EP 13: Scotch, Scotch, and more Scotch

The Friskey Whiskey Podcast

Join MikeD and TI as we take a stroll through the misty hills of Scotland and the flavors of some of the well known Scotch whisky of the area. We're taking a look at The Balvenie, Compass Box, Johnnie Walker and The Dalmore.

The Balvenie (Speyside) Caribbean Cask 14yr:
History: The history of The Balvenie whiskey begins in the picturesque region of Speyside, Scotland, in the 19th century. The story goes that William Grant, a farmer who had been working as a manager at the Mortlach distillery for over 20 years, decided to start his own distillery. Together with his seven sons and two daughters, he began construction of the Balvenie distillery in 1892. In 1893, the first casks of Balvenie whiskey were laid down to mature. The Grants were patient and refused to release any whiskey until it had reached the perfect age. They believed in the importance of quality and craftsmanship, and this philosophy has been passed down through the generations.

In 1957, William Grant & Sons, the company that owned the Balvenie distillery, introduced the first-ever single malt whiskey. This was a significant departure from the blended whiskeys that dominated the market at the time. The Balvenie was one of the pioneers in this new category of whiskey, and it quickly gained a reputation for excellence. Over the years, the Balvenie distillery has continued to innovate. In 1971, they introduced a double maturation process, where the whiskey is matured in two different types of casks. They continue to use locally sourced ingredients and traditional methods, and the whiskey is still matured in the same warehouses where it was laid down over a century ago. The Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14 year old single malt whisky has been matured in traditional oak whisky casks for 14 years, and then ‘finished’ in casks that previously held Caribbean rum.

Tasting Profile: Sweet vanilla, honey, tropical fruits, caramel, passion fruit, oak, red apple, sweet, spicy

Compass Box: The Spaniard:
History: Back in 2000, John Glaser was working for a large UK distiller (marketing director for Johnnie Walker) when he realized that there was so much that hadn’t yet been explored in the world of Scotch whisky. An American living in London, he decided to do something refreshingly different and bring the joys of Scotch whisky to more people in exciting new ways. So, he started Compass Box, an inventive company based on the long-lost model of the Scotch whisky blending house, but with a forward-looking approach and an unrelenting desire to create deliciousness. Originally working from his kitchen, Compass Box has grown over the years and now has two dedicated Blending Rooms in London. Also they have their own stocks of maturing whiskies in Scotland.

The Spaniard:
Whiskies aged in Spanish Wine Casks: The name is a nod to John Glaser's chance encounter with a man in the South of Spain, where he was introduced to Sherry for the first time. (suggested cocktail: Highball with Ginger Ale: 2oz whiskey , top with chilled Ginger ale)

Tasting Profile: Orange, Dried Cherry, Chocolate, Vanilla, Cake, Almonds, Raisin, Toasted, Spicy

Johnnie Walker Celebratory:
Johnnie Walker whiskey began in 1819 in Kilmarnock, Scotland. John Walker, the son of a farmer, opened a grocery store in the town, which sold a range of goods including tea, coffee, spices, and whiskey. It was during this time that John began to experiment with blending different whiskies together to create a unique and consistent flavor. John's son, Alexander, inherited the grocery store and continued his father's legacy. In 1867, Alexander began using the iconic square bottle and label design that is still used today. He also introduced the brand's first color-coded labels, which distinguished the different blends based on their strength and flavor.

In 1909, Johnnie Walker was awarded a royal warrant by King Edward VII, which allowed the brand to use the words "By Appointment to Her Majesty the Queen" on its labels. This endorsement helped to establish Johnnie Walker as a prestigious and premium brand. The brand's reputation for quality and consistency continued to grow, and it became the best-selling Scotch whisky in the world. Celebratory brings back the tradition from 200 years ago. The blend’s unique strength is similar to that of their Old Highland Whisky sold during that era.

Tasting Profile: sweet dried raisins, spice, marzipan, roasted nuts, icing sweetness, gentle peat, soft pepper

The Dalmore (highland) 15yr:
History: Dalmore's heritage dates back to 1263. It was in this year that Colin of Kintail, Chief of the Clan Mackenzie, saved King Alexander III from the fury of a charging stag. In recognition of this noble act the King granted the Mackenzie Clan the right to use the 12 pointed Royal stag emblem on their coat of arms. When descendants of the Clan became owners of The Dalmore distillery in 1867, the Royal Stag became the recognisable icon that proudly adorns each bottle of The Dalmore today; an emblem which encapsulates a rich past whilst also embodying a promise that The Dalmore will remain at the pinnacle of single malt. The Dalmore house style derives from a close and trusted relationship that was forged with sherry house González Byass over 100 years ago. The rare casks, which have previously held 30 year old Matusalem oloroso sherry, are exclusive to The Dalmore. These casks enrich the signature chocolate and orange character of our whisky with rich and nutty flavors.

Tasting Profile: Orange, Cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, ginger, crushed apples, Caramelized orange, rich dark chocolate

Bonus Bottle: The Glenlivet 15 year French Oak Reserve