Now that it is definitely fall in Victoria, Hillside Liquor Store declares "Open Season on Scotch"!
While some people may drink scotch all year round, we notice a definite increase in scotch interest and sales when there are leaves on the ground, frost on windshields and chimneys puffing madly at night.
Others feel the same as we do- the BC Liquor Board has its annual scotch release this weekend, and tickets sales for the Victoria Whisky Fest go on sale the following weekend.
It's also just the right time to start thinking about presents for the upcoming holiday in December. Many stores start getting in specialty items, and the careful consumer will pick these up now, rather than being disappointed in mid-December when there are no unique items left.
For the scotch collector/drinker, some interesting gift packs will be available at Hillside Liquor Store. These are very limited in supply, so if any of these sound intriguing, call the store (250-370-1143) or email info@hillsideliquorstore.com to reserve yours!
First up is the Classic Malts "Strong" containing 3 x 200ml bottles: Cragganmore 12 yr, Talisker 10 yr, Lagavulin 16yr which retails for $88.95.
The Classic Malts "Gentle" contains 3 x 200ml bottles: Glenkinchie 12 yr, Dalwhinnie 15yr, Oban 14 yr, retailing for $89.99. These are great introductory scotches, but are also well-loved by those more experienced scotch drinkers.
The Classic Malts "Islay Collection" contains 5 x 200ml bottles: Caol Ila 12 yr, Caol Ila Distiller's Edition, Lagavulin 12yr, Lagavulin 16yr, Port Ellen 29yr. This extra special collection retails for $254.95!
Lastly, for the Talisker fan, we have the Classic Malts "Talisker" which contains 3 x 200ml bottles: Talisker 10 yr, Talisker 18yr (normally not available in Canada), Talisker Distiller's Edition, and retails for $95.00
Interested in learning more about these whiskies? Read on, or check out: http://www.malts.com/en-us/Home/
Cragganmore-"One of Speyside's greats. Elegant and austere. Gradually, almost reluctantly, reveals itself. The most fragrant of whiskies: delicate, herbal, flowery. A palate blossoming with flavours, and a long, lingering, finish." Michael Jackson, whisky writer and expert
Talisker-“Famously distinctive Island malt. From the western Scottish island of Skye. I believe that the volcanic rock of Skye contributes to the pungent aroma; peppery flavour; and big finish. Unusual still design may add a further dimension.” Michael Jackson, whisky writer and expert.
Lagavulin-“An Islay classic. In the peatiness typical of the island, this is the most powerfully, intensely, dry. It also has smoke, salt and seaweedy notes, though those characteristics are more evident in some of its neighbours.” Michael Jackson, whisky writer and expert.
Glenkinchie-“One of the best-known Lowlanders. The typical regional character is there in its soft grassiness. Perhaps more like lemon grass? Then spicier, with cinnamon and ginger, in a lively finish.” Michael Jackson, whisky writer and expert.
Dalwhinnie-“The Highland peatiness is very restrained at first, balanced by heathery sweetness, but intensifies toward the finish. Clear flavours against a very clean background. A good aperitif.” Michael Jackson, whisky writer and expert.
Oban- Mouth-filling late autumn fruits - dried figs and honey-sweet spices; followed by a smoky malty dryness. Long, smooth-sweet finish with oak-wood, dryness and a grain of salt.
Caol Ila- Drinks well at natural strength; sweet start; pleasant, light fragrant smokiness and a lengthy finish. Smooth, pleasant mouth-feel; with water light acidity, some salt and still the sweeter notes. A complex balance of primary tastes. Sweet smokiness in the lingering, slightly sour finish.
Port Ellen 29 yr- Port Ellen is a versatile malt, with considerable differences of style evident between different bottlings. Common characteristics, though, are a high level of peatiness and, in the best examples, a phenomenal complexity which Islay fans adore. For these reasons Port Ellen has become one of the most sought-after of the lost distilleries by collectors, investors and aficionados.
The Malt advocate blog http://blog.maltadvocate.com/ has this to say about the 29 yr: An elder Port Ellen, but still showing plenty of Port Ellen character. It’s chock full of kiln smoke, damp forest bed, seaweed, charcoal, brine, and tar. Additional notes of licorice root, kalamata olive, cinnamon, and black pepper, with teasing citrus emerging occasionally. Warming, tarry, dry smoke finish. An old-fashioned, pungent style of Islay whisky.
