A Valentines Whisky Buyers Guide
Nothing says “I love you” to a whisky enthusiast better than the gift of a bottle of whisky. On reflection, just saying “I love you” to them probably does actually say it better but you know what we mean! So if you’re thinking of buying a whisky gift for Valentine’s Day and don’t know where to start, fear not, our buyer’s guide is here to help. We contacted Craig (more on him later) at our partner retailer - Whisky Galore @ The Green Welly Stop - and asked him to have a good rummage through his stock to pick out some gems for your delectation.
We’ve divided the bottles into three price brackets: below £50 (if you and your Valentine are a new thing), £50-100 (if you and your Valentine have been together for a while and you’re not bored of them yet) and £100+ (if you’re really trying to impress them or are making up for something really, really bad).
So without further ado, here is our Valentine’s 2016 guide.
Under £50
Linkwood 15 Year Old
Craig says, "With its 15 Years of age and fresh and fruity nose with heavy sherry influences, this is a dram to behold. A personal favourite."
Bowmore Tempest Batch V
Craig says, “A cask strength Bowmore matured in bourbon barrels and aged for 10 years, fantastic price for a fantastic, stormy dram.”
Benrinnes 15 Year Old Flora & Fauna
Craig says, “One that's been out of stock for some time, however – it is now back. How long – who knows? But it's a big & beautiful sherry dram”
£50 to £100
GlenDronach 21 Year Old Parliament
Craig says, “Best whisky at 21YO for the money.” Say no more!
GlenDronach 50th Anniversary of The Green Welly Stop
Released in November 2015. Craig says, “A lovely fruity sherried GlenDronach with a lovely festive feel, perfect for drinking or collecting.”
Glenfiddich – The Original
Craig says, “Back in 1963, Glenfiddich set out to America with the idea to give the world 'Single Malt', resulting in the category we know as Single Malt as it is today. This 'Original' is a replica of the 1963 Pure Malt. We were lucky enough to be at the launch in November and were pleasantly surprised by its light and refreshing taste profile, available in limited numbers.”
£100 plus
The Springbank 21 Year Old – 2015 release
Craig says, “A Legend.” What more can we add?
Kininvie 1991 23 Year Old
Craig says, “Rarely available, stablemate of Balvenie & Glenfiddich. This was initially a treasured secret until a few years ago when it was released as a Single Malt in Taiwan. Now available here in the UK. This liquid is damn good.”
Mortlach 1936 Vintage
Craig says, “Bottled in 1982, from the magicians at Gordon & MacPhail, quite possibly up there with the best 'Pre WW2' whiskies as Mortlach ages really really well.”