Fun Facts:
There are five Scotch Whisky regions – Campbeltown, Highland, Islay, Lowland and Speyside. Each offers a different perspective on Scotch Whisky – https://www.scotch-whisky.org.uk/discover-scotch/enjoying-scotch/scotch-whisky-regions/
Tasting whiskies of different ages, from different regions, matured in different casks and in new and different ways is all part of the fun of discovering Scotch – the world’s premier whisky and consumers’ spirit of choice.
In this toolkit, we will help you to conduct a Scotch Whisky tasting and introduce you to new ways to enjoy Scotland’s national drink.
https://www.scotch-whisky.org.uk/media/1714/swa-tasting-toolkit_2020.pdf
Bowmore 12
- $76.20 [LCBO ]
- 3.7 / 5 (whisky.de fans)
- Taste profile: Peat Smoke, Sweet, Sherry
- Distillery: Bowmore – Bowmore.com
- Variety: Single Malt Whisky
- Region: Speyside (Western Islands)
- Alcohol Content : 40.0%
- Maturation: ex-American Oak Bourbon barrels
This dram expresses the essence of Bowmore with rich amber colour; subtle notes of citrus and honey with typical peaty smokiness; the flavours are sweet and delicious with heather and honey; a soft peat smoke note lingers on a long and mellow finish. – LCBO
The Bowmore malts are moderately smoky by Islay standards, with around 35 ppm. The use of sherry casks gives the bottlings a complex and fruity character. The distillery itself describes its well-known standard bottling as ‘vanilla ice cream on a campfire’.
More details from Whisky.de
Glen Garioch Founders Reserve
- $90.20 [LCBO ]
- 3.4 / 5 (whisky.de fans)
- Taste profile: Sweet, Vanilla, Zitrus
- Distillery: Glen Garioch
- Variety: Single Malt Whisky
- Region: Scottish Highlands
- Alcohol Content : 48%
- Maturation: Ex-Bourbon
The founder’s reserve is quintessential Glen Garioch; it pours a bright amber colour with aromas of sweet vanilla, grapefruit, green apple and subtle spice; the palate has buttery creaminess leading to more flavours of vanilla and green apple; citrus notes add to the cleanliness while the finish remains subtle and elegant – LCBO
The Glen Garioch Founders Reserve single malt whisky is dedicated to John and Alexander Manson, who founded the distillery near Aberdeen in 1797. The distillery is one of the oldest in Scotland and is located in the Eastern Highlands, in the protected Garioch Valley in Old Meldrum. With its unique location between Speyside and the east coast, Glen Garioch has been producing whiskies for over 200 years.
More details from Whisky.de
Craigellachie 13
- $79.95 [LCBO ]
- 4 / 5 (whisky.de fans)
- Taste profile: Zitrus, Orange, Spices, Sherry
- Distillery: Craigellachie
- Variety: Single Malt Whisky
- Region: Speyside (Region East of Inverness)
- Alcohol Content: 46%
- Maturation: Ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry casks
In the glass, a vibrant gold colour, with enticing and forward butterscotch candy aromatics, supported by notes of white grapefruit, hay and smoke. On the palate it is easy-drinking and mellow, with light smoke flavours and honeyed sweetness. The finish is clean and gentle, with lingering citrus pith and vanilla spice. – LCBO
Original bottlings from the Craigellachie distillery have also been available again since 2014. The distillery continues to use traditional worm tubs to cool the distillate. They give the whisky a special Taste. – Whisky.de
Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban 14
- $117.95 [LCBO]
- 4.4 / 5 (whisky.de fans)
- Taste profile: Sweet, Fruit, Chocolate, Sherry
- Distillery: Glenmorangie
- Variety: Single Malt Whisky
- Region: Scottish Highlands
- Alcohol Content : 46%
- Maturation: Ex-Bourbon and finish in Ruby Port Pipes
This whisky offers a nose of rose scented turkish delight, honeysuckle, tangerines and dark chocolate.A soft, velvety texture leads to tastes of berries and nutmeg entwined with mint chocolate and seville orange, then a bold and deep finish. – LCBO
Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban (ruby red in Gaelic) belongs to the distillery’s Extra Matured range. In 2019, the series was relaunched: Glenmorangie extended the storage period for the Single Malt. Thus, this 14-year-old Single Malt was first matured for at least ten years in bourbon casks before it was subsequently matured in selected port wine casks. Both the choice of casks and the process of the Single Malt remain unchanged, so that the aromatic character that makes up Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban is also preserved. – Whisky.de
Highlands Park 12
- $84.95 [LCBO ]
- 3.8/ 5 (whisky.de fans)
- Taste profile: Peat Smoke, Sweet, Sherry
- Distillery: Highland Park
- Variety: Single Malt Whisky
- Region: Scotland, Islands (North)
- Alcohol Content : 43%
- Maturation: First Fill and Refill Sherry Casks
At the core of the Highland Park range is the expression that started it all; the twelve year old pours a glowing amber colour, shows beautiful aromas of sweet honey and a light peat note; full and rounded on the palate with more sweet citrus and full malt flavours; the finish shows notes of heather and subtle smoke. – LCBO
The 12-year-old Highlands Park is the most important cornerstone in the distillery’s range. Matured in sherry casks, it convinces with a sweet and spicy character. – Whisky.de
Dalmore Port Wood Reserve
- $140.20 [LCBO – link]
- 4.3/ 5 (whisky.de fans)
- Taste profile: Fruit, Berries Sweet, Sherry
- Distillery: Dalmore
- Variety: Single Malt Whisky
- Region: Scotland, Highlands
- Maturation: Ex-Bourbon casks and partial finish in Tawny Port Pipes
Bright copper flecks the chestnut hue of Dalmore Portwood. Pronounced aromas of golden sultana, cinnamon toast, orange peel and nutmeg lead to a smooth, rich palate of creamy toffee and baking spices. The finish lingers with notes of toffee, sultanas, raisins and a hint of white pepper. Serve with dark chocolate. – LCBO
Dalmore Port Wood Reserve was first matured in American white oak casks, after which the whisky was split. One half continued to mature in the white oak casks, while the other half was filled into old Tawny Port Pipes from W&J Graham’s estate. The subsequent marriage gave the Single Malt a balanced and aroma-rich character. – Whisky.de