Buying a a Buying Bottle? Bottle?
Jennifer Wren, Glenfiddich Ambassador West, shares three tips on how to get your whisky purchase right
For a whisky newbie, staring down that big shelf of bottles can be a very confusing experience. Here’s a quick and easy checklist to help you enjoy the best first-time whisky experience possible.
1. Know your palate First, look at the label—What kind of whisky is in the bottle? Corn whiskey: Corn whiskey is usually not aged in barrels and is therefore clear. Don’t let this dissuade you. Corn whiskey can invoke the taste of corn bread, creamed corn or popcorn. Bourbon: Since bourbon is mostly cornbased, take what you now know about corn whiskey and add the sweet and rich flavors of caramels, molasses and oak. Rye: Ever had rye bread? That same spiciness is present in rye whisky. There can also be a bit of cinnamon and some high, bright, fruity notes. Irish: Ireland offers a softer whiskey with notes of honey, flowers and grass. Scotch malt whisky: Consider two categories, non-peated and peated. Non-peated single malt has a wide range of fruitiness, rich baking spices and complex finishes that lean toward leather and nuts. Peated single malt Scotches have all the flavors you would expect from a non-peated Scotch, as well as varying levels of smokiness. Peated malts can range from a very intense “charred” flavor to a subtle “snuffed-out candle” note. Blended scotches can have aspects of both non-peated and peated whiskies depending on what malts were sourced to create the blend. 2. Know your label What else is listed on that bottle? Whisky labels usually note the whisky’s age, the type of cask the whisky was matured in and, lastly, the proof. All of these qualities factor into your whisky experience.
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Age: Think of whisky like people: younger folks are more brash, heady and “in your face,” whereas older folks have had some years to mellow and grow. Cask: A cask is just a fancier way of saying barrel. If the whisky has been aged in American oak barrels, it will have picked up big vanilla, coconut and honey notes. European oak barrels lend qualities such as raisins, bitter fruit peels and nuttiness. If it’s been aged in both, you will have combinations of the two flavor profiles. Sometimes whisky is additionally “finished” in a barrel that once had something else in it, like sherry, white wine or another whisky. Proof: Whiskies are traditionally bottled at 80 proof, or 40 percent alcohol by volume (ABV). 3. Know your budget Remember, a higher price does not necessarily mean a “better” whisky. Younger whiskies and American whiskies tend to be priced a little lower because they can be sold after only two years in the barrel. Imported whisky and older whisky: Why is Scottish single malt or Japanese whisky so pricey? It costs a lot more to bring a spirit overseas. Secondly, as whisky ages in the barrel, it evaporates at about 1-2 percent per year, so after 20, 30 or 40 years there is considerably less whisky left in the cask than what the distiller originally put in. That loss, called the “Angel’s Share” can make older, well-matured whiskies a much rarer commodity. Remember that part of enjoying whisky is exploring whisky. Keep an open mind; the flavors and varieties are endless. Keep expanding your tastes and you will most certainly find a dram you adore. Read more at vrated.com/ jenniferwren
Travel Trends SHOP AROUND
EXPERT ADVICE
At this year’s International Travel Goods Show, luggage experts say smart technology, apps, biometrics, internal weighing capabilities and innovative materials are all in the immediate forecast. STEPHANIE RIVERS
jet set and go
Anti-thefT
Feeling a little James Bond? SpaceCase1, the new luggage from Planet Traveler, ups the ante against theft. The suitcase uses biometric (thumbprint) technology. The built-in, real-time global tracking device, Bluetooth speakerphone, Lift less weight scale sensor based in its wheels and lithium power pack make this one of the smartest suitcases yet. All the features can be controlled via the Planet Traveler multifunction app that acts as a personal travel assistant. However, technology does not come cheap: A full-size bag sells for $700, and a carry-on for $600. The bag will be available in November. planettravelerusa.com Another contender in the anti-theft category is Bluesmart luggage, capable of locking and unlocking itself remotely using a tracking app, if ever lost. The bag also contains a built-in phone charger and an internal weighing system and is made of three-layer polycarbonate and aluminum, making it stronger and lighter. There are pockets to house all your tech toys, and it accommodates a 15-inch laptop. $450; bluesmart.com
waterproof Lojel Kozmos has created the first line of luggage engineered to be waterproof. The luggage is made of a magnesium alloy frame—25 percent lighter than standard aluminum frames. The bag is coated in a sleek, futuristic metallic finish. $449.50, amazon.com
smart luggage
If you have ever arrived at your destination but your luggage did not, the Lug Loc device and app are just the thing to track exactly where your bag is at all times. Lug Loc is twofold: a device that you place within your suitcase and an app that allows you to track your bag via your smartphone. The initial purchase covers 15 days of unlimited traces and a USB charger cable. $70; lugloc.com
If you are over predictable pieces of luggage, lifting a heavy carbonate carry-on into an overhead cabin or just want something well designed, light, organic and new, check out Herschel Supply Company. Its mission is to provide the everyday traveler, the weekend warrior and the Europeanstyle packer travelfriendly options for cool bags, totes and carry-ons in light, fashion-forward fabrics perfect for any time of the year. Bookmark HSC’s travel journal at herschelsupply company.com and find yourself daydreaming away. $40 for a classic backpack, $80 to $90 for a duffle bag, $60 to $105 for messenger bags, $250 to $320 for luggage
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