It may not be one of the trend drinks of the past few years, when gin and rum had a real boom (see tasting in YACHT 25/2018). Rather, whiskey 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 an investor's drink, a nightcap or as a gift of thanks that is not dependent on foreign currency and is welcomed around the world. The whiskey connects its Anglo-Saxon roots with sailing. It is probably no coincidence that the cradle of yachting and that of the mostly amber-colored brew are in Scotland, the two go well together.
Even if the Irish claim the origin of their island, even if more and more distilleries elsewhere in the world are producing whiskey: The Highlands and Hebrides are still the standard for single malts today. For this self-sacrificing gift guide, we have expanded the geographic range - to Brittany and Lake Constance. Let yourself be surprised and inspired. And in case you should have forgotten a bottle on board somewhere in the farthest corner: Nothing is nicer than enjoying a sip on the coming season or the adventure ahead while visiting the boat in winter storage. Because cheers
ARDBEG TO OA
ARDBEG AN O >> e.g. available at Urban Drinks *
This is how it arrives
An Ardberg belongs in every whiskey collection. Burned on the Isle of Islay (pronounced "Eilah"), it has a lot of peat and lots of character. The distillery is on Pier Road, right on the rocky south coast.
That's how he comes across
The An O ("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 euros
Info: 47%, 0.7 l
Bordbar factor: 8.3
ARMORIK SINGLE MALT
ARMORIK SINGLE MALT
This is how it arrives
So he comes across A real Breton and as such a rarity. The Warenghem distillery, founded in 1900, is based in Lannion, northeast of Brest. A dry inlet connects the city with the English Channel. Broad portfolio of spirits, from cider to liqueur.
That's how he comes across
Deep amber in the glass conveys warmth, and this impression remains. The maturation in the oak and then in the Oloroso barrel gives the Armorik Double Maturation a promising bouquet: fruity, mild, with notes of wood and apple. Easy to drink!
Price: approx. 49 euros
Info: 46%, 0.7 l,
Bordbar factor: 7.6
BORDERS HIGHLAND SINGLE GRAIN
BORDERS HIGHLAND SINGLE GRAIN
This is how it arrives
Rarity from the region of the same name in the Scottish Lowlands. The brand should also go hand in hand with the construction of a still. But the plans are on hold, the label will not be continued. Only remainder available.
That's 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 sometimes highly praised single grain was less popular: fruity and nutty nose, but sharp on the palate. Doesn't get much better with water either.
Price: approx. 40 euros
Info: 52%, 0.7 l,
Bordbar factor: 3.4
BUNNAHABHAIN ISLAY SINGLE MALT
BUNNAHABHAIN ISLAY SINGLE MALT >> e.g. available at Urban Drinks *
This is how it arrives
A determined looking helmsman adorns the characteristic bottle of Bunnahabhain ("Buu-na-havenn"). An almost compelling single malt from the northeast of Islay.
That's how he comes across
It is the classic in a wide range that is full of experimentation and extends to the 46-year-old malt (5980 euros). As soon as the bottle is opened, it captivates you with notes of honey, fruit, malt and leather. It remains full-bodied and broad on the tongue, first fruity and nutty, then wonderfully smoky. Must-have!
Price: approx. 44 euros
Info: 46%, 0.7 l
Bordbar factor: 8.2
CLONAKILTY SINGLE BATCH
CLONAKILTY SINGLE BATCH
This is how it arrives
Young label from Ireland's south coast that plays with its proximity to the Atlantic. Spin-off of a family-run farm whose fields are near the Galley Head Lighthouse, south of West Cork.
That's how he comes across
Fine, fresh nose with hints of vanilla, peach, grass and herbs. Soft and spicy on the palate, with a little water noticeably more open, also smokier. Nice bottle, nice label. The single batch is limited to 1000 bottles.
Price: approx. 45 euros
Info: 44%, 0.7 l
Bordbar factor: 6.3
CLYNELISH SINGLE MALT
CLYNELISH SINGLE MALT
This is how it arrives
The "Coastal Highland" is distilled on the north-east coast of Scotland, between Wick and Inverness. Great: The 14-year-old malt is available to try or as a souvenir in a 0.2 liter bottle.
That's how he comes across
A hidden malt, not unlike a Macallan: Vanilla and sweet fruits dominate the nose, and that's how it tastes, before salt, pepper and smoke turn it into whiskey. Pleasant, but not arbitrary.
Price: approx. 48 euros
Info: 46%, 0.7 l
Bordbar factor: 6.5
CUTTY SARK
CUTTY SARK
This is how it arrives
The whiskey that everyone thinks of first when it comes to nautical issues. Named after the famous tea clipper.
That's how he comes across
The competitive price, liter bottle and screw cap clearly distance it from the rest of our selection. His claim also: "Born to be mixed", says the manufacturer himself - made for mixing. Its light straw color, its flat body and its short, light finish go well with it. Drunk straight, the Cutty Sark doesn't exactly rock; the blend, matured in oak barrels, without any corners or edges, does not hurt either.
Price: approx. 18 euros
Info: 40%, 1.0 l
Bordbar factor: 2.4
GLENDALOUGH POT STILL IRISH WHISKEY
GLENDALOUGH POT STILL IRISH WHISKEY
This is how it arrives
A craft whiskey from Ireland, hence the "ey" at the end. A handful of best friends quit their jobs in order to live the dream of their own still. Your marketing looks advanced. In the center: the saga of a monk who once lived in the valley of the two lakes in the Wicklow Mountains.
That's how he comes across
Unfortunately, the staging is better than the product. The Glendalough tastes like green oak, the finish is slightly soapy and bubbly. D is still lacking maturity.
Price: approx. 35 euros
Info: 43%, 0.7 l
Bordbar factor: 3.0
GLENMORANGIE THE ORIGINAL
GLENMORANGIE THE ORIGINAL
This is how it arrives
One of the most famous whiskeys in the world comes from the rough North Sea Klimdes Dornoch Firth. The tarlogie springs donate the water for this. Glenmorangie also offers surfboards - as part of the "Beyond-the-Cask" project, they are made from old barrels.
That's how he comes across
The ten-year-old single malt is the core of the range - a gift that is never wrong. Fine vanilla and peach notes lead to a fruity explosion on the palate that lingers for a pleasantly long time. A bestseller, and rightly so.
Price: approx. 36 euros
Info: 40%, 0.7 l
Bordbar factor: 7.8
HUDSON BABY BOURBON
HUDSON BABY BOURBON >> e.g. available at Urban Drinks *
This is how it arrives
In this country, rare craft bourbon from the US east coast, which is at home on the upper reaches of the Hudson River. Manufactured using the pot still process, filled into small 0.35 liter bottles, lovingly packaged and numbered.
That's how he comes across
Pleasant nose with sweet aromas of roasted corn, wood, vanilla and subtle dried fruits. Almond, candy, liquorice on the tongue, smoky and slightly soapy on the finish. Doesn't quite keep what it initially promised.
Price: approx. 35 euros
Info: 46%, 0.3 l
Bordbar factor: 4.3
KORNOG PX CASK STRENGTH
KORNOG PX CASK STRENGTH
This is how it arrives
Specialty for lovers. Not far from the rugged Ile de Bréhat in Northern Brittany, Glann ar Mor distills this peated single malt in cask starch. It is aged for 16 years in old sherry casks.
That's how he comes across
The Kornog smells fresh like the Breton morning air of smoke, peat, salt and lemon. With water in the glass, wood notes are added. Fruity on the tongue, with a quick transition to spices, smoke and peat. Full, varied finale. Unfortunately expensive.
Price: approx. 122 euros
Info: 58%, 0.7 l
Bordbar factor: 8.0
LAGAVULIN ISLAY SINGLE MALT
LAGAVULIN ISLAY SINGLE MALT >> e.g. available at MyTime *
This is how it arrives
One of the malts for which a trip to the Hebrides is worthwhile - if only to anchor in front of the distillery's pier. But truth! The bay, which Navionics has already mapped at a low zoom level as "Lagavulin Distillery", falls largely dry at low tide.
That's how he comes across
What an islay! It smells of seaweed and peat, but also has sweet connotations. And he is a good "swimmer": even more elegant with water than pure. Full-bodied, smoky on the palate, at the same time with mild fruit and beautiful ripeness. Perfect as a digestif.
Price: approx. 60 euros
Info: 43%, 0.7 l
Bordbar factor: 9.0
MACALLAN TRIPLE CASK
MACALLAN TRIPLE CASK >> e.g. available at Urban Drinks *
This is how it arrives
A corporate brand, produced in huge quantities and sober facilities. Yes. But also the single malt, which achieved world fame in Björn Larsson's sailing thriller "The Celtic Ring" - and rightly so.
That's how he comes across
Whiskey without a dark side, but with a clear profile. Velvety, mildly fruity nose, completed on the palate by oak, nutmeg and lime, accompanied by honey and melon. The full aroma retention remains only undiluted. Relatively expensive.
Price: approx. 66 euros
Info: 40%, 0.7 l
Bordbar factor: 8.5
OBAN LITTLE BAY OF CAVES
OBAN LITTLE BAY OF CAVES
This is how it arrives
There was no town or village when the Stevensons began brewing beer and then whiskey in the Bay of Caves on Scotland's west coast in 1794. Now there are hotels, restaurants, a ferry terminal here. But the still, one of the smallest and finest in the country, remained unchanged in the same place.
That's how he comes across
Wonderful. Harmonious. As balanced as a boat that steers itself when it is well trimmed. Fruity, spicy bouquet with distinctive traces of sea salt. Persistent round finish and not too smoky.
Price: approx. 45 euros
Info: 43%, 0.7 l
Bordbar factor: 8.9
OLD PULTENEY SINGLE MALT
OLD PULTENEY SINGLE MALT >> e.g. available at Urban Drinks *
This is how it arrives
Gladly underrated classic. The distillery underpinned the claim as "maritime malt" not least at the Clipper Race 2013/14 when it was the name sponsor of one of the yachts.
That's how he comes across
Apart from the somewhat antiquated bottle, which emulates the shape of the still, the Old Pulteney is a good choice for sailors. The golden solid material is subtle and coherent; it has depth, freshness and length. A cheap alternative to the Macallan.
Price: approx. 30 euros
Info: 40%, 0.7 l
Bordbar factor: 7.8
PORT ASKAIG ISLAY SINGLE MALT
PORT ASKAIG ISLAY SINGLE MALT
This is how it arrives
If you want to go to the Isle of Islay, which has already been mentioned several times, and do not arrive with your own yacht, you will land in Port Askaig ("Äs-kah"). The port in the east gives this single malt its name.
That's how he comes across
Very peculiar. Peat, cold campfire smoke and liquorice accompany many Islay whiskeys, but rarely as superficial as here. Pure it tastes a little softer than with water, but still special. In addition, a medical note imposes itself.
Price: approx. 38 euros
Info: 46%, 0.7 l
Bordbar factor: 2.7
SCAPSKIREN
SCAPSKIREN >> e.g. available at Urban Drinks *
This is how it arrives
One of the finest single malts in Scotland comes from the shores of a huge natural harbor in the middle of the often wind-swept Orkneys. The ScapDistillery pays homage to its maritime origins with a stylized sailboat, which forms the "A" of Scap.
That's how he comes across
Soft, gentle, groping, it wakes your nose and palate for dinner. The scap tastes almost creamy. With imagination you can feel a marriage between tropical fruits and heather. Heavy, oily peat aromas are completely absent. A nice aperitif, also for
Price: approx. 58 euros
Info: 40%, 0.7 l
Bordbar factor: 8.7
SESHEPHERD ISLAY SINGLE MALT
SESHEPHERD ISLAY SINGLE MALT
This is how it arrives
Heavy metal malt from the marine protection organization SeShepherd, whose license fee helps finance the volunteer work. An Islay of undisclosed origin and no age information.
That's how he comes across
Straightforward. Peaty and salty, with clear hints of liquorice and weak citrus. Earthy, warm, hot and long smoky on the palate. Slightly diluted with water, it clearly loses depth. A whack-and-good brew for tough dogs.
Price: approx. 40 euros
Info: 43%, 0.7 l
Bordbar factor: 3.5
TALISKER STORM
TALISKER STORM >> e.g. available at Urban Drinks *
This is how it arrives
For the brand's motto - "Made by the Sea" - Talisker hides astonishingly deep inside Loch Harport on the Isle of Skye. Their whiskeys are still wild and boisterous like the North Atlantic.
That's how he comes across
The storm, in particular, has plenty of peat, smoke and fire. In the finish it burns a bit, but when drunk straight it also reveals a second, more fruity level. Despite the name, it is not our first choice in the Talisker range, which incidentally also includes a trial set for 13.50 euros.
Price: approx. 37 euros
Info: 46%, 0.7 l
Bordbar factor: 5.9
TALISKER PORT RUIGHE
TALISKER PORT RUIGHE >> e.g. available at Urban Drinks *
That's how he comes across
More diverse than the Storm, with more fruit and mildness. The name reveals the storage in port barrels, which make the malt appear rounder and more pleasing.
Price: approx. 44 euros
Info: 46%, 0.7 l
Bordbar factor: 7.0
TALISKER SINGLE MALT
TALISKER SINGLE MALT
That's how he comes across
Ten-year-old Talisker who develops a little more sophistication than the Storm, but is related to him in character. Peaty, smoky, salty with a longer finish.
Price: approx. 37 euros
Info: 46%, 0.7 l
Bordbar factor: 6.3
The book on the subject
WHISKEY KNOWLEDGE
There is no shortage of whiskey literature. But there are only a few specialist books that give an equally broad and deep insight into the world of single malts, pot stills and blends. This is exactly what Cyrille Mald and Alexandre Vingtier have achieved with "whiskey 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. In the area of WHISKEY WITH WATER REFERENCE, there are also interesting products in this country
KEMP'S WORLD BUMPER
KEMP'S WORLD BUMPER
That's how he comes across
Nice idea, great packaging. This rye distillate has 23,000 nautical miles in its wake. It traveled on a freighter to Shanghai and back for 100 days. The sea trip hardly helped the aroma. The globetrotter's whiskey tastes flat, a bit burnt and disappears in a quick finish. Expensive but original as a gift.
Price: approx. 65 euros
Info: 43%, 0.7 l
Bordbar factor: 3.1
MUSTARD SINGLE MALT
MUSTARD SINGLE MALT
That's 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, including the Baden single malt, whose label adorns the Swabian Sea. Fruity and floral nose with hints of rum. The mustard is of course held back on the tongue and on the palate and ends with a smoky finish. A suitable choice for sailors on the lake.
Price: approx. 41 euros
Info: 42%, 0.7 l
Bordbar factor: 5.2
SILD EDITION CRANNOG
SILD EDITION CRANNOG
Frisian-Bavarian coproduction of a craft whiskey with charm and taste. The Sild is named after Sylt, but is produced by Slyrs. Then the Crannog is stored on a cutter in the port of List, where the barrels rock to the beat of the tide. Malt and salt, plums and caramel create a complex taste experience. Top - and expensive.
Price: approx. 80 euros
Info: 48%, 0.7 l
Bordbar factor: 7.0
SLYRS SINGLE MALT CLASSIC
SLYRS SINGLE MALT CLASSIC
The Bavarian among the German whiskeys, distilled on the Schliersee, which can be recognized by the diamond pattern on the label. Very soft, floral-fruity fragrance. Clear fruit notes on the palate, followed by a mild, smoky finish with fruit aromas. This sets the Slyrs apart from the local competition and has its charm, but brings it closer to a fruit schnapps than a single malt.
Price: approx. 50 euros
Info: 43%, 0.7 l
Bordbar factor: 5.0
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