As the nights draw in and the temperature drops, there’s nothing better than curling up with a dram of warming whisky. From smoky Islay malts to sweet Speysiders, I’ve rounded up some of the best bottles to see you through the winter months.
“A nip of whisky is as warming as a roaring fire,”
Charles MacLean
Taking the Chill Off
“A nip of whisky is as warming as a roaring fire,” says renowned whisky writer Charles MacLean. He recommends richer, sweeter styles for banishing the cold. “I’d go for something like an Aberlour A’bunadh or a creamy Glenfarclas 105.” The higher alcohol content gives more “heat” to warm you from inside.
For Isla Neale, editor of Whisky Advocate magazine, it’s about aroma too. “I want something rich and intense to tickle my senses when it’s miserable outside,” she says. Isla suggests trying some heavily sherried whiskies like Glendronach 18 Year Old or GlenDronach Parliament 21 Year Old. “Their sweet, spicy scent makes it feel like you’re cosied up in a country pub with a roaring fire.”
Perfect Pairings
What better to eat with a warming dram than classic British winter fare? “I like to match richer, sweeter whiskies with dark fruit puddings,” says Charles. He suggests pears poached in red wine served with a dollop of cream. Isla recommends sticky toffee pudding or Bakewell tart. “The sweetness pairs beautifully with the vanilla and dried fruit flavours of a sherried Scotch.”
For heartier main dishes, Charles proposes a rich Aberlour or Glenfarclas alongside a steak and ale pie. “The malty, spiced flavours work brilliantly with a sweet, full-bodied Speysider.” Isla likes to match the smoke and salt of Islay malts like Laphroaig or Ardbeg with dishes like haggis, neeps and tatties. “It’s a match made in Scottish heaven!”
Winter Warmers
From the Island smoke monsters to the rich sherry cask Speysiders, here are some of my top recommendations to warm your cockles over the cold months:
- Ardbeg Wee Beastie: Young Islay single malt bursting with smoky, salty kipper notes. Goes great with smoked salmon pâté.
- Glendronach 18 Year Old: Deep, rich sherry cask single malt. Lovely with Christmas pudding.
- Glenfarclas 105 Cask Strength: A smooth, sweet, warming dram. Perfect with steak pie on a frosty night.
- Talisker Distiller’s Edition: Peppery Isle of Skye single malt matured in sherry casks. Ideal after braving the elements on a winter walk.
Whether you’re searching for the perfect dram to defrost after a day in the snow, or looking to find a whisky to pair with your favourite winter dishes, I hope you’ll find some inspiration here. Slàinte mhath!