Single Malt Whisky
Are you a Whisky Fan?Archive for March 7, 2008
Whisky Regions
Highland is sub-divided into Northern, Southern, Eastern, Western and Island; Speyside is subdivided into it’s four river valleys – Spey, Lossie, Deveron and Findhorn.We follow this division in our Bottling Lists. The Map in your membership pack illustrates the locations of all the distilleries.
HIGHLAND – ISLAND
Highland Island malts can be hard to define as each has its own character. Typical island malts, however, with the exception of Jura are noticeably peaty but less so than the Islay malts.
HIGHLAND – NORTH
Highland Northern whiskies are usually medium-bodied, quite complex and delicate.
HIGHLAND – WEST
These malts tend to have more of a peaty note than other mainland highland malts, with a firm rounded character.
HIGHLAND – EAST
Highland Eastern whiskies can be full to medium-bodied, smooth, sweetish with a dry finish. They are often malty and lightly smokey.
HIGHLAND – SOUTH
Highland Southern malts tend to be the lightest of the region. They can be quite fragrant but with a dry finish.
LOWLAND
Generally, whiskies from this region are light in colour and weight and typically have a dry finish. Their aromatic intensity is low and tends to be grassy, green or herbal, with grainy and floral notes. Lowland malts are regarded by many as an excellent aperitif.
GREATER SPEYSIDE
The heart of whisky distilling in Scotland, Speyside contains two-thirds of all malt distilleries in Scotland. These whiskies are quite sweet with estery tones. Known for being complex and sophisticated with great finesse, they are favoured by blenders. In general, but not always, Speyside whiskies are made from very lightly peated malt, so sometimes a whiff of smoke can be detected. Although lighter than Highland and Islay whiskies, Speyside whiskies matured in sherry wood can have a chocolatey richness.
CAMPBELTOWN
This peninsula on the west coast of Scotland used to have around thirty distilleries. The Campbeltown single malts are very distinctive, tending to be full-bodied and pungent with a briny note.
ISLAY
At least a quarter of the island’s surface is covered with peat and Islay malts are renowned for their phenolic, iodine, seaweed-like qualities.
Scotland Map
Speyside Map
West Isles Map
Let’s go out for a Malt, in the center of Athens…!
As a city center citizen of this Town – i live in Exarheia – i will suggest you some Real Bars, to enjoy a glass of Single Malt Whisky …. and more…!
My first suggestion will be the 7 Jokers Bar (Voulis 7 – Syntagma).
You can describe it with a 3 sets of English words : Joyful and moody, glamorous and bohemian, insightful and mainstream.
With a decoration that reminds you an andalusian Bar and due to its place the 7 Jokers is the place where the oppositions of the city are blended. Inside the Bar you can find both the stray of clubs and the impenitent alternatives.
The Music? You can hear from Jazz to Soul and from Funk to classic, modern and alternative Rock.
And finally you can enjoy a glass of pure Single Malt, like a Mcallan 12 y, in a proper -tulip shaped- scotch glass…!!!
Circus (Navarinou 11)
This kinky new bar using the circus concept is located between Exarheia and Kolonaki but its like an independed one! With the “feel like home” corners and the “crazy” atmosphere that reminds you a real circus, it already became a real joint!
You can definately hear good music, dance, meet new interesting people and of course enjoy a glass of Single Malt Whisky leaving your glass over souplats with the photos of Sophia Lauren and Gaoutso (from Marx Brothers)…!
