Women Really DO Drink Scotch, My Love For Scotch and Laphroaig from Islay

Women Do Drink Scotch, Especially from Islay and Laphroaig!

By Alison Blackman

Here’s my story about my love affair with scotch :

When I worked in public relations as a young woman, it was expected that I would have to drink and hold my own with the men.

But I knew I’d have to keep a clear head at all times, so I purposely selected scotch, a liquor I could savor a long time before I had to get a refill.

I also knew that back then most women didn’t drink scotch, and I’d impress the 100% male clients.

Over the years, I not only appreciated how scotch saved me from plenty of potentially embarrassing situations, I became a big fan of the liquor.

Today, women DO drink scotch, but I still have a favorite taste profile, the scotch whiskeys of Islay.

The Scotch Whiskeys of Islay

Scotch is made in many different places in Scotland, but one of my personal favorites is scotch from Islay.

Islay is a slightly remote island located off the west coast of Scotland that has eight active distilleries.

All of the Islay whiskeys have a smoky character derived from peat used in the malting process of the barley (peat is decayed organic matter unique to bogs).

This peat plus the saltiness of the seaweed, iodine, and salt from the sea water surrounding Islay produce a distinctive taste to these scotch whiskeys.

Islay scotch is intense and like Oud or incense-centric fragrances, they are complex and a matter of personal taste.

One way to appreciate these is to put a few drops of the scotch between the palms of your hands, rub them together, then sniff….

Once you start drinking scotch you’ll find your favorite taste profile, but scotch whiskey from Islay is really my favorite.

Laphroaig:

The Laphroaig Distillery Manager calls the 9 Laphroaig Whiskies ranges “A Big Peaty Slap in the Face, Perfect!”

Recently I was sent a sample of one of the Laphroaig Scotches, Laphroaig Lore.

Laphroaig Lore Scotch Whiskey features Laphroaig’s most heavily peated whiskey matured in ex-Laphroaig barrels along with some fully sherry matured casks.

This incredible scotch might leave you gasping if you are not already a fan of Islay scotch. It is intense.

For me, the deep smoke and complexity was love at first sniff, then sip.

The deep smoky scent filled my nostrils, and since taste is also what you smell, I could almost imagine myself at the Laphroig distillery.

You can smell the burning embers on the nose. There’s also a bit of vanilla, chocolate, and malt.

The taste is rich, peaty, slightly spicy and the finish is long and satisfying.

This smooth, complex scotch is tailor made for a sophisticated woman who already knows what she likes.

If You Are An Islay Scotch Novice:

Laphroaig Select has the signature characteristics of Islay scotch but it’s not quite as intense.

The smooth, smoky scotch has a long finish, a smoky but less intense sensibility, and a satisfying experience that will have you wanting to go further.

Pairing Recommendations:

A little water brings out the flavor of scotch, but you shouldn’t water it down too much. Try it with a splash of water or one “rock.”

I drink mine with cocktail hour nibbles or all types, but Islay whiskey such as Laphroaig and oysters are a perfect pairing because the saltwater characteristics of raw oysters (or other raw seafood) pairs so well with smokiness and peat of Laphroaig.

Laphroaig also works well with heartier fare, especially if it has Scottish influence or flavors (haggis anyone)?

Be Peat My Heart (recipe):

NYC Mixologist Andrey Kalinin has created a cocktail with Laphroaig® Select Scotch Whisky that is easy to make, and it will impress your guests. It’s also a great way to introduce them to the scotch of Islay, in a fun way!

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 parts Laphroaig® Select Scotch Whisky

1/2 part Drambuie® Liqueur

1 part Bordeaux Red Wine

3 Dashes Orange Bitters

Orange Peel (for garnish)

Directions: Add all ingredients together in a mixing glass and stir. Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass (served up). (Optional) Garnish with a flamed orange twist.

Mothers’ Day is coming up in a couple of months. Why not get mom something unique this year? Get her a bottle of Islay scotch and two cut crystal rocks classes to savor it in (one for her, and one for you)!