Making the most of your whisky passion

Whisky has always been popular in Britain. The complexity of its flavours and the heat that engulfs you from the very first sip means that it is a drink that commands attention.

For those who think it’s only older gentleman who can appreciate the warmth of whisky, you may be surprised to learn that nowadays over a third of whisky drinkers in the UK are female.  This not only shows how whisky’s popularity is continually increasing, but also demonstrates its accessibility to all.

Whether you are male or female, have always been a whisky drinker or are newly converted, this article will show you how to really get the most from your passion for this fiery drink.

Where to start?

The sheer quantity of whisky on the market and the range in flavours mean that choosing what to buy can be a daunting task for even the most ardent of fans.  But never fear, there are no strict rules and once you’ve brushed up on the difference between single malt and blended whisky, you just need to decide which you prefer.

• Single malt: made exclusively from malted barley and aged in a barrel for anywhere between 3 and 25 years. Most drinkers find that drinking single malt is the best way to experience the complexity of whisky
• Blended whisky/scotch: tastes smoother and can seem more palatable to the newly converted. It is made from combining several whisky’s together and is aged for around 3 years

There are many great guides to help you explore whisky, and the world’s leading manual is Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible. Murray’s celebrated book has gone through many editions ensuring it remains current and up-to-date. The 2014 edition actually contains over 1,100 new entries!

Taking your passion further

When looking to combine your passion for whisky with an evening of good food and superb entertainment, there is nowhere better than Boisdale of Canary Wharf. Boisdale is known as one of the best places to indulge in whisky in London and boasts a staggering selection of over 900 single malt whiskies. Coupled with this, the establishment is known for fine wines, live jazz and even a Cuban cigar library!

Boisdale not only provides an evening of guaranteed indulgence but they’re always happy to help recommend some of the best Scotch Malts around. More information can be found on Boisdale’s whisky list which is available to view online at their website.