The Isle of Jura isn’t the only Scottish island with conditions that stoke the imagination into believing one stands somewhere near the end of the earth. It does, however, carry the exclusive honor of being acknowledged by author George Orwell as the “most un-get-at-able place.” (Orwell spent much time on the island, in a very remote cottage, while working on 1984.) The frequently shifting climate and …
Tag: September Scotch
September Scotch: The Craigellachie Hotel’s Copper Dog
The story behind one iconic HIghland hotel's blended whisky
To traverse the Speyside region, trekking within a portion of the Scotch whisky trail known for light and distilled liquid, means coming upon The Craigellachie Hotel. Within, one will find The Quaich (founded way back in 1893). It’s a bar that possesses one of the most exquisite collections of single malt Scotch whiskies in the world (with more than 900 available)—but blended whisky and, to be honest, just …
September Scotch: Willam Grant & Sons’ Fistful of Bourbon
One of Scotland's most acclaimed master blenders delivers an American whiskey
For all the exquisite and under-serviced single malts aging right now across Scotland, why would a publication expend words in a column dedicated to Scotch on a new bourbon? Because there’s simply so much binding both categories together in the just-released Fistful of Bourbon. From the innovation division of family-owned, global spirits powerhouse William Grant & Sons (known for prestigious Scotch brands The Balvenie and Glenfiddich, …
September Scotch: The Orkney Island’s Highland Park
From a new 50-year-old spirit to refreshed design language, a whisky brand like no other
If you’re a whisky drinker, chances are you’ve tried Highland Park 12—or you’ve seen it. Despite its origins on the remote Orkney Islands, off the northeastern coast of Scotland, the whisky has made its way around the world and back again. It’s also picked up quite a dedicated following along the way. All of this can be attributed several things, but most important on the list …
September Scotch: The Antique Blend-Inspired Shackleton Whisky
A brand new Highland blended malt Scotch referencing a legendary discovery
In 2007, one of the more significant discoveries was made in the world of whisky. While restoring Sir Ernest Shackleton’s hut in Antarctica (used during his 1907-09 “Nimrod” Expedition, when he went further than anyone had ever before but was 97.5 nautical miles short of the South Pole), workers stumbled upon three cases—holding roughly 11 bottles—of Scotch frozen in permafrost. Specifically, it was labeled “Rare …