Cameron must be radical on Europe December 8, 2011 ONCE again, the British public is being mis-sold a European treaty. Some of what is being proposed is, as advertised, about “saving” the euro by trying to make it harder for nations to overspend and over-borrow. But what has imposing a Tobin tax on London, to raise billions that would be transferred to Brussels, got [...]
Raise a glass: whisky comes in from the cold December 7, 2011 A T some point in your life, it’s likely that whisky will have left its rich mark. Often it was the first spirit most of us tried; a sneaky nip from our parent’s drinks cabinet – and unfortunately, there are those who never shake off the idea that whisky is a bit, well, fusty. The [...]
Don’t underestimate the blends December 7, 2011 SOMETIMES seen as the poor relation to single malt, interest in blended whisky has been re-ignited by the trend for classic whisky cocktails and some innovative international serving methods. Blended whisky accounts for 92 per cent of global whisky consumption. New territories like the Far East are discovering its promise, especially as part of a [...]
London’s finest whisky cocktails December 7, 2011 ‘WHISKY BLAZER’ AT THE RIB ROOM, JUMEIRAH CARLTON TOWER HOTEL, KNIGHTSBRIDGE The classic cocktail for frosty nights, the fiery Blazer – famous for the arcing blue flame created as the burning whisky is poured back and forth between two glasses – will be a draw at the Rib Room’s soon-to-open cigar terrace. It’s here made [...]
Land of the rising dram December 7, 2011 HEAD up 25 floors to the top of Tokyo’s Shiodome Park Hotel and you find a craftsman at work. Ensconced in the centre of one of Japan’s finest drinking dens, the sultry Bar a Vins, Mr Takayuki Suzuki hand-carves perfectly spherical orbs out of ice. These he drops into a tumbler and pours over whisky [...]
Four masterful Japanese whiskies to seek out December 7, 2011 1. Hakushu 12 year old The Hakushu distillery produces a wonderfully light, floral and zesty whisky that’s distilled at over 2000ft above sea level. The 12-year-old incorporates a subtle, soft smoky note into the mix. A Highball cocktail is one way to appreciate its refreshing qualities. £51.95 www.royalmilewhiskies.com 2. Hibiki 17 year old blended whisky [...]
Cask strength December 7, 2011 BUYING your own whisky direct from a distillery is the stuff of dreams; for a boys’ own adventure, it sits right up there. When you invite the chaps back after a round of golf, what better way to impress than to pour a dram of your very own single malt Scotch whisky. Growing numbers of [...]
Choices for connoisseurs December 7, 2011 BOWMORE TWEED FITTING & TASTING Renowned Islay distillery Bowmore has dreamed up the ultimate gents’ Christmas gift through a collaboration with Savile Row tailoring maestro Malcolm Plews. Customers will be treated to a bespoke tailoring session on the ‘Row, including a made-to-measure jacket using a tweed pattern designed specially for the distillery, followed by a [...]
5 great whiskies for Christmas December 7, 2011 1. UNDER £50: COMPASS BOX SPICE TREE As the name would suggest, Spice Tree has some wonderful notes of festive-influenced spice and fruit, developed from blending together Highland malts, partly matured in French wine-tempered casks. Perfect to go with your Christmas pud. £35.50, www.masterofmalt.com 2. UNDER £100: MACKINLAY’S SHACKLETON REPLICA BLENDED WHISKY After finding a [...]