With complex flavour profiles and numerous distilleries to choose from, the world of whisky may seem daunting. For the uninitiated, choosing the right bottle to start with is key – and sweet whisky is a friendly category to explore.
Usually associated with distilleries in the region of Speyside and Highland, sweet notes include vanilla, toffee, honey, fruits and even candy.
Geography, climate and small nuances in the production process makes a considerable difference to the final flavour. From soft, mellow expressions that are almost dessert-like, to ones bursting with flavour all-around, sweet whiskies vary in intensities and are best served with candied nuts, biscuits, pies and creamy cheeses.
To open up its aromas and flavour, add a drop of water and enjoy the tasting experience.
Explore some of the most exquisite expressions with Diageo Rare & Exceptional here:
Cardhu 14 Year Old Special Release 2019
Cardhu is the queen of Speyside malts and this unique release is limited to 4,860 bottles. With rich aromas of grape, peach, cherry, and floral hints of Lily of the Valley, the texture is creamy-smooth, the taste ripe with pear fruit and sweet with the richness of soft fudge. More fragrance in the middle leads to a spicy finish with a pleasant dryness that lingers on the tongue.
Dalwhinnie 30 Year Old Special Release 2020
From the highest distillery in Scotland, this ultra-rare single vintage Dalwhinnie has sweet and fragrant with herbal scents, subtle traces of butterscotch and hard fruit candy, and a base of spicy wood. The texture is smoothly creamy, the vibrant taste richly sweet overall, with a drying, gradually building peppery-spicy warmth. The finish is long and delightfully warming.
John Walker & Sons King George V Blended Scotch Whisky Lunar New Year Limited Edition Design
John Walker & Sons King George V is a rare combination of exquisite Scotch whiskies drawn from extremely precious casks. Sweet, smoky aromas deepened by Port Ellen are followed by notes of orange and spicy fruit. Rich in taste, there is an abundance of spice and dried fruits perfectly balanced with creamy vanilla sweetness, together releasing layers of flavour: sweet fruits, dark chocolate, toffee, spices and roast nuts. Port Ellen intensifies the maritime Islay smokiness that gathers momentum through the exceptionally long, finish.
The Singleton of Glendullan 1992 – Prima & Ultima Collection II
A fresh and vibrant Singleton, the mild nose rests gentle citrus notes of sweet mandarin orange on a bed of sweet toffee and cut grass. Rich and creamy in texture, the taste is immediately sweet, fruity and intense with the juicy orange fruit. A growing savoury-spicy warmth then covers the palate, seeming to fizz in its desire to please. It is creamy in the development and has a long, drying finish.
From now till 1 January 2022, complimentary engraving services are available with the purchase of selected bottles at diageorareandexceptional.com
