Getting a bottle of whisky in for Christmas is a tradition in many households across the country. And an obvious place to start looking for a decent bottle of festive spirit is up north across the border.
There is plenty of variation to be found in Scotch - and here are three that, while all different, have something very much in common - they make great pours on a cold, wintry evening.
Bunnahabhain 12 YO
Bunnahabhain’s 12-year Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky is part of the distillery’s core range, launched to fanfare and praise alike. Double matured in Ex-bourbon and Ex-sherry Casks, this whisky is rich and full-bodied, achieving a balance of the characteristic nutty and sherry flavours of Bunnahabhain. Sitting on the far north-east coast of the iconic whisky region of Islay, the remote & charming Bunnahabhain Distillery is known for its unique unpeated spirit.
The award-winning expression has picked up many medals including golds at the International Spirits Challenge and The Spirits Business Scotch Whisky Masters.
Price: £40. Available here
Deanston Virgin Oak
This award-winning Single Malt Scotch Whisky from the Highlands is a no-age statement known for its uniquely waxy texture that comes from a long fermentation and a slow distillation. Crafted by hand and matured in ex-bourbon casks, creating its subtle, honeyed but zesty character. The golden spirit is then finished in Virgin Oak casks, adding subtle spicy aromas.
Deanston Virgin Oak has a sweet taste, featuring notes of candied fruits, vanilla and toffee balanced with heather honey and a lightly spiced oaky finish. The single malt whisky also proves a treat when used in a variety of serves such as a Whisky Sour, perfect for a Christmas Eve cocktail.
Deanston Virgin Oak has won a plethora of industry-recognised gold awards, including the IWSC Awards, International Spirits Challenge and The Spirits Business Scotch Whisky Masters.
Price: £35 Available here
Black Bottle
Black Bottle is a unique blend of the finest Islay, highland and Speyside malts, blended with exceptional grain whiskies resulting in a distinctively full, rich and slightly smoky Scotch with a warm, long finish. Double matured in charred virgin oak barrels for a distinct rich smoky flavour, the refined set of blending techniques is what Black Bottle like to call ‘Ingenious Alchemy’.
Fresh and floral with freshly-sawn oak aromas and hints of smoke, this whisky is silky, mellow and fruity with balanced smoky peaty flavours on the palate, followed by sweet oak and heather honey. It boasts a soft, elegantly spicy, nutmeg and pepper finish.
Not only is this an exceedingly cool Christmas present, Black Bottle great for mixing in cocktails – be it a Black Bottle Old Fashioned or a Black Bottle Bitters & Cola.
Price: £18.95. Available here
