Feb 05
Staff Picks - February 2016: Valentines whisky and chocolate pairings
Posted on 5th February 2016 by Pierre
Chocolate makes an obvious Valentine’s present. So does whisky. So how about whisky and chocolate?! We picked out some readily available whiskies and paired them with some interesting chocolates. And some Maltesers! We had one chocolate pick left over - Super Dark Truffles by Vosges - these go with just about any whisky you can think of so we didn’t bother narrowing it down to just one!!!!
Dec 14
Recipe: 'Merry' Christmas Puddings with Whisky
Posted on 14th December 2015 by Sammy-Jo
Dec 08
Marketplace Christmas Picks: The Whisky Vault
Posted on 8th December 2015 by Pierre
In the run up to Christmas this year, we've asked our Whisky Marketplace retailers to have a look through their shelves to select some whisky recommendations that would make great presents or enhance your festive whisky cabinet.
First up is Richard Hawley from The Whisky Vault. To begin with, we asked him tell us a little about his business and how he became interested in whisky.
Nov 16
Recipe: 'Merry' Malt Marmalade
Posted on 16th November 2015 by Sammy-Jo
This whisky inspired marmalade will make the perfect gift this Christmas (if you can bear to part with it). It’s easy to make and you could even get your kids involved. Just make one large batch and share it out between jars. The jars could be decorated with a homemade label, festive ribbon, cinnamon stick, dried orange and berries etc. If your kids aren’t interested in cooking maybe you could get them involved an art project, decorating the labels and lids. This would make a great, cost efficient homemade gift for family, friends, neighbours and teachers this Christmas!
Nov 13
Staff Picks - November 2015: First loves and Old Flames.
Posted on 13th November 2015 by Pierre
This month’s staff picks collection is inspired by a conversation we were having here at Whisky Marketplace HQ about how we fell in love with whisky and, more importantly, which whiskies made that happen. Our 'first loves' if you will. Not the rarest or most expensive whiskies we’ve ever tasted but the whiskies which really started our journey. Expressions that keep us coming back for more.
Oct 30
'This is not a luxury whisky' by Compass Box
Posted on 30th October 2015 by Sammy-Jo
A stunning modern blended whisky by Compass Box, which challenges our perception of what defines luxury.
Oct 27
Recipe: Halloween whisky glazed sweet potato fries
Posted on 27th October 2015 by Sammy-Jo
Simple and quick to make, these sweet potato fries will make the perfect addition to any meal!
Oct 23
Staff Picks - October 2015: Diageo Special Releases
Posted on 23rd October 2015 by Jean-Luc
Every year since 2001, Diageo, owners and custodians of some of Scotland's most treasured whisky distilleries, have released a limited selection of single cask whiskies. Earlier this week we were lucky enough to attend the launch of 2015's "Special Releases" and, having sampled the full range of these sublime liquids, our recommendations for this month almost pick themselves.
The whiskies are always special, always rare, and always selected with the utmost care from the best stocks available to Diageo. Prices range from £80 to £2,400 so there really is something to suit most people's budget.
Sep 30
Staff Picks - September 2015: Premium Blended Whiskies
Posted on 30th September 2015 by Jean-Luc
It is a common misconception that blended whiskies are inferior to single malts and I was reminded of this recently when I overheard a conversation in the pub. "Single malts are far better than the blended whiskies" boomed a voice at the bar "go for the Macallan 10".
It goes to show that a little information can be a dangerous thing, I have nothing against Macallan's entry level malts, but the pair had overlooked some really nice blends behind the bar including Ballantine's 17 Year Old and a very tempting Black Bull by Duncan Taylor.
Sep 08
The Deveron: The Last Great Malts
Posted on 8th September 2015 by Pierre
Built in 1962, the Macduff distillery is something of a whippersnapper in scotch whisky terms. Given the Scotch industry’s tendency to trade on its heritage that could be considered a hindrance. Not benefiting from the excitement and goodwill afforded to new distilleries but lacking the history of the older names, a distillery like Macduff has to rely on the quality of its output to impress people. It has released whisky under the name Macduff and Glen Deveron. Now, with its latest releases, the whisky will be known as The Deveron.