The Grape, Grain & Cane Selection Here at the Grand, we have carefully selected a variety of sipping malts and brandies to satisfy the needs of all who stay with us here at the Grand Hotel. We appreciate each palate is different, so why not ask one of our skilled bar team to help pick one that best suits your requirements. Whatever your dram, sit back, relax and enjoy your surroundings there really is no need to hurry, there are plenty more to choose from! The Grand s Whisky Club Whether you are a keen whisky enthusiast, or just someone who enjoys the occasional dram, why not join our Whisky Club. Membership is free, and you can enjoy such benefits as; 25% discount on all Whiskies on the first Sunday of every month 10% discount on all Whiskies for the remainder of the month Exclusive members only offers Whisky Tasting Events Guest Speakers For more information, or to become a member, please ask a member of staff. Whisky Flights Benromach 18.00 25ml Benromach 10 year old, 25ml Benromach Organic and 25ml Benromach Peat Smoke Glenfiddich 18.00 25ml Glenfiddich 12 year old, 25ml Glenfiddich 15 year old Solera Methode and 25ml Glenfiddich 18 year old Ancient Reserve Balvenie 22.50 25ml Balvenie Double Wood 12 year old, 25ml Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14 year old and 25ml Balvenie Single Barrel 15 year old Ardbeg 20.00 25ml Ardbeg 10 year old, 25ml Ardbeg Corryvreckan and 25ml Ardbeg Uigedail. Glenmorangie 40.00 25ml Glenmorangie 10 year old, 25ml Glenmorangie 18 year old Extremely Rare and 25ml Glenmorangie 25 year old Quarter. Flight Of Your Choice Want to create your own flight? Simply choose any 3 Whiskies and get 10% off your own personal flight. All Whisky s and Cognac s in this menu are served as a 25ml measure Whisky Tasting Events 2014 Most people have a favourite whisky but what about all the others that are waiting for you to discover? Still unsure if whisky is the drink for you? Our relaxed whisky sessions are perfect for you too! Hosted on the first Sunday of every month, our whisky tastings offer the perfect opportunity to try something you ve not considered before, take a different look at the world of whisky, and learn something new all whilst having a bit of fun. Our own whisky specialists will be on hand to pass on their extensive knowledge, advice and insight. The exact whiskies for each session will be confirmed nearer the time, but the list below will give you a flavour of what s in store. What styles or regions of whiskies will you try? As well as our own team of experts, we hope to bring you brand ambassadors to present extra exclusive tastings each month, allowing you to get a more detailed experience of a particular whisky or range. Information will be posted on here, so keep checking back. Our tasting sessions offer fantastic value at just 20 per person but for those who want to sample more, Whisky Club members receive a 10% discount on whisky at the Cedar Court Grand Hotel & Spa at all times, or a fantastic 25% on the first Sunday of each month. Whisky Club membership is free of charge, so join today. Sunday 4 th May 2014 Blended Whisky Whether you ve never tasted a whisky before or if you re usually a fan of single malt whiskies, let us introduce you to a selection of the finest blended whiskies. Our whisky specialists will be your guides as you sample 4 distinctly different styles and enjoy a small interactive talk about each blend. Sunday 1 st June 2014 Bourbon The Grand s Whisky Selection - April 2014 1
Calling all bourbon lovers! Fuller and sweeter than their European cousins, bourbons offer a different choice for the whisky connoisseur. Broaden your whisky horizons stateside as you sample 4 excellent examples of this American favourite. Sunday 6 th July 2014 A beginner s introduction to Whisky For novices keen to learn more, or for those who are yet to be convinced about the joys of whisky, let our head Bartender introduce you to some of the very best examples. Experience different varieties and tastes grain Whisky, sweet bourbon, smoky and peated and watch your preconceptions and perceptions of whisky quickly disappear. Sunday 3 rd August 2014 Highlands For many this is the home of whisky. The Scottish highlands is a vast area blessed with so many fine examples to try, savour and enjoy. Join our experts on a trip through the Northern, Central, Western & Eastern Highlands enjoying a drink from each along the way. Sunday 7 th September 2014 Tour of the British Isles It s not all about Scotland! Take a tasting trip through the British Isles with us and you ll compare and contrast whiskies from England, Wales, Ireland and, of course, Scotland. Each has its own distinct flavour making this a journey that s certainly worth taking. Sunday 5 th October 2014 Islay The island of Islay, part of the Inner Hebrides of Scotland, has an important heritage and special place in the heart of many whisky aficionados. Head over the water with us and taste 4 whiskies that express the best of what this region has to offer and fall in love with it yourself. Sunday 2 nd November 2014 Whiskies of the New World You could easily spend a lifetime enjoying the whiskies of Scotland, but why limit yourself? Great whisky is global. Let us show you some an exciting examples from Japan, Canada and India before returning a little closer to home with a dram from Wales in a whisky new world tour. Sunday 7 th December 2014 Speyside For some it is simple: Speyside IS whisky! Find out why as we explore some of the familiar whiskies and popular bottlings, as well as guiding you to something a little less known. The perfect aperitif for the festive season (and a great chance to add another whisky to your Christmas list!). Balvenie Dipping Dog For over a hundred years there has been a secret way to drink The Balvenie. Known only to those inside the distillery walls and frowned upon by the office and accounts department. It s called The Balvenie Dipping Dog and it is time to take it further than Dufftown. Dipping Dogs were once used by distillery workers to liberate whisky from casks in the warehouse. Made from copper tubing and tied to the belt, it was stored down the worker s trouser leg. The dog was then dipped into casks and filled with whisky when the Exciseman s back was turned. The vessels were affectionately known as dogs due to them being a man s best friend, kept on a lead and always by one s side. Each dog contains two drams for you to share and is definitely something to savour. The manner in which it s obtained may have changed but the enjoyment of The Balvenie will always remain the same. Balvenie Double Wood, 12 year old 10.00 (50ml) 20.00 (100ml) Aged in ex-bourbon casks before being finished in sherry casks, this Whisky is sweet, with a good body. The bourbon characters develop; gentle spice with a little vanilla. The finish is long, dry and spicy. Balvenie Caribbean Cask, 14 year old 14.00 (50ml) 28.00 (100ml) Rich, sweet and creamy toffee on the nose combined with fresh fruit notes. Rounded taste with vanilla and sweet oak notes, with a soft and lingering finish. Balvenie Single Barrel, 15 year old 21.00(50ml) 42.00 (100ml) Delicate sweetness of honey and dried mixed fruit appear on the nose. Husky sweetness on the palate. This Whisky climaxes with barley and bourbon spiciness, peaking most spectacularly Balvenie Portwood, 21 year old 32.00 (50ml) 64.00 (100ml) Unusual aroma s for a wine-finished whisky. Surprisingly delicate. Her sublime mouth feel carries, masterfully: red fruit, raisins, an edge of white grape and a very floral honey. Long finish with a lovely praline amid the soft grape. The Grand s Whisky Selection - April 2014 2
Single Malt Whisky Single Malt is a Whisky that comes from a single distillery, that is distilled from one single malted grain. In the case of a Single Malt Scotch, barley is always the grain to be used. Single Malt Scotch must be distilled in Scotland, and matured in oak casks for at least three years and a day, although most Single Malts are matured for longer. The Grand Selection The following rare vintages have been specially selected from a variety of distilleries from around Scotland. Glen Grant 1968 26.00 The nose is quite full and rich with a profusion of sherry notes, steeping the peels and gentle smoke with pep. Note s of juicy fresh fruit s and a touch of berry fruit s. There are notes of cut herbs and acacia honey. The palate is quite smoky and full. There are notes of espresso beans and sherried winter fruitcake. Notes of cloves and cinnamon and dark brown sugar with just a touch of rum. The finish is long and fruity with plenty of wood smoke. Linkwood 1946 60.00 The nose is full of juicy sultana s and sherry. Hint s of wood shavings and pine oil with feinty notes of rubber and leather with a touch of cereal sweetness. The palate is rather full and very smooth with lots of fruit. The oak shines with chewy tannin s and a touch of dark nuttiness with mixed peel s. The finish is quite long and fruity with a good oak. Macallan 1951 220.00 The nose is rich and warming, with notes of wintery cinnamon and clove spice s and espresso bean s. Hint s of sherried sultana s and aniseed with thick oaken, over ripe pear creeping in. The palate is thick and full. There are note s of rubber and heather root s, ash, and a gentle chewy peat. The finish is long and dry with smoke and barley sugar. Glen Albyn 1976 25.00 Peppery and fruity taste, with hints of lavender and fresh green apples. A slight saltiness becomes creamy and lingers. On the nose there is rich sherry influences, with hints of raisins and ripe bananas. Subtle floral notes of summer berries. Glenfarclas 1963 42.00 This was distilled in 1963 at the Glenfarclas distillery in Speyside. After a long maturation in a single sherry butt, the Whisky is rich and dark. Released as part of the Family Cask collection. The nose is rich and floral, the palate is solid dryness, chewy with a hint of Madeira, Rum and noble rot. Highland Park 1987 10.00 A warming taste with subtle hints of black pepper, some charred wood influences and a hint of bonfire embers. On the nose, fresh and malty notes initially, with ripe exotic fruits emerging. A subtle hint of aniseed evolves. Speymalt - Macallan Distillery 1971 38.00 The nose is full with a big sherry influence. Notes of sweet vanilla with marzipan. The palate is spicy and sweet with notes of dark chocolate and a hint of bee wax. The finish is quite long and well balanced. Strathisla 1949 45.00 The nose is rounded and a tad smoky. There are notes of rubbery sherry and chewy sultana s, hint s of tannic oak and mixed dry fruit s and spice. A hint of honeyed fresh tobacco emerges. The palate is full with a chewy texture. There are notes of barley sugar s and sultana s with sherried peel s. There is a trailing wood smoke note. The finish is lightly smoked, and well-oaked. Tomintoul 1972 Private Collection 45.00 This particular bottling was selected by former Managing Director David Urquhart to commemorate his retirement after 40 years of service to Gordon and MacPhail. The Grand s Whisky Selection - April 2014 3
The nose is of tropical fruits with hints of lime and mango, followed by sweet sherry aromas and charred oak. The palate has subtle spice with a slight dark chocolate bitterness, and the finish is smooth and creamy. Tomintoul 1967 28.00 The nose is quite full and well-balanced. There are notes of winter berries and a compote made thereof. Notes of heather root, vanilla fudge, sherried peel s and chewy sultana s with honey and dried rope s. Hint s of Madeira and bramley apple peel with a touch of peat. The palate is quite full and sweet. The oak is toasty and reveals spice and white pepper. The finish is long and chewy with a hint of smoke. Tullibardine 1964 39.00 The nose is of medium-body and quite soft. There are hints of fruit salad guava and pineapple. Hints of caramel which smooth s out proceeding s, somewhat. There are hint s of barley sugar and dried fruit s. The palate is medium-bodied with an aged refinement. The guava notes are backed with toasted cereals and a subtle cherry note. The finish is of medium length and quite soft. Lowland Lowland whiskies are lighter than those produced in the Highlands, typically having a dry finish, which makes them excellent aperitifs. The dryness comes from the malt itself, not from peat (Lowlands tend to use unpeated malt), and this also lends a certain sweet fruitiness to the flavour. Their aromatic intensity is low, and tends to be grassy or herbal, with grainy and floral notes. It used to be said that they added a brandy-like flavour to a blended whisky. This region now has only three operating distilleries: Glenkinchie, Auchentoshan and Bladnoch. At least six other Lowland single malts are still available, but no longer distilled. Auchentoshan, 12 year old 5.00 A light nose of exotic fruits, a hint of vanilla, with a little sweetness from the barely. Auchentoshan Three Wood 6.00 The nose is full of sherry, toffee and cooked fruit. The palate is rich in dark chocolate, with a superb finish. Cameron Brig 9 year old 4.50 Just as light on the palate as it is on the nose, very easy drinking. Subtle and summery with a reasonable mouth feel. The grains are nicely balanced, not too heavy on the corn notes, which some grains can be. The finish is fairly short, with a fruity sweetness, a gentle hug of warmth on your chest and just a pinch of peppery spice. Glenkinchie, 12 year old 5.50 With notes of fresh cereal and grist, this palate is very fruity with notes of Madeira and sweet stewed fruits. The finish is of medium length with notes of cereal and a fresh greenness. The Grand s Whisky Selection - April 2014 4
Campbeltown Campbeltown whiskies are traditionally full-flavoured and full-bodied, famous for their depth of flavour and their slightly salty tang on the finish. They were referred to as The Hector of the West', the deepest voice in the choir. In 1886 there were no less than 21 distilleries in and surrounding the city, now only three distilleries remain, Springbank, Glengyle and Glen Scotia. The Springbank Distillery produces three distinct whiskies; Springbank, Hazelburn and Longrow. Glen Scotia, 12 year old 4.50 Pungent on the nose, the palate is of rich peat with a long, spiced finish. Glen Scotia 1992, Cask Strength 7.00 The nose is quite light, with hints of the coast combined with sherried peels and Madeira. The palate is of medium-body with notes of toffee. The finish is of medium-length. Hazelburn, 8 year old 5.00 Part of a limited out turn of 5,100 bottles, this eight year-old is much sought after. Hazelburn is distilled at the Springbank distillery and named for a nearby silent distillery. It is unpeated and triple distilled. Longrow, 10 year old 5.50 A slightly peated 10 year old bottling from the Springbank distillery, matured in bourbon and sherry casks. Springbank, 10 year old 6.50 This 10 year old is from the Springbank distillery in Campbeltown, consisting of a mixture of both bourbon and sherry matured whisky. Springbank, 18 year old 8.50 Declared by the 2010 World Whiskies Awards to be the Best Campbeltown Malt. The nose is full of berry fruit s and hint s of caramel. The palate is rich in spices, notes of pepper, with a long chocolatey finish. Islands It is not uncommon for this region to be confused with Islay, but Islands is in fact a separate production region which consists of the islands Mull, Orkney, Jura, Arran, Shetlands and Skye. It is a source of constant debate whether Orkney actually belongs to the Islands or in fact should be counted as part of the Highlands region. Whisky from the Islands may be described as a milder version of Islay whisky and is often appreciated by those who have enjoyed whisky for a few years. Isle of Arran Arran Single Malt, 10 year old 4.50 A very aromatic single malt, with lots of grape on the nose. The flavour is rich and malty with fruit and The Grand s Whisky Selection - April 2014 5
liquorice. Perhaps a bit sharp, but overall, excellent. Isle of Jura Isle of Jura, 16 year old 6.50 This 16 year old from the Isle of Jura was a bronze medal winner at the 2004 International Wine and Spirits Competition. A cedary nose, with shoe polish and fruity notes. Rounded mellow palate, with a sweet, chewed tobacco finish. Isle of Jura, Superstition 8.00 Made up of whiskies aged for 13 years and 21 years, with 13 percent heavily peated malt, makes this sweet and porridge like. A cereal fest on the tongue, with hints of white pepper and black forest honey with hot buttered toast. Isle of Jura, Prophecy, Limited annual release 12.00 Meticulously crafted from a selection of the finest and rarest aged Jura single malt whiskies, Prophecy is a profoundly peated spirit. Powerful flavours of peat smoke, fresh cinnamon and spicy sea spray lead the first assault. Finally the tarry bonfire notes slowly give way to hints of soft liquorice and nutmeg. Isle of Mull Ledaig, 10 year old 4.50 A 10 year old from the Tobermory distillery on Mull, a Gold Medal winner at the 2008 International Wine and Spirits Competition. The nose is quite light and well-balanced. There is a very soft peat with a gentle smoke. Notes of barley and malt extract with walnut and pine oil and a hint of iodine with notes of dried fruit and nuts. The palate is medium-bodied and quite rich. There are notes of spice and smoke gathering above the charred oak. The peat is quiet and dry with a touch of black pepper and earth. The finish is of medium-length and slightly smoky with spice Tobermory, 10 year old 4.50 An old and rare edition of Tobermory 10 year old, before they changed the abv. The nose is quite light and fresh. There are notes of barley sugars and toasted cereals, hints of winter spice and a soft oak with notes of salty melted butter and ground ginger. The palate is quite sweet and light. There are notes of acacia honey and a soft oak, the smoke and peppers thereof rise gently with a touch of dried fruit and peel with a cinnamon note. The finish is long and herbal with a touch of pepper. Isle of Orkney Highland Park, 12 year old 4.50 Made from the best barley malted over peat fires, merged with the unique spring waters of the island, and aged in casks for a minimum of twelve years that shape it s rare and very distinctive character. Plenty of citrus and green note s. Highland Park, 18 year old 8.00 A superb 18 year old from the Highland Park distillery and a winner of a Gold Medal at the 2005 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The nose has floral notes and fresh blossom with a delectable fruit salad. Notes of honeyed exotic fruits with a little botrytis. The palate is creamy and full with fruit and espresso. A creaminess with cinnamon and allspice. Notes of toffee with thick black forest honey. The finish is long and well sugared with a herbal edge. Highland Park, 40 year old 80.00 The nose is rich and full. Notes of pine and eucalyptus oil with hints of manuka honey. There are some fruit notes, grassy heather and mixed peels developing with gentle smoke. The palate is full and a little oily. Notes of leafy greenness and marzipan with hints of sherry. There are some thick oak notes with Seville marmalade and a little spice. The finish is long with perfumy notes and zesty bitter oak. Scapa, 16 year old 6.50 The nose is quite thick and rich with notes of honeycomb and toffee. The palate is full-bodied with Notes of heather roots and cut grasses, honeyed oak notes with winter spices.the finish is long and developing with notes of dry oak and a gentle, weaving smoke. The Grand s Whisky Selection - April 2014 6
Isle of Skye Talisker, 10 year old 5.00 A classic Island dram from the Isle of Skye. Always highly rated. Lots of spice and fresh, tangy peat. Talisker Storm 7.00 Sweet, mellow and rich in the mouth at first, and then quickly very spicy and increasingly stormy as the Talisker heat comes through. The flavour is elegantly drawn out with a good balance between sweetness, smoke and salt, which is all the more evident when a little water is added. Talisker, 25 year old 18.00 The nose is rich and pungent. The palate is very full and firm. There is a touch of sweetness with a chewy peat and notes of smoke and fennel. There is a refined coastal character with a little toffee and peppery spices. The finish is long with a coastal character and a little sweetness with a peppery oaked note. Islay Islay single malts are single malt whiskies distilled on the isle of Islay, the most southern of the Inner Herbridean Islands, located off the west coast of Scotland. There are eight active distilleries on the island, with a ninth being made ready for production. Islay is a centre of whisky tourism. The whiskies of the distilleries along the south east coast of the island have the strong peaty character. This is considered to be characteristic of the Islay malts and is ascribed both to the water from which the whisky is made and to the peating levels of the barley. The other distilleries on the island make whisky in a variety of styles. Ardbeg, 10 year old 5.50 An initial moderate and clean sweetness of deep peat notes, with tobacco smoke and strong espresso coffee. Long and smoky, with a smoky sweetness left on the palate, with a crushed peat and sweet-malted cereal character. Ardbeg Corryvreckan 8.00 Corryvreckan takes its name from the famous whirlpool that lies to the north of Islay, where only the bravest souls dare to venture. Swirling aromas and torrents of deep, peaty, peppery taste lurk beneath the surface of this beautifully balanced dram. Ardbeg Uigedail 7.50 Ardbeg Uigeadail (pronounced Oog-a-dal ) is a special vatting that marries Ardbeg s traditional deep, smoky notes with luscious, raisiny tones of old ex-sherry casks. Notes of peat and little flourishes of dark sugar, freshly ground espresso beans, and cereal. The palate is led by sweet, ripe fruit and black forest honey. Very long, caramel and malt finish. Bowmore, 12 year old 4.50 Very floral, with lots of peat and smokiness. The palate is lovely and well rounded, with perfumed smoke. Very smoky and long finish. Bowmore Darkest, 15 year old 8.00 Matured in an inspired combination of both bourbon and sherry casks, it s final three years were spent in Oloroso sherry casks, to make it one of the most beautifully balanced Bowmores. The rich, deep colour is reflected in it s name, with a warming finish. Bowmore, 25 year old 24.00 The nose is creamy, gentle smoke with a vanilla hint, dark and smoky peat on the palate. Gentle smoky oak finish. Bruichladdich 1991 Cask Strength 10.00 Sweet vanilla notes, almost like ice cream soda. Spicy with a dark chocolate bitterness. A pleasant mouth warming sensation develops. On the nose, a hint of burnt wood, with salty sea air. Sweet and well balanced. Bruichladdich Islay Barley 7.00 Fresh on the nose with barley and honey notes coming through, followed by hints of jasmine and sea breeze. The palate is caramelised apples, crème anglaise, heather and honeysuckle with a vanilla and citrus finish. Bruichladdich Peat 7.00 The Grand s Whisky Selection - April 2014 7
Smokey and youthful on the nose. Plenty of peat developing into sherry, Madeira and vanilla. Very peaty on the palate, with hints of hay, raisin and oak. The finish is long, bold, and full of peat and oak. Bunnahabhain, 12 year old 4.50 The nose offers a fresh and aromatic experience with a subtle whiff of smoke floating through the air. The taste starts with a light fruit and nut appeal that leads to a malty sweetness, finishing into a beautifully rich, full-bodied, lingering experience. Caol Ila, 12 year old 4.50 The nose is fresh and herbal, elegant smoke on palate. The finish is long, peppery, spiced and a superb smoke. Kilchoman Machir Bay 2013 5.50 Smokey on the nose with marmalade, lemon zest and hints of white wine. Sherried and oaky palate with noses of cracked black pepper, star anise and peat smoke. The finish is long and spiced. Lagavulin, 16 year old 6.50 One of the smokiest noses from Islay. The palate is very thick and rich. A massive mouthful of malt and sherry with good fruity sweetness. Long peat smoke and spicy finish. Lagavulin 1997 Distillers Edition 12.00 Honeyed spice, peat, citrus and vanilla on the nose, with a light, smooth palate of spices, vanilla and peat. The finish is a little longer, with hints of cocoa. Laphroaig, 10 year old 5.00 Laphroaig, pronounced "La-froyg", is a Gaelic word meaning "the beautiful hollow by the broad bay". Huge smoke on the nose, with a hint of sweetness. The palate has surprising sweetness, with hints of salt and layers of peatiness. Recommended with water, it opens up the palate massively, providing a dazzling array of additional flavours. Laphroaig, 18 year old 8.00 Very big on the nose. After a while of nosing it you ll start to get the hint of banana loaf, developing alongside the applewood smoke, perhaps even cocoa too. Very long, with a luxuriously oily smoothness. Smokehead, 18 year old 10.00 Very peaty and smoky nose, with some tropical fruit. Medium bodied palate with spices and peat smoke. The finish is long and fruity with developing cocoa. Highlands The Highlands is the largest of the whisky producing regions in Scotland. The whisky is often very powerful, has a rich flavour and is quite smoky, although slightly less so than whisky from the Islands. Compared to the Lowlands, Highland whiskies often taste very different from each other. This is partly due to the size of the region which allows for greater differences in the microclimate, but variations in raw materials and production techniques do also play an important part. The word glen is commonly used in the name of both Highland and Speyside distilleries, and means valley. Central Highlands Blair Athol, 12 year old 5.00 The nose is nutty with gentle peat, and the palate is citrus, malty and sweet. Long finish peat smoke with sherry notes. Edradour, 10 year old 4.50 Edradour boasts its status as Scotland's smallest distillery, and at the heart of the range, this 10 year old Eastern Highlander is a rather unique single malt. A decided rum-like dram, with a thick mouthfeel. A Medium, great complexity on the nose, fruity, sherry, sweetness, and alluring vanilla.the palate is of rum, barley, and toasted almonds. The finish is spiced fruitcake with crème anglaise. Tullibardine 1993 5.00 The nose is a profusion of fruit; mango, pear and apple. There are notes of barley sugar and toasty cereals, notes The Grand s Whisky Selection - April 2014 8
of toffee and dried herbs, crème anglaise and a touch of cut grass. The finish is of good length with notes of oaked vanilla spice. Western Highlands Ben Nevis, 10 year old 4.50 Fresh and dry on the nose, with hints of orange and Seville marmalade. The palate is a gentle dryness, with solid peat notes. Long finish with toffee and caramel notes. Glengoyne, 10 year old 5.50 A soft, sweet 10 year old from the Glengoyne distillery and a winner of a Gold Medal at the 2007 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Slightly herbal with a bourbon influence, clean and dry with a superb barley finish. Glengoyne, 21 year old 10.50 Winner of a Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2005, a single malt from Glengoyne matured in first fill European oak sherry casks for 21 years. The nose is rich in red fruits, barley and oak, the palate is oaky with winter spice, the finish being long oak. Loch Lomond 4.50 Rather light, with notes of leather and wood. The palate is quite full with notes of stemmy hay, hints of toasted granary bread and cereal notes. The finish is quite long and full of cereal notes. Oban, 14 year old 5.00 Rich and smoky. The medicinal notes are quite evident with notes of the sea. The palate is thick and full. Notes of citrus with smooth sweetness on the nose. Good length of finish with fruit and dry oak. Eastern Highlands Royal Lochnagar, 12 year old 4.50 The nose has fresh sherry, peaty notes and surprisingly still heathery. It is spicy, yet grapy with a light to medium body. The palate has a big, spicy buzz, followed by an impressive build up of very clear, well defined malt. After a quick burst of sweetness, a rich, grape effect moves in towards the middle. The finish has lots of oak. Very, very dry with dominating vanilla. Northern Highlands Clynelish, 14 year old 5.00 Smoky with mandarin notes, dry oak with hints of orange and vanilla. Quite long finish spicy oak. This single malt from the Dalmore and a thick mouthfeel. Full of notes of Medium finish with orange notes. Dalmore, 12 year old 5.00 distillery is a toasty, coffee-rich dram with beautifully spice notes Seville marmalade and triple sec with winter spices and fruitcake. Dalmore, 18 year old 12.00 Dalmore's stunning 18 year old Highland malt is as rich, fruity and spicy as you could ever want from a Dalmore. Kudos to Richard Paterson for creating another veritable chocolate orange of a whisky - a surefire hit, and great for the colder months. It is aged for 14 years in American oak, followed by three years in Matusalem sherry butts, before a final year in sherry butts. Dalmore King Alexander 3 rd 15.00 This auspiciously-named dram was matured in wine, Madeira, Sherry, Marsala, Kentucky bourbon and Port casks. King Alexander III is a rich, fruity Highland single malt. Nose is full of chocolate, creamy vanilla fudge and orange zest. Peppery finish with well-integrated oak and the claret makes a last minute appearance. Glenmorangie, 25 year old 25.00 Berry compote on the nose, and the hint of potpourri is almost floral. Palate is soft and creamy with tropical fruit. Very long finish with oak and fruit. The Grand s Whisky Selection - April 2014 9
Glenmorangie Lasanta 7.50 An Oloroso sherry finished whisky, the word 'Lasanta' derives from the Gaelic for Warmth and Passion. The nose is creamy and of caramel, crème anglaise and chocolate raisins. Very buttery expression with a hint of honey in the creamy finish. Glenmorangie Original 5.00 Very fruity and thick. This has rich notes of lemon, nectarine and apple. The palate is creamy with toffee and tiramisu notes. Quite long, malt and fruit finish. Glenmorangie 18 year old 10.00 Rich, rounded and sweet on the nose with dried fruit and a floral fragrance. The taste is balanced honey, malt and flowery scents. Dates and figs emerge with a hint of wood smoke. The finish is long with the sweetness of dried fruit and subtle dryness of Oloroso nuttiness. Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban 30.00 Quinta Ruban is Glenmorangie's port finish. The nose is full of winter berries and a touch of port. The palate is sweet and thick. The port note is chewy and rich with notes of barley. The finish is long and fruity, and quite sweet. Glenmorangie Signet 15.00 Signet is distilled from malt with a good portion of chocolate malt too. Some of this whisky was also matured in virgin oak casks. Notes of chocolate and an old fashioned cocktail appear on the nose. The palate is sweet with huge cocoa, oranges and lychees. A dry finish that becomes fruity. Utterly superb in our opinion. Old Pulteney, 12 year old 4.50 Matured in ex-bourbon casks for 12 years, this Old Pulteney malt was a Double Gold winner at the 2006 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Crisp and clean. A great balance reveals notes of herbs and grist. Well balanced, with medium body, spices, oak and toffee notes. Medium oak finish. Speyside Speysides are essentially sweet whiskies. They have little peaty character, (although some have a whiff of smoke,) and their salient characteristic is an aroma often compared to pear-drops or solvent (such as nail varnish remover). They can be highly perfumed: scents of carnations, roses, violets, apples, bananas, cream soda and lemonade have all been discovered in Speyside malts. They take maturation in sherrywood well and can be rich and full bodied, medium and light-bodied. Speyside has the greatest number of distilleries of any of the whisky producing areas of Scotland. These single malts are distilled in the area around the River Spey in Moray and Badenoch, in North Eastern Scotland. Aultmore, 12 year old 4.50 Sweet and dry wheat on the nose, with hints of medicinal herbs. The palate is sweet and veggie, with a medium sweet finish. Balvenie Double Wood, 12 year old 5.00 Aged in ex-bourbon casks before being finished in sherry casks, this Whisky is sweet, with a good body. The bourbon characters develop; gentle spice with a little vanilla. The finish is long, dry and spicy. Balvenie Caribbean Cask, 14 year old 7.00 Rich, sweet and creamy toffee on the nose combined with fresh fruit notes. Rounded taste with vanilla and sweet oak notes, with a soft and lingering finish. Balvenie Single Barrel, 15 year old 10.50 Delicate sweetness of honey and dried mixed fruit appear on the nose. Husky sweetness on the palate. This Whisky climaxes with barley and bourbon spiciness, peaking most spectacularly Balvenie Portwood, 21 year old 16.00 Unusual aroma s for a wine-finished whisky. Surprisingly delicate. Her sublime mouth feel carries, masterfully: red fruit, raisins, an edge of white grape and a very floral honey. Long finish with a lovely praline amid the soft grape. Benromach 5.00 The nose is fresh with pine oils, stem ginger and a bit smoky. The palate is floral and grassy. Quite a sweet finish with citrus notes. Benromach 10 year old 6.00 The Grand s Whisky Selection - April 2014 10
Dry pine and fruity on the nose, with a hint of puckering prune from the sherry cask. On the palate, slightly herbal and grassy, with a little ground ginger. The finish is mouth-wateringly bittersweet and dry sherry. Benromach Organic 6.00 Sweet charred oak aromas on the nose with fresh fruit notes. Sweet, vanilla and toffee flavours on the palate with hints of green apple and orange peel. The finish is slightly sweet with a hint of smoke and malt. Benromach Peat Smoke 6.00 Freshly balanced on the nose, very earthy with citrus hints. The palate is perfumed, fruity and oily, with a dry and smoky finish. Cardhu 12 year old 6.00 Lovely sherried nose, with strong floral notes of rosewater and carnations. There is pear, apple apricot and slight hint of lemon in there also. This is a mild mannered whisky which has good balance and significant complexity. Cragganmore, 12 year old 5.00 Slightly floral, with barley notes. The palate is rich in dried fruits, with hints of honey. A smoky long finish, with delicate peppery spice. Dailuaine, 16 year old 5.50 A Flora and Fauna official release from the Dailuaine distillery, a 16 year old single malt which has been sherry matured for thick fruitcake notes with winter spice, a great digestive. Glen Elgin, 12 year old 5.00 Rich smoky espresso notes appear on the nose, the palate is soft, malty and lightly salted, with hints of tiramisu. Long good finish. Glen Elgin, 32 year old 42.00 The nose is rich with fragrant woods, oily, with a lovely Armagnac note. The palate is smooth with nectarine and nutty notes. The finish develops walnut and honey notes. Glenfarclas, 10 year old 5.00 Lots of sherry, with a touch of toffee on the nose. The palate again is full of toffee with a hint of smoke. A long and spicy finish. Glenfarclas, 15 year old 6.00 This 15 year old is matured in sherry wood. Intense and powerful nose, full of Pedro Ximenez. The Palate is full of dried orange, dates and walnuts. Incredibly long finish with walnuts. Glenfarclas, 30 year old 15.50 A heavily sherried 30 year old from Glenfarclas, this was a winner at the International Spirits Challenge. The nose is rich, dark and smoky and sherried. Thick and creamy sherry palate, with herbal notes. A long and sweet finish. Glenfiddich, 12 year old 5.50 This classic Speyside from Glenfiddich was the Winner of a Gold Medal at the 2007 International Wine and Spirit Competition, aged for 12 years in American and European Oak casks. Very smooth and sweet with a good oak finish. Glenfiddich, 15 year old, Solera methode 6.00 A 15 year old matured in American bourbon, Portuguese sherry and virgin oak. The whisky was then married in a Solera vat. Sherry citrus on the nose, more sherry, spices and sweetness on the palate. Candied fruits appear in the finish. Glenfiddich, 18 year old, Ancient reserve 6.50 This 18 year old was matured in a mix of Oloroso sherry and bourbon casks. Lots of fruit and dry wood. Toffee, ginger and sherry appear on the palate. Long finish, full of sherry and sweet ginger. Glenfiddich, 21 year old, Rum finished 12.50 Finished in casks previously used to age Caribbean Rum. The nose is rich on barley sugar, chocolate, honey and orange peels. Full palate with spices, buttery vanilla and a hint of oak. A lovely long marmalade finish. Glenfiddich, 30 year old 32.00 The Grand s Whisky Selection - April 2014 11
During its maturation, (in Bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks,) it was carefully watched over by the Glenfiddich Malt Master, and each bottle is now individually numbered.cocoa, espresso coffee, oak, malt, and hints of very rich sherry appear on the nose. Very rich palate with a mix of dates, peels and nuts from the sherry barrel, followed by hints of blossom. A long and malty finish. Glenrothes Select Reserve 5.00 Lots of zesty rich fruit on the nose, with notes of toasted cereals. The palate is silky smooth with a little vanilla and malt, with toasted cereal and sumptuous oak. The finish is long, with mocchaccino and barley sweetness. Knockando, 12 year old 4.50 The nose is quite gentle, and very fragrant. Notes of waxy manuka honey and hints of malty barley. There is a very supple, chewy peat lying quietly in the background. The palate is quite full with notes of heather roots and damp earth. The finish is quite long with winter spice and crystallized stem ginger with cereal notes. Linkwood, 12 year old 6.00 The nose is quite green, herbal and nutty. The palate is full with notes of pine oil, malt and almond. Quite a long, dry finish with a touch of anise. Macallan, Gold 5.00 The first expression in the new Macallan 1824 series, intended as a replacement for the 10 year old. The cask s have formerly held sherry. The nose offers apricot and peaches, fudge and a hint of leather. Medium bodied with malt, walnuts and spices on the palate, quite oaky with a medium length finish. Macallan, 18 year old Sherry oak 10.00 The nose is punchy, and of medium-body. There are notes of apple blossom and cut flowers. The palate is quite sweet and rich, with hints of rum and sherried sultanas. There are also notes of mixed peels. The finish is of medium-length, with a solid oak. Pittyvaich, 12 year old 6.00 The nose is full and robust, with a silken smoothness. A slight touch of smoke, notes of cereal and malted barley. The palate is quite full and dry. There are notes of oily nuts and dark chocolate. The finish is tannic and long and full in the mouth. Strathisla, 12 year old 5.00 The nose is rich, with notes of marmalade, and hints of bourbon, with a thick creaminess. The palate is thick and full. There are notes of thick cream and honeyed raisins. The oak develops into the finish, which is fruity and spirity. Tomintoul, 16 year old 6.00 The nose is medium-bodied. There are notes of stemmy cut hay and dried grasses. The palate is of medium body and quite rich. There are notes of boiled sweets, espresso and mocchaccino. The finish is of good length, with notes of almond and barley sugar. Tormore, 15 year old 5.50 The nose is quite light and spirity. There are notes of barley sugars and cereal notes with a generous helping of caramel. The palate is of medium-body, and very spirited. There are notes of oak with winter spice in spades, notes of dried fruit and caramel lurk. The finish is long and dry. England English Whisky Chapter 9 6.50 This is the first ever peated English malt. Its power and balance belie its years. The nose is oily and quite robust, with hints of toffee and smoky bacon. A touch tropical with a little papaya, then a hint of nougat. The palate is sweet and very rounded, with notes of vanilla and butterscotch angel delight. The finish is of very good length, with nutmeg and cardamom. India Amrut Fusion 7.00 Jim Murray s third finest whisky in the world for 2010. Amrut Fusion is distilled with barley from Scotland and India, making this a true fusion of two countries. The Grand s Whisky Selection - April 2014 12
The nose is rich barley and fruit, big on citrus with a hint of peat. The palate is rich and oaky, with coffee and dark chocolate. The finish is long and spiced, with a little marmalade sweetness. Japan Whisky production in Japan began around 1870, but the first commercial production was in 1924 when the country's first distillery, Yamakazi opened. The production of Japanese whiskey began as a conscious effort to recreate the style of Scotch whisky. Suntory Hibiki, 17 year old 8.50 The nose is quite full. There are notes of honey and wax, resin and oak, hints of cooked fruit and a nutty note. The palate is sweet and rich. There are crisp notes of mixed peels, raisin and custard with a little zest and plenty of oak. The finish is long with notes of oak, cocoa and sherried peels. Yamazaki, 12 year old 6.50 The nose is of good body, with plenty of nut oils and zest, a pleasant floral character with a little tropical fruit, and a rooty note. The palate is smooth and soft, with good sweetness and winter spice. A lovely citrus note develops with more tropical fruit notes, and a little rum. The finish is medium, with fruit and zest. Wales This is a new whisky, and the only one currently distilled in Wales. It was released for sale on St David s Day 2004. Penderyn 4.50 Finished in Madeira casks. The nose is sweet medium body. Notes of vanilla, sweet sultana s and over-ripe grape s. The sweet and thick palate develops into green spices with a custard note. Medium, crisp and fresh finish. Vatted Malt Whisky A Vatted Malt will contain a number of malt whiskies that have been skilfully blended together, or married, to create a consistent whisky with its own distinct, identifiable character. Never will they contain any grain whisky. This is one of the less common types of Scotch. To qualify as a Vatted Malt, the mixed single malt whiskies are matured in the barrel for 1 year, after which the age of the vat is that of the youngest of the original ingredients. Johnnie Walker Green Label, 15 year old 6.00 The nose is quite rich and full. There are notes of mocchaccino and espresso coffee, wood smoke and a fireplace, a touch of bitter chocolate and oak. The palate is of medium-body with notes of crisp cereals, coffee beans and chocolate, a date note with a touch of walnut. The finish is quite long and spicy with honeyed sweetness and oak. Monkey Shoulder 4.50 An elegant, stylish nose of marmalade, Crema Catalana, cocoa and malt. Hints of cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon. A very malty, creamy delivery which offers up a palate redolent of berry fruit. A hint of manuka honey, hot-buttered-toast and dried apricot develop. Medium length finish with vanilla notes. Blended Whisky Blended Scotch whisky constitutes over 90% of the whisky produced in Scotland. Blended Scotch whiskies contain both malt whisky and grain whisky. They were initially created as an alternative to single malt whiskies which were considered by some to be too harsh. Master blenders combine the various malts and grain whiskies to produce a consistent brand style. The Grand s Whisky Selection - April 2014 13
Ballantintines Finest 4.50 Expressive nose, with a touch of wood smoke and toffee. The palate is rich and sweet. Barley and caramel, with very gentle peat. Soft and sweet finish with a fudge note. Black Grouse 3.95 A timely innovation from Famous Grouse, this blend is based on peated Islay malts, and promises reassuring smoothness with aromatic, peaty flavours. Chivas Regal, 18 year old 6.00 The nose is balanced with notes of orange peel, vanilla fudge, and a touch of spice. Medium bodied palate, with a hint of marmalade, and a touch of wood. Long finish with spice emanating from the oak. Dewars Special Reserve, 12 year old 4.50 Toasty, toffee and a hint of smoke appear on the nose. The palate is full of acacia honey, fudge and hints of smoke again. A medium, honey smoked finish. Isle of Skye, 8 year old 4.00 Isle of Skye is based around malt whisky from Speyside and the Islands. Smokey nose with notes of barley and crème anglaise. The palate is sweet and sherry like. A nutty, spiced finish. Johnnie Walker Black Label 4.50 The nose is quite full, with hints of winter spice. The palate is quite rich and full. There are notes of wood smoke and dry spice, hints of barley and cereal. The finish is quite fruity and long with a note of sultanas and mixed peels. Johnnie Walker Blue Label 22.00 Fragrant nose, with notes of oak, crisp spice, dried fruit, hints of cedar, a touch of spice and citrus. Supple and balanced palate with good toffee, hints of smoke, a touch of grass and a good hit of malt. Good length finish with floral and oak notes. Blue Label is a legend in its own right and will continue to be. Johnnie Walker Gold Label, 18 year old 8.50 The nose is of good body and quite fresh. There are some notes of fruit and honeyed spice. The palate is quite full with good balance. There are notes of tropical fruits, a touch of stone fruit, smoke and a little beeswax. The finish is long with notes of eucalyptus oil and manuka honey. Johnnie Walker Red Label 3.95 The nose is quite pungent and full. There are notes of heather roots, cut herbs, a touch of fresh fruits and honey. The palate is quite full and rich. There are notes of malted barley and potpourri, a touch of winter spice and fruitcake. The finish is quite long and pungent, there is a good smoke note with a touch of oak. Canada According to the laws of Canada, a Canadian whiskey must be mashed, distilled and aged in Canada. All whiskies sold in Canada must be aged for at least three years in a wooden barrel, no greater than 700l in capacity. Most Canadian whiskies are blended, multi-grain liquors, containing a large percentage of rye, typically lighter and smoother than other whisky styles. Canadian Club Whiskey 3.95 Married in white oak barrels, the nose is of medium-body with notes of barley sugar and aniseed. The palate is quite sweet and gentle. There are notes of winter spice and dark sugars, and a touch of rum. The finish is of medium-sweetness, and of medium-length. American/Bourbon The Grand s Whisky Selection - April 2014 14
Whiskey came to the American continent with the Irish and Scottish immigrants. They were forced to adapt the process, and over the years a new kind of whiskey gradually evolved. Today there are few, if any, similarities left between the American whiskey and its cousins, the Scottish and Irish whiskies. For example, no smoke is used to dry the corn, rye or wheat used in American whiskey, hence it often has a fuller, stronger and sweeter taste than its European counterparts. American whiskey is commonly divided into six categories; Bourbon, Tennessee, Rye, Wheat, Corn and Blended whiskey. The categories are mainly motivated by differences in the type and amount of grains used during the mashing, but there are also differences in e.g. storage time. The name Bourbon originated from pioneers who named the county after the French Royal family in 1785. Nearly all Bourbon is produced in Kentucky however, it can be made anywhere in the USA and ironically no Bourbon is actually produced in Bourbon County at the present time. Bourbon must be made of a grain mixture that is at least 51% corn, the remainder being made up of rye, wheat and malted barley. The mash is double distilled and placed in charred oak casks for ageing for a minimum of two years. Buffalo Trace Kentucky Bourbon 4.50 The nose is quite sweet and rich with notes of crème anglaise. The palate is full and fruity with notes of winter spice and rum, the oak is present in a toasty, sweet capacity with notes of Madeira. The finish is rather long with notes of dry winter spice and vanilla essence. Bulleit Bourbon 3.95 The nose is quite pungent and peppery, with notes of marmalade and toasty oak. The palate is quite full, with notes of zesty orange, a hint of dried peel, a note of winter spice, a cigar box character and a touch of perfume. The finish is of medium-length, with plenty of spice. Jack Daniels Single Barrel Whiskey 8.00 The nose is of good body, with plenty of toasty oak. There are notes of corn, and lovely cereal sweetness, a little spice and toffee. The palate is full and mouthfilling. There are notes of cereal sweetness, the rye is in evidence with a touch of cigar box and nut oils. The finish is of good length, with a hint of citrus, and plenty of cereal sweetness. Jim Beam Black Label Bourbon 3.95 The nose is quite complex and well-balanced, with notes of crème anglaise and butterscotch. A hint of aniseed and lovely cereal sweetness. The palate is full and thick with fruit. There are notes of vanilla fudge and honey. The finish is of good length, with a touch of toasty oak spice Knob Creek 4.00 Single barrel reservehas a long, complex and utterly enjoyable finish. More dark chocolate flavours appear first, interspersed with rich hot cocoa and black walnut fudge notes, before cinnamon and apple pie spices. Ending with a warm vanilla cake tone that gently eases off the palate. L&G Woodford Reserve Bourbon 5.00 The nose is quite thick and creamy. There are notes of honey and spice. The palate is thick and full. There are notes of espresso beans, winter spice, cereal sweetness, with plenty of rye. The finish is long and mature with notes of cereals. Makers Mark Bourbon 4.50 The nose is quite fruity and rich. There are lovely notes of spiced honey and mixed peels. The palate is rich and full. There are notes of rye and spice, barley malt, a little nut oil with butterscotch and vanilla. The finish is quite sweet with butterscotch and dry oak spice. Sazerac, 18 year old Straight Rye Whiskey 12.00 This was distilled in the Spring of 1985 from a selection of Minnesota Rye, Kentucky Corn and North Dakota Malted Barley. Huge and powerful sweet Rye on the initial nosing gives way to cinnamon toasted brioche, leather, and more than a hint of Maraschino cherry. An initial astringency is surprising after the sweetness of the nose, but soon develops into caramel. A complex finish, with hints of cola nuts and a touch of Hazelnut. This is a small batch rye, blended from 28 hand selected barrels. The Grand s Whisky Selection - April 2014 15