I’m so excited and I just can’t hiiide it to kick off this very special Christmas series today 😀 – I’ve taken advantage of the large network of inspiring drammers I’ve built over the years to ask them this very simple question “What dram will you be enjoying this year for Christmas?” – In this first episode, we’ll then see what Mark Dermul, Sean Murphy, Andy Flatt & Blair Bowman will be savouring this year by the chimney…

Mark Dermul – independent bottler, blogger, Auchentoshan collector & whisky auctioneer for Catawiki

Well, I think nobody will be surprised when I say that I will have a sip of Auchentoshan for Christmas. In fact, I have acquired the bottle especially for this occasion. It is an independent bottling by Malts of Scotland, the German bottler run by Thomas Ewers.

This single sherry hogshead from 1998 was bottled in 2014 at 59,1% ABV and yielded only 287 bottles. It is quite the sherry bomb with a nose full of pear drops, plum jam, dades, raisins and baked banana with brown sugar – even some candied rhubarb.

On the palate, it’s a flash fire that quickly becomes soothing on maple syrup and candied orange rind with some star anise and woodsmoke. The long and bittersweet finish leaves me sitting under the Christmas tree with a big smile on my face.

Sean Murphy – journalist (The Scotsman Food & Drink)

On Christmas Day, I’ll be enjoying a dram of the Longrow Burgundy cask.

It is a stunning little dram and I discovered it a couple of years back at the Whisky Stramash, Though we did have it in the Potstill for a while, it was a limited run, so it has taken me this long to finally secure a bottle of my own and I’ve been saving it for a special occasion.

My usual festive tipple is Nikka From The Barrel, but I’m afraid it’s going to have to be relegated to the shelf this year in favour of the spiced chocolate notes of the wonderful Longrow Burgundy.

Andy Flatt – whisky blogger (The Amateur Drammer)

For me Christmas Day is all about indulgence. A touch of opulence on a day spent with family and close friends. I cannot think of a whisky that epitomises this more for me than Mortlach 16 year old from the Flora and Fauna series.

With its rich, spiced and meaty flavours coupled with its fantastic, thick mouthfeel there is no better Dram to enjoy that isn’t overshadowed by the other indulgences of the festive period.

This was the first ‘expensive’ bottle I ever bought for myself and every time I drink it I am reminded of treating myself to what will always be my first whisky true love.

Blair Bowman – World Whisky Day

 

Pic: Whisky Cabinet