/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25355893/STK022_ELON_MUSK_CVIRGINIA_B.jpg "Elon Musk, White House advisor, says OpenAI deal announced at White House is a sham")
For more than 200 years, celebrations to honour Scottish poet Robert Burns have boosted the consumption of Scotch whisky.
Facing sluggish sales, with exports falling in value and volume in 2023, producers welcome the annual opportunity to promote their spirits as a symbol of Scottish heritage and craftsmanship ahead of Jan. 25.
First celebrated in 1801, five years after the Scottish poet’s death, the Scottish tradition has spread globally to countries with significant expatriate communities, including Canada, the United States and Australia. Since whisky was an inspiration for Burns’s poetry, it’s the drink served with dinner – with haggis featured on the menu – and musical entertainment to honour his memory.
Like most alcoholic beverages, sales of Scotch are in decline. The Scotch Whisky Association points to tax hikes in Great Britain and the 25-per-cent tariffs imposed on imports to the U.S. suffered between 2019 and 2021 – and threatened to return with Donald Trump back in office – as major causes for slumping sales. The United States, France and Singapore are the leading markets by value, while France, India and the U.S. are the leading volume markets.
Even with the challenges, exports of Scotch whisky were worth £5.6-billion ($9.8-billion), according to the Scotch Whisky Association. The celebrated brown liquor accounts for 74 per cent of Scottish food and drink exports.
Consumer interest is shifting away from limited-release or one-of-a-kind selections, often showcasing special cask selections or high-end bottlings, toward traditional brands of single malt and blended whiskies. That’s not necessarily a bad thing as it underscores the variety of whisky styles produced across Scotland, such as the intense iodine and smoky character common to Islay’s heavily peated style or the honeyed and smooth nature of Spreyside and other Highlands whiskies.
Whether you’re looking to toast Scotland’s national poet or simply explore the range of distinct Scotch whiskies available right now, here are seven recommendations to savour.
Fettercairn 12-Year-Old (Scotland), $99.95
Fettercairn is a charming expression of a Highland single malt with appealing citrus, pear, cereal, honey and spice notes. Its lighter and mellow nature is easy to appreciate, with a pleasant texture and lingering finish. The fruity character is appealing on its own especially on warm nights, but also shines in a whisky sour or highball. Available in British Columbia at the above price, various prices in Alberta, $100.25 in Quebec, $99.79 in New Brunswick.
Glenfiddich 14-Year-Old Bourbon Barrel Reserve (Scotland), $99.95
Extensive aging in used Bourbon barrels before finishing in new American oak casks adds to the intensity and sweetness of this engaging whisky. Bold vanilla and cask notes are accented by citrus and spice notes that carry through to a lingering fruity and spicy finish. This is enjoyable served on the rocks or as the base of a classic cocktail such as a Manhattan or Boulevardier. Available at the above price in Ontario and Manitoba, various prices in Alberta, $81.99 in Saskatchewan, $99.99 in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, $106.63 in Newfoundland.
Johnnie Walker Green Label Scotch Whisky (Scotland), $110.95
This 15-year-old blended whisky combines Speyside, Highland, Lowland and Island malts for an appetizing whisky with complex aromas and flavours suggesting coffee, wood smoke, chocolate, honey and cereal notes. It’s nicely balanced and hits the sweet spot in Johnnie Walker’s colourful portfolio, from younger Red and Black labels to the older and expensive Blue, Gold and Platinum. This delivers complex character and richness that stands out. Available at the above price in Ontario, $101.99 in British Columbia and Prince Edward Island, various prices in Alberta and Saskatchewan, $109.99 in Manitoba, $100 in Quebec, $96.17 in New Brunswick, $99.97 in Nova Scotia, $97.89 in Newfoundland.
Jura 10-Year-Old Single-Malt Scotch Whisky (Scotland), $61.75
An island distillery located near the west coast of Scotland, Jura is embraced for its delicate style of whisky that combines earthy, briny and peat smoke notes with orange, apricot and vanilla flavours. Enjoy neat or with a few drops of water. The citrus flavours make this a good base for a whisky cocktail. Available at the above price in Ontario ($56.75 until Feb. 3), various prices in Alberta and Saskatchewan, $61.25 in Quebec, $64.80 in New Brunswick, $71.28 in Newfoundland.
Monkey Shoulder Blended-Malt Scotch Whisky (Scotland), $59.95
Monkey Shoulder is a blended-malt whisky that draws stock from William Grant & Son’s Spreyside distilleries Glenfiddich, Balvenie and Kininvie. The finished blend displays the fruity and honeyed Spreyside style, with appealing dried fruit (citrus, apricot), spice (cloves, cinnamon) and cereal notes. Smoke and malt notes come through on the lingering finish. The rich flavour makes this enjoyable on its own served over ice or in a cocktail. Available at the above price in Ontario, various prices in Alberta and Saskatchewan, $56.75 in Quebec, $59.99 in Manitoba, New Brunwick and Nova Scotia, $57.99 in Prince Edward Island, $58.93 in Newfoundland.
The Balvenie 12-Year-Old Doublewood Scotch Whisky (Scotland), $129.65
Like Glenmorangie’s Original, Balvenie Doublewood is often presented as a good introduction to Scotch whisky’s complex and integrated character. The 12-Year-Old whisky was launched in 1993 by the Spreyside distillery, which is one of the rare producers that oversees the whisky-making process from farming grain to onsite coopers who maintain the barrels used for aging. The re-use of sherry and Bourbon barrels contributes to Doublewood’s balanced honey, dried fruit and spice notes. Peat and vanilla notes add to the layers of complexity. Available at the above price in Ontario ($124.65 until Feb. 2), $110.99 in British Columbia, various prices in Alberta, $129.75 in Quebec, $139.99 in Nova Scotia.
The Dalmore 12-Year-Old Highland Single-Malt Scotch Whisky (Scotland), $119.95
The rich and flavourful style of Dalmore’s 12-Year-Old single malt is influenced by aging in American oak and Oloroso sherry casks. The result is a spirit offering satisfying citrus (tangerine, orange) and dried fruit flavours (marmalade, fruitcake) with chocolate and spice notes. A lingering finish refreshes its fruity and spicy character. A classic expression that’s accessible and enjoyable. Available at the above price in Ontario, $121.99 in British Columbia, various prices in Alberta and Saskatchewan, $122.99 in Manitoba, $119.75 in Quebec, $119.79 in New Brunswick, $119.98 in Nova Scotia, $117.81 in Newfoundland.
