Beyond the Dram

Scotch is a spirit that, because of its complexity in flavor, can prove to be a challenge when mixing in cocktails. Each distillery has its own character and each expression has its own flavor profile, so it’s not always as simple as swapping out one Scotch for another, especially if the flavors within an expression were specifically chosen to pair with other ingredients in a cocktail’s mix. That said, the cocktail culture is currently seeing a rise in the use of Scotch in contemporary cocktails in the form of vibrant and revivifying Scotch Highballs, thoughtfully structured sours like tropical riffs on the Penicillin, and more. Bartenders and enthusiasts alike have come to realize that this complex spirit, if properly balanced, has the potential to create some truly exceptional “Scotchtails.” Through the inclusion of these Scotch-based drinks on more and more cocktail lists around the country, consumer perspectives have begun to shift, breaking the notion that Scotch should only be sipped neat.

As a testament to this cultural shift, Glenfiddich, one of the most successful global Scotch whisky brands, has released four new expressions as part of its experimental series. The series has embraced new production techniques, such as finishing the whisky in IPA casks to garner light, zesty citrus aromas. Glenfiddich’s latest release, Fire & Cane, is a partially peated whisky finished in Latin rum casks. Although these expressions were not produced with the intention of strictly being used in cocktails, they possess flavors that are unique within the Scotch category. This is an exciting prospect for bartenders who are looking to add Scotch-based drinks to their menus for the modern-day imbiber.

“Consumers are more adventurous than ever before,” says Allan Roth, brand ambassador for Glenfiddich, “and [they] are open to a variety of base spirits and flavors across the cocktail landscape. As a result, we’re seeing bartenders bending and breaking old rules to the point where it’s no longer surprising to find a single malt Scotch like Glenfiddich being featured on cocktail menus.” This sentiment is also shared by other Scotch whisky brands. “The misleading notion that Scotch must be consumed on its own is starting to wither away as imbibers look for new twists on the classics,” says Raquel Raies, national brand ambassador for The Macallan. “With that, we’re now seeing more whiskies incorporated into cocktail recipes.”

Both Roth and Raies have noticed an increase in the popularity of the Whisky Soda Highball, an ode to the cocktail culture’s return to simplicity. With this new age of Scotch consumption, brands have made sure to include cocktailrelated education when speaking with consumers.

“As the trend toward craft cocktails forges forward, this includes mixology,” says Raies. “The Macallan is known for putting together consumer experiences outside of the standard tastings, and we often serve cocktails alongside drams.” Glenfiddich takes a similar approach to education. “Educating on cocktails opens up an even more robust view of the different ways Scotch can be enjoyed,” says Roth.

Roth, on behalf of Glenfiddich, also took an innovative approach to familiarizing imbibers with new forms of Scotch-based cocktails by teaming up with local influencers and bartenders to create an informative and engaging cocktail class—an excellent way to drive awareness of Scotch’s versatility. While Scotch will always be a great dram, you can be sure to see Scotch cocktails popping up much more frequently at your local cocktail bars … so when you do, make sure to give one a try.

By Tyler Zielinski