To mark the annual World Whisky Day, May 18, drams distilled around the world will be savoured in all parts of the globe by whisky enthusiasts at tastings, events, and gatherings.
SWAGGER brings you some of the “recommended” choices to celebrate – but by no means an exhaustive list of the great whiskies out there to enjoy.
The first to be featured is Glenfiddich, the world’s most-awarded scotch whisky, with its remarkable lineup of Single Malt Scotch Whiskies.
In 1887, Glenfiddich founder William Grant laid the first stones that built one of the oldest family-owned Scotch whisky distilleries in Dufftown, Scotland. The historical distillery was appropriately named “Glenfiddich,” Gaelic for “Valley of the Deer,” and on Christmas Day, the first drop of Glenfiddich scotch whisky was drawn from its copper stills.
The flagship Glenfiddich 12 Year Old is the world’s most awarded single malt scotch whisky. This single malt is beautifully crafted and delicately balanced with distinctively fresh and fruity notes and a hint of pear.
Glenfiddich 14 Year Old is matured for 14 years in ex-bourbon American oak casks, and finished in charred new American oak barrels. Glenfiddich 14 Year Old delivers the smooth sophistication of Scotland with a sweet kick of bourbon. Its notes are deep vibrant vanilla with hints of citrus, caramelized brown sugar and cinnamon. Baked apple and ripe summer fruits, balanced with rich oaky aromas. Long lasting finish with lingering sweetness.
The Glenfiddich 15 Year Old exemplifies the family tradition, having been created using a Solera vat technique pioneered by Glenfiddich’s Malt Master. The solera vat is the culmination of curious minds, never emptied and kept half full of whiskies since 1998. It has a silky smooth, revealing layers of sherry oak, marzipan, cinnamon, and ginger. Full-bodied and bursting with flavour.
A truly exceptional single malt married in small batches of no more than 150 casks, each batch of Glenfiddich 18 Year Old is individually numbered and carefully watched over, ensuring extraordinary consistency and character. It holds remarkably rich aromas of ripe orchard fruit, baked apple, and robust oak, delivering layers of luxurious dried fruit, candy peel and dates overlaid with elegant oak.
The Famous Grouse is a brand of blended Scotch whisky, originally created by Matthew Gloag & Son in 1896. A popular beverage, its appeal lies in its affordability, availability, and consistent quality.
Famous Grouse is known for its smooth, well-rounded taste, combining dried fruit sweetness with a hint of spice and oak. It carries a characteristic mellow flavor, making it quite approachable for both new whisky drinkers and connoisseurs alike.
The Famous Grouse whisky offerings not only mixes well in a simple or complex cocktail, its smooth and perfectly balanced tasting notes make it a great blended malt for any occasion.
The Famous Grouse offers a classic example of Scottish blending craftsmanship, providing a reliable, enjoyable whisky that caters to a broad spectrum of palates.
Visit downtown Toronto’s Bar Pompette in May to taste The Highland Harvest, the expertly crafted cocktail by the innovative team at the bar, featuring The Famous Grouse. It features notes of local rhubarb, crème fraîche, foraged fennel, apple eau-de-vie and pandan blossom water.
Monkey Shoulder Whisky, the multi-award winning 100% malt whisky made for mixing, is back in the spotlight with a refreshed look. The hip new look boasts a bolder label, a bold redesigned bottle with an elongated neck, and lighter feel, all carefully crafted to make it a legendary cocktail mixing experience.
Crafted with single malt whiskies from the Speyside region of Scotland, meticulously selected in small batches then married together, Monkey Shoulder Original Malt Whisky retains its rich, smooth, and fruity flavour that is perfect in the mix. Monkey Shoulder Whisky offers a hint of zesty orange, vanilla, honey, and spiced oak followed by mellow vanilla notes with a hint of spice. The smooth, complex, and fruity character makes it the ultimate whisky for shaking up cheeky cocktails. Monkey Shoulder has been perfecting its craft for almost two decades. The newly packaged bottle will roll out across the country just in time for summer.
Gibson’s Finest is a made-in-Canada treasure. Canadian whiskies are only required to be aged for three years, a requirement that Gibson’s Finest exceeds to achieve its refined flavour and distinct character. The Gibson’s Finest Canadian whisky range includes 4 variants that ensure there is a flavour profile to suit every taste palate, ranging from sweet and silky to vibrant with vanilla. The four variants include Gibson’s Finest Sterling, Gibson’s Finest Bold 8 Year Old, Gibson’s Finest Rare 12 Year Old, and Gibson’s Finest Venerable 18 Year Old.
The Balvenie Doublewood 12 Year Old gains its distinctive character from maturation in two different wood types, American Oak ex-bourbon barrels, and Spanish oak ex-Oloroso sherry casks. The traditional casks soften and add delicate character to the single malt scotch, while the sherry wood imparts depth and fullness of flavour. The final few months of maturation in The Balvenie’s tuns allow the characteristics to marry harmoniously.
Doublewood is smooth and mellow, beautifully enveloped with flavours of nutty sweetness, cinnamon spiciness, and a delicately proportioned layer of sherry. The single malt will lend its smooth, rich flavours to make for a remarkable celebratory dram.
And last but not least, the much-beloved Woodford Reserve, with a Kentucky Straight Bourbon comprised of more than 200 detectable flavor notes, from bold grain and wood to sweet aromatics, spice, and fruit and floral notes. The five sources of flavor and the depth and complexity in flavor experience make it a favorite amongst customers, bartenders and those in the hospitality community.
As World Whisky Day approaches, each of these selections offers a unique perspective on the art of whisky making. From the traditional Scotch single malts of Glenfiddich to the robust blends of The Famous Grouse and the innovative mixing charm of Monkey Shoulder, not to mention the Canadian pride of Gibson’s Finest and the double-matured richness of The Balvenie Doublewood, there’s a spirit to match every palate and occasion.
Whether you’re a seasoned whisky aficionado or a curious newcomer, this day serves as a perfect opportunity to explore the vast, flavorful spectrum of whiskies. Consider hosting a tasting party, visiting a local bar known for its whisky selection, or simply enjoying a quiet evening with a good dram.
So, this May 18, pour yourself a measure of your favorite, toast to the masters who bring it to life, and savor the rich tapestry of stories and flavors that each bottle offers. Happy World Whisky Day 2024!