WHAT: Auchentoshan 12-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky Rating: NNNN
WHERE: Clydebank, Scotland
WHY: Distilled just a few caber tosses from Glasgow, this Lowlander offers up all sorts of grassy and sweet peaty fun. Quite hard to stop drinking. All the distinctive qualities you look for in a single malt without disruptive eccentricity.
PRICE: 750 ml/$48.80 sale price until February 3
AVAILABILITY: At most liquor stores (product #107359)
WHAT: Amrut Single Malt Whisky Rating: NNNN
WHERE: Bangalore, India
WHY: The single malt whisky diaspora is thriving in India. Aromas of shortbread and sweet florals are followed by the good-cop flavour of warm malts and the bad-cop smack of 46 per cent alcohol. You may not think of South Asia when you think of quality Scotch-style whisky, but you should.
PRICE: 700 ml/$55.75
AVAILABILITY: Limited quantities at select liquor stores (product #306803)
WHAT: Ballantine’s Blended Scotch Whisky Rating: NNNN
WHERE: Dumbarton, Scotland
WHY: Single malt snobs, open up your hearts to the blended family. Otherwise, you’ll miss things like this. Ballantine’s is sweet, full, creamy but sharply defined with a real mid-palate kick, all ending with a long slow burn. Make each day Ballantine’s day.
PRICE: 750 ml/$25.95
AVAILABILITY: At most liquor stores (product #1610)
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