I still laugh when I watch that Mike Meyers SNL segment. A couple years ago, I began exploring my family’s Scottish heritage. I enjoyed a wee dram of sweet, smooth Scotch long before this though. My first experience with Scotch Whiskey was with work friends and a kind friend ordered me a flight. The beautiful caramel colors, the scent of the floral tones, and the sweetness that lingered on my lips sold me on this sophisticated beverage.
Some people like to taste the peat in Scotch. I do not. Therefore, I started tasting and trying Scotch from different regions. I landed in the Scottish Highlands. Coincidentally, my family clan – The House of Gordon - also originated in the Highlands. Our ancestral home, Huntley Castle, resides in the Aberdeenshire area of the Scottish Highlands. We are said to have upwards of 150 “houses” or castles. So, when my husband suggested buying my mother a plot of Scottish land as a gift, I had to giggle. That’s cute, honey. We have 150 castles. Perhaps the most famous Gordon is one you may be familiar with – Lord George Gordon Byron, better known as the writer and poet, Lord Byron. It’s no wonder this Gordon descendant writes!
But I digress. Let’s get back to the subject…Scotch. Like I mentioned, I’ve tried a lot of Scotch. My favorite (thus far) is the Glenfiddich 14-year-old Bourbon Barrel Reserve. Tastes of vanilla, toffee, and a hint of oak coat the tongue. Then it finishes warm in the throat down to the cockles of the heart. The Glenfiddich collection includes 12-year-old up to 21-year-old aged Scotch. Think about that for a moment…if you’re a Scotch producer, you may create one or two batches your entire life. That’s some TLC and true commitment! A bottle of the Glenfiddich 14 runs about $60-67 per bottle. I look forward to tasting the entire Glenfiddich collection. It’s good to have goals.
Confession: I watch Outlander. The writing is fantastic. The acting is captivating. The characters are deep and complex. Naturally, mother and I have become fans of Sam Heughan, who just so happens to make his own brand of Scotch – The Sassenach. I just HAD to try it, so I pre-ordered a bottle for delivery. This $100 bottle has a sweet, smooth, and easy-going taste. It has a much lighter feel than the Glenfiddich, almost honey like. The presentation is a class act.
Do not drink Scotch on an empty stomach. A wee dram of Scotch Whiskey is best after a grilled meal and some hearty potatoes. I enjoy it by the firepit of course. I like mine neat – no rocks, no twists, not chilled. You could say I’m a purist, mostly likely due to my first tasting. That’s not to say I won’t try a mixed cocktail with Scotch, and you may see one highlighted in a future blog. But I thought it best to begin with the star of the show. Slàinte!
I'm all for Sam Heughan, Outlander and the empty Sassenach bottle. (Have to do something with that!)
My taste buds don't lend thmselves to any straight whiskey but do I have a few good recipes using this, e.g. Bourbon Balls and cakes, etc. But. That is for another time.
I'm sure my Scottish ancestors would be appalled that I do not partake of their native liquor.