Best Scotch Whisky Distillery Tours

We don’t need to tell you we’re big fans of Scotch whisky; chances are you already know thanks to our Amazon Prime series. And while a dram at home always hits the spot, Scotch can taste even more magical when sipped at the source. Whether your thing is Highlands or Lowlands, Islands or Islay – pack those bags for our virtual round-up of Scotland’s best distillery tours. Cheers!

Talisker, Islands

Perched on the shores of jaw-drop-beautiful Skye – full of rolling green hills, misty peaks and fluffy herds of roaming sheep – Talisker’s setting alone is worth the epic journey from the nearest city (Inverness: two and a half hours away). Its sweet, full-bodied malts can be tasted on a Cask Tasting tour, where drams are hand-drawn atmospherically from warehouse casks. Mitigate the long (albeit beautiful) drive with an overnight on this pretty isle; a drive along undulating roads to the north, The Three Chimneys is one of Scotland’s finest restaurants with rooms.

Find more info here

Glenfiddich, Dufftown

If you join just one distillery tour, it might have to be this one. Pedigree aside – world-renowned, family owned Glenfiddich has been distilling in Dufftown since 1887 – this 35-hectare site is one of the most impressive in whiskydom. Rich in detail on the whisky-making process, Glenfiddich’s tours hop between Instagrammable stone-fronted buildings, bottling lines, giant stillhouses and a seriously atmospheric traditional aging warehouse. Guides are lively, answer all your questions, and (obviously) take you through a generous tasting flight of golden Speyside liquor at the end.

Find more info here

Ardbeg, Islay

Seriously smoky, sweet and citric, Ardberg isn’t for the faint-hearted. But fans keen to make the peaty pilgrimage to Islay – a ferry ride or flight from mainland Scotland – can down their fill on a series of daily tours. The 2021 schedule is still being confirmed, but historically a tasting of the core range kicks off at an ambitious 10:30am, then at lunchtime is followed the Committee Bottle Tasting - a set of pours picked by a guide - before peaking in the Old, Mature and Unusual tasting in the afternoon. Book into the distillery’s onsite Seaview Cottage and you can wake up and do the whole thing all over again tomorrow. 

Find more info here

The Dalmore, Alness

One of Scotland’s more accessible distilleries, The Dalmore is stumbling distance from Alness rail station, a hop north of Inverness – so it’s great if you don’t drive (or if, for obvious reasons, you don’t want to). It’s a pretty one too: aged stone buildings, blue shore waters of Cromarty Firth, green fields. Tours are intimate – with a maximum of just about a dozen guests, and often fewer – so there’s plenty of opportunity to ask questions and learn all you’d like about this popular single malt. Videos walk you through proper ‘nosing’ and tasting technique, too, great for whisky beginners.

Find more info here

Glenkinchie, Pencaitland

This Victorian distillery needs to be on your hit-list for two reasons: it’s only a half-hour drive outside of Edinburgh, making it perfect for city-breakers or car-free travellers, and it’s the Lowlands home of Johnny Walker. And in case you need a third – it’s just had a major revamp, with its red-bricked buildings now housing a top-quality multi-levelled visitor experience. A lovely orchard and garden, speckled with blooms in summer, is a great spot to chill and wait out sobriety after a few Highballs in the bar.  

Find more info here

Glenlivet, Speyside

If we could move into a distillery, it might be this one: set above Speyside hills in a remote glen, with floor-to-ceiling windows along the still room that let sunshine spill in, it’s one of the best-looking distilleries out there. And, if you’re serious about your whisky, it’s one of the finest for deep-dive tastings, too. While many distilleries offer just one tour, Glenlivet has a roster that includes sessions aimed at knowledgeable enthusiasts as well as beginners. They’ll be announcing new experiences very soon, so keep eyes on their website for details.

Find more info here

Glenmorangie, Tain

You’ll get a warm Highland welcome at this famed distillery, home to Scotland’s tallest stills – the copper necks are as long as a fully grown giraffe – and some of its most elegant malts. Set on the banks of Dornoch Firth, Glenmorangie runs a series of expert-led tours that illuminate the whisky-making process from grain to glass. Sign up to The Innovator and you’ll get the chance to taste some of the distillery’s most prized expressions.

Find more info here

Fancy a sneaky peek of some of Scotland’s distilleries while you wait for things to open up again? Then, make sure you check out The Three Drinkers do Scotch Whisky on Amazon Prime!

5 Women in Drinks to Toast!

Words by Helena Nicklin

The world of wine and spirits has traditionally been male-dominated through the years, from winemakers and distillers to salespeople and communicators of all kinds. Happily, we’re seeing more women take the lead creating safe, communicative spaces for others and with the rise of digital media, we are seeing a wave of younger women enter the communications space too. This is all having a knock on effect on our opening up drinks to new consumers and is to be celebrated. Here are some ladies in wine and spirits that we would like to applaud. 

Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin: The Original Wine Woman 

Barbe Nicole Ponsardin, known better to most people as the widow, ‘veuve’ Clicquot, smashed the glass ceiling two hundred years ago at the tender age of 27 after her husband died, refusing to sell the family wine business and building it into a world famous Champagne brand. This tenacious, single mother insisted on getting more training in wine making and made several bold choices, inventing techniques along the way that are still used today: riddling, to clarify the wine and stop it being cloudy like everyone else’s and blending. She created the first ever rosé Champagne. It’s thanks in large part to Barbe-Nicole and her technique for making clear, elegant wines that Champagne gained such a strong reputation around the world. 

Try: Veuve Clicquot, La Grande Dame Rosé 2008

92% Pinot Noir, 8% Chardonnay, Veuve Clicquot’s Grande Dame, vintage Champagne was named in homage to Barbe-Nicole herself. Think smoky, ripe, red fruit with aromatics of rose petal and blackcurrant. A powerful yet elegant wine. 

Find here: UK £254 // US $385.58

Nichole Johnson - Rusty Rabbits Drinks Distribution & Champagne Producer

The formidable Nichole Johnson is not only the youngest, but the only African-American, female-owned liquor importer, exporter and distributor in the world. Her business, Rusty Rabbit International, was formed to create and curate premium drinks brands and to promote them globally. It’s a dynamic, adaptable and forward thinking drinks company, founded, as she says, ‘by rebels willing to shake up the norm and take the world by storm.’ Despite the challenges of 2020, Nichole managed to bring eight new brands on board to her business and the international drinks market. Her clients include some of the most exciting, new global drinks products but she herself is a force to be reckoned with in her field, having also just launched her very own Champagne called Lapin Rouillé, after ‘rusty rabbit’. Definitely a woman to watch. 

Try: Lapin Rouillé Champagne

Made unusually from 100% Pinot Meunier, Lapin Rouillé is richly fruited, ripe and aromatic with notes of red berries; a vibrant, easy-drinking Champagne with a cool, mineral core helping to maintain its freshness. With its bright red bottle and rabbit logo, it really stands out on the shelf! Limited to just over 3,000 bottles, you can find Lapin Rouillé on the RRI website, at Harvey Nichols and London retailer Gerry’s.

Find here: UK £42.99

Ellie Webb - Founder of Caleño, Alcohol-Free Spirit

Frustrated by the lack of decent alcohol-free drinks on the market and with a desire to step away from corporate life and create something entirely of her own, Ellie Webb founded a company to produce something special and delicious that was inspired by the colourful culture of her Colombian homeland. Caleño was born; a zesty, tropical and aromatic ‘free spirit’ as she calls it, which did so well that at just three months in, it was launched into 500 Sainbury’s stores. Such was the success of her white ‘free spirit’, Ellie recently developed a sister for it, based on a spin on dark spirit. Caleño now has two official forms: Light & Zesty and Dark & Spicy and they come in various sizes and gift box options. 

Try: Caleño duo bundle (2 x 50cl)

Both the Caleño drinks are deliciously different. The Light & Zesty is based on Juniper with citrus notes and an exotic splash of Inca berry. The Dark & Spicy is warming and, naturally, spicy with moreish notes of kola nut, ginger, vanilla and cardamom.

Find here: UK £32

Robin Christenson, Blinking Owl Distillery

In 2016, entrepreneur Robin Christenson launched the first craft distillery in Orange County since prohibition together with her husband Brian. With Level 3 WSET (Wine and Spirit Education Trust) certification to her name, Robin wanted to approach their spirit production at Blinking Owl with the same attention to terroir as wine and committed herself to working as part of California’s sustainable farming community. She has since been lauded for her distillery's ‘grain-to-glass’ influence. We can expect to see Blinking Owl seriously going places in 2021, especially as it is also part of Rusty Rabbit International’s stable.

Try: Blinking Owl Four Grain Bourbon.

Made with organic California corn, wheat, rye and malted barley, the whiskey is distilled and left to age for two years in New, American charred, white oak casks. It’s sweet and spicy with powerful notes of aromatic vanilla, citrus peel and toast. 

Find here: UK £42.99

Jill Russell - Winemaker at Cambria Estate Winery

Having grown up in Castro Valley, California, Jill worked at a winery while at high school before going on to study wine and viticulture in San Luis Obispo high school. Since then, she’s travelled globally, soaking up as much experience as she can and now with ten years of winemaking under her belt, she has brought her skills and energy to Cambria in Santa Barbara, where her very first vintage of the famed, Cambria Katherine’s Vineyard Chardonnay was selected as one of Wine Spectator’s Top 100 wines of 2019. A new jewel in the renowned Jackson Family Wines crown, Jill is a winemaker to watch, especially where it concerns maintaining the fine traditions of world class, cool-climate wine making.

Try: Cambria Katherine's Vineyard Chardonnay 2018

An elegant blend of ripe peach and crisp, citrus fruit, with a refreshing, cool salinity, this is a sunshine Chardonnay that is anything but blousy. Subtle oak pops through on the palate in the form of cooking spices and a touch of smoke, creating a flavoursome wine in perfect balance. 

Find here: UK £19.99 // US $19.99

Taste This! 

Want to taste whisky, support women and raise some money for charity? 

We wanted to mention this fantastic Women in Whisky box, which is accompanied by a live tasting panel on 10th March. It features miniature whiskies made by six women and is a special charity edition in aid of both a local Bristol women’s charity and the Drinks Trust, timed to coincide with International Women’s Day 2021. The boxes are being sold on a not-for-profit basis by The Dram Team, with proceeds all going to the charities. In the box: Tamnavulin, Double Cask, J.J. Corry, The Hanson, Nc'nean, Organic Single Malt, Compass Box, Hedonism, Penderyn, Celt and Cardrona, Just Hatched.

Find here: £32.99

To find out more about the original wine women herself, click here!

12 Whiskies you NEED to Explore from Scotland's Distiller of the Year 2021!

As Scotch whisky lovers and great friends of Whyte and Mackay and their superstar master blender Richard Paterson, we were over the moon to hear that they had been chosen as Distiller of the Year 2021 in the Icons of Whisky Awards this month.

Who are Whyte and Mackay?

Whyte and Mackay are distillers who saw their launch in Glasgow in 1844 when James Whyte and Charles Mackay decided to provide the hard working residents of Glasgow with an alternative to Cognac. Priding themselves in being a strong community of people that work hard together, it is this entrepreneurial spirit that sits at the heart of all the excellent whiskies they produce today.

Which whiskies are in the Whyte and Mackay Portfolio?

Whyte and Mackay own four internationally recognised single malt Scotch whiskies; Jura, Fettercairn, The Dalmore and Tamnavulin. We were lucky enough to visit three out of the four of these in our TV series Three Drinkers do Scotch Whisky and so we have popped together a list of twelve of our favourite drams, although we have to tell you, it was mighty hard to choose!

Must-Try Jura Whiskies

Jura 10 Year Old

The Jura 10 year old is now part of Jura’s core range and it’s a very popular whisky thanks to its subtle, fragrant smokiness combined with smooth, sweet fruit notes and hints of cocoa and vanilla. It’s matured in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels for 10 years and finished in rich, oloroso sherry casks from Spain.

Size: 70cl
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £28.95 // US $39.99

Jura 18 Year Old

Wine meets whisky with the Jura 18. This rich and fruity whisky was aged for 18 years in ex-bourbon casks before being finished in red wine casks; Premier Grand Cru Classé Bordeaux barrels, no less! With a gentle smokiness on the nose, red cherry and berry fruit come through on the palate with a touch of orange peel citrus, dried fruit and warm cooking spice on the finish. Indulgent and delicious. 

Size: 70cl
ABV: 44%
Find here: UK £62.94 // US $119.99

Jura 21 Year old Tide

Released as part of the special ‘Aged Vintage’ series, Tide is a 21 year old single malt that has been double matured; first, in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels and then in hand-selected, virgin American white oak casks. Spicy and complex, Tide is all about gingerbread, pepper and warm spice, all brought into balance with notes of banana, biscuits and white chocolate. A higher ABV gives a greater whack of flavour on the palate and the finish.

Size: 70cl
ABV: 46.7%
Find here: £126.95

Jura Red Wine Cask Finish

This expression has been matured in ex-bourbon casks before being finished for 18 to 24 months in red wine barriques. It is incredibly well-balanced and rich with berry flavours and dried raisins. There are also creamy caramel and vanilla flavours and a touch of cinnamon spice. These sound like bold flavours, yet the whisky remains delicate. A great expression to try for those wanting to experiment a little with new whiskies. For the moment, this can be found in the UK in Sainsbury’s in a one litre bottle and is brilliant value.

ABV: 40%
Size: 1000ml
Find here: Currently on offer at £34 (normally £40)

Must-Try The Dalmore Whiskies

The Dalmore 12 Year Old Sherry Cask Select

The Dalmore is well known for having a close relationship with Spain as the whisky is often matured in ex-sherry casks. This expression celebrates this relationship and as Richard Paterson says “between the union of the Scottish highlands with the warmth of the Andalusian sun”. Firstly the whisky is matured for ten years in ex-bourbon casks and then two years in ex-sherry casks from bodegas. These casks are made from both American and European oak and are then seasoned with a unique blend of aged Oloroso and sweet Pedro Ximénez casks. The result is fabulous; unctuous and complex with distinct flavours of sundried fruits and fresh Scottish orchard fruits. Plenty of fudge and caramel back up the fruit and with a spicy finish, this is a brilliantly concocted 12 year old dram. 

ABV: 43%
Size: 700ml
Find here: UK £69

The Dalmore 18 Year Old

This whisky is a perfect example of The Dalmore’s trademark, bold house style, with bombastic notes of chocolate orange, vanilla and fruitcake thanks to its maturation time in both bourbon and aged, Matusalem oloroso sherry casks.

Size: 70cl
ABV: 43%
Find here: UK £119.99 // US $199.99

The Dalmore King Alexander III

This ultra premium whisky is named in homage to the king who was saved from a stag by former owners of The Dalmore. It’s a very special whisky blend created by Master Distiller Richard Paterson using a selection of differently aged malts, which between them have been matured in six types of wood including French wine casks, madeira drums, sherry butts, marsala barrels, port pipes and bourbon barrels from Kentucky. As you would expect, this is an incredibly complex, textured whisky packed full of dried fruit and nut flavours, cocoa powder, vanilla pod and spicy oak, all with undertones of red fruit from the wine casks. Let it sit in your glass and experience different flavours in every sip. Delicious!

Size: 70cl
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £159.80 // US $279.99

The Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve

Deemed the ideal accompaniment to the finest cigars but equally delicious without, this is a single malt matured in American, white oak ex-bourbon casks, Matusalem oloroso sherry casks and wine barriques that previously held Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s a rich, figgy and creamy malt that’s round and sweet with a hint of mint for freshness from the Cabernet and subtle notes of exotic spice from the sherry cask. The finish is exceptionally long. The current available release is the second iteration of the famed Cigar Malt that was brought back by popular demand!

Size: 70cl
ABV: 44%
Find here: UK £76.85 // US $169.99

Must-Try Fettercairn Whiskies

Fettercairn 12 Year Old

The youngest in the newly revitalised core range from Fettercairn, the 12 Year Old whisky aims to show off the tropical fruit notes and floral character that the distillery is famous for. It was matured in American oak ex-bourbon casks for 12 years which gives it a gentle, ginger spice note and some savoury weight and toffee flavours on the finish. It’s a great place to start your exploration of Fettercairn whisky.

Size: 70cl
ABV: 40%
Find here: £37.94

Fettercairn 16 year old

This is a very interesting expression from Fettercairn released at the beginning of summer 2020. Not many whiskies are distilled using chocolate malt (heavily kilned barley, more commonly seen in craft brewing)! The Fettercarin is initially matured in first-fill American oak bourbon casks, before being put in sherry and Port casks, and is bottled at 16 years of age. There's plenty going on here, and it's all impressive stuff. One wonders why more brands aren’t using chocolate malt. This is a very different whisky from Signet although the chocolate malt lends some familiarity. If you like Signet, then you will love this.

ABV: 46.4%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £73.26

Fettercairn 22 Year Old

This a is fantastic, mid-age statement whisky for Fettercairn, showcasing the distillery’s tropical fruit characteristics. Matured for 22 years in ex-bourbon casks, you can expect heaps of spiced orange peel, mango and dark cherry jam up front, with dried fruit flavours and savoury kick of liquorice and coffee bean on the finish. Smooth and lingering. 

Size: 70cl
ABV: 47%
Find here: £169.95

Fettercairn 28 Year Old

A stunning, splash-out whisky with serious age on it from Fettercairn’s ‘waterfall’ cooling ring still and matured in ex-bourbon casks. This whisky is a complex blend of the distillery’s characteristic bright tropical fruit character with more savoury notes of toffee, espresso, fruit and nut chocolate. On the finish, a slick of liquorice and ginger spices things up a bit. Exceptional whisky!

Size: 70cl
ABV: 47%
Find here: £500

A Trilogy of Fine, Scotch Whisky Distilleries to Discover

This month, we celebrate the limited season launch of The Three Drinkers do Scotch Whisky on YouTube, brought to you in partnership with Whyte & Mackay. During the course of this series, we travelled all over Scotland, visiting friends at various distilleries from Jura and Islay to Inverness and Edinburgh. Three of these distilleries were the jewels in Whyte & Mackay’s portfolio, each offering fabulously delicious, unique styles of whisky that are sought-after all the world over. They are Jura Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Fettercairn Single Malt Scotch Whisky and, of course, The Dalmore. Here’s an introduction to each of these need-to-know houses with a selection of whiskies hand-picked by us that you simply must try.

Jura Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Unique Island of Jura

Sixty miles away from the mainland of Scotland’s western coast, lies a remote island of rugged landscapes and wild waters. Just thirty miles long and seven miles wide, with the tempestuous Atlantic on one side and calmer bays full of seals and birds of prey on the other, it’s a harsh, cool climate, but one that breeds exceptional warmth within its own human community of approximately 212 people.

The Most Un-gettatable Place

The island of Jura has just one road, one pub and one whisky distillery. With the population of wild deer outnumbering humans twenty to one, it is also a particularly remote place; one that was once described by writer George Orwell as ‘the most un-gettatable place on earth’ - and where he chose to write his final book, 1984. As far as distillation goes, Jura is perhaps quite an unusual place to create whisky, but the locals believe the climate is ideal - and the distillery itself is at the very heart of this small island community. Founded originally in 1810, the distillery fell into ruin at the end of the 19th century but was entirely rebuilt and reopened in 1963 in order to boost the local economy and rebuild the community.

The Jura Whisky Style

The Jura style is smooth, bright and lively. Start with their signature series, which boasts nine super smooth malts finished in casks that are hand-selected from Europe and America. Trade up after that to their Rare and Limited series of aged whiskies and rare older vintages. There’s also an exciting selection of Travel Retail Exclusives, where the whiskies are finished with Pedro Ximénez Sherry casks. 

Watch us at Jura here

Three Jura Whiskies to Try

Jura 10 Year Old

The Jura 10 year old is now part of Jura’s core range and it’s a very popular whisky thanks to its subtle, fragrant smokiness combined with smooth, sweet fruit notes and hints of cocoa and vanilla. It’s matured in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels for 10 years and finished in rich, oloroso sherry casks from Spain.

Size: 70cl
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £28.95 // US $39.99

Jura 18 Year Old

Wine meets whisky with the Jura 18. This rich and fruity whisky was aged for 18 years in ex-bourbon casks before being finished in red wine casks; Premier Grand Cru Classé Bordeaux barrels, no less! With a gentle smokiness on the nose, red cherry and berry fruit come through on the palate with a touch of orange peel citrus, dried fruit and warm cooking spice on the finish. Indulgent and delicious. 

Size: 70cl
ABV: 44%
Find here: UK £62.94 // US $119.99

Jura 21 Year old Tide

Released as part of the special ‘Aged Vintage’ series, Tide is a 21 year old single malt that has been double matured; first, in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels and then in hand-selected, virgin American white oak casks. Spicy and complex, Tide is all about gingerbread, pepper and warm spice, all brought into balance with notes of banana, biscuits and white chocolate. A higher ABV gives a greater whack of flavour on the palate and the finish.

Size: 70cl
ABV: 46.7%
Find here: £126.95

The Dalmore

Not far from Inverness, on the banks of the Cromarty Firth and overlooking the famous ‘Black Isle’, sits The Dalmore distillery. When descendants of the Clan Mackenzie became owners of The Dalmore distillery in 1867, they brought with them the right to use the two pointed Royal stag emblem, which the family had earned back in 1263 by saving the life of King Alexander the III when he was attacked by a stag! Since then, under the watchful eye of Whyte & Mackay, The Dalmore has become one of the most lauded and sought-after Scotch whisky brands globally.

Where Wood is King

The Dalmore style is founded on the perfection of cask maturation, where each expression sees this ageing in both American white oak ex-bourbon casks and their own, exclusive, aged Sherry casks, each hand-selected by The Dalmore’s Master Distiller, Richard Paterson.  Their core range consists of whiskies aged for 12, 15, 18 and 25 years and then, there is a growing number of luxury expressions with no age-statement, such as the King Alexander III and their Cigar Malt. We are also now seeing an impressive range of ultra luxury whiskies come from The Dalmore, such as the 1951 vintage ‘Sirius’ and other vintage whiskies aged in fine wine barrels.

The Dalmore Style

The Dalmore is famous for dark coppery, rich and chocolatey whiskies with notes of dried, tropical fruit, spice and vanilla thanks to its exceptional wood programme. A close, long term relationship with sherry house González Byass that began over 100 years ago has meant that The Dalmore has exclusive access to rare casks, which have previously held exceptional, old sherries such as a 30 year old Matusalem oloroso sherry. It is these sherry casks that add to the quintessential Dalmore style.

Watch us at The Dalmore here

Three Dalmore Whiskies to Try

The Dalmore Cigar Malt Reserve

Deemed the ideal accompaniment to the finest cigars but equally delicious without, this is a single malt matured in American, white oak ex-bourbon casks, Matusalem oloroso sherry casks and wine barriques that previously held Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s a rich, figgy and creamy malt that’s round and sweet with a hint of mint for freshness from the Cabernet and subtle notes of exotic spice from the sherry cask. The finish is exceptionally long. The current available release is the second iteration of the famed Cigar Malt that was brought back by popular demand!

Size: 70cl
ABV: 44%
Find here: UK £76.85 // US $169.99

The Dalmore 18 Year Old

This whisky is a perfect example of The Dalmore’s trademark, bold house style, with bombastic notes of chocolate orange, vanilla and fruitcake thanks to its maturation time in both bourbon and aged, Matusalem oloroso sherry casks.

Size: 70cl
ABV: 43%
Find here: UK £119.99 // US $199.99

The Dalmore King Alexander III

This ultra premium whisky is named in homage to the king who was saved from a stag by former owners of The Dalmore. It’s a very special whisky blend created by Master Distiller Richard Paterson using a selection of differently aged malts, which between them have been matured in six types of wood including French wine casks, madeira drums, sherry butts, marsala barrels, port pipes and bourbon barrels from Kentucky. As you would expect, this is an incredibly complex, textured whisky packed full of dried fruit and nut flavours, cocoa powder, vanilla pod and spicy oak, all with undertones of red fruit from the wine casks. Let it sit in your glass and experience different flavours in every sip. Delicious!

Size: 70cl
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £159.80 // US $279.99

 Fettercairn

The founder of Fettercairn, Sir Alexander Ramsay, was one of the first Scottish landowners to campaign and apply for an official licence for distillation amidst a sea of illicit distilling. He received the licence in 1824 and opened the Fettercairn distillery. Being no fool, Sir Ramsay employed some of the best illegal distillers in the land to ensure that his legal whiskies were the best around!

The Fettercairn distillery was opened in the small town of the same name that sits under the Grampian foothills in the Howe of Mearns in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It’s a quiet, rural place, where once there was a very special visit from Queen Victoria and her husband Albert, who had a secret stay at the Ramsay Arms just down the road from the distillery.

A Whisky Waterfall

At Fettercairn, there has always been a tradition for doing things a little differently and in the mid-1950s, the distillers here found an innovative way to create a purer expression of their delicious spirit. It was the invention of a cooling ring. They found that if they poured cold water down the side of the copper still, it increased condensation inside, allowing only the lightest vapours to rise and be collected. The result was that even today, they still have a copper tube wrapped around the top of the still to continually pour water down it, thus enhancing the unique, tropical character of the new make and giving Fettercairn its signature, tropical fruitiness.

Watch us at Fettercairn here

Three Fettercairn Whiskies to Try

Fettercairn 12 Year Old

The youngest in the newly revitalised core range from Fettercairn, the 12 Year Old whisky aims to show off the tropical fruit notes and floral character that the distillery is famous for. It was matured in American oak ex-bourbon casks for 12 years which gives it a gentle, ginger spice note and some savoury weight and toffee flavours on the finish. It’s a great place to start your exploration of Fettercairn whisky.

Size: 70cl
ABV: 40%
Find here: £37.94

Fettercairn 22 Year Old

This a is fantastic, mid-age statement whisky for Fettercairn, showcasing the distillery’s tropical fruit characteristics. Matured for 22 years in ex-bourbon casks, you can expect heaps of spiced orange peel, mango and dark cherry jam up front, with dried fruit flavours and savoury kick of liquorice and coffee bean on the finish. Smooth and lingering. 

Size: 70cl
ABV: 47%
Find here: £169.95

Fettercairn 28 Year Old

A stunning, splash-out whisky with serious age on it from Fettercairn’s ‘waterfall’ cooling ring still and matured in ex-bourbon casks. This whisky is a complex blend of the distillery’s characteristic bright tropical fruit character with more savoury notes of toffee, espresso, fruit and nut chocolate. On the finish, a slick of liquorice and ginger spices things up a bit. Exceptional whisky!

Size: 70cl
ABV: 47%
Find here: £500

You can watch us visit all these distilleries in The Three Drinkers do Scotch whisky live on Amazon Prime.

Want some more specific recommendations from these distilleries? Here are Colin’s picks for The Best of Whyte & Mackay: The Dalmore, Jura and Fettercairn.

4 Great Scotch Whisky Alternatives

Words by Helena Nicklin

Burns Night is upon us once again, but not everyone feels the love of Scotch whisky (crazy, we know!) Here are some drinks with a nod to Scotch whisky without actually being whisky themselves. Intrigued? Read on!

Wine

Jacob’s Creek Double Barrel Chardonnay, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon

Here’s the wine drinker’s choice for Burns Night: wine aged in Scotch whisky barrels! The Jacob’s Creek Double Barrel range includes Shiraz and Chardonnay finished in aged Scotch whisky barrels (there’s also a Cabernet Sauvignon finished in Irish whisky barrels. Note that for St Patrick's day!)

These bold, fruity and spicy wines with great texture are matured at first in traditional, oak  wine barrels but then are finished - just like whisky can be - in aged whisky barrels to build additional layers of complexity.

Find here: UK Chardonnay £12 // US Shiraz $21.99

Spirits

Storywood Speyside 14 Añejo Tequila (ABV: 40%)

Created by founder Michael Ballantyne who was born in Scotland and raised in Texas, Storywood is described as ‘a tequila with the heart of Mexico and the soul of Scotland’. 

This 100% Agave Tequila was aged for 14 months in single malt whisky casks from Speyside, Scotland to create a unique, sipping Tequila that’s great on the rocks or with simple mixers. Think oak, nuts and treacle. It also makes an epic Old Fashioned. Personally, I’d call that a New Fashioned...

ABV: 40%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £53.20

No & Low

Crossip ‘Dandy Smoke’

This non- alcoholic ‘spirit’ packs a smoky, medicinal punch that reminds me of Islay Scotch whisky. Rich and viscous, this is a drink that’s fantastic alone over ice or with simple mixers like cola or ginger ale in highballs. It also makes a great Maple Old Fashioned. Crossip are worth checking out for their good causes too. A great product to support!

Find here: £22

Splash Out!

Havana Club Tributo 2019 (ABV 40%)

This extraordinary and exceptionally rare ‘peated’ rum was created with the help of three generations of Cuban rum masters, where each selected a rare, oak-aged rum base from numerous decades. The fourth release in the ‘Tributo’ range, it has been finished in Scotch whisky casks that used to hold peated whisky. Only 2,500 were made. Get in there! Don’t we all deserve a treat?

Find here: £350

Want to try some ACTUAL Scotch Whiskies? Here are some of our favourites.

Wine & Spirits Delivery: Lockdown 3 Guide

This week, several friends have asked us to find out which merchants would deliver booze to them as Majestic are overrun. We put out a tweet to see which wine writers had written one of those incredible lists and then people starting replying, telling us that they were also delivering booze. 

Note: If you are not currently featured on this list please FILL IN THE FORM BELOW.

MERCHANTS NATIONWIDE

Brixton Wine Club

Not your Mum and Dad's wine club. BWC sell premium wines, but in cans - no need for an underground cellar or fancy wine fridge. Just great wines, ready to drink at a moment’s notice. Choose from the Juice Box, Simply Red, All White, Rosé All Day or the 100% Fizz and join us. Either for a one-off box or an ongoing subscription. We also do monthly Taste-A-Longs on IG Live and can hold private virtual wine tastings.

brixtonwineclub.com

Jackson & Seddon

We are an award-winning UK based importer of artisan, organic wine from small independent producers in Italy. We choose to work with sustainable, boutique winemakers, because we find they put a great deal more love and passion into their work.

jacksonandseddon.com

Cellar Door Wines

Cellar Door Wines is an independent wine merchant specialising in high quality wine from around the world along with craft beers, spirits and liqueurs. They have a bespoke wine club and also run virtual wine tasting events. Buyer, Penny Edwards, has a passion for South African, Italian and organic wine and this is reflected in their broad portfolio of unique products.

cellardoorwines.co.uk

Marlo

Here at Marlo, we deliver fine wine by the bottle to your door. Born out of a vision to give people access to serious wine by the individual bottle, we have curated a superb selection of wines, all offering exceptional value and delivered directly the next working day. Using 100% sustainable materials, the wine is also beautifully wrapped and includes a hand-written note - it's the perfect way to indulge during lockdown or to send a lovely gift without leaving the house! Find us on Instagram @marlowine.

www.marlo.wine

Vinkind

We’re delighted to introduce you to Vinkind - a new online wine shop which helps you explore by taste and food pairing! We focus on delicious yet affordable wines from smaller producers and have a strong selection of vegan and organic wines. Be sure to check out Vinkind.com and use code - 3DRINKERS - for 15% off our range.

http://www.vinkind.com

Berkmann Wine Cellars

Short Description: Berkmann Wine Cellars has announced it is reopening its industry-leading Help 4 Hospitality scheme, the pop-up online wine shop that helped raise over £75K for individuals and businesses within the hospitality sector during the spring lockdown… This time, Berkmann Wine Cellars has chosen to increase the share of revenue donated to the industry from 12.5% to 20%.

 https://www.help4hospitality.com/

Wine Shop Lanzarote

Importer and online retailer of Lanzarote’s truly unique volcanic wine and craft beer.

 http://www.wineshoplanzarote.com

Gerrard Seel Ltd

 Wine merchants and shippers. Home delivery is our pleasure through U.K. mainland. Great quality at sensible prices.

http://gerrardseel.co.uk

9 Elms Wines

A treasure trove of award-winning wines & spirits from family owned, boutique producers. Many of which were previously only available in top restaurants. We offer a global range from old world classics to rarer, more esoteric discoveries for the wine explorer. Nationwide delivery.

 http://www.9elmswines.co.uk

Club Vino

Club Vino offers relaxed home wine tasting experience, to be enjoyed in your own time. Sourcing wine from boutique and family owned wineries. Packages include 6 full sized bottle , tasting notes, glass markers and access to an online video where founder and chief sommelier Marco castelanelli will guide your though the wine .

http://Www.club-Vino.co.uk

JF Tobias

A small London-based wine merchants, delivering fine wine nationally throughout lockdown. Safe, secure and rated 5 stars on TrustPilot.

http://www.jftwines.com

The Great Wine Co.

We represent our fantastic producers in the UK and it’s a delight to introduce you to their wines. We also sell spirits, and have mixed cases and gifts.
Free delivery over £50 across uk mainland, swift DPD courier service.

 http://Greatwine.co.uk

BeerGinVino

Finest craft beers, artisan gins and amazing wines from local English & emerging worldwide producers who really care. Local & provincial producers delivered to your door or visit The Hatchery our shop on a destination farm. Free UK delivery*, click & collect and shop openThursday 5-7.30 and Saturday 10-5pm Support & buy local️

 http://www.beerginvino.com

Libiamo Wines

London-based online wine store specialising in Italian wine and spirits. The team has a huge experience in the industry and deep connections with rigorous and talented small wineries throughout Italy. The website also hosts a blog with useful insights into the traditions of Italian winemaking. Most wines are highly prized. Products are delivered in 24/48 hours to UK Mainland.

 http://libiamowines.co.uk

Burgess & Hall

Independent wine shop & bar 353 Winchelsea Rd, London E7 0AQ NOW OFFERING LOCAL HOME DELIVERIES FOR OUTSTANDING WINE & BEER info@burgessandhall.com burgessandhall.com

Cépage

A conscious importer and retailer of unique, hard to find wines. Challenging what you taste, promoting new liquid discovery and removing preconceptions in wine. Available for personal recommendations and bespoke wine expert services.

http://www.cepage.uk/

Cellier

Wines, spirits, beer & gifts - from case deals on your supermarket favourites to great deals on niche products, FREE next day delivery on case deals & purchases over £75

 http://www.cellier.co.uk

DrinKit

We are wine enthusiasts who want to share our love of good, carefully sourced, and affordable wine with you. We want to help vineyards that have truly suffered during these difficult times while creating a community of wine lovers who enjoy discovering undiscovered wines!

 http://Buydrinkit.com

Grape Britannia

The English and Welsh wine specialists - over 200 wines in stock. Lots of amazing English Sparkling Wine of course, but also over 120 still wines of all colours, plus pet nat, charmat, natural, fortified and more.

 http://grapebritannia.co.uk

BloomsYard

The BloomsYard e-shop showcases specialty tea, coffee and wonderful wine - all handpicked for their specific attributes. Read all about each online before you buy.

http://Www.BloomsYard.com/shop

Slurp

Online wine merchant with our flagship retail store based in Banbury, Oxfordshire. Delivery nationwide. Slurp offers you excellent wines from around the world at exceptional value. From New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc to French Bordeaux we have something for everyone and we offer FREE next-day delivery when you spend £100 or more. We are continually seeking out new and exciting wines to share with you. Cheers!

http://Slurp.co.uk

 Eynsham CellarsWine Merchant with a shop in Oxfordshire, delivering Nationwide

http://Www.eynshamcellars.com

Husky Wines

Uk agent for the wines of Vinchio Vaglio Serra in Piedmont, N Italy. A co op of two valleys, growing Barbera, Nebbiolo, Pinot Noir , Arneis, Moscato , Brachetto amongst others

http://huskywines.co.uk

James Hocking Wine

Leading Californian specialist, James Hocking Wine, is offering free delivery – and same day where possible – to the Andover, Salisbury and Winchester hubs and their surrounding villages. Nationwide delivery is also available. JHW has created a limited-edition "Ultimate Californian Case" comprising six bottles of fine and rare wines from The Golden State. JHW also offers single bottles from its “Fine & Covetable” range, which includes Moone-Tsai 2017 Heintz Vineyard Chardonnay; CAMi 2016 Napa Valley Estate Wine; and Scarecrow 2017 M.Etain Cabernet Sauvignon. Many of these wines are usually destined for restaurant sales and are available to private customers for the first time.

 http://www.jameshockingwine.com.

The Drop Store

Short Description: Shop for award-winning premium spirits, craft beers and wines, exclusive brands not available on the high street from one of UK’s most established drinks specialists.

 http://thedropstore.com/

The Wine Barn

German wine specialist! A mixed case of twelve red, white and sparkling German wines to lighten your evenings and enjoy at home. Delivery included. https://the-winebarn.myshopify.com/products/stay-home-stay-safe

Winebuyers.com

Winebuyers.com is an exclusive online wine club with a simple mission: to bring wine and spirits into the 21st century. Using custom built API technology, developed over 18 months, Winebuyers connects wine lovers directly with some of the best vineyards, specialist merchants and distilleries. Winebuyers provides access to over 50,000 bottles, spanning 40 countries, all with zero mark-up and all with a commission free price-tag. Winebuyers.com

Corney & Barrow

Next day delivery within M25 / UK-wide delivery from our Hoddesdon and East Kilbride warehouse corneyandbarrow.com

Thomson and Scott

Offering free delivery on their organic, vegan Prosecco and Noughty (alcohol-free sparkling). Also doing daily live cocktail sessions on their instagram thomsonandscott.com

The Fizz Company

We are delivering wine, sparkling wine and champagne nationwide . Leeds, UK thefizzcompany.com

Noel Young Wines 

We are locally and nationally - thanks for shout out for the indies! Cambridge nywines.co.uk

Ditton Wine Traders

Fast growing fine wine merchants specializing in Bordeaux, Burgundy and Italy. Always well priced. Happily sharing all we know on /dittonwinetraders.co.uk

Elicite

We're a boutique e-commerce wine retailer based in the UK, specialising in wines over £15 and  yes, we're still delivering (express and also no-contact for those that need it), throughout the UK. https://www.elicite.com/

Le Vignoble

Fabulous selection & great service - Wine Lounge, Wine Merchant & Wine Education in the New Cooperage. Royal William Yard, Plymouth levignoble.co.uk

Red Squirrel Wine

We are delivering nationwide, free delivery over £70. Native, alternative & naturally lovely wines online since 2012. “An inspiring range,” Steven Spurrier. Try our new Rosé Tour de France mixed case. London. https://redsquirrelwine.com

BinTwo

Local delivery and mail order. We're that amazing little wine shop, Champagne & coffee bar just off the harbour in Padstow. Come and say hello! Padstow bintwo.com

The Little Fine Wine Company

We are still delivering our wines throughout the UK. Next day service. We specialise in half bottles. thelittlefinewinecompany.co.uk

Georgian Wine

Bringing you the Georgian wine experience... #gvinouk gvinouk.com/wines

Armit Wines

Still delivering in London. Leading contemporary UK #wine merchant. Armit Wines supplies wines from the world's best winemakers to private customers, on-trade and the trade. London armitwines.co.uk

Wines With Attitude

Wines With Attitude is still delivering in England & Wales https://wineswithattitude.co.uk

George Hill Wine & Worth Brothers

Both very good independents in the East Midlands. @GeorgeHillWine @worthbrothers 

Wanderlust Wine

UK based importer of small producers making sustainable organically farmed wine. London, England wanderlustwine.co.uk

Hawkins Bros.

Specialist English Wine Merchants, selling stunning English wines to a thirsty public, based at Secrett's Farm Shop, Milford, Surrey. hawkinsbros.co.uk

The Real English Drinks House

We are still operating and delivering nationally. We stock fine English wines, craft beers and artisan spirits. http://redh.co.uk

Feelgood Grapes

The online wine shop championing all things sustainable, organic, and biodynamic in the world of wine. https://www.feelgoodgrapes.com/shop

Good Wine x Good People

Introducing a new way to order wine online! We offer personalised wine selections, paired with YOU - for your palate, your meal, moment or mood. Central to this process is our Personal Somm Questionnaire, a few simple questions to help us get to know you and your preferences. Seasoned wine educator Dan Belmont then gets to work choosing your wine selection and writing personalised tasting notes! We also offer limited edition collections which include an exclusive video greeting from one of the featured winemakers! Most UK deliveries in 2 business days, free shipping on all orders over £150.

Use code GOODPEOPLES for 5% off your first order!

http://www.goodwinexgoodpeople.com

MySomm

We are a family-run online wine merchant based in South West London. Our dream is for wine to be more approachable and less elitist. With this in mind we are ready to take on any wine related questions you have to help you buy the perfect wine for you. We look forward to helping and recommending where we can. We store a selection of great value and quality wines from around the world, specialising in wines from America.

http://mysomm.co.uk

Natty Boy Wines

Short Description: Natural, Organic and Biodynamic Wine Specialists. Same day delivery in London and next day UK wide.

http://Www.nattyboywines.co.uk

VINEYARDS

Amber Valley Wines

A Derbyshire vineyard, producer and merchant selling a range of high quality English wines, local spirits, cider and ­ales. Free local and national delivery available. Tel: 07920484207

www.ambervalleywines.co.uk/shop

Alder Vineyard

Alder Vineyard is a family run vineyard, based in Devon. We ship our award winning wines throughout mainland UK, and offer local delivery.

http://ALDERVINEYARD.UK

Woodchester Valley Vineyard

Outstanding still and sparkling wines from the Cotswolds.
Vegan, low sulfite and sustainable.

http://www.woodchestervalleyvineyard.co.uk

Dalwood Vineyard

A very small CoOp in Devon. We make about 6000 bottles of award winning Brut and Still wines
Exclusive and Different.

http://dalwoodvineyard.co.uk

Rathfinny Wine Estate

 Producing Sparkling wines to rival the best in the world from a vineyard in the Sussex South Downs, near Alfriston. Available online for delivery across the UK or from our Cellar Door shop and various independent wine merchants.

http://rathfinnyestate.com/

Lyme Bay Winery

The Devon based winery makes award-winning still and sparkling English wines and offers free delivery on orders over £20. They are also currently offering 10% off all English wines with the code GOODFRIDAY10 https://www.lymebaywinery.co.uk/english-wines

WineGB.co.uk

Search here for English & Welsh vineyards near you that deliver to your door. WineGB.co.uk

Tickerage Wines

Boutique vineyard specialising in Sussex sparkling wines. Next working day delivery service. Sussexsparklingwines.co.uk

Flint Vineyards

Innovative Norfolk vineyard and winery, blending cutting edge science with traditional winemaking techniques. Times Top 100 Wines & Indy Best Buy 2018. We're offering free next day delivery nationwide on orders of 2 bottles or more. flintvineyard.com

Gusbourne

Award-winning wines from Kent. Wherever you are in the mainland UK, Gusbourne continues to offer free delivery on all orders, no minimum order required. gusbourne.com

Breaky Bottom

Sussex sparkling wines. Delivering to your door. Free delivery in April for cases of 6 wines. Breakybottom.co.uk

Dunleavy Vineyard 

I’m sending out mainland uk orders and delivering local. Award Winning English Wine | Bristol-Bath-Somerset-London | Instagram & FB Dunleavy Vineyards. Bristol & Somerset dunleavyvineyards.co.uk

Domaine du Météore

We are still delivering their great tasting case of reds in the UK with 20% off. http://domainedumeteore.com from the only vines in the world grown in a meteorite crater!

Carr Taylor Wines

We are one of the longest established vineyards in England, making fine English wines since 1971, in the heart of 1066 country. East Sussex. We're offering free delivery to mainland UK on all orders. carr-taylor.co.uk

Fox & Fox Vineyards

Boutique grower-producer of crafted English Sparkling Wines. Sussex. foxandfox.wine

Paso-Primero

Paso-Primero is an independent, family run company in Somontano in the central Pyrenees of northern Spain. Winemakers Thomas and Emma Holt settled here to achieve their ambition of making their own wines, in their own style. Their award winning wines are available throughout the UK, distributed direct from the winemakers in their hometown of Shrewsbury.

 http://www.paso-primero.com

COCKTAILS, SPIRITS , MEAD & MORE

York Gin

Short Description: We offer free UK delivery on our full range of dry gins. We regularly win major international gold and silver medals - our Old Tom is one of the world’s best. Our distillery runs on 100% green electricity, and all our products and packaging are plastic free.

http://yorkgin.com

Speakeasy At Home

Helping to light up your lockdown, Speakeasy at Home is a brand new, UK-wide cocktail delivery platform bringing together offerings from three of the world’s best bars, Swift, Nightjar and Oriole. Each cocktail is available in 220ml pouches (2 servings) and 500ml bottles (5 servings), catering for smaller and larger household alike from just £6.00 per cocktail. Several mix-and-match deals and gifting options also make it possible to experience all three bars under your own roof for less - the perfect indulgent treat or present over the festive period in lieu of in-person catch ups over cocktails, Christmas parties and seasonal drinks. Over the coming weeks, we will also launch a range of Christmas and New Year cocktail sets, alongside a subscription model for monthly themed deliveries.

http://www.speakeasyathome.co.uk

Easy Social Cocktail Co.

The easy social cocktail co was started by a group of friends who believe in a simple idea – life is better when we mix. Our cocktails include the 'very naughty boy martini', 'super strawberry negroni' and 'holy sassy molassy old fashioned' all available in 500ml bottle or eco pouch. Already have enough booze at home? Try our 'make mine a…' range: simply add to your favourite spirit and give a little shake or stir to turn your dram into a delicious cocktail. We also offer a bespoke cocktail service - the perfect present for the cocktail lover in your life.

https://easysocialcocktail.co/

Sociovino

Created by a team of former sommeliers, Sociovino gives you online wine expertise without the fuss, importing wines from small producers with big flavours. Build your own case, select from one of our themed collections or enjoy one of our cocktail kits.

http://www.sociovino.com

Sky Wave Gin

Craft Gin Distillery based near Bicester in Oxfordshire, producing traditional hand crafted gin in micro batches using the one-shot method. Began life in 2018 and won "World's Best Contemporary Gin" at the 2020 World Gin Awards for our signature London Dry Gin. Offering FREE 2nd class Postage & Packaging until 2 December 2020.

 http://www.skywavegin.com

Northumberland Honey Co - Beekeepers & Mead Makers

Commercial Beekeepers & Mead Makers. Traditional Method Sparkling Mead and quality honey. Beekeeping experiences, courses & bees. Talks & tastings. We're still delivering. Haltwhistle northumberlandhoney.co.uk

Sipping Liquor

We’re still delivering spirits! Get a curated selection of the world's finest spirits delivered to your door. Use the code TWITTER at checkout to get your first box for just £40. United Kingdom sippingliquor.com/join

The Single Cask

We ship awesome single cask whisky world wide. They’re all top quality, cask strength, and non chill filtered - presented in a decanter style bottle to make pouring a dram a moment of celebration. www.thesinglecask.co.uk

The Good Spirits Company

We aim to provide you with superb customer service, the best possible selection of fine wines & spirits from every corner of the world and we work with scores of suppliers to track down hard to find bottles. We are also trialling a free local delivery service for the Glasgow area. www.thegoodspiritsco.com

The Dram Team

Our subscription box club delivers unique whisky tastings to your door once a month; simple, easy, educational - and most of all, delicious. www.thedramteam.co.uk

GREAT LISTS OF RETAILERS COMPILED BY OTHERS

Jancis Robinson - Jancisrobinson.com  HERE

Susie Barrie & Peter Richards -  thewinefestival.co.uk HERE

Victoria Moore - The Telegraph HERE

Three Wine Men - HERE

Not Listed?

Fill in the form below and we’ll add you to the list.

Tweet us or email us to be added! helena@thethreedrinkers.com or @the3drinkers.com

Simply Whisky

Words by Colin Hampden-White

There is a plethora of independent bottlers of whisky these days. Some are well established having started decades ago, and sometimes more than 100 years ago. There are newer bottlers who have set up to make money as whisky becomes ever more popular. Then there are the enthusiasts, the clubs and whisky folk who inhabit a world between their regular jobs and the whisky industry. These are the passionate few, who will bottle whisky because they love it and want to share their findings with other whisky lovers.

This year saw one such bottler finally produce something they love. Simon Roser and Franchi Ferla have been running “Simply Whisky” events and tastings for over a decade. I first met them at a tasting where they had a cocktail made with 70 year old Mortlach and had a fire breather light up the ceiling of the cellar bar holding the event. Hair raising stuff. And so is the whisky they have bottled recently; there are two very different expressions, one Scotch and one Irish, but both 8 years old.

The Scotch called Let’s Dance is a single malt from Clynelish and is 51.6%. it is a full-on young highland whisky with all the characteristics one would expect from Clynelish. It is waxy and has lots of citrus, but also orchard fruits and balanced oak. The Irish is a single grain called Good Times, and it is fruity with lots of toffee flavours. Bottled at 45.6% it is party juice; I kept going back for more! It’s easy to drink and incredibly enjoyable.

The Scotch is definitely the more cerebral of the two, but they are both very good and have completely different reasons to exist, and I’m glad they do. There are only 250 bottles of Let’s Dance, and 157 bottles of Good Times.

Thank you Simon and Franchi for these two, and I look forward to future discoveries.

Let’s Dance

 ABV 51.6%
Size: 700ml
Buy it now for £58.95

Good Times

ABV 45.6%
Size: 700ml
Buy it now for £34.95

10 of the Best American Whiskeys to Discover

Words by Aidy Smith

In case you couldn’t tell… I LOVE my whiskey and whisky. My drinks journey began when I was living in California, so I had incredible access to some of the best bourbons, ryes and whatever other form of whiskey you can name coming from across the country. That’s where I fell in love with this glorious drink and the so many different expressions it encompasses. So, today’s aim is quite simple – I want you to discover some of my absolute favourite whiskeys coming out of the United States so you can enjoy them exactly how you like to – whether neat, with ice or as part of a cocktail like an old fashioned. The possibilities are endless.

Woodford Reserve Double Oaked 

Whenever the words ‘double oaked’ appear, I get a little bit excited. Place those words next to ‘Woodford Reserve’ and a whole new level is reached. Woodford has been producing exceptional bourbons for decades and is always one of my go-to choices. When I want something a little more special, I hit up the double-oaked for a reason. Rich, sumptuous and naughty with a soft, sweet and spicy nature all wrapped up in one. Dark fruits combine with a sensuously divine dark caramel chocolate, roasted hazelnuts and marzipan. The journey continues to evolve with baked apples in honey, toasted oak, dry spices and creamy lingering vanilla oak on the finish.  

ABV: 43.2%
Size: 700ml
Price: £48 / $57

Elijah Craig Small Batch 

Reverend Elijah Craig was somewhat of a genius. He was the first drink pioneer to utilize charred oak barrels as a means for ageing his whiskey. The result? Well, given that’s what we know bourbon as today, I’d say it went down pretty damn well. Small Batch makes the list for 2 major reasons. Firstly, it tastes great and secondly, it’s affordable. With its rich, smoky, sweet vanilla spice interlaced alongside nutmeg, fresh mint and sweet plush stone fruits, what’s not to love?

ABV: 47%
Size: 700ml
Price: £40 //$32

Westland Garryana

Say hello to one of the finest examples of American Single Malt Whiskey and by god is it delicious. Sitting snugly in the heart of Seattle, Westland sources it’s barely from two of the best regions for this grain in the world and their water is sourced from the Cascade Mountains. Everything comes from within Washington, no compromise.

While the core range includes three varieties; American Oak and Sherry Wood being two of them, I’ve decided to showcase “Peated”. A far cry from the shores of Islay and Jura, this American example packs a punch of its own. Many peated whiskeys will use 100% peated malt, the result of which brings a rich heavy smoke to the whiskey, but in this beauty non-peated malts are used, locally grown in Washington State in a ratio that actually outweighs the peated Malt. The result is a vibrant nose of smoked orange peel, roasted banana and kindred almonds, with the taste giving you a variety of green herbs, roasted pistachio nuts and a distinct campfire smoke.

ABV: 46%
Size: 700ml
Price: £65 // $79

Michter’s US*1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon

I love a good small batch, especially when it actually is that. Basically, each batch of this stunner is batched in a holding tank sized to fit a maximum of twenty full barrels. Because there’s no room for ‘blending out’ – you’re left with a rich spirit designed to taste exactly how it was intended to.

Created at Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery, this radiant bourbon expresses notes of toffee apple, burnt caramel, banana bread and dried apricots. It’s rich, it’s spicy, it’s full of ripe fruits and vanilla oak and quite frankly, it belongs in your glass. Try this in your next Old Fashioned… damn! 

ABV: 45.7%
Size: 700ml
Price: £55 // $47

Distillery 291 Single Barrel Rye

This wonder is finished in heavenly Aspen staves after being placed in white American oak barrels for initial ageing. The result? A unique maple glaze which totally elevates the bar of curiosity to the next level. Given its mash bill is made up of 61% malted rye and 39% corn, there’s an assortment of truly unique notes. Small batch, with a big personality. You can expect sweet vanilla oak, coconut, maple syrup, clover, cinnamon, dark meadow fruits and cherry candy. Nom Nom ;)

ABV: 50.8%
Size: 700ml
Price: £87 // $76

Angel’s Envy

Angel’s Envy just recently arrived in the UK, but our friends in the US have been able to sip it for a while now (cue the envy!). The name is taken from ‘angel’s share’ – the notorious evaporation of spirit due to the climate and general atmosphere of where the barrels are stored. It’s catchy, I dig it.

What makes this liquid stand out from many others is the fact it is finished in ex-port casks, giving it a beautifully sticky dark plum vanilla element to it. This isn’t something you often find in Bourbon land, so we’ve been sitting eagerly awaiting its availability and now we have it! I have to say, I’m always suitably impressed by a dram of this stuff, it doesn’t disappoint whether sipping solo or as part of a variety of cocktails. It’s got personality, that’s for sure.  

What should you expect from the flavour then? Dried orange rind, cinnamon sticks and creamy plum vanilla with red berries, dark chocolate and a little kick of baking spices.

ABV: 43.3%
Size: 70cl
Price: £57 // $54

Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Select

Jack Daniel’s are one of the most famous names in whiskey on a worldwide level and while the standard ‘Jack’ hits the spot at a value level, it’s the Single Barrel range that truly shines in the spotlight for me. Single Barrel is crafted with love and affection and boy oh boy does that show on the taste.  Rich toasty notes of oak, dried apricots and honey glazed fruits sit alongside a cinnamon popcorn, white pepper and Christmas cake spice that escapes from the glass as soon as its poured. I call this my nostalgia whiskey and for the money you pay – it’s sure to create some happy memories.

ABV: 47%
Size: 750ml
Price: £44 // $53

Koval Single Barrel Bourbon

Here’s part of the 5% of American Whiskey made outside of Kentucky, sourced all the way from Minnesota and guess what?! It’s organic too! KOVAL combines all American corn with an ingredient you may not have read about too much, Millet. This gluten-free cereal comes from Asia and Africa and is a staple ingredient for spirits in Nepal, of all places. Here, the two work side by side to create something wonderfully unique and I mean, there really isn’t anything quite like it. The nose gives harmonious notes of mango chutney and vanilla while the palate produces custard, apricots and nectarines (I told you it was very different!). Peppery chocolate comes into play before a lingering clove, tobacco and orange finish. If you want an experience, you just found it.  

ABV: 47%
Size: 750ml
Price: £62 // $50

Sonoma Distilling Co.'s Cherrywood Rye

There are very few Cherrywood Rye whiskeys on the planet, this one being one of the absolute top ones out there. A true benchmark of the quality that can be expected by utilising this wood source for ageing. Sonoma Distilling Co. has never shied away from experimentation and this one really worked wonders. Using a base of 80% Californian rye, 10% Californian wheat and 10% cherrywood smoked barley gives it a distinct and exceptional taste. If you want to venture off the beaten path and discover something new and exciting – here’s your choice. Take a sip to explore stewed meadow fruits, caramelized sugar, ripe blackberry and allspice with ginger, cinnamon, orange rind, toasted nuts and a ton of brown sugar.  

ABV: 47.8%
Size: 750ml
Price: £55 // $45

Maker’s Mark 46

Maker’s Mark has always been one of my favourite quality-for-value whiskies given its price point and I’m continually in awe of how tasty it is. The ’46’ became their first ‘wood finishing’ whiskey, created to really amplify the existing flavours of their original. Fully matured at cask strength, they then utilise 10 seared virgin French oak staves into the barrels to finish them for a further 9 weeks. The result is a bolder, more complex whiskey with lots of vanilla, caramel, red plum and cinnamon. Exceptional taste without breaking the bank!

ABV: 47%
Size: 700ml
Price: £37 // $40