Great Scotch!

I’ve been an unabashed fan of Glens for most of my life. In the 1980s, I watched in awe as Glen Sather coached the Edmonton Oilers to four Stanley Cup titles in five years (two of them, alas, against my beloved Philadelphia Flyers).

But surely my all-time favourite Glens are the ones I became intimately acquainted with after my 21st birthday and have adored ever since:  Glenlivet, Glenrothes and Glenmorangie — the terrific triumvirate of single-malt Scotch whiskies.

The Scots take their libations seriously — so seriously, in fact, that, in 2009, they introduced the Scotch Whisky Regulations (SWR), governing the production, packaging, labelling and advertising of the spirit.

Under the SWR, the term “Single Malt Scotch Whisky” can only be used to refer to a whisky that has been distilled in one or more batches, in pot stills, at a single distillery and using only water and malted barley.

The three venerable brands mentioned above have been in business for many a long year, and their names are synonymous with the good life. Here now, a look at some of the finest drams each has to offer.

Glenrothes Vintage 1994

The difference between aged blends and vintage Scotches is that the former are about consistency (a Glenrothes 12-year-old, for instance, is designed to taste the same, no matter when it was barrelled and bottled) while the latter reflect the character of casked whiskies from a particular year. The ’94 Glenrothes is a veritable smorgasbord of citrus, spice and caramel flavour — it says so right on the tasting notes that are handwritten on each bottle. The finish on this Speyside whisky lasts longer than the Stanley Cup playoffs, making it an ideal after-dinner drink. Yet, thanks to a hint of mouthwatering lemon zest, sipping this grand spirit is also a surprisingly good way to jump-start your appetite. ($73-$90)

Glenmorangie Signet

Expensive, sure, but worth every penny. What makes this whisky such a standout is a singular stroke of genius by master distiller Bill Lumsden — marrying barley with chocolate malt to produce the mash. The resulting spirit is leathery, rugged, voluptuous and, above all, great fun. ($226-$264)

Glenlivet Nàdurra 16-Year-Old Cask Strength

Nàdurra is for times when you want a complex, aromatic whisky, but don’t want in-your-face smoky peat. This non-chill-filtered (Nàdurra is Gaelic for “natural”) Highland malt has beautiful aromatics, fruity and floral, complemented by oak, vanilla and spice, provided by first fill Bourbon American oak casks. Some people enjoy the fire of cask strength whisky, neat. When diluted appropriately, though, Nàdurra is an elegant whisky, fresh and floral with citrus and honey notes, but also full-bodied, with nutty oak for balance and length. Its elegance makes it a great aperitif, but it’s also complex enough for after dinner contemplation. ($70-$90) (Craig Pinhey)