World Whisky Day is approaching on Saturday 18th May, offering a perfect opportunity to celebrate with whiskies from the UK, Scotland, USA, India, and Ireland. The distinction between whiskey and whisky stems from etymological differences between Scottish and Irish Gaelic, with Irish producers seeking to differentiate their superior product from the relatively poor quality of Scottish whisky in the late 1800s.
Today, “whisky” commonly refers to the spirit produced in Scotland, Japan, Canada, and other regions, while “whiskey” is typically associated with the product originating from Ireland and the United States.
IRELAND
Dubliner Bourbon Cask Irish Whiskey
As rich in character as any Dubliner, this is a smooth, tasty and versatile Irish whiskey. Loud, lively and loved, just like the city itself. As comfortable in a cocktail as it is neat or on the rocks. Tasting Notes: Touches of vanilla and orchard fruits to begin. Before long, honey and caramel notes arrive, stirring a slight hint of pepper to turn up the volume at the back.
RRP: £25. ABV: 40%. Available from: Neat & Shaken and Amazon
INDIA
Rampur Double Cask Indian Single Malt Whisky
Produced in India’s oldest distillery, located in the foothills of the Himalayas, this super luxury premium whisky is distilled in traditional copper pot stills. The malt matures for two-thirds of its life in handpicked American Bourbon Barrels and a third in European Oak Sherry Casks and is then non-chill-filtered.
RRP: £60. ABV: 45%. Available from: Majestic, The Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt
ENGLAND
Cotswolds Signature Single Malt Whisky
Cotswolds Distillery is now the largest producer of English whisky in the UK following the recent expansion of its whisky production site last year. Launched in October 2017, the award-winning Cotswolds Signature Single Malt Whisky is the first whisky ever distilled in the Cotswolds. Crafted using the finest, locally grown Cotswold barley and matured in a combination of highly active STR (Shaved, Toasted and Re-charred) ex-red wine casks and premium first-fill ex-Bourbon barrels, this single malt is rich, fruity and sippable with notes of honey, Seville orange marmalade and dark red fruits.
RRP: £39 for 70cl. ABV: 46%. Available from: Waitrose, Ocado, Majestic, The Whisky Exchange, Amazon and Cotswolds Distillery
ENGLAND
Cotswolds Founder’s Choice Single Malt Whisky
This cask strength release from the Cotswolds Distillery comes from founder Dan Szor’s favourite casks: STR (Shaved, Toasted and Re-charred) American oak ex-red wine barriques. These uniquely active casks, designed by whisky expert Dr. Jim Swan, give a rich and intense maturation to the distillery’s fruity single malt spirit, offering notes of toffee, oak and red fruits, and a beautiful, deep colour.
RRRP: From £75 for 70cl. ABV: 60.5%. Available from: Cotswolds Distillery, Hedonism Wines, The Whisky Exchange, Ocado and Spirits Kiosk
USA
Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey
Elijah Craig is rapidly becoming one of the top super premium whiskies in the US. The Elijah Craig Small Batch is crafted solely from a combination of 200 or fewer 8 to 12-year-old barrels, which are aged in open-air rickhouses. This extended ageing process and the skillful selection of barrels are responsible for Elijah Craig’s strong body and flavorful profile. The distinct warm spice and subtle smoke notes are attributed to the use of Level 3 charred oak barrels.
RRP: From £42 for 70cl. ABV: 47%. Available from: Master of Malt, Amazon, The Whisky Exchange, Tesco and Waitrose
SCOTLAND
Glen Scotia Campbeltown Malts Festival Edition 2024
To celebrate the 2024 Campbeltown Malts Festival, Glen Scotia has released a special 9-year-old unpeated Single Malt Scotch Whisky. It has spent at least 6 months in Fino sherry casks, giving it a unique finish for this special occasion. This limited-edition bottling will be distributed globally, featuring a QR code that allows you to experience the “Sound of Glen Scotia,” a musical composition created from the sounds of their distillery.
RRP: £65 for 70cl • 56.2% ABV. Available from Glen Scotia
Whether sipped neat, enjoyed on the rocks, or incorporated into cocktails, the nuanced flavors and traditions encapsulated within each glass of whisky or whiskey serve as a testament to the artistry and legacy of the distilled spirits industry.
Cheers!
Written by Kai Lutterodt @the.soho.girl
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