The Classic Malts of Scotland is a selection of six single malt whiskies, launched and marketed together in 1988 by United Distillers and Vintners which is now owned by Diageo. They are often displayed together in bars and liquor stores. Diageo has since marketed other single malt labels and expressions with the Classic Malts labeling. The six original malts are:
UDV's regions differ from the more conventional categorisations of Highland (and subregion Island), Lowland, Speyside, Campbeltown, and Islay. The region of West Highland was created to separate between Oban and Dalwhinnie. Talisker is the only distillery on the Isle of Skye, which has never been a whisky region unto itself, but would be in the Island subregion; though this categorisation enabled UDV to include both Talisker and Lagavulin, strongly flavoured malts with strong followings. Campbeltown, a formerly prominent whisky-making region, is not featured in the range.
Video Classic Malts of Scotland
Distiller's editions
All six of the original "Classic Malts" have also been released as limited edition "Distiller's editions", which are finished with additional maturation (beyond the standard edition age) in special casks selected by the master distiller at each distillery. Dalwhinnie is finished in Oloroso casks, Glenkinchie in Amontillado, Cragganmore in Port, Oban in Fino sherry from Montilla, Talisker in amoroso sherry, and Lagavulin in Pedro Ximénez sherry.
Maps Classic Malts of Scotland
Genuinely classic or marketing hype?
These malts may be considered classic, and as a broad range of whiskies from many regions, an introduction to some calssic malts but by no means the only malts which could be considered classic, in the sense of being "a perfect example of a particular style, something of lasting worth or with a timeless quality". Some have argued that Talisker and Lagavullin are classic, being distinct and unique in their flavour, but would add Glenfarclas, BenRiach and Ardbeg.
References
Source of article : Wikipedia
0 Comments