LCBO Food & Drink Holiday 2022

A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO SCOTCH

How to Find Your Style Whether you’re buying your first bottle of blended or pondering a peat bomb, we’ve curated a collection of categories to make it easier for you to craft your personal Scotch style seamlessly. Which kind of Scotch drinker are you?

BLENDED

Want to keep an eye to versatility this season?

Reach for a blended bottling that tends to be a bit more budget-cognizant, but still satisfies as a solo sipper. This style of Scotch works wonderfully in everything from simple mixed drinks to complex creations. There’s flexibility, so you can find the right fit for you. If you prefer more intensely flavoured, herbaceous, powerful cocktails such as a Rusty Nail, you may seek out a bit more of a peaty and punchy spirit, but if you lean to a refined Rob Roy, you might want something lighter in style to achieve that perfect balance.

› Johnnie Walker Red Label Scotch Whisky (LCBO 1099, $34.45) Designed for mixing that’s distinctive, this Scotch hits all the right notes and even ends off with an emphatic hit of smoke, perfect for that extra kick in your cocktail.

CLASSIC Naturally, this style is all about instantly recognizable iconic single malts from globally recognized industry heavyweights. You’ve seen every bartender reach for these bottles or perhaps heard them name-dropped in movies and on television. Their highly regarded reputations also make them fairly easy to find. But classic does not equal plain by any means. You can keep things sleek and smooth or turn heads with one of these go-to smokeshow sippers.

› The Macallan 12 Year Old Double Cask (LCBO 479980, $119.95) Macallan makes crowd pleasing lighter-style Scotches. The 12-year-old features floral elements, crisp sweetness, hints of baking spices and a pleasing finish.

› The Famous Grouse ScotchWhisky (LCBO 211334, 1.14 L, $45.35)

› Laphroaig 10 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (LCBO 248997, $87.95) Famously smoky and salty, this is an aggressive handshake with old-guard peaty Scotch for the uninitiated.

› Lagavulin 16 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (LCBO 207126, $164.95) This Scotch balances the

› The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve (LCBO 410043, $63.95) This entry-level NAS (no age statement) whisky is a fine example of an easy-going, young single malt with satisfying orange zest, orchard fruit and a lingering vanilla sweetness.

Find out why this steady staple is reputed to be so popular globally and is Scotland’s most purchased blended Scotch whisky.

bewildering beauty of a burning peat bog with the creamy sweet taste of figs, raisins and vanilla for an iconic southern Islay single malt.

116 FOOD & DRINK HOLIDAY 2022