World Whisky Day 2016
Scotchology is celebrating World Whisky Day for the third year in a row by offering a tasting in Saint Paul, MN. We can’t wait to make this a unique and informative event like previous years. To celebrate the global nature of World Whisky Day, we found quality whiskies from all over the world (a task that seems to get more difficult each year). We spend every other month of the year featuring Scotch, so this is an opportune time to try some of the excellent malts being made in countries whose patron is NOT Saint Andrew. Grab a glass and join us!
Highland Park 15 Year
Highland Park is known in using sherry casks throughout their core expressions for the entire aging process, not just a finish. Whereas the 12 and 18 year whiskies use mainly Spanish oak, the Highland Park 15 uses American oak (though not American sherry, thankfully). Not content with one cask alteration, the 15 is aged in 30% first fill sherry casks and 70% refill. While not in the same class of exclusivity as Highland Park’s Valhalla Collection, it is a little more elusive than the celebrated 12 year expression.
Balvenie 17 Year Peated Cask
One of the larger producers of single malts in the Speyside region, the Balvenie is no stranger to creating new expressions, be they of limited offering or part of their main range. A newer release has been two whiskies aged 17 years, a Doublewood and this Peated Cask variety. The spirit is aged in ex-American bourbon barrels, but then some of it is finished in peated barrels and half is aged in new American oak. The two elements are finally brought together for balance. This allows a peat injection to the relatively lighter malt without overwhelming it.