Hunter S. Thompson once said, “Sleep late, have fun, get wild, drink whiskey, and drive fast on empty streets with nothing in mind but falling in love and not getting arrested.” Maybe I took this too literally when I was a young man. However, as I’ve matured I’ve cut back on the fast driving and I now at least try to wake up early - but Whisky or Whiskey, if it’s not Scottish, is now enjoyed even more.
To those who have been living on another planet or have been sleeping under a rock - Whisky is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain mash. Various grains (which may be malted) are used for different varieties, including barley, corn, rye, and wheat. Whisky is typically aged in wooden casks, generally made of charred white oak. And as a person who has Scottish & Irish ancestors, I can safely say the best Whisky in the world is Scottish! However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t attempt to try the many superb varieties that are produced around the world. I think anyone who loves Whisky will be able to tell you the Japanese have mastered the art and can hold their own against the finest Scotch. Even India is in on the act! As seen in my video I shot last year before the world went Plandemic nuts where I discovered Indian Whiskey can actually taste pretty good!
If you ever get the opportunity I would highly recommend touring the various whisky distilleries around the Scottish highlands and lowlands. This is something I spent over a week doing many years ago and I keep pining after doing it once again. However, we can’t always get what we want, we can try most of these whisky’s closer to home and in the comfort of our own home which in fact is much cheaper than going to a bar.
Another way to discover whisky before making a special purchase is to go Whiskey tasting. I’m lucky that I live in London so there is no shortage of whisky tasting nights at the various pubs, bars and restaurants scattered around London. My personal favourite can be found at Boisdale's which you can find in the City, Canary Wharf & Hampstead to name but a few of the locations this fine Scottish establishment can be found.
If you would like to crawl some of London's finest pubs while tasting Whisky along the way I would highly recommend trying a whisky tour with a Scotsman. In each pub, you will enjoy a dram and have a blether (chat!) a Scottish tradition dating back centuries. Some Scottish people believe it’s not whisky until it’s shared. I agree! Find out if you prefer Lowlands, Speyside or maybe you're a fan of the big peaty Islay's? By the end of the night, you will have the knowledge to walk into any whisky bar in the world and order scotch! Toast this Englishman with a Whisky if you do experience the Whisky adventure with a Scotsman.
My uncle is a huge fan of whisky and has a fountain of knowledge on the drink of the gods. I’ve included some of his recommendation in this post - all can be found either on Amazon or the Whisky Exchange and of course your local Whiskey / Whisky Bar! And with the next holiday just around the corner why not make Whisky a gift. A decent bottle of whisky will be genuinely appreciated by both your favourite men and women in your friends or family deserving of that special gift from you. Many companies like the Whiskey Exchange will ever personalise the Label should you wish to make the bottle that little bit more special.
Dr Nicks Holiday Whisky Recommendations:
Asian Coastal Delight - 93.117 - Glen Scotia - Cambletown - 13 years
Caught the Darkness - 76.144 - Speyside - 13 years
Tokaji and Tugboats - 53.298 - Caol Ila - Islay - 11 years
My uncle has a whole library of videos for you to check out - so do try his Whisky Playlist if you are curious about the world of whisky.
A lot of people who watch my Youtube Channel "The Wondering Englishman" seem to hail from the "Land of Down Under". And thankfully for them, they not only produce good wine but they also produce good tasty whisky (well at least according to Dr. Nick) - I'm yet to try it - but I hope to try it when I find myself in Tasmania or at least mainland Australia again.
- Available from The Whisky Exchange
I'm pleased to see Dr Nick reviewed one of my favourite Whiskys "Glenmorangie Signet". Ever since I was given a bottle of this for being the best man at a wedding I've had a fondness for this distillery. Glenmorangie is one of Scotland's most popular whisky's and worthy of anyone's time. If you're not convinced have a look at Dr Nick's video on this fantastic whisky.
Glenmorangie Signet - Available from Amazon
Happy Drinking - let me know in the comments below what your favourite whisky is and maybe myself or Dr Nick will try and make a video on just that whisky!
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