• January/ 15/ 2020
• by whiskyfixadmin

Best Selling Whisky Brands 2019

Johnnie Walker is the big beast of these parts- it’s topped the poll 10 of the past 11 times. As the biggest-selling scotch globally and backed by Diageo’s distribution and bar-world contacts, it’s no surprise this grand old brand is dominating. In about a quarter of bars, Johnnie Walker was found to be the house pour, and a top-three choice in a third. So while Walker walked it this year, we’ve seen further consolidation of popularity for the malts that lie beneath it. Making up the top four are Laphroaig, The Macallan and Talisker.

In the past few years of this report we have spoken of how bartenders have moved on from the thinking that blends are more mixable than malts, with seven of the bestselling 10 this year single malts – and that remains the overarching trend. Laphroaig, though a lot less likely than Johnnie Walker to be the house pour (for obvious reasons), is the go-to smokey scotch of a list that includes four peated malts.

Almost half of bars polled suggested it was within their three most-used scotch whiskies. Macallan is one of the few malts of a million cases (give or take) and competes with Glen ddich and The Glenlivet worldwide. In the high-end international bar it is the clear winner in its eld and this year takes the trending title too.Talisker, meanwhile, may be much smaller but, like Laphroaig, has a cult following in the bar trade. We’ve also seen something of a comeback from the other big blends.

Bacardi’s Dewar’s reputation seems to be slowly climbing in estimations and our ranking – where it’s up to h – with cask nishes piquing the interest of bartenders. Chivas likewise has climbed the table up to sixth, putting last year’s bad performance behind it.

*Source – Drinks International

• October/ 28/ 2017
• by whiskyfixadmin

Bowmore Mizunara Cask

Bowmore Mizunara Cask Whisky – 53.9% / 70cl

We are very proud to present Bomore Whisky distilled in the 1990’s and finished in incredibly rare Japanese Mizunara casks – a first for Scotch whisky.

Mizunara casks are very rare with only 100 being made every year and here we see the merging of two great distilling nations.

There is less than 2000 botlles of the Bowmore Mizunara available worldwide.

Nose: Spicy, mellow sweetness carried on a fresh ocean breeze.

Palate: Sweet vanilla, cedar wood, exotic mango and honey rose blossom.

Finish: Floral spice and fragrant smoke.

• December/ 6/ 2017
• by whiskyfixadmin

Brand New Kilkerran Whisky Just Released

Mitchell’s Glengyle Distillery re-opened in 2004, following closure in 1925. Kilkerran Single Malt is a lightly peated, double distilled whisky which is not chill filtered and has no added colouring.

This is part of an annual limited edition release of Kilkerran whisky which has been 100% matured in bourbon casks.

Nose – Waxy with vanilla pods, lemon sponge, candy floss, malted barley and digestive biscuits.

Palate – Watermelon, lime and lemon zest, green apples, pencil shavings, salted peanuts, golden syrup with light mineral notes.

Finish – An excellent balance of peat smoke; Earthy, briny and hints of liquorice, leaving you yearning for more.

£54.00

Buy Kilkerran 8 Year Old Cask Strength Whisky

• April/ 8/ 2022
• by Euan Finlayson

CASKS OF LINDORES STR WINE BARRIQUE

• December/ 15/ 2018
• by whiskyfixadmin

Christmas Gift Ideas

Three Must Have Stocking Fillers

Exciting new releases from whiskyfix.com

With Christmas almost upon us here at Whisky Fix HQ, we have come up with three whiskies we feel embody everything we love about the festivities. With 2pm Wednesday being the cut off to guarantee delivery for Xmas day, you still have time for those last minute gifts.

Christmas cake in a glass is often how this whisky was referred to before being discontinued in 2014. Thankfully The Glendronach 15 Year Old is back and it is as delicious as we remember. Stock is strictly limited due to the unforseen demand for the return of this cult whisky.

The Laphroaig 10yo Cask Strength is always a highlight as far as yearly batch bottling’s go and once again, this one does not disappoint. Full of iodine aromas, tarry ropes and creaminess, it’s a must for the legions of Laphroaig fans worldwide.

Award for surprisingly amazing whisky of the year goes to Talisker 8 Year Old. An unexpected addition to the Diageo Special Release range, this malt has received global adulation from fans of peaty, coastal whisky. The only downside is the small number of bottles produced.

Slainte and Merry Christmas!!!

• October/ 31/ 2018
• by whiskyfixadmin

Diageo Special Releases

It is exciting times here at Whisky Fix HQ as the new releases of our favourite malts are arriving day by day! Its hard to pick our favourites but these three whiskies have made made it into our top 5 ‘whiskies we’ve tried in 2018’ list.

Obviously we’re biased towards Oban (with the distillery being across the road), but nothing prepared us for how complex and characterful this fully sherry cask matured Oban 21 year old would be.

The Laphroaig 10yo Cask Strength is always a highlight as far as yearly batch bottling’s go and once again, this one does not disappoint. Full of iodine aromas, tarry ropes and creaminess, it’s a must for the legions of Laphroaig fans worldwide.

Award for surprisingly amazing whisky of the year goes to Talisker 8 Year Old. An unexpected addition to the Diageo Special Release range, this malt has received global adulation from fans of peaty, coastal whisky. The only downside is the small number of bottles produced.

• November/ 23/ 2022
• by euan finlayson

Does Your Whisky Glass Make A Difference? 

You might think all whisky glasses are created equal, but that’s not the case. The shape of your glass can impact the taste of your Whisky. Using the right whisky glass can completely alter the taste of the Whisky you are savouring, so you must choose the right one. 

However, it does need to be said if you are enjoying Whisky because you like it as an evening drink but do not want to enjoy it in a way a whisky taster would, you choose whichever glass you wish. 

Having provided clients with Whisky up and down the UK for several years, we offer a range of whiskies to suit every taste profile. We also have a wide selection of whisky glasses so that you can choose the right one for your Whisky. 

Read our latest blog post to find out everything you need to know about your whisky glass choices, and if you have any questions or queries, be sure to reach out to our team; we are happy to help!

Why Should You Buy A Whisky Glass?

There are many different whisky glasses on the market, each with its unique style and design. But does it matter which glass you choose to drink your Whisky from?

The simple answer is yes! The shape of your whisky glass can significantly affect the taste and aroma of your Whisky, so you must choose the right glass. For example, if you were drinking Champagne, you would always choose to serve that in a Champagne flute, so serving Whisky in a Whisky glass is just as important. Also, if you enjoy your Whisky for an end-of-week drink or use it as part of a celebration, using a high-quality glass will add to the occasion. 

Further to that, not only will it enhance the occasion, but a properly chosen Whisky glass can undoubtedly enhance the experience of drinking Whisky; with three main areas to consider such as; nose, palate and finish, you can savour each one with the correct Whisky glass.  

The nose, or the aroma of the Whisky, is an important area to focus on as it can indicate the flavour profile. For instance, if you’re served a whisky with a lot of smoke in the nose, it will likely be a peaty whisky from Islay. To enjoy the smells and aromas of the Whisky, you need a glass that focuses on the volatile elements around the top of the glass; this will allow you the chance to breathe the Whisky in before you taste it. 

You should buy a Whisky glass based on its shape and the design chosen for the glass; it can truly make the experience of savouring Whisky a unique experience. 

What Are The Top Five Whisky Glasses? 

Old Fashioned Tumbler

One of the most famous whisky glasses on the market, and more often than not found in the homes of any whisky drinker, these glasses are incredibly versatile. Due to the size of this glass, it is perfect for having whisky on the rocks or a large pour, depending on your preferences. Not only that, as the name suggests, it is perfect for the cocktail Old Fashioned. 

Islay Tumbler

This tumbler is a heavy bottom glass, offering a feeling of grandeur to anyone drinking whisky out of one; it enhances the experience. The narrow top of this type of glass allows the aromas of the whisky to travel out of the glass, ideally towards your nose, allowing you to breathe in the smell of the whisky and providing you with a rounded tasting experience. 

Glencairn Whisky Glass

Without a doubt, one of the most famous whisky glasses to be on the market is the Glencairn; it is the hallmark of whisky glasses; if you go to a tasting event or an organised whisky event, you will always come across this glass. This glass has been specifically designed to give you the most rounded whisky-drinking experience, from seeing the colours, catching the aromas and enjoying drinking. 

With a sturdy bottom, this glass is ideal for whisky drinkers who want to enjoy the aromas and the taste of whisky; it is for more than just having a tipple at the end of the day. 

Copita

The shape and body of this glass are similar to the Glencairn; it has a wide belly and a narrowing top; this is another whisky glass designed to focus in-depth on the aromas and smells your nose can produce pick up. The long stem allows the drinker to control the glass better, perfect for swirling the whisky around the glass bowl, letting the fragrances escape. 

This glass is ideal for having a neat dram or enjoying multiple whiskies during a tasting. 

Choose Oban Whisky And Fine Wines For Glassware Today!

So, what’s the verdict? Does your whisky glass make a difference? The answer is most definitely yes! Different glasses produce different aromas and flavours in the Whisky. If you want to get the most out of your dram, it’s essential to use the right glass. 

If you are an avid whisky drinker investing in a whisky glass is the right thing to do, but make sure you do your research first; the type of glass you buy should always be determined by how you enjoy your whisky. 

Oban Whisky And Fine Wines have all sorts of glasses to choose from, so you can find the perfect one for your palate. Contact us today to learn more about our selection or place an order for new whisky glasses! Not only that, but you will have access to some of the most exclusive Whiskies from around the world, place an order today and receive quick and efficient delivery on all the whiskies we have in stock!

• October/ 25/ 2022
• by euan finlayson

Everything You Need To Know About Cigars

Cigars have been around for centuries, and their popularity has only grown recently. Whether you’re a seasoned smoker or just getting started, there’s much to learn about cigars. 

This guide will cover everything you need to know about cigars, from choosing the right one to lighting and smoking it. Whether you are new to smoking cigars or have enjoyed them for several years, you will finish this article knowing more about cigars than when you began. It is exciting! 

Having provided clients around the UK with cigars for several years, our team is always more than happy to share our knowledge and expertise in the field here at Oban Whiskey And Fine Wines. If you have any questions or queries at the end of reading this article, be sure to reach out, we will happily answer any questions or queries you have. 

What Are Cigars?

Cigars are tightly rolled bundles of dried and fermented tobacco designed to be smoked. The filler is made from the tobacco and the binder, but the wrapper is always made from either a natural leaf or a leaf made from artificial materials; countries around the world make cigars differently, offering a vast collection of cigars with different flavours, smells and even textures. 

Cigars are often given as gifts, smoked on special occasions, or enjoyed as a luxurious treat. They can be purchased pre-rolled or in a roll-your-own format; the former is more convenient, while the latter offers smokers the opportunity to personalise their cigar smoking experience. 

Cigar smoking has been around for centuries, with the first recorded cigar being smoked in 15th-century Cuba. Cuban cigars are also one of the most popular on the market. However, it is worth noting they didn’t originate from Cuba. Cigars do not have a set-in-stone heritage that is widely known; we mean it is not known where they came from initially. But cigar smoking can be traced back to the Ancient Mayans, with a 10th Century ceramic pot in Guatemala showing a man smoking rolled up leaves held together with string. 

Fast forward to the 20th century, when cigars became increasingly popular in the Western world, thanks partly to famous cigar smokers such as Winston Churchill and John F. Kennedy. Nowadays, cigars are smoked for various reasons, including relaxation, celebrations, and even as a way to socialise. 

What Are The Three Components Of A Cigar? 

All cigars contain three main components: the filler, the binder, and the wrapper. With all cigars coming in a range of shapes, flavours and sizes, these three aspects are a constant across all cigars; let’s look into these pieces individually. 

Filler

The filler is the innermost part of the cigar and is made up of tobacco leaves. The leaves are rolled up into a tube shape and held together by the binder. The filler is where all of the flavours for the cigar come from; it can be made up of either one kind of tobacco or a blend to create a unique flavour. Depending on preference, you can choose between a longleaf filler or a cut-shortleaf filler. 

The Wrapper

The wrapper is the outermost layer of the cigar and is made up of a tobacco leaf. This leaf is usually darker in colour than the leaves used for the filler and binder, and its flavour can also be more robust. The wrapper gives the cigar its final appearance; it can be smooth or have a rough texture, and it should be the first thing you look at when choosing your cigars. It will give you an indication of how the cigar will smoke as well as taste. 

The Binder 

The binder is the middle layer that will keep the cigar in one piece; this is where you will find the company or brand logo and anything that identifies where the cigar was made.  

What Are The Different Types Of Cigars? 

Cigars come in different shapes, sizes and styles, all of which will affect the smoking experience. One of the most common ways of classifying a cigar is through sizing; with this in mind, cigars have been sold in various sizes for several years, which means they can meet the smoker’s needs every time. Let’s look at the three most popular sizes; 

Cigarillos 

Cigarillos are a minor type of cigar, measuring just 3-4 inches in length with a thin gauge. They are usually made with short filler tobaccos and have a paper or wood tip. Cigarillos have been designed to be faster smoke than a regular cigar, perfect for those who want to smoke something quickly or for smokers who do not have time to sit and enjoy a full cigar. 

Large Cigars 

The next size up from a Cigarillo is, of course, a large cigar. These can be anything from 4 to 8 inches long and usually have a thicker gauge than Cigarillos. Large cigars are made with long filler tobaccos, which run the entire length of the cigar as opposed to being bunched up in the middle. On average, this type of cigar takes around an hour or two hours to smoke; it is to be enjoyed slowly. 

Little Cigars 

Cigars called little are usually 3 inches or less in length and have a ring gauge of 20 or below. Once again, the tobacco used is a long filler, often packaged in tins or small wooden boxes. Like Cigarillos, little cigars can be enjoyed quickly – usually taking the same time to smoke as a regular cigarette. 

Choose Oban Whiskey And Fine Wines For Cigars Today

Cigars are a unique and exciting product, and we hope this blog post has given you a better understanding of what they are, how to smoke them, and the different types available. 

If you’re interested in trying cigars or want to learn more about the Oban Whiskey And Fine Wines selection of fine cigars, be sure to contact us today. Our team would be happy to help you find the perfect cigar for your taste and smoking preferences. Let our team help you find the cigar that you will be able to savour.

• July/ 14/ 2020
• by whiskyfixadmin

Fabrizio Vella – Wine Producer Profile

Producer Profile

Fabrizio Vella is a passionate winemaker living and working in Sicily.

Proud of the island that he calls home he wanted to create a wine range that was personal to him, that reflected where he was from. Working with indigenous varieties of Cattaratto and Nero d’Avola he conjured four wines using an organic approach and careful winemaking to create wines that are fresh, exciting, moreish and true to their origin. A Sicilian wine through and through.

Viticulture

Harvested by hand, the yields are naturally restricted by the winds and climatic conditions on the island and average around 80 quintal per hectare. The vineyard sites are situated at an altitude of 350-450m, ensuring cooler night time temperatures which preserve crucial acidity in the grapes. Wines tend to be harvested earlier than many of their neighbours and consequently they are bright and fresh with clean fruit flavours.

Winemaking

The first pressing is fermented in 50hl acacia wooden barrels. Soft pressed again, with a second fermentation in stainless steel for 14 days where malolactic fermentation takes places.

Oak Treatment

No oak treatment

• September/ 6/ 2017
• by whiskyfixadmin

Feis Ile 2017 Tasting Notes

Feis Ile 2017 Commemorative Bottlings

Limited edition releases from whiskyfix.com

It is that time of year again when whisky aficionados from across the globe swamp the tiny Island of Islay to celebrate Malt & Music. As usual, every distillery has an exclusive one-off bottling to celebrate the occasion and we have a few of them here for those of you who didn’t make this years festival.

1. Bowmore 11 Year Old Sherry & Wine Cask – Selected by hand exclusively for Feis Ile 2017, from casks matured at the home of No.1 Vaults, the world’s oldest Scotch maturation warehouse.

A marriage of sherry and wine casks that develop layers of rich, cherry wood and walnut.

Bottled at cask strength and limited to only 4000 bottles.

2. Ardbeg Single Sherry Cask – Well what do we have here….? An Ardbeg matured in a single sherry cask and released during this years Islay Festival of Malt and Music. Numbers are extremely limited.

Nose: Eucalyptus, linseed, oranges, seabreeze, tarry ropes and bonfire smoke.
Palate: Briney with forest fruits, apples, oysters, tar, lemons and havana cigars.
Finish: Rich with smoke and citrus notes.

3. Lagavulin Moscatel Cask – A one-off release to commemorate the 2017 Islay festival of malt and music. This time the whisky has been double matured in ex-bourbon and ex-moscatel casks and bottled at cask strength. Only 6000 bottles have been produced.

Nose: Lots of salt and coastal notes, a nice balanced sweetness from the moscatel and obvious peat smoke.
Palate: Sweet smoky wood, figs, white chocolate, demerara sugar, tar and a hint of citrus.
Finish: A perfect balance of sweet and smoky goodness.