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!

The Best Whisky to Gift For a 21st Birthday!

Throughout our lives there are birthdays which seem to have more meaning than others. The first big birthday arrives at 18, where in most of the world we become of drinking age. However, one would probably argue that our palates at that point in life are not very developed and we are at the stage of experimenting with what we like and dislike (though there are still loveable options for that milestone here!). Three years later is a different matter.

By our 21st birthdays we have probably worked out if we like whisky, and hopefully by that point haven’t had an experience which has put us off for some time. By the time whisky is 21 years old, many feel it is in a sweet spot. It has enough age to have great complexity, and yet not so old to still have verve and vigour. The oak hasn’t had the opportunity to overrun the spirit and the tannins are still supple and not yet dry. I have not yet found a bad 21 year old whisky. There are those that I like more than others, but that is all about personal preference. With such variation in flavour and with so many 21 year old whiskies on the market I think they make an ideal present for a 21st birthday.

Expensive enough to be very special, yet not so expensive to be completely out of reach for most of us. So in no order of preference, although I may point to some of my favourites along the way, I will offer up 16 of the best 21 year old whiskies to buy.

SCOTtish

Dewar’s 21

This 21 year old joins Dewar’s Double Double series which uses double methods of maturing and blending before finishing the whisky in oloroso sherry casks. It is a decadent whisky with dried pineapple, peach, honey and crunchy nut cornflakes. There are tropical fruits which come through the palate and gentle wood spice on the finish. Blended whisky is all about balance and this has great balance yet still character shines through with the dried fruits from the oloroso cask finishing. Just be aware that it might seem too inexpensive to be true, but it is 500ml not 700ml. Still worth every penny.

Size: UK 500ml // US 375ml
ABV: 46%
Find it Here: UK £127.95 // US $49.99

Royal Salute

This is the quintessential 21 year old blended whisky. There are no younger age statements from Royal Salute. It was created in 1953 to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. It honours the 21 gun salute which accompanies royal celebrations. It is a sophisticated whisky, so well balanced with a mix of sweet ex bourbon cask maturation and soft spicy notes from ex sherry casks. It is a masterclass in blended whisky. The fruits are complex with both fresh and dried fruits present and flavours which let you recognise its age. Light furniture polish and dark chocolate with elegant floral notes and orange blossom in the background. This might represent the establishment, but this established whisky feels open to all.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find it Here: UK £136.99 // US $209.99

BenRiach 21

From one great value 21 year old whisky to another! The last of my selection from Speyside and it’s a cracker. This whisky is matured in a complex mix of casks. Ex bourbon, sherry casks, virgin oak casks and Bordeaux red wine casks which deliver huge amounts of fruit seamlessly delivered to the palate. Lots of dried fruit flavours with citrus peel, nuts, dark chocolate and a wisp of smoke in the background. The blending of all these casks has been executed perfectly by Rachel Barrie the master blender for BenRiach, Glenglassaugh and Glendronach, which I will come on to next. As for this, I’d be surprised if it stays at this price for very much longer.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find it Here: £142.35

Tomatin 21

Moving further into the highlands now with Tomatin. This distillery produces whiskies which have lots of tropical fruits in the flavour profile and this expression is no exception. With fresh mango and papaya and dried passion fruit. Having been fully matured in 1st fill ex bourbon casks, the whisky is sweet with honey and vanilla fudge and fine oak to balance the sweetness. A whisky which is extremely easy to drink and if I were gifting a whisky to a first time whisky drinker, this would be the one, and I think they’d be bowled over by it. It is very hard to find in shops as it is distributed in the travel retail market, but there are a few websites which manage to find a few bottles.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find it Here: £149.26

Aberfeldy 21

Some say that Aberfeldy is the real gateway to the highlands. Only a little over an hour from Stirling, the landscape changes dramatically from here on. The hills become higher as you pass with other great names just off the same road like Blair Athol and Edradour, in another 30 mins you are on the highest road in Scotland at the Drumochter pass, aptly named. Having passed Dalwhinnie distillery, the next stop is Speyside. The whisky from Aberfeldy is honied and this is no exception, yet there is a refinement and elegance in the 21 year old, with fine oak, soft spices and fresh and dried fruits. It’s a classic.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it Here: UK £156.99 // US $199.99

Glen Moray 21 Portwood Finish

Glen Moray is often seen as the best value for money, not just in Speyside, but is Scotland. And this expression is certainly showing this to be true. The quality of the whisky is incredible. Here, they have matured the whisky for most of its life in ex bourbon barrels, but for a few months before bottling they have finished the whisky in Port casks. This finishing gives darker fruit flavours of blueberry and a little strawberry tart among caramel, vanilla shortbread, dark chocolate, and some spicy ginger, this dies away to leave raisins and honey with a little milk chocolate. Complex and fruity, and incredible value for a 21 year old whisky.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46.3%
Find it Here: £157.99

 Jura 21 Time

There are two 21 year old Jura whiskies on the market at the moment, one of them is very coastal and has an ashy style of smoke in its flavour character, and if you like that you can find it easily in quite a few shops and it’s call Tide. Time on the other hand can mostly only be found in global travel retail, so look out for it when you are on holiday abroad. For me it is the far better of the two, but then I like a sweet fruity style of smoke in whisky, and this certainly fulfils that wish. With Turkish delight, oranges and tropical fruits with sweet smoke, it’s a pity it’s harder to find, but when you do it’ll that little bit more special. As it should be for a 21st birthday.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 47.2%
Find it Here: £159.99

Tobermory 21

Onto the islands we go with a trip to Mull, the home of Tobermory. This is a new expression in the Tobermory line up and they have a plan to keep only the 12 year old younger than this. It’s a great addition, having been finished in ex oloroso casks to create flavours of the foraged fruit found on Mull, it really does taste of red berries, nuts and a little salinity, as well as marzipan, toffee, raisins and ginger. It’s not so saline that it is competing with many of the other coastal whiskies for that big saltiness and iodine, this is a gentle dram, but non the less complex for it. If any of these drams were to accompany a summer party in the islands, then this would do the trick.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46.3%
Find it Here: £164.99

Glenfarclas 21

From one of only two family owned and family run distilleries in Scotland, I have started with Glenfarclas for a good reason. - It is about to be discontinued. Fortunately, not forever, they are simply having to lay down stocks for the future to make the age statement more sustainable. Find this if you can at under £200 and it’s going to represent good value. I am pretty sure that in four years time when it arrives back on the market it won’t be under £200. This is an elegant whisky but with that typical sherry cask style Glenfarclas is well known for. Lots of Christmas cake flavours, but still refined. The tannins and rounded and soft, and the dried fruits still present with some juicier fresh fruit too. There are notes of chocolate and fine spice and leather. This is a whisky with lots of finesse and is one of my all-time favourites.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 46%
Find it Here: UK £170 // US $219.99

The Singleton of Dufftown 21

Staying in Speyside and a distillery not known to many. The brand is one of the world’s biggest with different distilleries being used for it in different countries. The brand is The Singleton, and in the UK the 21 year old comes from the Dufftown distillery. Three different cask types are used, Oloroso, Pedro-Ximenez and ex bourbon casks are blended together and married in American oak giving a hugely rich dram with exceptional balance. Rich baked orchard fruits mix with fresh pears and creamy vanilla fudge, with a little soft spice in the background. There are delicate floral notes, white chocolate and white pepper keeping the whisky elegant and showing that although there are youthful elements in the whisky it isn’t in its youth any more.  Perfect for a 21st birthday present.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find it Here: £179.95

Glengoyne 21

Glengoyne is unique. It is classed as a highland distillery yet is in the lowlands as well. It sits right on the Highland Line, and although its stills are in the highlands, the warehousing on the site in in the lowlands, but it is the stills that matter when naming a whisky’s region, so highland it is. And highland it is in character as well. It is a very fruity whisky with plenty of white fruits, both orchard and stone fruit. Yet ex sherry casks are predominantly used in the maturation so there is a refined spiciness as well with tangy molasses and cranberries and cider vinegar. A complex and exciting dram.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 43%
Find it Here: UK £195 // US £239.99

Aultmore 21

Aultmore is a whisky not seen in many shops, but it is certainly worth tracking down, now that we are all traveling again, the best place to find it is in travel retail. There is a balance in this whisky between herbal flavours and fruity flavours which are rarely experienced in other whiskies. The fruits are complex with melons, peaches and pears mingling together with a little tropical dried mango. These fruity flavours are bound together by rosemary flavours and a little note of olive oil. The finish is spicy, with fine oak and cracked black pepper which stays on the palate for a long time.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find it Here: £199

Glendronach 21 Parliament

Glendronach 21 is so called because the collective name for rooks, is Parliament and there is a Parliament of rooks living in the trees by the distillery. Matured in sherry casks, both Oloroso and Predro Ximenez, this whisky is the epitome of a refined sherry matured whisky. It is released by vintage, so there will be tiny variations, but all on the same theme giving plenty of fruit cake flavours, along with lemon zest, dates, coffee, raisins, dark honey, coco nibs, and complex spices. The oak, fruit and spice all mix perfectly with a tiny touch of smoke in the background. If you haven’t tried a sherry matured whisky before, then this is a top notch dram to start with, and if you’re an experienced sherry cask whisky drinker, then you’ll certainly see the quality in Glendronach.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 48%
Find it Here: UK £215 // US $349.99

Royal Brackla 21

Heading into the highlands, the Royal Brackla distillery is found near Inverness on the Cawdor estate of Macbeth fame and unfortunately doesn’t have a visitors centre, which is a great pity. Although it was re-built in the 1960’s like many distilleries, this distillery is beautiful to look at. With a lake in front of the distillery perfectly reflecting its white walls. The whisky is pretty spectacular too. Having been matured in Oloroso, Pedro Ximenez and Palo Cortado casks, this is an indulgent whisky with honey, lots of dried fruits inclusing apricots, raisins and dates. The spices are complex and so well balanced allowing the sweeter flavours to come through. truly worthy of a 21st birthday. Although it may spoil the recipient’s palate and make it harder to stomach the less finer things in life. Royal Brackla is only one of two distilleries which have Royal in the name, and it is definitely worthy of it.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 46%
Find it Here: UK £231.99 // US $691.99

irish

Bushmills 21

I couldn’t write an article about 21 year old whiskies without traveling across the Irish sea. We start in Northern Ireland where there has been a resurgence in a very old brand. It was not long ago that Bushmills had a rebranding and the liquids blended with even greater precision than ever before. There are classic tropical fruits in this 21 year old, which are typical of older Irish whiskies, but also some soft spice from oloroso casks and then also red fruit complexity from finishing in Madeira casks. There are also flavours of toffee, dates, damp tobacco leaves and a hint of mint. An exquisite whiskey.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find it Here: UK £194.99 // US $272.99

Redbreast 21

Finally, my GOAT. Yes, it is this brilliant Irish whisky which is my greatest 21 year old of all time. There will be times I am going to prefer any of the other whiskies from time to time over this one, but the majority of the time if I saw this line up, this is the bottle I would reach for. If my wife hasn’t hidden it. It is also her favourite 21 year old whisky. In fact, Redbreast is her favourite whisky overall, so I have to fight for it! This is a spicy pot still Irish whisky exclusively matured in first-fill Sherry and ex bourbon casks, it is a masterpiece of blending from Billy Leighton with typical tropical Irish whisky flavours with menthol, leather, chocolate and leather. Figs, and a touch of guava hang in the background, and then the finish has dark honey and fine oak.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 46%
Find it Here: UK £230 // US $399.99

There we have it. Now you may say there are some notable absences from this list, and I agree there are some other great 21 year old whiskies from other distilleries and brands, but there are expressions from them at different age statements which I find even more notable, so you’ll likely see them in other listings from me. If I were turning twenty one again, any whiskies in the selection would make me feel special, and for such an important milestone in one’s life, it deserves an important dram.

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

One Drink Three Ways: Crazy Gin Clear Lassi Gin

One Drink, Three Ways is the signature feature by The Three Drinkers. Join The Three Drinkers’ Helena, Aidy and Colin as they take one bottle and create a trio of phenomenal serves which you can enjoy anytime, anywhere. From rums and whiskies to gins and wine styles, the three help you get the most out of your glass. It’s time to get liquid on lips.

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The fusion of British Indian food is well known and widely loved, but why isn’t there a drinking equivalent? This was the question that the Singh’s pondered, and they decided to answer it themselves. Step up - Crazy Gin. Bringing together the refreshment of Indian yoghurt drink Lassi with classics from your spice drawer like turmeric, cumin, and coriander, Crazy Gin created the world’s first clear Lassi Gin. Balance it out with floral juniper and sweet pomegranate, and a fantastically unique and interesting gin was born. We’ve been wondering how Crazy Gin could breathe new life into cocktails and have listed the best ideas below. Have a try and let us know how you might build a cocktail around Lassi gin!

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Helena’s Choice: Mad Negroni

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I love a Negroni and because it’s so simple, it’s perfect to experiment with. The Mad Negroni is ever so slightly sweeter, fuller, and spicier and the result is totally moreish. Simply fill a mixing glass with ice, pour all the ingredients on top and stir well. Strain into rocks glass over fresh ice.

Mad Negroni

Recipe

25ml Crazy Gin Lassi

25ml Campari

25ml White Port

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Aidy’s Choice: Crazy Gin Pina Colada

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If you like piña coladas, and makin’ them more insane...

That would work better with music to be fair.

The extra flavour of the Lassi gin brings an interesting twist to this classic. The cream of the Crazy Gin works wonderfully with the coconut, and the subtle spice with the turmeric intertwines beautifully to add a whole new layer to proceedings. Fill a mixing glass with one scoop of crushed ice. No messing around with this, pour all the ingredients into a mixing glass and stir until everything is chilled. Strain over fresh ice cubes into a hurricane glass and garnish with pineapple leaves, pineapple slice, umbrella, whatever you want! 

Crazy Gin Pina Colada

Recipe

50ml Crazy Gin Lassi

25 ml Coconut Cream

50ml Pineapple Juice

5ml Double Cream

10ml Sugar Syrup (2:1)

Pinch of Turmeric

Pinch salt

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Colin’s Choice: Crazy Gin Old Fashioned

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I love trying spin offs of my beloved Old Fashioned, and this quirky adaptation really works for a lighter and sweeter drink. The coconut and yoghurt flavours add an intriguing twist, filling the cocktail out. Stir all the ingredients together with ice, add a wedge of mango for complimentary garnish and enjoy on the rocks. 

Crazy Gin Old Fashioned

Recipe

50ml Crazy Gin Lassi

7.5ml Coconut Syrup (2.5g Demerara sugar, 5g Coconut water, mix until sugar has dissolved)

UK
ABV: 41%
Size: 500ml
Buy it now for £39.94

If you liked this, go and see what we recommend for Mandarin and Ginger Soda, Nouaison Gin Reserve, or Aloha 65!

The Best Whisky To Drink This Summer

In the UK we have a summer which, like last year can be very hot and last for weeks and weeks, but this is not the norm. The British summer is usually a lot more fickle and we may get the odd weekend of beautiful weather, but traditionally this won’t fall over the holiday weekend in August.

However, 2023 has been warm so far, in fact we have just had our warmest June on record, so in anticipation of another hot summer, I have put pen to paper to suggest some great whiskies for hot weather.

These may be heavier whiskies, but they make an astonishing highball, or sour cocktail, or lighter whiskies to sip over ice, or by themselves on a balmy summer evening in the sun.

Glen Moray Classic

I continue to come back and back to this whisky. It is such great quality versus what you have to pay for it. It can be found in so many shops, so is easily available, and is on offer reasonably frequently. A classic by name and a classic by nature. It is sweet with honey and fresh red apples, vanilla and a little lemon zest to keep things interesting. A great way to get the summer started. In a highball, over ice or sipped alone. This is a wonderful summer whisky.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: £23.44

Bankhall

This is an exciting new arrival from Bankhall distillery in Blackpool. A single cask to start with which includes some of the first liquid to come off the stills in March 2020. Made with English Barley and matured in a char 4 virgin oak cask for just over three years, only 225 bottles were produced. This would be the perfect whisky to sit on Blackpool beach and contemplate the growth in world whisky over the last five or six years. This whisky might be young, but it has plenty of vibrant flavours with vanilla and orange marmalade, butterscotch and mint leaves with tinned peaches. With a high abv, this drinks very well over ice on a hot day, and I’d be very happy if I was the head distiller Vince Olsen. Let’s just hope he makes more of the same.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 57.4%
Find it here: £99.95

Bushmills 10

From Scotland to England and now to Northern Ireland. Here we have a tropical dessert of a whisky. Lots of sweetness and freshness from a whisky which screams it’s from Ireland. This whisky is fabulous by itself, but with all the tropical fruit flavours and vanilla it is great in a whisky sour. Tart lemon and mangoes fizzing around the palate is brilliant on a summer’s day. Just don’t put too much sugar syrup in the cocktail as it hides all the delicate notes in the whisky.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find it here: £34.69

Filey Bay

Back to England and we have another new kid on the block, this time from the Spirit of Yorkshire distillery. Using 100% home grown barley, and ex bourbon cask maturation, this is a sweet whisky which is great with simple ice and soda. To be able to make a good highball, the whisky has to be very good as any imperfections are brought out by the dilution, and this is certainly a well-made whisky. I’d suggest if you’re having a staycation in England this year, why not make the whisky English too?

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find it here: £49.90

Masthouse Copper Rivet by Berry Bros & Rudd

Here we have yet another English whisky. This one is a little older than the other two at around 6 years old. Made in Kent, this is matured in the south of England and the warmer weather seems to have made a difference. There are complex fruit flavours and rich vanilla. This will stand up to cocktails, highballs, and at 59.7% pretty much anything you want to throw at it, it’ll handle well with its intensity of fruit and sweetness, a great young whisky from Berry Bros & Rudd. Very hard to find, I would suggest this is one for the serious whiskey fiends to find at auction. Expect it to fetch a lot more than the distillery’s own bottlings, and if you have no luck, maybe try a standard bottle and see if you like the flavours.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 59.7%
Find it here: At Auction

Orkney 2006 Berry Bros & Rudd

We finally make it back to Scotland in this round robin of the best summer whiskies the UK has to offer. Another dram from Berry Bros & Rudd and another big, intense whisky. This, like many Orkney whiskies before it has a lovely salinity which refreshes the palate on a hot day. But having been matured in an Oloroso Sherry butt, there is also richness and sweetness to balance out any cocktail. Although I would suggest this is a really good sipper. Perhaps with a little ice if wanted. With black cherries and black cracked pepper, this will liven up the pallet.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 57.1%
Find it here: £123.23

Glasgow Red Wine and Ruby Port Cask Finish

This is a whisky which I would drink as a sipping dram in the cooler months, with its big rich red fruit flavours, spice and sweetness coming from dark sugar and manuka honey. Added to that is a high abv, but with plenty of ice in a tall glass and add soda and it gives a glorious fruity summer fruits forward highball. Six casks were married and there were only 1925 bottles produced, but there is still a decent amount around for now. It’s not complicated, and it’s delicious. So, give it a go!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 57.5%
Find it here: £58.95

Glenglassaugh Sandend

Having been closed for 20 years, Glenglassaugh fired up its stills again in 2008. Finally, they have a new core range which is really worth shouting about. I have chosen for this article the Sandend expression. I’ve tried this on the beach in front of the distillery as two different cocktails, I’ve tried it straight up at 50.5%, and with soda, and I love it! It is created with ex bourbon, sherry, including Manzanilla casks which give a fresh sea breeze nature to the whisky. It is fruity, sweet, a touch of spice, and all these things combine to feel like you’re by the sea in the sun. So, head to a beach, or close your eyes with your feet in a bowl of water, and sip away!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 50.5%
Find it here: £52.20

There are so many great whiskies to drink during the summer months, these are my favourites at the moment, but if your lost for choice, then a good rule of thumb would be to try something from an ex bourbon cask, high strength for highballs, and a little richer in style for a sour. Happy summer drinking!

Four Whiskeys to Try This 4th of July!

There seems to be something to celebrate every day of the year these days, from World Whisky Day to World Knitting Day. Don’t get me wrong, any excuse to celebrate is a good thing, but some days are more meaningful than others. The 4th of July may have different meaning for different people, but it is a significant day of the year and gives me a chance to put my American tastes to the fore. This year for me has been a memorable year for American Whiskey, there has been more American whiskey launched in the UK than ever before and in the USA the proliferation of craft distilleries continues. Here are four bottles that I think are the best value bourbon of all time, the best release this year by a long shot, a classic and a curve ball - all of which you’re going to want to try!

The Best Value Whisky of all Time: Woodford Reserve

This is brilliant value and also brilliant quality. With rich caramel and vanilla flavours, the corn flavours really shine. There is still a touch of spice to keep things interesting and it is so smooth considering it is at 43.2%. This is on special offer frequently in the UK, so look out for it in Ocado and Sainsbury’s where it can be found for only £25 a bottle! Usually it is a little more than that, but I still think it represents great value. The Reserve makes a very good whiskey sour and old fashioned and if you’re looking for something a bit different then the Rye Woodford makes incredible Manhattans too.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 43.2%
Find it Here: UK £36.94 // US $36.99

The Best Release This Year: Whistlepig Boss Hog VIII LapuLapu’s Pacific

This has been a long time coming. I first tasted this in November last year at the IWSC awards ceremony in London with a big bunch of Scotch whiskies and it really shone through. It has big bold flavours but at the same time there is finesse and elegance and great complexity. It is 17 years old and has quite a high abv, but the alcohol is so well integrated that the depth of flavour still shows well. Big, rich caramel and baked orchard fruits, caramelised banana and demerara sugar mix with dark chocolate and soft spice. It’s a blockbuster, but well worth it. 

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 52.4%
Find it Here: UK £675 // US $899.99

The Classic: Elijah Craig

Elijah Craig were the first to char barrels in making their whisky, and it has become a classic over the years. So popular in fact that they have had to discontinue their 12 year old release as the pressure on stocks is so high. They replaced it with this brilliant expression. Made in very small batches is oozes smoothness at a reasonably high abv. With flavours of marmalade, honeycomb, baked apples and a dusting of cinnamon and charred oak on the finish, there is a lot to like here. It’s a great introduction to top end bourbon if you’re exploring American whisky, and not so pricy that it can’t find it’s way into the odd cocktail, and the cocktail would thank you for it.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 47%
Find it Here: UK £42.94 // US $33.99

The Curve Ball: Never Say Die

Never Say Die is a relatively new brand on our shelves. It is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon (meaning it has had more than 2 years aging). But what makes this different is it’s matured in the UK. The barrels are shipped from the USA, aged and bottled in the UK. It’s a belter of a whiskey, made up from 75% corn, 21% rye and 4% malted barley, with a very high abv, the flavours of vanilla, citrus and spice with leather and caramel all shine through. It’s as close to an English Bourbon as we’ll see. Made in very small batches, there is still some of barrel number four left, but they only made 226 bottles! I suspect, that future releases will be as good as this one.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 47%
Find it Here: £78.90

Words by Colin Hampden-White

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The Best Whisky Tasting Sets

Father’s day is just around the corner, and this always begs a question for me. My father, although not greatly knowledgeable about whisky, does like to drink it fairly regularly. There will always be a bottle or two in the house, and they are usually ones that are tried and tested. He know which ones he likes, and doesn’t vary very much. I know that there must be other whiskies out there that he would like, but I don’t want to splash out on a whole bottle just in case he doesn’t. So for this Father’s day I have been looking at whisky gift sets starting from under £10 which he might find fun, and also find other whiskies he might like without having to buy full bottles. These are some of the more interesting and fun ones I have found, so hopefully they will be useful for you too.

Anthon Berg Single Malts Scotch Whisky Collection

My first selection, although not strictly pure whisky, will certainly let my father try a few flavours without him not liking them entirely. I know he loves chocolate, and chocolate is probably one of the best food pairings for whisky. So, a pack of whisky chocolates should go down a treat. And at under £10 it doesn’t break the bank. In this pack there are 5 whiskies including  sweet highland whiskies, classic Speyside whisky, coastal, island and even a smoky one from Islay. A great little gift box.

Size: 78gr
ABV: Unknown
Find it here: £6.84

Bushmills Irish Whiskey Gift Pack

This is a great way to start to get to know Irish whisky. A good value pack which packs a lot flavour. Bushmills is in Northern Ireland and if you’re ever wanting to visit a great distillery whilst seeing the Giants Causeway, then Bushmills is very close by. Very fruity, easy going whisky which typifies what Irish whisky is all about.

Size: 3 x 5cl
ABV: 40%
Find it here: £13.95

Isle of Jura Gift Pack

Hailing from one of my favourite distilleries is a nifty little gift pack from the Isle of Jura. The three whiskies are from their core range, so if your father really likes one of them, then maybe there’s another present for the future sorted. With lots of orchard fruit flavours and honey, with a little whiff of the sea showing the whiskies Island heritage. These are great value.

Size: 3 x 5cl
ABV: 40%
Find it here: £15.99

Teeling Trinity gift pack

Whisky doesn’t all have to be about scotch, and I have a few suggestions outside of Scotland. Teeling were the family to bring distilling back to the heart of Dublin and are producing some fabulous whiskey. With lots of fruity tropical flavours and a mix of grain, small batch and single malt, these Irish whiskies I think will be loved by any whisky drinker, and if they haven’t tried Irish whiskey before, they’ll be drinking more of it in the future after tasting this pack.

Size: 3 x 5cl
ABV: 46%
Find it here: £19.95

The Discovery collection by the Lost Distillery Company

This is a gift pack with a difference. Over time many Scotch whisky distilleries have closed, never to reopen. The whiskies they made were a different style to today’s whiskies. The Lost Distillery Company have tried to recreate the style of whisky some of these closed distilleries would have been producing. With some history about the distilleries, and three very tasty whiskies, this little gift pack is bit more interesting than the usual brands.

Size: 5 x 3cl
ABV: 43%
Find it here: £19.99

Chivas Regal Whisky Blending Kit

Here is a great gift for someone looking to experiment with the types of whisky they like. With a mix of six little bottles of whisky all with different flavour profiles, it allows the whisky lover to make their own special blend. The only fall back is that once they’ve found it, it will be the only one, and completely unreplaceable! But it will be fun. I am presuming however that as it’s a Chivas product, if they like the flavours they are creating, they will most likely find them in a Chivas blend in the shops!

Size: 6 x 5cl
ABV: 40%
Find it here: £24.99

Father’s Day Whisky Tasting Set

Here the chaps at Drinks by the Dram have put together a special tasting pack for Father’s Day. Just in case we’d all forgotten what we’re celebrating. With a mix of smoky and non-smoky scotch, smooth Irish and even a bourbon, this pack has all the major flavour bases covered, and I think it’s the best overall package for someone who has found they like whisky but have no idea where to turn next.

Size: 5 x 3cl
ABV: 44.9%
Find it here: £25.95

Nikka Whisky tasting Set

It would be remiss of me if I didn’t include a gift pack with Japanese Whisky. Nikka was founded in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru, so they’ve been making whisky for rather a long time and have become very good at it. They have two distilleries, Yoichi and Miyagiko and are making all sorts of whisky with some of the best single malts as well as blended malts and grain whiskies. All of which you will find in this fabulous tasting set.

Size: 5 x 3cl
ABV: 43.6%
Find it here: £31.95

The Balvenie Single Malt Scotch Whisky Tasting Gift Pack 

It isn’t surprising one of the best-known distilleries in Speyside have put this gift pack together. However, there is something very special about this pack. The Balvenie 17 year old (The whisky which got Aidy hooked), has been discontinued for some time, and it had a huge following with good reason. But here is it, in this exceptional tasting pack from The Balvenie. A great gift for any whisky lover, but unmissable if your dad’s a Balvenie fan.

Size: 3 x 5cl
ABV: 43%
Find it here: £39.99

The Character of Islay Whisky Company Premium Whisky Tasting Set

This is a gift pack for the man who you know loves smoky whisky. Inside the pack will give the drinker an experience of tasting whiskies which are normally very expensive to buy as single bottles, with nearly all of them costing well over £100 and the most expensive nearly £400. Beyond that, there is even one in the pack which has been sold out as a single bottle for a while. A set for the Islay aficionado, this is something very special.

Size: 5 x 3cl
ABV: 49.1%
Find it here: £54.95

Looking for more whisky recommendations? Look no further than 12 of the best Irish whiskeys and The best whiskies to watch out for this year!

Father's Day Gifts for Drinks Lovers

Sunday 18th June is Father’s Day, but don’t panic if that’s caught you off guard! We’ve pulled together a list of our favourite drinks and gifts that we think are perfect for Father’s Day gifting.

There’s something here for every budget and every drink, so there’s really no excuse to be turning up on the big day with socks as a present again (unless they’re protecting one of these delicious bottles from getting damaged that is!). Let’s get stuck in.

WHISKY

The Three Drinkers Limited Edition Red Silkie

If we can be so bold, we absolutely love our collaboration creation and think that whether your Dad is new to whiskey or a seasoned sipper, they will too. We’ve teamed up with the fantastic Sliabh Liag Distillers to produce Red Silkie, an Irish Whiskey that showcases the classic subtle and smoky style alongside classic fruitiness coming from our obsession with fine wine. Over in County Donegal, the blend is finished in red Pomerol barrels from Clos L’Eglise in Bordeaux creating a velvety, rich profile that is intense with red fruits, candied orange and gently smoked caramel. One last thing, £1 from every purchase goes towards the amazing mental health charity My Black Dog to support a variety of initiatives including free support for those struggling, so it’s for a good cause too!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £49.99

Old Perth Original

A tribute to Perth in Scotland, this sweet Blended Malt Scotch is rich with raisins from ex-sherry cask ageing. The Christmas cake nose gives way to a buttery palate of a super comforting expression that provides a drinking experience far beyond its price point.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £36.75

Lochlea Our Barley

This Single Malt from Lochlea is matured in ex-bourbon and ex-Oloroso sherry casks, but also re-charred barriques for a pleasantly rounded smooth and fruity character. It carries complexity beyond its years, masterful smoothness and a light vibrance plush with honied orange, grassy malt, peppery barley, and toasted oak. And let’s not forget a rather lovely bottle perfect for gifting too.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £44.95

GIN

Audemus Pink Pepper Gin

Any of you who have tuned in to The Three Drinkers in Cognac will know how much we love Audemus. Pure innovation, Audemus’ most famous creation is this, their incredible Pink Pepper Gin. Spicy pink peppercorns lead the botanical line with cardamom and juniper, followed by baking notes of tonka and vanilla, and a more floral side with tonic. There’s a touch of warmth, florality, spice and fruitiness to this well-rounded gin that really has that special feeling in bucketloads. A must-try for any gin loving Dad.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 44%
Find here: £38

Atlas Shichimi Gin

Atlas has established a stellar reputation for exotic gins, and if you’re familiar with Japanese cooking, you might recognise shichimi as the popular spice blend used in Japan for centuries. This unusual but moreish umami profile is expanded with nori seaweed, gyokuro green tea, Sichuan peppercorn and ginger, with juniper and citrus injecting some familiar freshness. Wonderfully aromatic and warming, this is an exciting gin to try!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £48

RUM

Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva

This silky molasses-based Venezuelan blend uses exclusive rum reserves aged for up to 12 years before they come to rest in their charming vintage-style bottle. The mouthfeel will likely remind you of wine with a similar viscosity, with blossoming notes of toffee, orange chocolate and liquorice before an indulgent fudgy finish. Treat your Dad to the Gold Medal winner of the 2019 Rum Masters.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £40.95 // US $41.99

Sansho Spiced Rum

Completely eye-catching, this stand-out spirit dresses premium English rum in Japanese flavours. The rum is packed full of vibrant and rich layers; the sansho berries provide tongue tingling peppery citrus notes, the base rum made with 100% sugar cane molasses gives a Christmas cake sweetness, the Okinawan sugar provides rich treacly layers and there is smoky soy and sesame which gives the usual tobacco and oak flavours you would expect to find in an aged rum. It is absolutely exquisite and sings with a good ginger beer and ice.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 42%
Find here: £38

VODKA

Blacklion Vodka

How about Europe’s first sheep’s milk vodka for Father’s Day? After tasting a sip, you might wonder why it hasn’t been done before (the awards panels certainly are!). Unbelievably smooth, the sugars-rich whey left over from the cheesemaking process is triple-distilled and triple-filtered to produce this rare, visionary, small-batch, and eco-conscious British vodka.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £6

Dimas Vodka

If you’ve never heard of Dima’s Vodka before then allow us the pleasure of introducing, you. Hailing from Ukraine, this multi-grain mix (wheat, rye, and barley) is brimming with spice and creamy character. To complete the experience, drink alongside pickles as is the tradition!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £35

TEQUILA/MEZCAL

Ilegal Joven Mezcal

Illegal’s mezcal portfolio is stunning and we could really recommend any of them, but we’ve picked out this young Joven Mezcal. Traditionally produced with roasted agave in an earthen pit, delicious notes of dried fruits and herbs come through as well as smoky, peppery agave and some caramel sweetness. The perfect present for a tequila-loving Dad who wants to dip into the underappreciated world of mezcal!

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £49.99 // US $36.99

Don Julio Tequila Blanco

When perusing quality agave concoctions, you’re never far from Don Julio. Their Blanco is bottled (and stylishly so) straight after distillation meaning it’s packed full of fresh agave flavour. There’s a subtle burst of bright citrus but overall, this is just a stunning Blanco that doesn’t shy away from agave and is one of the smoothest around.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 38%
Find here: UK £49.99 // US $49.99

COGNAC

Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal

If your Dad is a cognac drinker then you’re in luck, because with The Three Drinkers in Cognac available to watch now on Amazon Prime, we are obsessed with the stuff. The ever-reliable Rémy Martin produced this delicious VSOP to celebrate Louis XV’S decision to let them plant new vines on their land back in 1738 (which was illegal at the time). Complex fruits swirl around with orange coming to the fore, as caramel and spice intertwine harmoniously – if that doesn’t sound delicious, I don’t know what does.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £55.74 // US $69.99

Courvoisier VSOP

The winner of the highly regarded Master award in the Super Premium category at the Luxury Masters, this VSOP from the iconic Courvoisier has aged for around 10 years (which is well beyond the legal minimum). The fruity citrus is deep and rich, but it’s the warm notes of coffee, brown sugar, buttery toast, cinnamon, and vanilla that stand out here.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £36.95 // US $45.99

Hermitage 10 Year Old Grande Champagne Cognac

Hermitage is notable for doing things a little differently from most cognac houses, in that each of their bottles including this 10-year-old are single-estate and unblended. Most cognacs use eaux-de-vie from different growing areas, but sticking to one estate creates a bold and expressive mix. The roasted nuts have come through with age, as has the peppery spice and oakiness. This is the perfect present for someone who likes to take their time and sip their cognac neat.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £59.95

SOMETHING A BIT DIFFERENT

Grand Marnier Cuvee Louis Alexandre

Grand Marnier is another legendary creation from the cognac region, and it is in fact half cognac itself. The other half is bitter orange, and the expert blending of the two (which you can witness in our new show… hint hint ;) ) is what makes this a bartender’s favourite. Their Louis Alexandre is a little less sweet and instead drier than the original as it is in fact not a 50:50 mix but goes heavier on the cognac instead... a nod to Louis himself who liked his serve a little stronger. Pure luxury.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £48.99 // US $69.99

Aphro Palm

If you want to try something completely new, look no further. Aphro is made using alcohol distilled from Palm Wine (from Palm tree trunks). This Palm Spirit is widespread across parts of West Africa, and Aphro wants to refine it for us all to enjoy. Triple distilled, it’s wonderfully smooth and infused with tropical fruits, herbs, and spices from all over the continent. ‘The Nubi’ is flavoured with pineapple, passion fruit and honey, and ‘The Moor’ is ginger xylopia Ethiopia (fruit tree) and honey. With such gorgeous bottling too, Aphro is perfect for the curious drinker.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £39.99

BEST MIXERS

Franklin and Sons

Franklin and Sons are absolute pioneers of the soft drinks space, ever since their beginnings in Victorian London. They specialise in natural and innovative flavourings with tonics, mixers, and soft drinks to suit all kinds of serves. It’s totally worth checking out their full range here, but we really recommend their warm Original Ginger Ale, sunny Sicilian Lemon, and aromatic Natural Rose Lemonade. We use them all the time and boy can they elevate a drink to that next level.

Size: 200ml
ABV: 0%
Find here: £20 24x200ml

AMAZING GLASSWARE

Glencairn Dad’s Wee Whisky Bundle

If your Dad loves whisky, then Father’s Day may well be the perfect opportunity to fit him out with some premium glassware to enhance the drinking experience. We use the Glencairn glass not just for whisky but cognac too because it opens up the nuances in quality liquids and feels great – it’s the world’s favourite whisky glass for a reason.

Includes: Two Wee Glencairn Glasses, a Wee Glencairn Jug and a Glencairn pipette
Find here: £35 (usually more!)

If your Dad prefers Dark Rums, then we just happen to have released our 2023 Guide here with top notch recommendations!