Whisky Advocate Winter 2017

The world of whiskey is fast changing, and Whiskey Advocate is transforming right along with it. We recognize that many of our highest-rated whiskies are so rare or expensive that they will never be within reach for many of our readers. To better serve you, we’ve assembled the Whiskey Advocate Top 20, our list of the most exciting whiskies of the year. As you’ll see, our Top 20 considers not only quality, but also price and availability. It’s a winning equation that ensures every whiskey lover access to some truly exciting whiskies. When we advise you where to put your whiskey buying power, whether through the Buying Guide or the new Top 20, we do not take the responsibility lightly. That’s why we gathered a panel of senior tasters to…

ALLEZ AU MONTREAL! Dear Whiskey Advocate, Nice article by Chantal Martineau about some of the things that happen in Montreal. Hope this is a warm-up to announce Whiskey- Fest’s coming to Montreal. Graham Cantieni Hi Graham, We were excited to discover all the whiskey happenings in Montreal. While we can’t make any promises to come to you, WhiskeyFest New York is just a short flight from Montreal. Hope you’ll join us someday! FOND MEMORIES Dear Whiskey Advocate, I thoroughly enjoyed Terry Sullivan’s “Grandma Knows Best” column detailing his first alcoholic drink. It reminded me of my first drink and I thought you might find it interesting. My father enjoyed a drink when he came home from work. I have a sister a few years older than me. It certainly wasn’t…

France may not be terribly famous for its whiskey production, but the spirit occupies a special place in the Gallic heart nonetheless. Indeed, for all of the wine consumed and produced between Calais and Cannes, the French still manage to consume more whiskey per capita than the citizens of any other nation, including heavyweights like Scotland, Ireland, and the U.S. (see Informer page 26). Just as notable among Parisian drinking habits is the massive cocktail renaissance underway, following a mixological Dark Age, where a Kir or Kir Royale was the order of the day and Martinis were likely to be made with vodka and no vermouth. But go back further, and you’ll find Paris has played a crucial role in cocktail history—it was here, after all, where the Boulevardier, essentially…

This we know: whiskey is beloved the world over. This we don’t: who, exactly, drinks it? We parsed the latest global consumer data and discovered some surprises. For example, did you know that you’re more likely to find someone downing a dram in Abu Dhabi than in Dublin, or that folks in parts of South America drink more whiskey than they do in Canada? Here’s a look at who’s sipping all that good stuff around the world and in the U.S. It’s not always who you think…. 70% of all whiskey produced in the U.S. is consumed in the U.S. Least Surprising Bourbon Drinkers Kentucky is the #1 consumer Most Surprising Bourbon Drinkers New Hampshire is #2 We’re Number Three! (per capita annual whiskey consumption, 2016) France 2.2 liters Uruguay…

In decades past, game meat was only on the menu for those prepared to take to the woods with a bow and arrow or a gun. The rest of North America was left to enjoy farmed beef, pork, chicken, and turkey. But game meats represent an expansion of the carnivorous flavor palette that is worth seeking out for the spirited diner, offering new flavors and pairing potential. According to Hank Shaw, author of four game meat cookbooks, including Buck, Buck, Moose and the forthcoming Pheasant, Quail, Cottontail, the idea that there is a difference in taste between wild and farmed game is a myth. “Any dietary shift between the two presents itself in the fat rather than in the lean meat,” Shaw explains. “Since wild animals have very little marbling,…

The perfect gift for the whiskey lover in your life is, surprise: whiskey! However, we simply can’t condone precariously dangling a bottle of precious spirit from the fireplace mantle. When it comes to stuffing the Christmas stocking, these treasured tokens will remind the whiskey lover on your list that good things do indeed come in small packages. Daneson Single Malt No. 16 Toothpicks, $36/4 tubes Forget mint, these stylish birch toothpicks are infused with the robust, peaty flavor of Islay single malt. daneson.com McCrea’s Single Malt Scotch Caramels, $10 Jason McCrea is the guru of gooey, producing sweet and creamy parcels with inspired flavorings, like peaty Ardmore scotch. mccreascandies.com Old-Fashioned Carry On Cocktail Kit, $24 This TSA-friendly cocktail kit makes holiday travel a joy. Just add in-flight whiskey to make two cocktails. wandpdesign.com…