whisky

Tomatin Distillery: Bridging Tradition and Innovation

I typically abstain from writing about blended whisky, but it is necessary to change that stance given the resurgence the category is experiencing. Blended whisky, when crafted with care, can offer a delightful drinking experience, deserving far more recognition than it currently receives. Gone are the days of dismissive notions about inexpensive, characterless bottles; instead, we must shift our focus to the profusion of new premium releases that have emerged.

The Whisky Event brings together some of the finest producers and enthusiasts in central London later this month. Held in the ballroom at the Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane, it is set to be one of the highlights of the year.

Readers may recall my enthusiasm for Glenturret, which I previously extolled in a prior article (accessible here). Thus, when an invitation arrived to return to this historic distillery and sample the newest entry in their Trinity series, Prowess, I eagerly cleared my schedule. As an added treat, I was also afforded the opportunity to dine at Lalique, the distillery's Michelin-starred restaurant - a long-standing aspiration of mine since my initial visit to Glenturret in 2021.

Blended and grain whiskies have historically been regarded as inferior to single malt whisky. Unfortunately, this category is often subject to gross generalisation, as many people form negative opinions based solely on experiences with brands such as Bells or Teachers, without exploring other options. However, if they had sampled premium blends like Chivas Regal, Johnnie Walker, or Royal Salute, their perception might be different.

The drive to Bruichladdich on the isle of Islay is nothing short of beautiful. Twisty roads, stunning coastal views, and if you are lucky, fine weather. But I don’t recommend you drive, opt for a taxi instead from the town of Bowmore and enjoy what this exciting distillery has to offer - incredible whisky. 

I was going to start this feature by saying “Once in a while” but it needs to start with “Once in a generation”

Gwalarn French Whisky

A Celtic Blend.

After creating two prestigious single malts (Kornog and Glann Ar Mor), Celtic Whisky Distillerie has developed its first blend, born from the blending of whiskies of Celtic origin. Like its single malt predecessors, this blend bears a Breton name that evokes its character, Gwalarn or “North-West Wind”. The French distillery in Côtes-d’Armor intends to bring a breath of fresh air to the world of blended whiskies.

Is John Lawrie, MD of the Glenturret Distillery and the Michelin Starred Lalique Restaurant, the future of the Scottish whisky industry? His approach to business certainly reflects the sort of elements which will take the whole sector forward: a respect for tradition, a refreshingly international outlook and an innovative marketing spirit, full of entrepreneurship and imagination. 

Certain distilleries have become ubiquitous on the shelves of not only specialist whisky retailers but supermarkets. The Balvenie is one of them and with justification. For decades it has been a leading light in Speyside. Located next door to Glenfiddich, yet almost hidden away it is producing some of the most exciting whisky in Scotland, so much so that their Second Red Rose 21 year old was was favourite "normal" expression tasted last year.