Continuing my Scottish quest through Scotch, now is a great time to consider a wonderful bottle of Scotch as a gift. Here’s a bit of insight as to which great Scotch might suit those on your list.
Lagavulin 16 year – One of my personal favorites but it isn’t for everyone. This is a typical southern Islay single malt. Flavors of peat-smoke, sweet spices, sherry, fig, dates, and vanilla. It is big and powerful, but very smooth and easy to drink. Winning numerous awards internationally, it is worthy of savoring.
Glengoyne 15 year – On the other end of the spectrum is this amazing Highland Scotch. There is little, if any, peat-smoke flavor and is filled with sweet creamy butterscotch, toffee, nut and lemon rind flavors. Easy drinking and delightful to sip on.
Not well-known in the US is the Irish Distillers Limited Yellow Spot. The ‘spot’ is a family tradition of marking the maturing barrels. Yellow Spot is matured for 12 years in old bourbon, sherry and Malaga casks. Flavors and smells of butterscotch, caramel, red fruits (from the casks), and vanilla. A fun and different option for your Scotch lover or even an Irish Whiskey fan.
Glenfiddich 15 year – A well-known five generation distiller of Speyside, Glenfiddich. Their 12 year is one of the most purchased Scotches world-wide, winning numerous awards. However, their 15-year version has taken home a bevy of award also and is worth the extra money for the time barreled. You will find aromas and flavors of spices, caramel, fig and toffee with a touch of sweetness. The finish is sweet and salty with a lingering grassiness. A classic and delightful Scotch worthy of gifting and savoring.
Talisker Distiller Edition – An Islay Scotch with some peaty-smokey aromas and tastes layered with red fruits, vanilla and sea spray. The finish is long and has a smokey sweet finale. A scotch enjoyed by those who love some peat but don’t need it to be over-the-top, and is layered with sweetness and fruit flavors known of Highland Scotch.
There are many many others worthy of gifting, Shackleton is good Scotch with a great story behind it and Monkey Shoulder is also very good scotch in a great bottle. Many distillers also have great gift sets of their scotches which are made for gift giving.
No matter which Scotch you choose, it will be a gift that is enjoy for many months to come.