Today the world celebrates the second International Scotch Day. (Not to be confused with World Whisky Day and International Whisky day, but hey, the world clearly needs excuses to drink whisky) The initiative comes from global drinks company Diageo and mostly aims at recruiting the Millennial generation into the hipster world of whisky.
Alexander Walker's birthday - the Johnnie Walker blended scotch pioneer - will be remembered by a social media campaign #LoveScotch, several activities - free entrance, special tastings,... - in distilleries and opening up its usual off-limits Archive for the public.
To help you celebrate yet another whisky-sipping day, we will pick 8 famous and affordable Scotch whiskies for you, The Whisky Loving Reader. But we will not limit ourselves to strictly Diageo whiskies.
Johnnie Walker Black Label
How can we not include the most famous blended Scotch whisky? The Johnnie Walker brand almost stands synonymous for the word 'Scotch'. Chances that a bartender will serve you a Johnnie Walker Red or Black label when you simply ask for a Scotch are close to 90%. Key flavours: Soft. Malty. Smoky.
Compass Box Great King Street
A blended Scotch with a fair dose of malt from the blending artisans at Compass Box. It is not so difficult to find the recipes of their blends. The whisky is named after Compass Box's Edinburgh office. A company that's never shy of defying the standards, Key flavours: Vanilla. Dried fruits. Citrus.
Douglas Laing Rock Oyster
Douglas Laing not only bottles single malt whiskies. They also blend some fabulous regional whiskies. The fantastic artwork catches the eye on the shelves and the liquid is far from inferior. Rock Oyster is Douglas Laing's take on an "Islands blended malt" with whiskies from Islay, Jura, Arran and Orkney. Key flavours: Peat. Spices. Vanilla.
Glenfiddich 12
Another trademark whisky that catapulted many Scotch lovers down the rabbit hole. The iconic triangular bottle with the stag is your springtime daily dram. Glenfiddich's 12YO is a soft and easily entry level Speyside single malt. Key flavours: Fruity. Pears. Honey.
Glenfarclas 15
A rich and complex sherry monster from one of Scotland's most iconic and independent Speyside distilleries: Glenfarclas. The 15-year-old single malt attained a cult status. Raisins. Orange rind. Dates.
Old Pulteney 12
A true Highland whisky and iconic bottle shape. Not too daunting but a pleasant introduction into the coastal Highland malts. Key flavours: Malt. Citrus. Brine.
Talisker 10
Another true classic from Diageo. The only distillery on Skye boasts a coastal smoky character. This 10YO single malt is one of the best value for money whiskies. Key flavours: Smoke. Apple peel. Brine.
Lagavulin 16
Diageo's Islay representative in the Classic Malts series. A massive and complex peat monster from the south coast. Key flavours: Lapsang Souchong. Peat. Sherry.
Which Scotch will you pour to celebrate #LoveScotch? Or are you a part of the Tournée Minerale gang?
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