For the final portion of our Whiskey series, we look to the rest of the world for fine selections. These 5 European whiskeys provide another layer to our Top Shelf Selections menu for those who seek to partake in high-quality drinks from the other side of the globe.
Founded in 1846 by John Dewar, Dewar’s has grown from a small wine and spirits merchant shop in Perth, Scotland, to become a global brand. Dewar’s is a scotch of unusual subtlety and refinement. Up to 40 of the finest malt and grain whiskies are blended together in perfect harmony, to create this time-honored blend. There are notes of Scottish heather and honey linger on the finish, with the faintest touch of smoke as well.
Price: $6.50
Out of Scotland also comes Glenlivit’s and their 12-year signature scotch. This whisky has been called a lot of things in its time: smooth, fruity, complex, sophisticated, entertaining, classic. The Original Malt Whisky Almanac says: “A first-class malt. One of the most popular malts in the world – deservedly so.” The malt is first matured in traditional oak, before spending time in American oak casks which impart notes of vanilla and gives the whisky a distinctive smoothness.
Price: $9
You may think, that with Hennessy’s ability to innovate and push boundaries, they are a thoroughly ‘modern’ Cognac brand. This is a large part of their immense success and influence. However, the very French brand based in the Charente region, in fact, dates all the way back to 1765. Their V.S. (which stands for very special) Cognac displays intense character and full-bodied flavors. V.S reveals its liveliness whether enjoyed neat, on ice, or with a mixer.
Price: $10
Caskmates IPA is born from the collaboration between Jameson and a local craft brewery. The whiskey is finished in IPA beer barrels for a crisp, hoppy finish. While the signature smoothness is very much intact, hints of light hops, fresh citrus, and floral notes confirm the IPA influence.
The Stout edition of Jameson Caskmates is significantly darker in color and shows aromas of milk chocolate, malt, and a hint of fragrant hops. The mouthfeel is significantly richer and heavier than the base spirit, but the finish is brief and somewhat dry and lighter than expected with a slight note of black pepper. This whiskey is described as an exciting, confusing, and fun experiment.
Price: $8
Matured in a combination of American oak, sherry casks, and double charred bourbon barrels, Jameson Black Barrel is a blend of small batch grain and traditional Irish pot still whiskeys. The Whisky is bursting with rich, complex flavors of fruit, caramel, toasted wood, and warm spice.
Price: $10
That brings us to the end of our Whiskey Wednesdays blog series. To learn more about the members of our Top Shelf Selections menu, stop into your local Anduzzi’s and try them out for yourself today!