Heather Kingston on EZ Rock 104.9 Wine Feature
EZ Rock Wine Chat #5
Robbie Burns Day
The birthday of Scotland’s most celebrated poet, Robbie Burns, is on January 25th. Many wine boutiques and bars will be pouring fine Scotch whisky and piping in the Haggis. Are there plenty of Scots in Edmonton, or do we just like Scotch Whisky? Perhaps both! Scotch Whisky is varied, depending on the region it hails from.
Lowland Scotch has no peat and tends to be mild and flavourful, with an orange peel taste.
Highland Scotch can be made with peat added to the barley drying process. The peat can have Heather in it, so the flavors can be smoky with slight floral undertones.
Speyside Scotch generally has a very slight turn of peat. The finished product can be spicy, orange peel and caramel. Scotch from this region can be very well priced for its great quality.
Islay Scotch is a highly peated style. It is smoky and earthy; quite often a style for the seasoned aficionado. The barrels are set near the ocean, so there tends to be a salty tang to the dram that some describe as , “bandaid”.
Look for Single Malt Scotch Whisky with at least ten years of barrel aging. This is a perfect way to start enjoying Robbie Burn’s favourite beverage.
Find the whisky. Go to www.albertaliquorguide.com , click on ‘find a product’ and follow the instructions.
For more information go to www.alsaweb.ca or www.hlkwine.com
Heather Kingston is an International Sommelier Guild, Certified Sommelier working in Edmonton as an educator for the ISG and the Alberta Liquor Store Association.
