Will Paddle For Whisky: 30 Second Scotch Guide

Scotland's Inner Hebrides are where some of the Earth's rockiest coastlines meet its smoothest single malts. The best way to sample the small-batch distilleries on these isles is by kayak, one breathtaking paddle and one wee dram at a time. In our March issue, on newsstands now, writer Andrew Todhunter kayaks Scotland's whisky coast. Here, he gives a few pointers on how to sip scotch like a Scotsman.

The Terms

Single Malt Scotch: The good stuff—made exclusively from malted barley spirits within a single distillery.

Blended Scotch: The everyday stuff—made with up to 40 or 50 spirits from different distilleries, including malt or grain whiskies.

Peat: Partially decayed vegetal matter that, in whisky production, may flavor the water or dry the barley malt when burned.

Deoch-An-Doruis: Gaelic for "the dram at the door." The Scottish equivalent of "one for the road."

The Practice

Ice or No Ice? Nothing says "I’m a sodding Colonial" like ice in a glass of single malt. Sip your best whiskies neat, with no water or ice, or ask for a few drops of springwater, which some claim brings out the nose.

The Glass: The short, broad-rimmed rocks glass used at most bars is a serious gaffe for good whiskies; the wide mouth releases the aromas too quickly. Instead, find a small, tulip-shaped tasting glass designed for the purpose.

The Taste: After swirling the whisky in the glass and observing its color, sip a small quantity. Then work it slowly around your mouth for no less than ten seconds, tasting the spirit’s every note. Then swallow.

The Goods

The King: Among the richest, peatiest single malts now made, none separates the hard core from the dilettantes like Ardbeg. Try the Ardbeg Still Young (about $70) or Very Young (about $300) for a single malt that will, in the words of one enthusiast, "blow your face off."

The Queen: If you like single malts but prefer something less combative, try the Macallan, often called the Rolls Royce of single malts. We prefer the traditional Macallan ($46), aged 12 years in Spanish sherry casks.

The Populist: Between $30 and $40 a bottle, Johnnie Walker Black is a reasonably priced and widely respected blend that suits nearly any occasion.

The Duke: While some rare bottles of Scotch go for tens of thousands of dollars—a 1926 Macallan once sold for nearly $75,000—the Glenrothes 1978 Vintage (about $600) is one of the most vaunted Scotch whiskies now available for less than a grand.

Map by Steve Stankiewicz

Comments

[jordan Jams]

let's join our hands together to stop this kind of wrong doings. It may risk lives in the future if we just let them continue.

[Tutoring Jobs Sydney]

Islay is part of the Inner Hebrides and lies off the west coast of Scotland. There are about 3,000 islanders and the island is mostly known for its world renowned Whisky distilleries.

[Bachelor of Sports Coaching and Administration]

Whiskey is an alcoholic beverage with many incarnations from various regions of the globe including Germany, Scotland and multiple regions in the United States. But drinking can have various risks associated with it, and many people worry that the sting of whiskey in the back of the throat may be a warning sign of serious problems to follow.

[quail hill]

Then work it slowly around your mouth for no less than ten seconds, tasting the spirit’s every note. Then swallow.

[carpet cleaning scottsdale]

Now i know where to track them. Thanks for mapping.

[Roger Shann]

The practice is good. Ice and single malt are complete non starters. Perhaps a wee drop of water but even that is treading on the edge. :-)

I prefer my malts on the peaty side (Talisker is my choice).

There is a Lagavoulin at 640GBP I would love to try but sadly never will.
Buy Whisky Online

[coach factory store]

Nature is fair, but society is not.

[Nathan Walker]

Thanks for the really useful it will help me to decide the best whisky to choose next time I visit Gibraltor!

[hollister outlet]

s a child I was slave to my impulses; now I am slave to my habits, as are all grown men. I have surrendered my free will to the years of accumulated habdwaits and the past deeds of my life have already marked out a path which threatens

[ugg boots]

These well-known UGG Classic Cardy are now becoming more and more fashionable and popular, to some extent. I believe you may ask what the shoes can bring us. As I know, if one person struck by lightning in Holland, his family must put all his Classic Cardy Boots up as soon as possible. And in the fairy tale, the shoes are more magic indeed. Now, I always say that the UGG Classic Cardy Boots are so magic and popular.http://www.uggscardy.com

[Maria Folsom]

Thanks for a fun article! I am a whisky lover and have been to several Scotland distilleries. Great stuff!