On-board bar: Whiskies for sailors: Essences of the sea. Give away now!
It is perhaps not one of the trendy drinks of recent years, when gin and rum were booming (see tasting in YACHT 25/2018). Rather, whisky ranks among the timeless classics, especially among sailors. They appreciate the high-proof and mostly refined distillate from the wooden barrel as a soul warmer in low-pressure weather conditions, optionally also as a mooring sip, nightcap or as a thank-you gift that is popular worldwide, regardless of currency. Whisky is linked to sailing by its Anglo-Saxon roots. It is probably no coincidence that the cradle of yachting and the cradle of the mostly amber-coloured brew are in Scotland, as the two go together perfectly.
Even if the Irish claim the origin for their island, even if more and more distilleries are producing whiskies elsewhere in the world: Highlands and Hebrides remain the benchmark for single malts to this day. For this gift guide, which has been compiled with the utmost dedication, we have nevertheless extended the geographical scope - as far as Brittany and Lake Constance. Let us surprise and inspire you. And in case you've forgotten a bottle on board somewhere in the furthest corner: There's nothing better than enjoying a toast to the coming season or the adventures lying aft when you visit the boat in winter storage.
Because cheers!
ARDBEG AN OA
How he gets there
An Ardberg belongs in every whisky collection. Distilled on the Isle of Islay (pronounced "Eilah"), it has lots of peat and plenty of character. The distillery is located on Pier Road, right on the rocky south coast.
This is how he comes across
The An Oa ("An-Oh"), named after a headland, is quite new in the Ultimate range, perhaps the most pleasing Ardberg: pleasant opening, complex, round palate, finely balanced smokiness and sweetness in the finish.
Price: approx. 49 Euro
Info: 47%, 0,7 l
On-board bar factor: 8.3
ARMORIK SINGLE MALT
How he gets there
This is how it comes across A true Breton and as such a rarity. The Warenghem distillery, founded in 1900, is based in Lannion, north-east of Brest. A dry estuary connects the town to the English Channel. Wide range of spirits, from cider to liqueur.
This is how he comes across
Deep amber in the glass conveys warmth, and this impression remains. Maturation in oak and then in Oloroso barrels gives the Armorik Double Maturation a promising bouquet: fruity, mild, with wood and apple notes. Smooth!
Price: approx. 49 Euro
Info: 46%, 0.7 litre,
On-board bar factor: 7.6
BORDERS HIGHLAND SINGLE GRAIN
How he gets there
A rarity from the region of the same name in the Scottish Lowlands. The brand was also to be accompanied by the construction of a distillery. However, the plans are on ice and the label will not be continued. Only remaining stocks are still available.
This is how he comes across
Pretty: the label, which is also printed on the back, shows a reed belt on the River Tweed through the glass. The highly praised single grain was less appealing: fruity, nutty nose, but sharp on the palate. Doesn't get much better with water.
Price: approx. 40 Euro
Info: 52%, 0.7 litre,
On-board bar factor: 3.4
BUNNAHABHAIN ISLAY SINGLE MALT
How he gets there
A determined-looking rower adorns the characteristic bottle of Bunnahabhain ("Buu-na-havenn"). An almost compelling single malt from the north-east of Islay.
This is how he comes across
It is the classic in a wide range full of experimentation that extends to the 46-year-old malt (5980 euros). It captivates you as soon as you open the bottle, with notes of honey, fruit, malt and leather. It remains full-bodied and broad on the tongue, first fruity and nutty, then wonderfully smoky. A must-have!
Price: approx. 44 Euro
Info: 46%, 0,7 l
On-board bar factor: 8.2
CLONAKILTY SINGLE BATCH
How he gets there
Young label from Ireland's south coast that plays with its proximity to the Atlantic. Spin-off from a family-run farm whose fields are located near Galley Head Lighthouse, south of West Cork.
This is how he comes across
Fine, fresh nose with hints of vanilla, peach, grass and herbs. Soft and flavoursome on the palate, noticeably more open and smoky with a little water. Pretty bottle, beautiful label. The single batch is limited to 1000 bottles.
Price: approx. 45 Euro
Info: 44%, 0,7 l
On-board bar factor: 6.3
CLYNELISH SINGLE MALT
How he gets there
The "Coastal Highland" is distilled on the north-east coast of Scotland, between Wick and Inverness. Great: the 14-year-old malt is also available in a 0.2-litre bottle for tasting or as a souvenir.
This is how he comes across
A hidden malt, not unlike a Macallan: vanilla and sweet fruit dominate the nose, and that's how it tastes, before salt, pepper and smoke turn it into a whisky in the finish. Pleasant, but not arbitrary.
Price: approx. 48 Euro
Info: 46%, 0,7 l
On-board bar factor: 6.5
CUTTY SARK
How he gets there
The whisky that everyone thinks of first when it comes to nautical references. Named after the famous tea clipper.
This is how he comes across
The competitive price, litre bottle and screw cap clearly set it apart from the rest of our selection. Its claim is also: "Born to be mixed", says the producer himself - made for mixing. Its light straw colour, flat body and short, light finish match this. When drunk neat, the Cutty Sark doesn't exactly rock; however, the blend matured in oak barrels without any rough edges doesn't hurt anyone either.
Price: approx. 18 Euro
Info: 40%, 1.0 litre
On-board bar factor: 2.4
GLENDALOUGH POT STILL IRISH WHISKEY
How he gets there
A craft whiskey from Ireland, hence the "ey" at the end. A handful of best friends have quit their jobs to live the dream of their own distillery. Their marketing seems advanced. At the centre: the saga of a monk who once lived in the Valley of Two Lakes in the Wicklow Mountains.
This is how he comes across
Unfortunately, the presentation is better than the product. The Glendalough tastes of green oak, the finish is slightly soapy and tangy. It still lacks maturity.
Price: approx. 35 Euro
Info: 43%, 0,7 l
On-board bar factor: 3.0
GLENMORANGIE THE ORIGINAL
How he gets there
One of the most famous whiskies in the world comes from the harsh North Sea climate of the Dornoch Firth. The water for it comes from the Tarlogie springs. Glenmorangie also offers surfboards - they are made from old casks as part of the "Beyond the Cask" project.
This is how he comes across
The ten-year-old single malt is considered the centrepiece of the range - a gift that never goes astray. Fine vanilla and peach notes lead to a fruity explosion on the palate that lingers for a pleasantly long time. Rightly a bestseller.
Price: approx. 36 Euro
Info: 40%, 0,7 l
On-board bar factor: 7.8
HUDSON BABY BOURBON
How he gets there
A rare craft bourbon from the US East Coast, which is at home on the upper reaches of the Hudson River. Produced using the pot still method, bottled in small 0.35-litre bottles, lovingly packaged and numbered.
This is how he comes across
Pleasant nose with sweet aromas of roasted corn, wood, vanilla and subtle dried fruit. Almond, candy and liquorice on the tongue, with a smoky and slightly soapy finish. Does not quite live up to its initial promise.
Price: approx. 35 Euro
Info: 46%, 0.3 litre
On-board bar factor: 4.3
KORNOG PX CASK STRENGTH
How he gets there
A speciality for connoisseurs. Not far from the rugged Ile de Bréhat in northern Brittany, Glann ar Mor distils this peated single malt at cask strength. It matures for 16 years in old sherry casks.
This is how he comes across
The Kornog smells as fresh as the Breton morning air, with notes of smoke, peat, salt and lemon. Woody notes are added with water in the glass. Fruity on the tongue, with a rapid transition to spices, smoke and peat. Full, varied finish. Unfortunately expensive.
Price: approx. 122 Euro
Info: 58%, 0,7 l
On-board bar factor: 8.0
LAGAVULIN ISLAY SINGLE MALT
How he gets there
One of the malts that makes a trip to the Hebrides worthwhile - if only to drop anchor in front of the distillery's jetty. But look out! The bay, mapped on Navionics as "Lagavulin Distillery" even at a low zoom level, falls extensively dry at low tide.
This is how he comes across
What an Islay! It smells of seaweed and peat, but also has sweet connotations. And it is a good "swimmer": even more elegant with water than neat. Full-bodied and smoky on the palate, with mellow fruit and beautiful maturity. Perfect as a digestif.
Price: approx. 60 Euro
Info: 43%, 0,7 l
On-board bar factor: 9.0
MACALLAN TRIPLE CASK
How he gets there
A corporate brand, produced in huge quantities and sober facilities. Yes. But also the single malt that made it to world fame in Björn Larsson's sailing thriller "The Celtic Ring" - and rightly so.
This is how he comes across
Whisky without a dark side, yet with a clear profile. Velvety, mildly fruity nose, complemented on the palate by oak, nutmeg and lime, accompanied by honey and melon. The full flavour only remains undiluted. Relatively high-priced.
Price: approx. 66 Euro
Info: 40%, 0,7 l
On-board bar factor: 8.5
OBAN LITTLE BAY OF CAVES
How he gets there
There was no town, no village, when the Stevensons started brewing beer and then distilling whisky in the Bay of Caves on Scotland's west coast in 1794. Now there are hotels, restaurants and a ferry terminal here. But the distillery, one of the smallest and finest in the country, has remained unchanged in the same place.
This is how he comes across
Wonderful. Harmonious. As balanced as a well-trimmed boat that steers itself. Fruity, spicy bouquet with distinctive traces of sea salt. The finish is persistently round and not too smoky.
Price: approx. 45 Euro
Info: 43%, 0,7 l
On-board bar factor: 8.9
OLD PULTENEY SINGLE MALT
How he gets there
A classic that is often underestimated. The distillery underpinned its claim as a "maritime malt" not least at the Clipper Race 2013/14, when it was the name sponsor of one of the yachts.
This is how he comes across
Apart from the somewhat antiquated-looking bottle, which emulates the shape of the stills, Old Pulteney is a good choice for sailors. The golden festive colour is subtle and harmonious; it has depth, freshness and length. A favourable alternative to the Macallan, for example.
Price: approx. 30 Euro
Info: 40%, 0,7 l
On-board bar factor: 7.8
PORT ASKAIG ISLAY SINGLE MALT
How he gets there
If you want to visit the Isle of Islay, which has already been mentioned several times, and are not travelling with your own yacht, you will land in Port Askaig ("Äs-kah"). The harbour in the east gives this single malt its name.
This is how he comes across
Very unique. Peat, cold campfire smoke and liquorice accompany many Islay whiskies, but rarely as prominently as here. It tastes a little softer neat than with water, but still special. There is also a medicinal note.
Price: approx. 38 Euro
Info: 46%, 0,7 l
On-board bar factor: 2.7
SCAPA SKIREN
How he gets there
From the shores of a huge natural harbour, in the middle of the often windswept Orkneys, comes one of Scotland's finest single malts. The Scapa Distillery pays homage to its maritime origins with a stylised sailing boat, which forms the "A" of Scapa.
This is how he comes across
Soft, gentle, tactile, it awakens the nose and palate for dinner. The Scapa tastes almost creamy. With imagination, you can sense a marriage between tropical fruit and heather. Heavy, oily peat flavours are completely absent. A lovely aperitif, also for
Price: approx. 58 Euro
Info: 40%, 0,7 l
On-board bar factor: 8.7
SEA SHEPHERD ISLAY SINGLE MALT
How he gets there
Heavy metal malt from the marine conservation organisation Sea Shepherd, whose licence fee helps to finance the work of the volunteers. An Islay of undisclosed origin and without age statement.
This is how he comes across
Straightforward. Peaty and salty, with clear liquorice and faint citrus notes. Earthy, warm, spicy and long smoky on the palate. Loses considerable depth when slightly diluted with water. A hit-and-miss brew for tough dogs.
Price: approx. 40 Euro
Info: 43%, 0,7 l
On-board bar factor: 3.5
TALISKER STORM
How he gets there
For the brand's motto - "Made by the Sea" - Talisker is hidden surprisingly deep inside Loch Harport on the Isle of Skye. Nevertheless, their whiskies are as wild and boisterous as the North Atlantic.
This is how he comes across
The Storm in particular has plenty of peat, smoke and fire. It burns a little on the finish, but also reveals a second, fruitier level when drunk neat. Despite the name, it is not our first choice in the Talisker range, which also includes a tasting set for 13.50 euros.
Price: approx. 37 Euro
Info: 46%, 0,7 l
On-board bar factor: 5.9
TALISKER PORT RUIGHE
This is how he comes across
More varied than the Storm, with more fruit and smoothness. The name reveals the ageing in port casks, which make the malt appear rounder and more pleasing.
Price: approx. 44 Euro
Info: 46%, 0,7 l
On-board bar factor: 7.0
TALISKER SINGLE MALT
This is how he comes across
A ten-year-old Talisker that develops a little more sophistication than the Storm, but is nevertheless similar in character. Peaty, smoky, salty with a longer finish.
Price: approx. 37 Euro
Info: 46%, 0,7 l
On-board bar factor: 6.3
The book on the subject
There is no shortage of whisky literature. However, there are only a few specialised books that provide an equally broad and in-depth insight into the world of single malts, pot stills and blends. This is exactly what Cyrille Mald and Alexandre Vingtier have achieved with "Whisky Knowledge" - a standard work for beginners, connoisseurs and collectors. 484 pages, 29.90 euros, www.delius-klasing.de
FROM LOCAL SOURCES
The scene is alive. There are also interesting products in this country in the field of WHISKYS WITH WATER REFERENCE
KEMPERS GLOBETROTTER
This is how he comes across
Nice idea, great packaging. This rye distillate has travelled 23,000 nautical miles in its wake. It travelled on a freighter for 100 days to Shanghai and back. The flavour was hardly helped by the ocean voyage. The globetrotter whisky tastes flat, somewhat burnt and loses itself in a quick finish. Expensive as a gift, but original.
Price: approx. 65 Euro
Info: 43%, 0,7 l
On-board bar factor: 3.1
MUSTARD SINGLE MALT
This is how he comes across
The family distillery in Salem-Rickenbach on Lake Constance has been exhibiting at Interboot for years. It has a wide range of products, including the Baden single malt, whose label is adorned with the Swabian Sea. A fruity, floral nose with hints of rum. On the tongue and palate, Senft is admittedly restrained and finishes smoky. A suitable choice for sailors on the lake.
Price: approx. 41 Euro
Info: 42%, 0,7 l
On-board bar factor: 5.2
SILD EDITION CRANNOG
Frisian-Bavarian co-production of a craft whisky with charm and flavour. The Sild is named after Sylt, but is produced by Slyrs. The crannog is then stored on a cutter in List harbour, where the barrels sway to the rhythm of the tide. Malt and salt, plums and caramel create a complex flavour experience. Top - and expensive.
Price: approx. 80 Euro
Info: 48%, 0,7 l
On-board bar factor: 7.0
SLYRS SINGLE MALT CLASSIC
The Bavarian among the German whiskies, distilled at Schliersee, which can be recognised by the diamond pattern on the label. Very soft, floral and fruity aroma. Clear fruit notes on the palate too, followed by a mild, smoky finish with fruit flavours. This sets Slyrs apart from the local competition and has its appeal, but puts it more in the neighbourhood of a fruit schnapps than a single malt.
Price: approx. 50 Euro
Info: 43%, 0,7 l
