Fortnum's Whisky Picks
Fortnum's Whisky Picks
Burns Night is a fine time of year to celebrate Fortnum & Mason’s long and proud history in the trade of Whisky, and we’d argue there is no finer way than by treating yourself - or a loved one - to a bottle of what Robert Burns referred to as Uisge Beatha (Water of Life).
For centuries we have worked with some of the great distilleries from across the most famed regions, alongside pioneering new distilleries and blenders from the new wave of producers. Today, we are proud to be home to a range that spans all four corners of the Whisky world, though Scotch remains the most popular, valuable and varied.
Fortnum's Spirits expert and buyer, Oscar Dodd, together with Dave Broom, winner of two Fortnum & Mason Food & Drink Awards 2020, have selected five distinct drams to excite your senses and warm the cold winter nights. Toasting the Haggis is highly recommended, but of course optional!
This exclusive whisky is distilled at Cotswolds Distillery from locally grown barley, which is malted at Britain’s oldest working maltings. Aged in a combination of ex-Bourbon and red wine conditioned oak.
Nose: Rich and warming aromas of dried red fruits, all wrapped in toasted almonds, oak spice and sweet vanilla.
Taste: Full and rich, with cherry, dried cranberry, marmalade, malted toffee and a citrusy vanilla.
Finish: Lingering and rounded, delightfully fresh
DAVE'S NOTES:
"There are now close to 30 whisky distilleries in England and some great whiskies are appearing. This gentle, red fruit accented (there’s wine casks in the vatting) is a great way to start exploring this exciting new world.''
Matured for 12 years in American white oak ex-bourbon casks, then a further three years in three different sherry wood casks, this expression typifies The Dalmore's house style.
Nose: Aromatic orange marmalade with toasted cinnamon spice.
Taste: Generous with baked orchard fruits, yuzu, sweet vanilla oak and a touch of ginger.
Finish: Layers of toffee apple, burnt orange and dark chocolate.
OSCAR’S NOTES:
''Once primarily used as a base for blended whiskies, today Dalmore's Single Malt bottlings command respect for their rich chocolate-orange house style and distinctive luxurious pakcaging. Launched in 2007, the 15 Year Old expresion offers everything you could want from a Sherry cask finished Highland Scotch.''
Makers of the only unpeated Islay whisky, Bruichladdich is renowned for innovation in the modern era. Here's Islay's terroir is championed with the use of locally grown Islay Barley from six farms across the famous isle.
Nose: Delicate floral notes alongside buttery vanilla, aromatic spice and roasted nuts.
Taste: Oily with pure sweet barley sugar character alongside citrus and peach fruite and toasty oak.
Finish: Sweet vanilla with long and delicate floral texture.
OSCAR’S NOTES:
''Remarkably complex yet perfectly balanced, Bruichladdich tend to only produce outstanding whisky, and this 2014 Islay Barley is no exception. A whisky with a really natural feel and great balance between pure barley spirit and the different types of oak used to compliment it. Full traceability and outstanding provenance add to the enjoyment of this fine Scotch.''
Fortnum's Speyside Single Malt Whisky
Crafted at the Dailuaine Distillery and aged in ex-sherry casks for which Speyside is renowned. Enjoy this exemplary whisky with a drop of water, so it can fully reveal its layers.
Nose: Mature sherry, luxurious sandalwood, fresh with a touch of roasted nuts.
Taste: Dried autumnal fruits, figgy with an enticing floral note, which is off-set by a slight spiciness
Finish: Ripe fruits and cinder toffee, apple crumble.
DAVE'S NOTES:
''A less well known Speyside distillery - because blenders love it! Dailuaine manages to combine subtle weight with sweetness and in this case touches of spice and light orchard fruit. Don't be scared of young whiskies!''
Macallan Sherry Oak 12 Year Old Whisky
The entry point to Macallan's 100% Sherry Oak aged whiskies: the style for which they are most revered and upon which Macallan has built its incredible reputation for quality.
Nose: Rich sherried fruit cake with hints of fresh salinity.
Taste: Dried prune and raisin fruit wrapped in complex oaky spice, nutmeg and sandalwood.
Finish: Long and round with sweet fruits and a touch of ginger spice.
OSCAR'S NOTES:
''An essential part of any Scotch drinker's arsenal, Macallan is the benchmark for Sherry cask aged whisky. Here European Oak, Sherry seasoned in Jerez de la Fontera, Spain, influences the whisky with layer of deliciou Christmas Cake fruit and spice. Great texture delivers a genuinly luxurious experience.''