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Late Night Sippers

Scotch whisky is the perfect drink for a nightcap.

There is nothing better than pouring yourself a nice dram and putting your feet up to relax at the end of a long, hard day. Whether watching a movie, curling up with a good book or sticking on some classic vinyl, whisky can be the perfect companion.

 

Any whisky will work, but those best suited as an after-dinner sipper tend to have been matured in expressive cask types. This includes sherry, Port or red wine. Peaty and smoky whiskies are also perfect due to their savoury notes and flavours. Here are some suggestions.

Glenmorangie | The Lasanta 15 Years Old

The whisky with the heaviest ex-sherry cask influence in the Glenmorangie core range. The north Highland distillery has recently upped the age statement for The Lasanta from 12- to 15 years. The result is phenomenal.  They have done similar across the rest of their core range over the last couple of years – The Original went from 10- to 12 Years Old, Quinta Ruban from 12- to 14-, and Nectar from 14- to 16 years.

Imagine notes of raisin, dried apricot and baking spice married with caramel, vanilla sponge cake and candied orange peel. It feels decadent and luxurious with late hints of toasted walnut, hazelnut praline and freshly baked gingerbread. It is difficult to improve on a classic, but Glenmorangie have achieved it here.

Glendronach | Ode To The Dark

Want to go even richer? The Ode To The Dark could be the answer. It is one of a trio of whiskies in the recently released Master’s Anthology. The series has been created by Dr. Rachel Barrie, the Master Blender for Glendronach. It has been entirely matured in ex-Pedro Ximénez sherry casks – this style of sherry is almost dessert-like, sweet, sugary and treacly. 100% PX maturation for a whisky is super rare.

The rich characteristics from the cask are transferred perfectly to the viscous, oily spirit that Glendronach is known for. Expect notes of milk chocolate, plum and dark cherry combined with plump raisins, brandy-soaked prunes and treacle tart for a rich, decadent drink. This is exquisite.

Bowmore | 15 Years Old

If you are in the mood for something peaty, then Bowmore is a classic example. Many enjoy the smoky aromas and flavours of an Islay whisky. The Hebridean island off Scotland’s west coast is known for this style. This 15 Years Old combines peat smoke and ex-sherry cask maturation. Bowmore does not pack the powerful punch of some of its Islay neighbours but offers a lovely level of elegant smoke.

This whisky combines raisins, nuts, bitter orange oil and an intriguing twist of bright tropical fruit. The peat smoke is never far away and wisps around everything. This has an ashy bonfire-like vibe, and this dries out the whisky towards the end. A subliminal Scotch whisky that shows Islay at its very best.

Pairings

Sherried and smoky whiskies work well with rich desserts or chocolate. Buy (or make) the best that you can. So, whether it is New York style cheesecake, chocolate ganache truffles or a bar of 70% chocolate, just sit back and savour the combination. All work excellently – simply sip your whisky, take a bit of food (or vice versa) and your tastebuds will thank you.

Scotch is also perfect when paired with cigars and is a classic combination. A good glass of great whisky combined with a great cigar will make any evening feel better. Create balance between the two, so that one does not overpower the other, and they will complement each other superbly.

 

by Matt Chambers
Master of Whisky at Whisky 1901
17/04/2025

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**Disclaimer**: Important information. Please read carefully before making any purchase. This communication is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Whisky 1901 Ltd is not a regulated financial institution and is not authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Any references to “investment,” “broker,” “adviser,” or similar terminology are used descriptively only and should not be interpreted as regulated financial services.

Whisky 1901 Ltd does not provide financial or investment advice, does not assess suitability, and does not make recommendations. Any decision to purchase whisky casks is made solely by the customer, based on their own judgment and, where appropriate, independent professional advice.

Whisky is sold as a physical, tangible asset and not as a financial product. Purchasing whisky carries risks that differ from regulated investments such as stocks or bonds, and customers should make purchase decisions independently and based on their own research.

Key Risks and Considerations:

1. Please be aware that whisky casks are unregulated in the UK and that the value is variable, meaning it can both increase and decrease. 

2. Understand that you have 14 days to change your mind and request a full refund under our cooling-off period.

3. All Clients of Whisky 1901 Ltd must be aged 18 years or older to make a purchase, in accordance with UK law and regulations regarding the sale of alcohol to minors.

4. Please note that the volume of spirit will decrease over time due to evaporation, known as “the Angels’ share”.

5. Please be aware that “New Make” spirit must be matured for a minimum of 3 years, during which its alcoholic strength could be reduced. However, for the product to be classed as “Whisky”, it must retain a minimum strength of 40%.

6. Please understand that as a buyer you may get back less than the amount paid. Additionally, past performance is not necessarily indicative of future performance.

7. The sale price offered by Whisky 1901 Ltd includes a discretionary commercial markup. This markup is applied to the acquisition cost of the whisky and reflects both the costs incurred in connection with the provision of services including, but not limited to, storage, movement and maintenance of casks, insurance, and associated administrative and software infrastructure and a profit margin retained by Whisky 1901 Ltd in the ordinary course of business.

As a result of the markup applied, there is a material difference between the Company’s acquisition cost of a cask and the price at which it is sold to investors.
Investors should be aware that this markup creates a difference between the Company’s acquisition cost and the price at which the cask is sold. This spread may impact the potential for future returns and may affect the ability to achieve a profit on resale. Comparable casks may be available from other sources at different prices. Prospective purchasers should conduct their own due diligence and consider obtaining independent financial advice before making any investment decision.

8. Please recognise that the cask price can fluctuate and the price of casks can go down as well as up, neither of which are guaranteed.

9. Whisky casks are a long term maturing asset and therefore it is advised to be held for a minimum of 5 to 10 years.

10. Whisky casks are an illiquid asset. There is no guaranteed secondary market, no guaranteed timeframe for resale and no obligation on Whisky 1901 LTD to buy back or sell the cask on your behalf.

11. Please understand that the products and services we offer may not be suitable for all customers. If you have any doubts, we advise you to seek advice from an independent financial advisor.

12. Finally all whisky casks are stored in HMRC bonded warehouses in Scotland and are comprehensively insured against risks including fire, theft and accidental damage, insurance policy is updated annually. The customer understands that any cask investment can be physically verified via a company organised visits to warehouses where tastings can also be accommodated.

 

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