This page is dedicated to that fine liquor that is Distilled almost exclusively in Scotland. The thanks for this page goes to Dennis and his vast personal liquor cabinet. Unless other wise noted, the Whisky noted on this page are ones he has personally, but all contributions will be welcomed. Scotch is unquestionably Scotland's greatest gift to good living. It is the *Water of Life.* Known and enjoyed internationally, Scotch whisky is a drink of such variety that it is capable of suiting most tastes. From the Dark Roasted Peat taste to the light Golden Malted Flavor that melts on the tongue like honeyed butter, Scotch Whisky is a drink unto itself and enjoyed best sipping with friends, food and a roaring fire. Slainte'!

Top Picks:

In the heart of Speyside, in the region known as Glenlivet, stands the Macallan Distillery, the site of whisky making for many generations. It was formally accorded legal status in 1924, and since then it has been the home of Scotland's finest malt whisky. This opinion was notably confirmed when, in a blind whisky tasting recently organized by the London Sunday Times, it was the outright winner, scoring over thirty percentum more than it's nearest rival. Again in 1992, The Macallan won the Madrid Gold Medal in the "Spirits" category against competition from all over the world. What is the secret of the World Finest Spirit? For centuries, the Macallan has been distilled on the same estate by the same family in particularly small hand beaten copper stills ~ And, while other distillers no longer insist on using oaken sherry casks, at Macallan , this costly tradition is maintained. Finally, at Macallan, a small quantity of the best casks are set aside to slumber even longer in the mellowing oak, until the contents are released, as in the 25 year old Macallan, to offer you one of life's few genuinely incomparable experiences.

The traditional Scottish ballad "Westering Home" tells of the sailors returning to their families and homes on the soft-misted Isle of Islay off of the coast of Scotland. Islay, home too of Bunnahabhain, which is as welcoming and unique as the island itself. Bunnahabhain is distilled from clear spring waters trapped high in the mountains whilst they still tumble over hard granite rocks, and this helps to give Bunnahabhain a taste less peaty that the island's other malt whiskies. A soft, mellow whisky of great character and distinction with a hint of peat.

Moss water, passing over rocky falls, steeped in mountain air and moorland peat, distilled and matured in oak casks exposed to the sea shape Lagavulin's robust and smoky character. Time, say the Islanders, takes out the fire but leaves in the warmth.

The Sixteen Men of Tain use the fine barley, that is locally grown in Ross-shire, and lightly peat during malting. The water rises in the Tarlogie Springs close to the distillery, having been filtered thru lime and sandstone for half a century, which makes it unusually hard and rich in minerals. The Distillery's elegant swan-neck still are the tallest in the Highlands, so only the lightest and purest of vapours can ascend and condense. The casks rest in low stone-built buildings with earthen floors and permeated by fresh sea-air. The result of this process is a malt whisky of unique character and subtlety, elegant and delicately scented.

Balvenie 15 year

Balvenie's Malt Master carefully samples only those casks that have achieved at least 15 years of maturation. His skill and experience enable him to determine which casks have developed the most interesting and individual character at that age. It is only these casks which are selected for bottling as "The Balvenie Single Barrel." Each Bottle is ONE of a Limited Edition of no more than 100 hand numbered bottles. Each bottle is unique and unrepeatable.

Dalmore 12 year

The first Dalmore whisky ran into oak casks in 1939. In the early times there were only two stills, but today their eight stills produce a whisky that is sherried, mellow, full-bodied with a lingering round taste. This whisky will delight you with it's deep, rich golden color and Glasgow peat aroma.

Glenlivet 12 year & 18 year

Since George Smith first distilled legal whisky here in 1924, the makers of Glenlivet have never allowed popular demand to hurry them. Every oak cask stays undisturbed for at least 12 years. Now and again, however, they find a cask so special, they let it rest a little longer. Its time will come they say. This superb whisky was drawn from such a cask, after eighteen long years. In this time more than a third of the contents have evaporated~"gone to the angels", say the Scots. When you enjoy the taste of the Glenlivet 18 year old, take the distiller's advice...Don't be hurried.

Laphroaig 10 year

Laphroaig has always keep itself a bit remote, like the islanders of Islay themselves. A touch aloof, at first. But make the effort, broach acquaintance, and you'll have a warm and genuine friend for life. Take it neat like a stalwart, or with a splash of soft water. Roll it around your tongue. Release the pungent, earthy aroma of blue peat smoke, the sweet nuttiness of the barley, the delicate, heathery perfume of the Islay's streams. Close your eyes, and imagine the waves lapping Laphroaig, the beautiful hallow by the broad bay.

LongMorn 15 year

An old chapel once stood on the site of the Longmorn Distillery. The name means "Place of the Holy Man." The way this whisky is made has not changed in more than a century, and it is as highly prized today as it was long ago. Matured in Oak Casks for fifteen years, Longmorn is one of the truly great Highland Whiskeys.

Strathisla 12 year

At Strathisla, in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, they have been distilling fine malt whisky since 1786. Little has changed over the centuries; this is still a craft, not an industry, and the fact shows in the quality of the whisky itself. Fresh water from the spring, lightly peated barley malt, are the only ingredients. Strathisla has been described by an expert as "very smooth, long, soothing."

Tamnavulin-Glenlivet 10 year

The name translates from the Gaelic as "the mill on the hill" and the River Livet flows past the distillery. Today the mill has been converted into a visitors' center and there is a picnic area on the banks of the Livet. Tamnavulin is a light-coloured malt because, the producers maintain, so caramel colouring is added. Water from the Livet is used in the distillation processes, but the water from which the actual spirit is produced comes from a spring in the hills above the distillery.

Fine Scotch Whisky:

Bowmore 12 year

Smoky, peat, full-bodied, smooth. Amber colour. Recommended with a splash of water as an after-dinner drink.

Connoissereurs Choice

North Port-Brechin blended this whisky from the finest Highland Single Malt whiskys. Distilled in 1974.

Cragganmore 12 year

Astonishingly fregrant with sweetish notes and a smoky maltiness on the finish.

Dalwhinnie 18 year

Dalwhinnie Distiller in Inverness-shire produces this unique and beautifully aged whisky. Recommended as a pre-dinner malt.

Glenfarclas 10 year

Sherried, full-bodied, lingering taste, smooth. Dark colour. Recommended as an after-dinner drink. Dilute to taste.

Glennfiddich 12 year

Light-bodied, smooth, dry, fragrant, distinctive, fresh. Pale colour.

Glengoyne 18 year

Delicate, sweet, mellow, smooth, medium-bodied. Dark colour.

Glenkinchie 10 year

The Edinburgh Malt Lowland Scotch Whisky has a light nose and a fresh clean aroma and a subtle hint of dryness. Excellent pre-dinner drink.

Glen Moray 12 year

Mellow, full-bodied, smooth. Very light colour (no colouring added). Normally drunk with water.

Glenshiel 10 year

Full-bodied, dry, smooth. Light colour. Recommended as an after-dinner drink.

Highland Park 12 year

Smoky, full-bodied, aromatic, dry. Reddish colour. Recommended with water.

Isle of Jura 10 year

Delicate, mello, smooth, medium-bodied, subtle sweetness. Light in colour. Recommended with water, possibly as an after-dinner drink.

Knockdhu

Highland Scotch Whisky with a lingering taste and medium-bodied, possibly as an after-dinner drink.

McGibbon 10 year

Private Estate Distillery in limited production.

Oban 14 year

This malt comes in an unusual bottle with a cork closure. Unblended Highland Malt Scotch, medium-bodied.

Speyburn 10 year

Speyburn is the only distillery to use soft Speyside water from the nearby Granty Burn, one of the major tributaries of the River Spey which is renowned for it's salmon. A Firm, yet subtle, flavour with a dry warming oak finish.

Springbank 21 year

Delicate, mellow, smooth, yet full-bodied. Unusually light and un-peaty for a Campbeltown. Pale, no colouring added. A personal favorite. (Polgara)

Talisker 8 year & 12 year

Peaty, full bodied, aromatic. Pale in colour. Recommended with or without water or just ice.

Tamdhu 15 year

Delicate, sweet, mellow, medium-bodied. Recommended with water.