Phil’s Top 3 Whiskies

Happy World Whisky Day!

In celebration, we have caught up with our General Manager, Phil Scott, to find out his whisky essentials and what he recommends!

LAGAVULIN 16YO:

Where:  Islay

Description:  For me, Lagavulin 16 is a benchmark for Islay whisky.  For sure there are hundreds of other quirky Islay drams and older age statements which I enjoy immensely but I will always come back to Lagavulin.  The powerful yet balanced aromas of peat and smoke open the door to this rich, bold and dry finish on the palate.  I always get a whiff of smoky bacon on the nose which tees up a sweet spiciness in the mouth.  I always say ‘gun to my head, favourite dram’.

Why I like it:  I also like it so much because it’s readily available the world over and when I was working overseas, I was able to indulge.

P.S. The LAGAVULIN 1995 Distillers Edition Pedro Ximenez Cask is something you can bathe in!  It is immense.

CLYNELISH 14YO:

Where: Highlands, Brora

Description:  If I was given the option to have one whisky for everyday dramming (or a breakfast malt if you will)…this is it.  Mostly bourbon cask (last time I remember asking them at the distillery it was 60% Bourbon 40% Sherry), with a slightly sweet, smoky, briny nose.  My favourite bit about it is the waxy/honeyed notes too!  It’s a rewarding dram and one that has more sophistication at entry-level, given it’s 14 YO.

Why I like it:  It’s our house Dram at Links House….everyone gets a nip if they want and we also serve it with our porridge in the morning.

MORTLACH 16YO – FLORA & FAUNA RANGE

Where: Speyside

Description:  I first started in the drinks industry at the tender age of 18 and was encouraged to appreciate Malt Whisky by my co-workers at Oddbins.  Some tastings I have completely forgotten in the mists of time but I will never forget the first time I tasted this!  ‘Christmas Cake in a bottle’ as we used to call it! Back in those days, we could buy it off the shelf for £31.99…a bargain.

Why I like it:  Great memories and every time I see a bottle, I’ll have a dram as it brings back great memories.