Smashing in at 1st place…. The Macallan Sienna..

The Macallan Sienna… Sweet, spicy, sensational!!

Sienna is part of The Macallan 1824 series – no age statement- alongside Gold, Amber and Ruby. I was introduced to my new favourite whisky on my very first visit to The Macallan last month.

I’ve honestly not tasted a whisky like it!  Intense character and full of flavour.

Notes:  chocolate orange, fruity, apricots, raisins, vanilla and a touch of spice.

 

I was in Speyside for an overnight stay, in prep for a photography shoot at the spiritual home of The Macallan the following morning…. a 4.30am start! yip.. you heard me… a 4.30am start!

We had dinner the night before at the Copper Dog- a fantastic wee place in Craigellachie (built in 1893)- steeped in history with a modern twist.  It’s cosy, quirky and well worth the visit.  As you walk in you are presented with 900 whiskies sitting proudly on the wall…

What one would you pick??

http://www.craigellachiehotel.co.uk/copper-dog/

If you’re ever in Craigellachie… go there! The food is amazing as well.. Remember to book. It’s extremely popular…

 

Anyway, 4.30am the following morning….  Along with the social media agency and photographer Dan Rubin, the day was spent capturing Easter Elchies house, the spiritual home of the Macallan.

Here’s a few of my own snaps… Check the size of the big Daddy Macallan bottle!

It’s an amazing place… there is something mystical about it.

 

I love everything The Macallan brand stands for… its commitment to exceptional quality, its hunger for innovation and constantly striving to go beyond the ordinary.

It really is extraordinary!  🙂

My top 3 whiskies…

I’ve been immersing myself in the whisky world for a wee while now.  The favourites are starting to make an appearance.  Here’s the whiskies that have made it into my top 3, so far…

#1    Highland Park- 12 year old–  Love it! Actually love it! This whisky has instantly made it to the top spot.

A slight peatiness works on this wonderful whisky.  It gives the whisky an extra edge and makes it come alive.

Tend to find the Islay malts are too smoky- so much so, I feel, it destroys the aromas/flavours.  However, just a touch gives a whisky character.

Water brings out a spicy sensation and takes Highland Park to a whole new level.

 

 

 

 

#2  Balvenie – Doublewood. 12 yr old

Smooth.. smooth.. smooth.  Notes of caramel, sherry, sweetness and an oakiness. A very pleasant whisky.

Apparently, aged for 10 years in bourbon casks, and then aged for another two years in sherry casks.

A variety of flavours develops as you drink it overtime, which makes it a magical whisky. Even the after tastes surprise you by unexpected offerings of coconut and spice.

 

 

 

 

#3 Macallan Gold

Bursting with fruitiness- apples and raisins, and accompanied by a touch of honey.

I feel  Macallan Gold has a long lasting finish.  Not many other whiskies follow suit. There is a strength to this whisky. A great companion that offers both oaky tastes and subtle sweetness.

 

 

The ones that didn’t make the cut…

Royal Brackla (it nearly did), 

Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, Glengoyne, Laphroaig, Tallisker, Glenfarclas 

Now that i’m getting a feel for whiskies from the different regions.  I’m discovering your choice of whisky really depends on the mood you are in at the time.  If i’m out with friends – Highland Park brings the kick you need.  On the other hand, chilling out at home- Balvenie does the trick…

What’s currently making your top 3 whisky list?

Glengoyne Distillery and Edinburgh whisky meet ups

A short 30 minute bus trip from Glasgow Buchanan bus station, passing intertwining hills and windy country roads…  BANG! You’ve reached your destination…. The Glengoyne Distillery.

Discovered in 1833, it is known for its beautiful setting just outside Loch Lomond. Glengoyne is considered a Highland Single Malt, the distillery sits on the highland line and its warehouses (across the road) sit on the Lowlands.

The distillery is also parallel to the famous walk of the West Highland Way. Many walkers have a tendency to combine their walk with a visit to the distillery.  Apparently, Glengoyne leave a whisky bottle on the fence for the walkers to take a swig from as they pass it.  A nice wee personal touch.

The waters used by the whisky comes from the Glengoyne Burn, which flows from the Dumgoyne hill into the distillery grounds.  This is where the tour begins before a short walk to the distillery itself.

I’d recommend taking the gold medal or chocolate tour, where you also get to taste four Glengoyne whisky bottles. Oh, and a free Glencairn glass thrown in as  well… standard. 🙂

Always wonder what the point is in visiting a distillery without tasting their whisky?  It’s a bit like going to the cinema and walking out half way through the film.  The tasting completes the whole experience.

Note to remember:  I paid roughly £26 for the gold medal tour. I only discovered afterwards the same tour was on groupon for half price.  Always jump on the site before you go so you’re not missing out on juicy deals.

What makes Glengoyne whisky different?

They don’t use peat smoke to dry the barley.

Glengoyne Whisky tasting 

Glengyone 12 year old- vanilla, toffee, apples, coconut

Glengoyne 15 year old –  citrusy, dry, fruity, apples, cinnamon

Glengoyne 18 year old – oaky, apples, sweeter, slightly spicy

Glengoyne 21 year old –  known as the ‘big bad boy’ rich, spicy,   100% sherry cask matured. Nutty, rich, apples, cinnamon.  Out of the three this was my favourite- rich, spicy and warm.

Everytime I added drips of water to Glengoyne whisky I felt it weakened the flavours.

 

Edinburgh ‘monthly malty’ meet up

As well as immersing myself in the whisky world, I also want to surround myself with whisky enthusiasts.  What better way to do this than through social media.  I came across a ‘monthly malt’ group, in Edinburgh, on the Meet Up app.  Organised by Justine, the group meet up (obviously) every month in a different place, whether its a pub, tasting session or whisky and cheese night.

Last night it was at the Athletic Arms- 15 minutes away from Haymarket. Really enjoyed it and was great to spend the evening with lovely people.  Who would have known people from Edinburgh could be so nice?  I joke! 🙂

The Athletic Arms had a huge list of whisky options £2.50 a time. Bargain!

I went for…

Glenfiddich 18 year old–  smooth, very smooth, caramel, toffee and fruity

Glenmorangie midwinter nights dram (limited edition) – it was ok. Not as smooth as the Glenfiddich.  This made me want to try something different. So the next one was the…

Laphroaig 18 year double cask (Islay)– Wow!  The beast of all whisky beasts I’ve tried so far. Very strong smelling, very smoky and very spicy.  I wasn’t actually averse to it.  This also made me discover Islay single malts will be the most likely whisky that I’ll add a splash of water.

 

Until next time… Slainte!