Whiskies to warm you up in this weather
Warm yourself with a different kind of heat.
Updated 11 May 2022
Photography: Morgan Smith
If you’re new to the world of whisky, welcome! You’re in good company.
And if you’re an expert, you may well be familiar with these already, but it’s a good reminder to try them again! We asked our friends at Mackenzie Row Cellarbrations if we could rummage around and showcase some of their whiskies in store. If you’re looking for a beautiful gift, something to sip by the firepit, or an addition to the cocktail kit, there’s something here for everyone. Try something new this winter, and enjoy all that these beauties have to offer.
bond seven whisky blend
This deep amber whisky is full-bodied and smoky, with a touch of honey and vanilla. It’s got quite a bit of heat in it, so while its price point is beginner-friendly, you may want to ease yourself in. Maybe try it with a dash of water to soften the blow. This scotch won silver in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Varietal: Scotch Whisky
Country: Scotland
Style: Blended
Price: $35
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Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt japanese whisky
Nikka’s founder Masataka Taketsuru is considered the father of Japanese whisky. This one, his pride and joy, is a blend of malts from the Miyagikyo distillery, as well as some sherry-casked malt, which gives is a bit of a richness. This light, golden whisky has a gentle heat with a fruity flavour of apricots and peaches. It regularly scoops up awards, such as Gold at the International Spirits Challenge.
Varietal: Japanese Whisky
Country: Japan
Style: Blended
Price: $120
Glen Grant 10 Year Old Scotch Whisky
This is the place to start with single malts. Approachable yet flavoursome, this scotch is matured in ex-bourbon casks to give it a soft finish. It is commonly referred to as the best 10 year old single malt available, with a slew of awards to prove it.
This scotch is a Speyside, which refers to the northern corner of Scotland where it comes from. Like wines that come from the Bordeaux region, Speysides have common characteristics with one another. Glenlivet and Glenfiddich are also from Speyside.
Varietal: Scotch Whisky
Country: Scotland
Style: Single Malt
Price: $62
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Bowmore Small Batch Scotch Whisky
Bowmore Small Batch is smoky with hints of citrus, making it an intriguing blend of savoury and sweet.
Islay is off the coast of Scotland, a small island of whisky tourism. Ardberg and Laphroaig are other Islay whiskies, all known for their smoky (‘peaty’) characteristics. Fun fact: the waste heat from the distillation process at Bowmore goes to heat a nearby public swimming pool.
Varietal: Scotch Whisky
Country: Scotland
Style: Single Malt
Price: $82
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Johnnie Walker Blenders’ Batch Red Rye Finish Scotch Whisky
Everyone is familiar with Johnnie Walker, but the Blenders’ Batch is a spin on the Red Label you see everywhere. It was designed for the perfect Manhattan cocktail, made with whisky, sweet vermouth, bitters and orange peel. Whisky drinkers take these things very seriously, as you can tell. So if you’re not ready to sip your whisky neat, maybe a bottle of this on the bar cart will be perfect for cocktail hour.
Varietal: Scotch Whisky
Country: Scotland
Style: Blended
Price: $64
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Thank you to Mackenzie Row Cellarbrations for lending us the product for this shoot. We were not paid to do this, and what we didn’t borrow, we bought ourselves.
