If you’re looking for the ideal gift this Christmas or the perfect festive tipple, we have hand-picked a selection of award-winning single
malts for your consideration, and suggested the perfect way to serve them.
What’s more, Square Meal readers can be in with a chance of winning a bottle of their favourite single malt. Just email competitions@squaremeal.co.uk before Monday 9 December telling us which single-malt whisky mentioned below you would choose for Christmas and why. Two
winners will be picked at random and sent the bottle they choose. Don’t forget to include your contact details – and good luck!
The Macallan Gold
The first expression in a new innovative range entitled The 1824 Series, this single malt has notes of vanilla followed by dark chocolate – the perfect combination for a winter’s night curled up by
the fire (widely available; RRP £35.99) themacallan.com
Perfect serve: Gold ‘n’ Soda
Muddle a slice of lemon peel in the bottom of a highball glass, then add two dashes of whisky bitters, one teaspoon of honey syrup, and 50ml of The Macallan Gold. Stir, top with soda water and
garnish with more lemon peel.
Highland Park 12 Year Old
Fans of flavour will love Highland Park 12 Year Old whose lingering flavour boasts a honeyed sweetness with a hint of gentle smoke (widely available; RRP £34). highlandpark.co.uk
Perfect serve: Orcadian Sour
Shake 50ml of Highland Park 12 Year Old with 25ml of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 12ml of gomme syrup, a dash of bitters and half an egg white (optional). Strain into a short glass and garnish
with orange zest.
Laphroaig 10 Year Old
The classic 10 Year Old Laphroaig is bold and smoky on the palate, with a hint of seaweed and a surprising sweetness. It’s the perfect Christmas gift for fans of the signature peaty character of
Islay whiskies (widely available; RRP £35). laphroaig.com
Perfect serve: Burnt Vodkatini
Rinse an iced cocktail glass with a dash of Laphroaig 10 Year Old. Pour in 50ml of Stolichnaya Elit Vodka and stir.
The Macallan Amber
The Macallan Amber, part of the 1824 Series, is a smooth and warming dram offering hints of toffee apple and cinnamon; the perfect way to toast the season with friends. The Macallan Amber is
available at specialist whisky retailers including The Whisky Shop (RRP £45). themacallan.com
Perfect serve: Amber Glow
Stir together 50ml of The Macallan Amber and 20ml of Bols Dry Orange liqueur in a whisky tumbler. Add a dash of barrel-aged bitters, then serve.
Ardmore Traditional Cask
Ardmore single malt has been made the traditional way since 1898, so it’s the perfect choice for those who appreciate time-honoured craftsmanship. Ardmore Traditional Cask displays a creamy, peaty
tang and a touch of vanilla (available in major supermarkets and specialist retailers; RRP £32). ardmorewhisky.com
Perfect serve: Ardmore Cooler
Shake together 50ml of Ardmore Traditional Cask, 50ml of pressed apple juice, 25ml of pear purée and 1 teaspoon of gomme syrup. Pour into a short glass over ice and garnish with a lemon wedge.
The Glenrothes Select Reserve
This single malt is a marriage of mature casks from different years which typifies Glenrothes’ signature character of ripe fruits, citrus, vanilla and hints of spice. Impress that special someone
this Christmas with The Glenrothes Select Reserve (widely available from major supermarkets and specialist retailers; RRP £38). theglenrothes.com
Perfect serve: Eccentric Old Fashioned
Add ice to a short glass, then pour over 50ml of The Glenrothes Select Reserve, a dash of Peychaud’s Bitters, and a dash each of apple and clove syrups. Stir, garnish with orange zest and serve.
Please drink responsibly drinkaware.co.uk
This advertorial was published on 21 November 2013.