Hats and Drinks - A Match Made in Heaven

[The Shoe]

You’re right, of course. Perhaps when it comes down to it, my taste preference is just for Islays, and again, perhaps I’m just not familiar enough with Speysides. Can you recommend some at a price point similar to those Islays? I realise there may be significant differences in the US vs Japan, but I have been meaning to go on a Speyside adventure for a while now.

 

[Hurricane Jack]

You’re right, of course. Perhaps when it comes down to it, my taste preference is just for Islays, and again, perhaps I’m just not familiar enough with Speysides. Can you recommend some at a price point similar to those Islays? I realise there may be significant differences in the US vs Japan, but I have been meaning to go on a Speyside adventure for a while now.

The Speyside region (to include the Highlands) is a big region. The changing landscape & waters greatly affect the flavors of the whisky’s of the region. The various Oak series are aged & finished in oak casks (typically bourbon casks). The Sherry series are aged in Oak, then finished typically in Oloroso &/or Ximenez Sherry casks. There are other Sherry’s but the price goes up & so they are not commonly used. Sherry Speyside’s are always more expensive than the Oaks. Whichever you decide to explore, stay with it for a while.

I drink Islay’s yr around but I really like Sherry Speysides in the early winter thru the Thanksgiving, Christmas, & New Year holidays. Like drinking a cordial in front of the fireplace. Beyond Balvenie 12 my favorite Highland Sherry’s are among the Glenmorangie’s, topping out with the Glenmorangie 18 Extremely Rare. Expensive, but it does go on sale a couple times per yr & I buy ahead to save.