Single Malt Female
Words | Ian Wisniewski Didn’t think you would enjoy whisky? But love cocktails? The unthinkable is now happening as the water of life is being given new life – in the creation of contemporary cocktails that win over women JUST AS CATWALK looks sum up a particular era, cocktails are also symbols of the zeitgeist. [...]
Words | Ian Wisniewski
Didn’t think you would enjoy whisky? But love cocktails? The unthinkable is now happening as the water of life is being given new life – in the creation of contemporary cocktails that win over women
JUST AS CATWALK looks sum up a particular era, cocktails are also symbols of the zeitgeist. Although they may not change as much as hemlines, some can
quickly go out of fashion faster than you can say ginand- tonic. Order a Cosmopolitan and you’re in with the Sex and the City crowd. And the Slow Comfortable Screw died out along with the 1980s. But whisky-based cocktails barely seem to have developed further beyond the whisky sour and largely seemed to be a male tipple of choice.
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That’s all set to change now, both in terms of the drink and the drinker. “There’s been a big turn around in the number of cocktails made using Scotch whisky, especially within the last year, as bartenders in high-end bars love experimenting with it,” says Ben Hehir of London-based hospitality consultants Bamboo. The reason why Scotch whisky fascinates bartenders is the amazing range it spans, from mellow and elegantly fruity, to richer, more intense and peated styles that have a
characteristic smokiness.
“Scotch has so many different flavours which you can draw upon for inspiration, and brands have very individual characteristics. Using the individuality of each brand is a particular trend among bartenders,” says Andy Pearson, who runs his own hospitality consultancy, Intoxicology.
Cocktails play a significant role in popularising the spirit, because this is how many people experience their firsttaste of Scotch whisky. Cocktails also
encourage experimentation, and there’s a greater willingness to try something unfamiliar if it’s mixed. But cocktails are also broadening Scotch’s appeal beyond its
traditional, male-dominated following.
“More women are acquiring a taste for Scotch whisky through cocktails. As Scotch whisky is commonly served in high-end bars where customers have sophisticated palates, this has led to women also trying it on the rocks,” says Ben Hehir.
alt="Whisky gives cocktails a smoky undertone">
Scotch whisky can be enjoyed in various servings. A sip is all that’s required to enjoy the distinctive flavours. But if you prefer to analyse the flavours, there’s plenty to focus on, as numerous details influence the final character of the whisky. It’s also one of the reasons it’s so versatile in cocktails – something that will shock the diehards who believe that whisky should only ever be appreciated neat or, at most, with a touch of soda. But for inventive bartenders it offers an opportunity to create drinks with smoky and earthy tones that are difficult to make otherwise.
“People are getting more educated so are coming in saying, I read about X, Y or Z in a magazine, do you have it? There’s a new wave of people who want to try
different styles of whisky, from lighter to richer, and to explore the regions,” says Glynn O’Shea, bar manager at Albannach in London’s Trafalgar Square, which has a selection of around 170 Scotch whiskies.
alt="Options include luxurious creations like this Chivas cocktail">
There’s always something new to try, as malt whisky is the most innovative and specialised spirits category. This includes limited-edition bottlings that require a certain
decisiveness, because if you don’t move fast, it will have sold out. But sampling new releases is getting far easier, as a growing number of stylish venues provide an ideal rendezvous with one of Scotland’s greatest hits.
“There’s definitely more bars with a serious Scotch whisky offering than a year ago, and there’s now a lot more variety in terms of the Scotch whiskies available in different bars. Bar owners want more individuality, and customers want to see different bottlings in different bars,” says Jamie Forbes, UK brand ambassador for Monkey Shoulder malt whisky.
Choice is wonderful, if it’s informed, and trained professionals in the form of educated bartenders are ready to help. “A major trend that’s emerged over the past few
years is that a large number of people are now prepared to be led by the bartender, and bartenders use the knowledge they’ve got to encourage people to experiment, by explaining the wide range of flavours available. It’s a great opportunity for Scotch whisky,” says Andy Pearson.
alt="The Chivas Brothers brand ambassadors have created these whisky cocktails">
Those who become seduced can even take their new interest into internet chat rooms. Whisky fairs around the world also provide opportunities, such as tastings
conducted by Scotch whisky icons. “It’s an area that has so much to it: there are cultural aspects, historic aspects, production and the sheer breadth of flavour and styles available, that add up to a really compelling subject,” says John Glaser, founder of the Compass Box Whisky Company.
Distilleries across Scotland offer tours, with visitor centres providing retail therapy.
alt="Ian Wisniewski, Ian Wisniewski is author of Classic Malt Whisky.">
Gerry O’Donnell, director of The Famous Grouse Scotch whisky, says: “As The Famous Grouse Experience is the most visited distillery in Britain with over 100,000 visitors every year, we know first-hand just how keen people are to be able to visit the home of the brand. That is why we continue to invest in the distillery and just last year we opened The Famous Cook School and Whisky School. Wehave certainly seen a greater number of women attracted to the distillery as a result, and we’re encouraging their interest in whisky.”
So, where do we go from here? Having become an equal opportunity spirit, able to attract newcomers as easily as devotees, Scotch whisky is one of the world’s most historic spirits – while also managing to be one of the most contemporary. Slainte!
November
Glass: Highball Garnish: split vanilla pod and star anise
Ingredients: 50ml Chivas Regal 12-year
5ml vanilla sugar
small dash Whisky Barrel bitters one star anise.
Method: place the sugar and bitters
in the base of the glass. Add one ice
cube and stir all together.
January
Glass: Martini glass
Garnish: half a passionfruit
Ingredients: 25ml Chivas Regal 12-year
25ml Lillet Rouge
25m Cherry liqueur
25ml passionfruit juice
Method: shake and strain.
July
Glass: Highball Garnish: two blueberries and mint sprig
Ingredients: 50ml Chival Regal 12 year
10ml vanilla syrup
5ml fresh lemon juice
15ml passionfruit puree
15ml pineapple juice
six blueberries
Method: Muddle blueberries together.
Shake all ingredients vigorously with
ice and double strain into chilled glass
over crushed ice.
