Beginners guide to Whisky and best buys at Whisky Live 2014 Singapore
PUBLISHED September 30th, 2014 10:00 pm | UPDATED May 18th, 2020 04:31 pm
Whisky Live is fast approaching, alright. Taking place next month on Saturday, 25th October 2014, we caught up with the organisers and had a ‘cheeky taste’ of what is to come.
For anyone who don’t know much about whisky, this article serves as a basic guide to explain what exactly whisky is, and what makes up the various kinds of whisky around the world. On top of being those that you should already be looking out for, the various bottles I’ve elected to use in this guide are also the best buys this Whisky Live. So class, let’s begin.
SINGLE MALT
This will be one of the most common phrases you’ll come across in the world of whisky. But what does it mean? What makes a Glenlivet 15yr whisky different from a Chivas Regal? Well, in a nutshell, a Single Malt is a whisky made at one particular distillery from a mash that uses only malted grain, typically barley.
Practically, what this means is that a Single Malt from one region or distillery should taste remarkably different from a whisky in another region or distillery. Think of it as being something like ‘terrior’ in wine.
Single Malt is most commonly made in Scotland. Brands you’ve probably heard of are Glenlivet, The Macallan, Glenfiddich, Bowmore, Laphroig, and Glenmorangie. Single Malt however can be produced anywhere in the world, and Japanese and American brands are progressively getting more and more popular.
Our pick at Whisky Live 2014: The Glendronach, Cask Strength ‘batch 2’.
Despite being cask strength, this bottling is not just very smooth on the tongue, but also exhibits a great nose, with some subtle coffee, cigar and sherry notes. The mouthfeel gives some great minerality with hints of citrus. Overall, a very interesting and tasty whisky.
Estimated price at Whisky Live 2014: $135
BOURBON
I feel bad for bourbon. It gets quite a hard time – most people just write it off as a cocktail spirit. Bourbon is in fact a very unique spirit and can easily be drank by itself.
By the way, just to clarify – Bourbon is whiskey! What makes it bourbon however are three requirements:
1) It must be produced in the USA (any state!)
2) The mash-bill must have at lest 51% corn. The rest of usually made up from wheat, rye and/or other malts.
3) It must be aged in New American oak barrels.
Bourbons are getting more and more complex, but one of the great things about them is that simply do not carry the same prestige as Scotch so some serious bargains are to be had. For example:
Our pick at Whisky Live 2014: Buffalo Trace
Most likely, you’ve seen this bottle on the shelves of most of the high quality cocktail bars here in Singapore. Hailing from Kentucky, the new edition of Buffalo is a very typical bourbon; strong vanilla notes, a touch of banana and caramel, and great spice notes. As for the price, just excellent value.
Estimated price at Whisky Live 2014:$65
RYE
Rye is another American spirit that has something of a bad rep as well. Often known for being a little ‘rough’ and harsh on the palate, this is really not the case for the ‘good stuff’. For anyone who’s ever had the pleasure of tasting Papi Van Winkel Rye you won’t need convincing.
Like Bourbon, Rye must be made in the USA from New American Oak, but the mash-bill must be minimum 51% Rye instead of Corn. For a really solid introductory Rye which is available at Whisky Live this year, this is what we’d recommend;
Our pick for Whisky Live 2014: Sonoma County Rye
I actually have a bottle of this at home already. It’s not really typical of a Rye, being really very smooth and somewhat floral and fruity overall. Strong banana notes make it very drinkable indeed. It’s something that is drinkable on its own but will lend itself very well to a classic cocktail.
Estimated price at at Whisky Live 2014: $130
BLENDED WHISKY
Ask most unseasoned Whisky drinkers and they’ll scoff at the words ‘blended malt’. And whilst there’s plenty of rubbish on the market, there’s some real quality blended malts to be had. Be sure to check out Compass Box at Whisky Live as their blends are absolutely awesome (and superb value!).
Our pick for Whisky Live 2014: Great King Street, Compass Box
Although it comes in the slightly smaller 50cl bottle, this blend might just be the best bargain at Whisky Live itself at only $60. It’s a smooth, easy drinking spirit which puts the likes of Chivas and Johnnie Walker to shame.
Estimated price at Whisky Live 2014: $60!!!
SOMETHING SPECIAL
So, you’ve got some cash to splash and you love your whiskies. Have you had a Port Ellen before? One of the rarest and most prestigious distilleries of Scotland, Port Ellen is well known for producing utterly excellent whiskies, smoky, smooth, slightly fruity and immense complexity.
An excellent example of this is the 1977 Milroy’s Port Ellen for $770. This may sound like a lot for a whisky but considering how rare these are and the usual price of Port Ellens usually start at the 4 figure mark. If you have the money, get this bottle now. It’s very rare and is only going to increase in price and value.
Whisky Live takes place on Saturday 25th October 2014 at the Raffles Hotel. Tickets cost $80 and include entry and free-flow tasting throughout the event. You can purchase tickets via SISTIC here
