Monthly Archives: July 2011
Singleton Whisky a 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Whisky came from the Gaelic word “usquebaugh” which literally means “water of life.” Because of its complicated pronunciation it quickly became “usky” and then in English it was converted to “whisky.” Today it is referred to in a number of different ways, whisky, Scotch whisky, or sometimes just scotch. Singleton Whisky is one such malt Scotch whisky that has been distilled at the Auchroisk distillery located in Scotland. The distillery was first started there in 1973, and then subsequently opened a year later with the assistance of International distillers.
The History
It is said that whisky was introduced by St. Patrick to Ireland in the fifth century AD, although not known to be legend or actual fact, from that origin it is believed to have traveled across Europe over the ages. Singleton whisky is a high-quality distilled whisky that makes an excellent after dinner drink. It is to be sipped, not drunken, and to be mulled over like a fine symphony. It is an upper-end malt liquor that is higher in price, and its production is more intricate than that of most malt liquors. An acquired taste, whiskies have many different tastes and affect the palate in many different ways, making no two concoctions the same. Finding just the right blend for your palate can make the difference between appreciation of this fine drink, and avoidance of it all together.
Scotch is a term for whisky that has to be specifically produced in Scotland. If it is produced within any other region of the world, it cannot be referred to as Scotch. Although there are many other countries which produce whisky, scotch whiskies like Singleton Whisky have a distinctive taste that is all its own. Produced from water originated in the famous Dories well, it has the distinct and smooth taste which has been described as unparalleled to other whiskies. Water that comes from the Dories well has been described as a “gold mine” in the world of distilleries, it has been described as “undeniably sweet, crystal-clear waters,” “an exceptional water source,” and “an abundant source of soft, puree spring water, silky feel.” Which is why it gives the added reputation to this malt whisky.
Singleton Whisky is described as “soft and sweet, sometimes with a hint of spice after dinner” and has the following characteristics:
- Medium amber color
- Full nose with some sherry. A trace of peat, heather, fruit, and smoke is also present
- Medium to full smooth body
- Medium and honeyed sweetness, fruit and some sherry palate
- Medium to long with some smoke finish
Singleton Whisky is an 80 proof 10 year old single malt scotch whiskey which is world famous not only for its specific blend, but so too for the world renowned facility from which is it distilled. The Auchroisk distillery is one of the largest, and oldest, whisky distilleries in the world. Located near Glasgow, it is the assembly point for all other highland distillery malts that contribute to J&B. They are all combined together to create the secret ingredients, that eventually comprise 40 different whiskies.
Highland Park Whisky – The Founder Who Came From Nothing
Highland Park Whisky will always be synonymous with its founders name, Magnus Eunson. He was the creator of the distillery which began in the later end of the 18th century. Eunson was a beadle (a layperson who assisted in the operations of religious services) during the day, and an illegal alcohol distributor, or smuggler, by night. Highland Park Whisky received its name from the High Park above Kirkway where the distillery now stands. Although Eunson was never formally trained in the ways of distillery, he was said to be cunning, and sly, and made it through many tough times because of ingenious ability to outsmart the authorities.
Although Eunson smuggled spirits of all types, he is mainly credited with the distillation, and illegal distribution, of Scotch whisky from the Highland Park Distillery. The distillery was founded in 1798, Eunson, along with many of his “cronies” purchased the Highland Park estate which included the distillery in 1813. Eunson kept the distilleries alive through extreme and proficient trickery and by standing behind the symbolism of the church. Even when he was eventually caught for his antics, he found a way to skate through the scandal without ever begin sentenced.
Although Highland Park Whisky’s origins were kept alive through the antics and manipulation of Eunson, it soon became a respected operation and was purchased by many high respected and established distilleries. Highland Park Whisky is said to have a distinctive aromatic, full-bodied floral sweetness. It has an incomparable balance that comes from a tension between the aromatic Orkney peat and the sweetness of oak casks seasoned with Oloroso sherry. It has, throughout the ages, received and maintained many accolades worldwide.
The origins of Highland Park Whisky being located at the High Park was placed there specifically because of its outstanding and highly desirable water source. Although Eunson was not an official distiller, nor did he have any formal training, in the distillery field he loved his whisky and definitely knew what made it great.
Although a fairly new whisky to the market, Highland Park single malt scotch whisky , its first proprietary bottling was a 12-year-old in 1979. It has been characterized as smooth, balanced single malt, with a rich full flavor and gentle smoky finish. The following characteristics characterizes its make up:
- Glowing amber color
- Heather-honey sweetness, peaty smokiness nose
- Rounded smoky sweetness with a full malt delivery on the palate
- Teasing, subtle smoke and heathery delicious finish
Although Highland Park Whisky may not have the prestige that other distilleries are based on, because of the character of its founder, it has the uniqueness and over-the-top beginnings that are what great legends are born from. Living through and outsmarting many different obstacles, Eunson kept the whisky production alive. The great story that stands behind this characteristically honey sweet concoction truly is the making of legend.
It has enjoyed many accolades over the past couple of decades as the double gold at the 2005 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the Gold Medal winner of the International Spirits Challenge in 2006 — A truly amazing whisky with a truly astounding origin.
Grants Whisky A family tradition
Grants whisky is a family owned and operated distillery, five generations in the making. On Christmas day 1887, William Grant, the whisky’s originator produced his first bottle of whisky. After 20 years of building to get the perfect recipe, and saving what little funds he had to start operations, his dreams were finally realized. Along with his family of seven sons and two daughter, and his first son-in-law as salesman, the family set out to start a family whisky empire.
Grants Whisky – How It Started
Although Grants whisky was once a simple operation, door to door, it soon began to grow across countries. Just 20 short years after its start up, the company had spread to over 60 representatives in over 30 countries. When the new law in 1915 stated that the minimum maturation period for Scotch whisky was standardized as two years, it sank many distillers. Grants whisky was able to weather the change due to Grants supply of aging whiskey that he had the forethought to put aside to ride out the war years in the UK. It was his foresight that has kept Grants whisky afloat through many turbulent times. During prohibition, Grant kept production high and used the time to age and store his whisky for a time when it was repealed. He knew that it was just a matter of time before whisky would be legalized again.
Grants Whisky A Family Operation
Although Grant died in 1923, the distillery and the legacy that he built through his family operation, lives on even today in their tradition, excellence and quality of product. Grants whisky is characterized as a single malt scotch whisky, which is made with malted barley. Single malts are distilled in batches using copper pot stills. The end result is far less volume, but greater unique and distinctive flavor. At the end of the distillery process oak casks are used to age and mature the whisky which enhances the flavor, color and character. Paying special attention to the integrity of the casks which is vital to the quality of the whisky gives this whisky a leg up to other distilleries.
Grants Whisky And Their Recognizable Bottle
The iconic bottle is another feature that sets Grants whisky apart from other whiskies. The triangular bottle symbolizes the three key ingredients to the whisky: cereal, water, and fresh Scottish air. It has been said also to symbolize Grant’s family ideals; tradition, heritage and quality.
Grants Whisky Stands Out For Its Price
Grants whisky also stands out for its price. Being middle of the road, it has been described as a simple and very good everyday sipping whisky for a person who has a bourbon-oriented palate. It’s a lighter, sweeter blend with, less of the savory, and more of the sweet. It tends to be more caramel than honey but has a nice smooth finish that makes it a very desirable and practical everyday drink. Grants whisky is a common liquor that is unassuming and perfect for the whisky lover looking for a smooth and non complicated drink. Family owned and operated, it maintains its tradition and legend both in value and quality.
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Cutty Sark Whisky – A Blended Scottish Whisky
Cutty Sark Whisky is a famous whisky in a famously designed bottle with the Cutty Sark clipper ship adorning it. It is a blended scotch whisky that is produced by Edington plc of Glasgow. It was created by the Berry Brothers who were of English decent. Their intention was to improve on the Scottish blend of whisky. The location of its main office, being located less than 10 miles from the famous clipper ship that carries the same name, became its official logo in 1955. Cutty Sark Whisky first began production in 1923 in Scotland. The Berry Brothers, setting out to produce a whiskey that was unlike those already available and appeal to a wider audience, settled on trying to make their blend lighter than the darker alternatives that were available.
Cutty Sark Whisky: A Scottish Whisky With A Famous Clipper To Symbolize Its Heritage
At the time that Cutty Sark Whisky was going from conception to production, the clipper ship, the Cutty Sark was all the rage, making great headlines around the world. Knowing that the name recognition with the tea clipper, the fastest ship of the time, would up their interest and sales, they commissioned an artist to use the famous ship as their logo, and so Cutty Sark Whisky was born.
Cutty Sark Whisky is touted as being a whiskey that is made from a blend of over 20 of the finest single malts available in the renowned Speyside region of Scotland. The 20 single malts are all high quality grain whiskies, which are carefully aged in selected American oak casks. It is enjoyed by millions worldwide for its smooth and clean taste.
The following describes its character:
- Pale golden, bright and clear appearance
- Fragrant with oak and vanilla hints with a light aroma
- Medium intensity with a sweet creamy vanilla taste
- Clean and crisp finish
Cutty Sark Whisky due to its quality and innovation has set the standard for Scottish whisky blends with their successful world class premium brand. Besides its light color, which is unusual for a Scottish whiskey, Cutty Sark whisky has a reputation for quality in their distilling, blending and maturing. Being on the lower end of the price spectrum, it still holds its reputation, and standing, among the other Scottish blended whiskies.
Cutty Sark – Consistent In Taste And Quality
Cutty Sark whiskey is a favorite for the back of the bar, fairly inexpensive, but consistent in taste and quality. It makes an excellent beginner for a favorite whisky drink. It is among the most popular drinks for drink recipes, and has found quite a faithful following. It is said to be neat, yet not very smooth, but intensely warm.
Cutty Sark Whisky is not for the fine whisky connoisseur. It is the perfect whisky to blend with your mixer. Contradictory to most Scottish whiskies, it is light in color and although whiskies need to have a minimum of 3 years maturation, it is said that this drink just makes the mark. It has remained unchanged since 1923, making its name not only through the famous clipper ship, but so too through its unique blend and style.
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