Tradition and sentimentality play a large part in deciding what to drink during the holidays. Consider how egg nog, mulled wine and apple cider only turn up on drinks menus and store shelves as the end of the year approaches, or how many whisky lovers gravitate to a preferred style or label as a fitting way to toast during the festive season.
But there’s always a slew of new and innovative expressions on display as liquor stores stock up on limited releases and seasonal selections. For entertaining and gifting ideas, here are three new release single malts as well as a value blended Scotch whisky to consider when you shop.
Bowmore 15 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (Scotland), $169.95
For its new black label range of Sherry Cask Single Malts, Bowmore’s usual rich and complex style gets a lift from the rounded and fruity character that comes from extended aging in used Oloroso sherry casks. To my taste, Bowmore is a more nuanced and smoky style of Islay single malt, typically displaying more tropical fruit notes. That mix of smoky, spicy and fruity flavours plays nicely with the spice and dried apricot, dates and raisin flavours imparted from the sherry barrels. A distinctive whisky to enjoy neat. Available at the above price in Ontario, $148.99 in British Columbia, various prices in Alberta, $169.75 in Quebec, $169.99 in Prince Edward Island, $170.45 in Newfoundland.
Glenmorangie Original Highland Single Malt Scotch (Scotland), $76.45
The team at Glenmorangie reworked the blend of its popular Original label, replacing its traditional 10 year old spirit with a 12-years-old single malt that offers more depth and complexity for the same price. With a rich and creamy texture and pleasing assortment of peach, citrus and honeyed notes, the new expression offers more of a good thing. Available at the above price in Ontario, $74.99 in British Columbia, various prices in Alberta, $82.99 in Saskatchewan, $78.99 in Manitoba, $75.79 in New Brunswick, $69.29 in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, $77.03 in Newfoundland ($69.03 until January 4).
Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ice Chalet (Scotland), $649.15
The latest addition to Johnnie Walker’s Cobalt series is a limited-edition blend of the Blue Label inspired by après-ski culture. There’s no age statement, however, master blender Emma Walker reportedly sourced from winter distillations, including rare casks from northern and high-altitude distilleries in Scotland, such as Dalwhinnie, Clynelish, and Brora. The result is a rich spirit with a sherried, Christmas cake character accented by vanilla, fruit (apples, citrus) and smoke notes. Each bottle comes in a reusable bag, a reservable cross-body puffer-style coat design by luxury skiwear brand, Perfect Moment. Available at the above price in Ontario, $599.99 in British Columbia, various prices in Alberta.
Té Bheag Scotch Whisky (Scotland), $42.55
The affordable blended Scotch whisky with the tongue-twisting name (pronounced CHEY-vek) continues to impress. Made on the Isle of Sky, which has insiders believing there is a good amount of Talisker in the final blend, this offers a rich and spicy character with peat-smoke, caramel and cereal notes. The style is enjoyable served neat, but I prefer to add an ice cube or to serve it in a highball with club soda. Available at the above price in Ontario, $42.50 in Quebec, $45.99 in Nova Scotia.
