Whisky

Monday, October 13th, 2008

Well, Americans seem to spell it as 'whiskey' but here in the UK, whisky is usually Scotch whilst whiskey is usually Irish. Either way it is a lovely drink. Ideally, it should be taken neat with just a dash of plain water - I think the Scots say 'the dew on the grass.' Certainly, I would never adulterate its unique taste with stuff like Coke or ginger ale.

Of the blends, I have always preferred Whyte & Mackay for its softness and flavour. Johnny Walker Blue Label is really special but costs the earth. On the Irish side, I love the perfume of Jameson's.

Single malts are supposed to be whisky kings and so many are so wonderful. Cragganmore (Speyside) and Highland Park (Orkney) although different are my favourites. Can't say I am fond of Islay malts in general - too medicinal - but I do have a yearning for Lagavulin. The smell makes your nose wrinkle and the taste is so powerful that I can only drink a little at one time. It's really special.

I rarely keep whisky in the house. A friend of mine feels the same. As he put it, 'I have a problem with whisky. If it's around, I drink it.' Well so do I but there is no denying it's beauty.