TDWine

In Search of Scotch

Yesterday I was looking for advice on Scotch for a gift. I know very little about Scotch so I went looking for expert advice from Geoff Kruth, Master Sommelier. Master Kruth is the Director of Operations for the Guild of Sommeliers, wine consultant for the Kapalua Food and Wine Fesitival, and Wine Director for The Farmhouse in Sonoma’s Russian River Valley.

For Christmas sometimes I purchase my Father in Law a bottle of Glenlivet 18. Having started down the Sommelier path this past year, I thought I’d be remiss if I didn’t do a little research and branch him out, per se.

Unfortunately, my Scotch knowledge is limited to a few paragraphs from, “Sales and Service for the Wine Professional.” I’d done some additional research, but thought Master Kruth could point me in the right direction.

Digging around I found out that Glenlivet is from Speyside, a subregion of Highland in Scotland. And, like wine, many factors go into a premium Scotch; cereal, malting process, peat, water, distilling equipment, barrels for aging, and of course, skill of the distiller and blender.

Given my Father in Law’s affinity for Glenlivet 18, I didn’t want to stray too far from that flavor profile. I know he prefers Glenlivet over Glenfiddich, but that’s where my knowledge of his palate ends.

So I asked  Master Kruth what he recommend for a Scotch similar to Glenlivet 18 in flavor profile and price. He pointed me towards Oban 14.

One of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, Oban is known as “The Gateway to the Isles”. The distillery was founded in 1794 by John and Hugh Stevenson. Oban 14 has been described with a nose of oranges, lemons and pears, with sea salt and peaty smokiness. The palate is characterized by honey, spices, and dried figs wrapped in smoky malty dryness. Sounds pretty good!

I’m going sight (nose, and palate) unseen on this one. I hope my Father in Law enjoys it. I’m sure he’ll share a little taste on Christmas Day.