In case you missed it, Diageo Philippines celebrated the #LoveScotch International Scotch Day on February 8. That was a simultaneous celebration with over 70 other countries, where whisky is enjoying popularity.
Related article: Hollywood actor James Marsden leads Int’l Scotch Day celebrations in PH
To make the annual celebration more special for Filipinos, the company brought to the country Diageo’s Global Ambassador for Scotch Whisky, Ervin Trykowski, who hosted an exclusive masterclass focusing on six different types of Scotch. Nobody could have done that session better than Trykowski, who was born and raised in Scotland and who has been exposed to the complexities of the alcoholic beverage since his younger years.
“Smoky, fruity, honeyed, the list goes on—Scotch has such an expansive reach in flavor and quality and every sip is a discovery,” said Trykowski. “There is a flavor for every mood; there is a taste for every situation. #LoveScotch encourages everyone to discover the perfect Scotch to match.”
Here’s how to distinguish these six popular types of whiskies:
Johnnie Walker Black Label
Iconic Blend
True to its description as an ‘Iconic Blend,’ this is the benchmark when it comes to deluxe Scotch blends. It comprises of whiskies aged at least 12 years and coming from Scotland’s four corners. It is rich and complex, but also is incredibly well-balanced—filled with sweet vanilla, dark fruits, and signature smokiness. Recommended serving is in combination with ginger ale to make Johnnie Ginger.
Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve
Celebration Blend
The creamy smoothness contrasts with the luxurious burst comprising of delicate nectar plus gentle smokiness. The blend gets into sweet fruits and eventually to deeper, velvety and honeyed tones, paving the way for subline and lingering whispers of smoke, finishing with oakiness. The ‘Celebration Blend’ is ideal for indulgence during merriest celebrations. It is also the best whisky of choice for any Scotch-based cocktail.
Johnnie Walker Blue Label
Rare Blend
Mature Malt Whiskies bring about a multi-layered symphony of flavors for a more harmonious balance. Its master blender, Jim Beveridge, selected rare casks (including fruity and delicate Cardhu and Clynellish) coming from distilleries in Speyside and Highland and combined those with flavors from fresh fruits, honey, and warm rounded Benrinnes to deliver rich spicy notes and wonderful Islay Malts (includes Caol Ila) for that unmistakable signature smokiness that is apt to be described as a ‘Rare Blend.’
Singleton of Dufftown 12-Year-Old
Smooth nutty and dried fruits profile
Pure spring water was taken during the times the stream was unlawfully diverted on rare occasions. That’s how special Dufftown’s signature smooth whiskies are. Singleton of Dufftown 12-Year-Old was blended using a secret mix of American as well as European oak casks. This whisky is associated with the Speyside region, which matches its smooth nutty plus dried fruits profile.
Dalwhinnie Distillers Edition
Gentle spirit
No other blend embodies that gentle spirit of the Highlands like this one does. Dalwhinnie offers delicate floral aromas and wispy hints of weather, wrapped with the soft and subtle finish. It is double-matured in Oloroso casks and is formulated to bring about that rich sherry-sweetness, combined with spicy complexity, and the very dry oaky finish.
Talisker 10
Award-winning malt
Talisker 10 is the sole malt bottled at 45.80% ABV, making it the most awarded malt within its class. It has unique, powerful, and smoky-sweet traits that make it easily recognizable. It even has a strong peat-smoke and sea-water saltiness taste combined with the smell of liquor from fresh oysters and wrapped by citrus sweetness to create that long, huge, and warming, peppery finish.