Winter Whisky Wonders: Memorable Canadian and Scotch Spirits to Savor
While whisky can be enjoyed year-round, there's something particularly satisfying about sipping a fine brown spirit on a cold winter day. The global whisky landscape offers an incredible diversity of flavors, from smooth and sweet to smoky and spicy, ensuring there's a perfect dram for every palate. Following an inspiring trip to Scotland last autumn, the allure of these dark spirits has only deepened, prompting a closer look at some exceptional whiskies from both Scotland and Canada that have made a lasting impression in recent months.
Alberta Premium Batch 10 Legacy Reserve
Hailing from Calgary's renowned Alberta Distillers, the Batch 10 Legacy Reserve is a limited-time addition to their lineup of 100 percent rye whiskies. This distillery consistently exceeds expectations, producing spirits that rival those from much larger operations. Positioned between the well-known Alberta Premium Rye Whisky and the premium Cask Strength and 20-year-old Reserve expressions, Batch 10 offers excellent value.
This unique whisky is crafted from a blend of ten different rye whiskies, each aged in separate warehouses on the distillery's expansive 16.9-hectare property between 2001 and 2010. The result is a beautifully balanced spirit that combines richness with power. Expect to discover complex flavor notes including caramel, peanut brittle, crème brûlée, dried orange peel, banana, pumpkin, and vanilla-infused herbs. The finish is notably long, leaving intriguing spice notes on the palate.
Details: Approximately $70, widely available in Calgary, 42% alcohol by volume.
Glenfarclas 12-Year-Old Single Malt
From the Highlands of Scotland comes Glenfarclas, one of the few remaining independently owned Scotch distilleries. The same family has managed this distillery since 1836, when cattle breeder John Grant purchased a farm that happened to include a distillery on the property. Through five generations, the Grant family has expanded their operations in the Speyside region while maintaining their commitment to traditional whisky-making practices.
Glenfarclas is particularly noted for its extensive aging and reserving of whisky, which has allowed them to build an impressive collection of long-aged expressions, including a remarkable 70-year-old single malt released just last year. For those seeking an introduction to what makes Glenfarclas special, the 12-year-old single malt serves as an excellent starting point.
Presenting a medium amber-gold hue, this whisky offers a nose of creamy cereal grains complemented by dried apricot, mango, and caramel notes. The palate is rich and creamy, thanks to aging in Spanish sherry casks, with flavors of dried apricot, mango, butterscotch, and orange peel. The finish is pleasantly enduring, making this a memorable sipping experience.
Details: Approximately $90, widely available across Calgary, 43% alcohol by volume.
The Glenlivet Fusion Cask
Located just a fifteen-minute drive from Glenfarclas in Scotland's Speyside region, The Glenlivet distillery represents another iconic "Glen" producer. While George Smith officially entered the Scotch business in 1824 when he received the area's first distillery license, he had been crafting illicit whisky for years prior. Today, The Glenlivet continues this legacy of innovation and quality with expressions like their Fusion Cask, which showcases the distillery's expertise in cask management and blending.
As winter settles in, these whiskies from both sides of the Atlantic offer warming companionship and complex tasting experiences. Whether you prefer the bold rye character of Canadian whisky or the nuanced elegance of Scotch single malts, there's never been a better time to explore the world of premium spirits.
