Coffey malt and a touch of Yioichi malt, this is a complex and delicious blended whisky. There are sweet notes and bright floral notes mixing with fruits, vanilla and caramel giving a long finish. Like many things Japanese, this has precision and elegance.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: $49.99

Tullibardine Artisan

This whisky is simply incredible value. Back in the 1980’s a single malt Scotch would have cost around $25, and this is the price of this single malt Scotch today! Matured exclusively in ex-Bourbon barrels, it is sweet and unctuous with honey, vanilla fudge and digestive biscuits. Whisky Advocate Magazine in the US rated this whisky a best buy at 91 point. If you wanted to try malt whisky from Scotland for the 1st time, I’d recommend this one.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: $24.99

Speyburn Arranta

This single malt like the Tullibardine, uses ex-Bourbon barrels, but in this case they are all 1st fill barrels, meaning that no Scotch has been in them before this filling which gives them an extra sweetness and depth of flavour. This whisky also has a touch of spice and lots of orchard fruits giving it plenty of character but keeping it all smooth and easy to drink. For me this is best over ice on a hot day, or even with soda making a highball. It’s got enough oomph to handle being diluted yet still providing plenty of flavour.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 46%
Find it here: $44.99

Glenmorangie X

This expression from Glenmorangie has been made purely with mixing in mind. There is plenty of rich sweetness, but also spice and rich oaky flavours, It’ll make a great highball, but is best in cocktails like a whisky sour. It mixes extremely well with cola, especially diet cola as the sweetness in the whisky can really shine through and isn’t competing with a naturally sugary drink. My favourite way to drink it is simply with lots of ice, soda and a dash of lemon juice and bitters

Size: 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: $39.99

Ballantine’s 12

This is one of the world’s best blends. If you are used to drinking Ballantine’s Finest, this will be a little different, Finest is lighter and more floral in nature, whilst Ballantine’s 12 year old is richer and has more honey, caramel and toffee notes. There is a touch of spice to keep things interesting, but ultimately this is a smooth easy sipping blended Scotch. With the youngest whisky in the bottle being 12 years old, there are older whiskies in the blend giving further depth and pleasure.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: $37.99

Glenfarclas 12 Year Old

This is the quintessential sherry matured Speyside single malt scotch. There are lots of Christmas cake flavours of raisins, currants, dates and apricots with complex spices including nutmeg, cinnamon and anise. There are sweeter toffee flavours and orange marmalade as well. A touch over 40% abv gives the flavours that little extra boost and the finish lasts for ages. If you’re feeling decadent, this makes the perfect Old Fashioned especially if you make one the traditional way with a cube of brown sugar rather than syrup.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find it here: $50.99

Jameson Black Barrel

Last and by no means least, I have an Irish whisky. If you’re used to Jameson’s regular whisky, this is a good step up and you’ll find it hard to go back! The barrels used to mature this spirit have had extra charring which concentrates the flavours giving extra richness and smoothness which also comes from a triple distillation process which is different from Scotch’s double distillation. There is lots of vanilla sweetness and caramel with orchard fruits, a touch of tropical banana typical of Irish whisky, and warming spices. Don’t wait for a winter fireside with this one, it’s fabulous on the rocks in the evening sun.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: $42.99

All the above I have enjoyed many times over the years, and they have never disappointed. They have even kept my bank balance happy. I love sharing these with whisky lovers and those new to whisky alike and they have changed many people’s minds over the quality of blends over single malts and that Japanese whisky doesn’t have to break the bank. Find a flavour profile you like the look of, sit back and enjoy the rest of the summer.

Words by Colin Hampden-White