This Saturday is extra special — and not just because it’s the weekend! It's the third Saturday of May, which is celebrated as World Whisky Day. Blair Bowman, an author and a whisky enthusiast, founded World Whisky Day in 2012 to mark an annual celebration of whisky worldwide, and since then, enthusiasts from across the globe celebrate the day with the drink that is known as ‘the water of life’. This World Whisky Day, My Kolkata got in touch with two whisky connoisseurs to learn about their favourites and the rituals they enjoy with their drink.
Subhasis Ganguli, president, Calcutta Malt and Spirits Club
Subhasis Ganguli
Bowmore 15-Year-Old: Bowmore 15-Year-Old is a rich and complex single malt Scotch whisky from Islay. It is a very well-structured whisky. There is ample smoke and peat notes, but it is balanced by richness and sweetness of sherry and fruits. It’s not a one-dimensional smoky whisky. This is my all-time favourite.
Clynelish 14 year old: Clynelish 14-Year-Old is again a single malt Scotch whisky from the Highland region, specifically the eastern highlands. It is usually sold as a 14-year-old only. It is a rich, fruity and powerful whisky, with just a hint of smoke, and is well balanced with flavours of cinnamon and honey. Unfortunately, it is not available in Kolkata. When I travel, I get a bottle.
Glenfarclas 105: Hailing from Speyside, Scorland, it has a rich style and is a heavy sherried whisky. It is very sweet. It is perfect to have after dinner. Maybe with your desserts. They have one edition called Glenfarclas 105 — it is a fabulous whisky and is high in alcohol content. It has 52% alcohol. It is rich and heavy.
Bonus: Rampur (Indian): I have tasted all Indian brands of whisky available in Kolkata and also some not available in Kolkata. Among the ones that are easily available in the market, I really love the Rampur double cask. I think it is an excellent whisky and I think in a blind tasting, many people will think it is an entry-level single malt!
What do you look for in a good whisky?
After tasting so many brands, I have evolved to understand what I want in a whisky. I obviously first look at the taste, but then I look at the balance in the flavours. I also look at the labels to understand how it is made. The labels often inform how the whisky will taste. I look at the specifications like filtration, colouring, the oak cask they use etc. I look at the balance of alcohol, flavours and taste. I look at the complexity, how much body a whisky has. How I enjoy my drink depends on my mood and the company I am with. I ideally like my drink with a little dash of water. No ice, always chilled water. And the water is never more than 50% of the whisky. I am not a cocktail man, but if I had to have whisky cocktails, I would never make them with single malt. In parties I go for cocktails like the Whisky Sour, which is made with regular blended whisky.
Vinayak Singh, co-founder, The Dram Club
Vinayak Singh
Compass Box: The Orchard House: Bursting with fresh, fruity aromas and flavours, The Orchard House is a vibrant and refreshing choice, perfect for a hot summer day.
The Glen Grant 21-Year-Old: The oldest permanent inclusion in the Glen Grant’s core range, this 21-Year-Old is one of the most elegant and nuanced sherried whiskies in the market.
Dewar’s Double 21-Year-Old: Smooth and layered! With a unique four-step ageing process, this whisky delivers a remarkably smooth and layered profile with notes of dried fruits and dark chocolate.
What do you look for in a good whisky?
The nose is the first gateway to the whisky’s quality. A complex and inviting aroma can enhance the tasting experience, providing an early indication of the flavours to come. A truly great whisky offers a harmonious balance of flavours and aromas. Each element complements the others, ensuring that no single note dominates, creating a well-rounded profile.
Quality whisky should reveal layers of complexity. From the nose to the initial sip to the lingering finish, I look for evolving flavours and aromas that keep the tasting experience dynamic and intriguing. The texture and weight of the whisky on the palate, known as the mouthfeel, adds to the overall sensory experience. The finish is a critical aspect of a whisky. A long, pleasant aftertaste with evolving flavours indicates a well-crafted spirit, leaving a lasting impression.
