As we head into the New Year, certain memories from SHARP’s adventures shine brighter than others. In particular, as you’ve likely seen in our recent issues, our ventures to Scotland proved especially memorable. Roaming across the Highlands, visiting some of our favourite whisky distillers, exploring the rare and unfinished spirits lurking in barrel warehouses, and having the opportunity to speak with the fine folks that make it all possible is an experience that one doesn’t soon forget. With all this in mind, we’re taking a moment to revisit those memories and the fine spirits we found along the way.
Both the isle of Jura and the whisky distillery bearing its name have seen more than their fair share of challenges over the years. Tales of curses, warring families, and the once-dwindling population on this remote island make it an odd choice for distilling whisky. Yet, since the brand’s rebirth in 1963, it has risen to overcome everything that’s been thrown its way. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to channel your inner Henry David Thoreau — an escape beyond other escapes, with little more than a dodgy eight-car ferry and extremely spotty cell service providing a frayed tether to modern society. Visions of solitude and reflection on a grey and dreary island immediately bring to mind Jura’s 18-year whisky, with its rich fruit and spice notes bringing warmth to the scene.
It’s hard to put a finger on precisely what gives Fettercairn its charm; it’s not so simple as an evaluation of checks and balances. The quality and character of its whiskies of course play key roles, but this distillery isn’t quite like the rest. Rather than a thin line being walked by the brand, it’s more of a high-wire act. On one side, there’s the legacy and heritage of 200 years of existence, the preservation of that legacy, and the desire to build on it. On the other, there’s this playfulness, and a willingness to experiment with processes and aging techniques, which yields whiskies full of character and charisma that you wouldn’t get from a typical historical whisky house. While their limited Warehouse series whiskies are a special treat (if you can get your hands on them), the 16 Year Old from the core collection is a perfect representation of Fettercairn’s distinct flavour profile.
Where the vibe at Fettercairn could almost be described as playful, at The Dalmore, it’s all business. Working its way through a comprehensive renovation of its facilities is no small task, and even with this under way, whisky never stops flowing. We arrived right in the thick of it, just in time for the reveal of the latest Luminary Series launch, involving Melodie Leung from Zaha Hadid Architects. At the same time, the latest Cask Curation Series launch was also reaching the final stages of its production. All this while the entire portfolio of The Dalmore’s exceptional whiskies was being managed, including our go-to favourite, The Dalmore 21 Year Old. Both master whisky maker Gregg Glass and master distiller Richard Paterson OBE consistently deliver what the whisky world has come to expect from the dynamic duo: absolute topshelf spirits and exceptional rare expressions that will impress even the most refined of palates.
The post Whisky in the Rearview: On Memories of Fine Sips & Exceptional Travels appeared first on Sharp Magazine.
