The Mantuary

BUY MANTUARY GEAR!

I primarily consider myself a beer drinker, but this time of the year there is nothing like warming up to a nice bottle of single malt.  As the temperature goes down, my scotch consumption goes up.  And while Johny Walker Red is my go-to bottle, there’s nothing like treating yourself to an occasional single malt, which is why they make the perfect Holiday gift for any Man. 

Here are 3 of my favorites:

1. Aberlour:  This Highland Sherry-cask Scotch comes in a variety of ages including a 10, 12, 15, 16, 18 and a rare 30 year old 1970 vintage malt.  The 10 year is just fine for my tastes.  It’s a bit on the sweeter side yet smooth and rich.  It’s a Sherry-cask scotch but not as winey as Macallan.  Characteristic of all sherry-cask aged malts, Aberlour is on the dark side.  Perfect for sippin’ after a good steak dinner or pondering life in your Mantuary.  I’ve always got a bottle of Aberlour on hand.

2. Macallan:  In 2007, Macallan hit the mainstream when they sold a bottle of 1926 vintage Macallan at a Christie’s auction for $54,000, making it one of the most expensive bottles of liquor ever sold.  Macallan offers a variety of oak casks including a 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 18, 21, 25, & 30 years old.  Founded in 1824 they started as a family run distillery focusing on blended wiskeys.  It wasn’t until they went public that they were able to fund the high-quality single malts they are now famous for producing.  They only introduced their first 21 year old in the 1980′s.  Macallan has great distribution so getting your hands on a bottle should not be a problem.  I’ve currently got a bottle of 12 hanging on by a thread, and at $50 a bottle you can bet I’ll be saving the last few drops for a special occasion.  Try one for yourself and you’ll see what I mean.

3. Glenlivet:  I’ve got a bottle of 12 and 15 currently sitting in my Mantuary and their most common line also has a 18, 21, and 25 year old.  Dig a little bit and you may be able to get your hands on one of their ultra premium casks like The Glenlivet Cellar Collection French Oak Finish 1983 or The Glenlivet XXV 25 Year Old.  Glenlivet may be the best all around single malt.  It’s mellow, smooth, and has some sherry taste with minimal smokiness.  While there are many distilleries in Glenlivet, there is only one “The Glenlivet” distillery.  Currently it’s owned by Seagrams, yet it maintains its genuine pedigree. As I learned in a Scotch tasting my Father-in-law took me to last Father’s Day, its aroma really opens up when mixed with a little water.  The Glenlivet is definitely one of my favorites.

Do yourself a favor and make sure one of these fine single malts ends up on your Christmas wish list this year because every Man deserves to take the edge off once in a while.

Be A Man.

-The Founding Father

Filed under: Scotch, Stuff You Should Own