The days are getting shorter, the weather a little colder - in our part of the world at least. So it's no surprise that this month’s staff picks sees a selection of rich, warming whiskies. A classic Japanese blend is joined by three generously flavoured scotch single malts. With a good broad spread of prices there's something to suit most pockets too.
Staff Picks - our choices for this month
Clynelish 1995 17 Year Old Signatory
A beautiful, rich and spicy dram we unearthed at the Whisky Show 2013. This whisky is bottled by Sigantory but was selected by the good folks at The Whisky Exchange who's record with cask selection is excellent. This bottling perfectly marries the fruity but earthy spirit of Clynelish with the rich sherried influence of the cask.
£69.95 at www.thewhiskyexchange.com
Bowmore Tempest Batch 4
Some lackluster releases - particularly at the more affordable end of their range - have tainted Bowmore’s reputation a little in recent years. That all started to change with the release of the first batch of Tempest and this current fourth release continues the trend. Lively, complex and, of course, peaty. If you haven’t tried Bowmore for a while this is an excellent reintroduction - if you’re already a fan you won’t be disappointed.
£48.61 at www.thewhiskybarrel.co.uk
Suntory Hibiki 12 Year Old
A sensational blended Japanese Whisky from Hibiki which is created with malt from the Hakushu and Yamazaki distilleries and balanced with aged grain whisky from Chita. Bottled at 43% ABV this is a smooth and elegant whisky with plenty of character. Comes in an impressive decanter.
£34.50 at www.thewhiskyexchange.com
Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old
Bottled at 46.3% ABV, free from artificial colouring with no chill filtering - this is another expression from the Burn Stewart stable of distilleries that has been treated in the right way. Its their policy not to tamper too much with their whiskies and the results are good quality well priced expressions that present a good deal for the consumer. This 12 year is well rounded, with depth of flavour - very fruity with a hint of smoke. An extremely approachable and enjoyable dram.
£27.99 at www.shop4whisky.com