Anyone catch the spelling change in the name? Am I clever?
Hello denizens of 2020, how are we surviving? I realize it’s been a while since I’ve actually blogged, a combination of NaNoWriMo (we won it), the release of the third and final part of A Place I Have Never Been (woo!) and Thanksgiving (we won it). Now I find myself nearly halfway through December and wondering where the hell this month and this year went. It’s been a slog. I saw on twitter recently that it’s been nearly a calendar year since those Peloton ads? Crazy.
This week we continue with our previously scheduled program of tasting through my home bar, in part because there’s honestly some things I forgot I had, and in part because it’s genuinely a fun way to keep my palate trained. After last post’s analysis of Bourbon, we’re hopping the Atlantic and taking a look at Scotch.
Not going to lie, but I honestly though I had more Scotch than this. I think I’ve underestimated just how much Bourbon I’ve been collecting, and suddenly I find my bottle growth in this department shrinking. There’s plenty of labels out there, though, and if there’s any you think I’m really missing feel free to mention! I’m always up to try new things.
As always, drink responsibly.
· Monkey Shoulder
o What is it? A blended malt whisky from William Grant, named for the condition that develops in workers turning malt. It’s a blend of malt whisky from Speyside distilleries, without age statement.
o Why do I have it? It’s delicious. I bought a bottle out of curiosity and have kept buying it ever since.
o What’s it like? Sweet, creamy, and still relatively inexpensive. The nose is all vanilla cream, warmed spices, honey, and orchard fruit. On the palate, that creamy sensation overwhelms, more vanilla, a distinct toasted marshmallow flavor, apples, and butterscotch.
o What do I use it for? I drink this on the rocks, mainly, for when I want a scotch but without turning to most of the other bottles on the list. A good introductory bottle for people who are afraid of scotch, too.
· The Glenlivet 14
o What is it? Glenlivet’s 14-year-old expression that spends six months “selectively” ageing in ex-cognac barrels.
o Why do I have it? No good reason, I liked the 15 so I thought I’d give this a whirl.
o What’s it like? Cognac (haha). The nose has so much dried fruit, plums and faint apple, backed by this clear note of dark chocolate. It has a bit of that Glenlivet sharpness, which undercuts the richness of the nose a little. The palate’s thin, again counteracting the rich flavors of brandied fruit, chocolate, and spices.
o What do I use it for? I drink it sometimes. It mixes okay.
· The Glenlivet 15
o What is it? Glenlivet’s 15-year-old expression, matured in Limousin French Oak barrels.
o Why do I have it? This is my “house scotch,” my go-to, my day-to-day. It’s part nostalgia (Glenlivet being one of my introductory experiences to scotch), and part flavor (I do enjoy it, after all).
o What’s it like? A delicate nose, light and fruity, noticeable green apple candy, cinnamon, nutmeg, a bit of vanilla blossom, and a little orange. Medium palate, dominated by orchard fruits and some malt sweetness. Finishes dry, noticeable wood and some acidity, well balanced.
o What do I use it for? Sipping neat, sometimes a couple drops of water.
· Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban 12
o What is it? Glenmorangie’s 12-year-old, port cask finished, expression.
o Why do I have it? It’s… seductively delicious. I enjoy this one way too much.
o What’s it like? Lush, rich, and sweet. Nose of dark chocolate, dried plums, red and black fruits, cherries, winter spices, and a faint smokiness. The palate is full and coating, with an overwhelming chocolate figgyness, toffee, dark berries and plums. A little wood on the finish, but otherwise sweet and smooth.
o What do I use it for? Dessert whisky, good in place of cognac, and especially delicious with chocolate and fruit.
· Johnnie Walker Black
o What is it? A blended scotch whisky made only of whiskies 12 years and older, from “the four corners of Scotland.”
o Why do I have it? I keep getting gifted this. Honestly, I’ve never bought a bottle. I had a handle at one point.
o What’s it like? Soft nose, dried fruit and nuts, with noticeable smoke, a little vanilla and spice. Palate is creamy, smoky, and fruity all at once, finding a good balance between all its elements. Uniquely harmonious.
o What do I use it for? “Whisky,” in the broadest sense. Another good, standard, pour when someone doesn’t specify, and a great bottle to have on hand to mix. I’ll keep this around even if I stop getting bottle of it.
· Highland Park 12
o What is it? Highland Park’s 12-year-old expression, recently redesigned and dubbed “Viking Honour.”
o Why do I have it? I got a pour of this somewhere or other and fell in love with its unique profile, went out and bought a bottle the next day.
o What’s it like? Aromatic nose of smoky orange blossom, jasmine, bitter honey, and vanilla. That floral delicacy continues on the palate, light and perfumed, with a fun backbone of smoke.
o What do I use it for? I read somewhere that this makes delicious Rob Roys, and it’s true! Fun to mix, delicious to drink.
· Highland Park 18
o What is it? Highland Park’s 18-year-old expression, recently redesigned as “Viking Pride.”
o Why do I have it? A step up from the 12, despite squabbling over batches.
o What’s it like? Even more uniquely aromatic! The first thing that comes to mind is smoked creamsicle, the nose is so pretty and floral, ramping up the orange and vanilla blossom notes, with nice spice and mild smoke. The palate is a little creamy, at that, with sweet smoke and a woodsy, spiced finished. It’s so pretty…
o What do I use it for? This is my special-occasion sipper, or occasional mood-booster. A scotch to get lost in.
· Laphroaig 10
o What is it? It’s Laphroaig 10, the “most richly flavored of all Scotch whiskies.”
o Why do I have it? See above. Mainly, I feel like I have to have a bottle of this around.
o What’s it like? The nose is a little overwhelming at first, all smoke and seawater. But under that… there’s the citrus (my notes say “salted limes?”), a little nutty, some vanilla. But there’s that savory edge, leather and meat, that melds so well with the smokiness.
o What do I use it for? I have this for the guests that like it (and the ones that don’t know what to expect). Although, per one recommendation, it makes a fascinating Godfather.
· Lagavulin 16
o What is it? Anyone a fan of Parks and Rec? I’ve actually never seen it, but I understand it brought some attention to this distillery. Lagavulin’s 16-year-old, flagship expression. (I think that’s right?)
o Why do I have it? This is the smoky scotch that I like.
o What’s it like? The nose is like barbecue… smoke balanced by noticeable sugar and spices. Vanilla, a hint of black tea, some nuttiness. The palate is a cherrywood fire, mild fruits and noticeable smoke and warmed spices dancing together with a backbone of savory notes and a little honey. Concentrated and flavorful.
o What do I use it for? Cold weather sipping, sometimes with a single, small, rock or a barspoon of water. It’s steady, warming stuff.