It may be brewed in Scotland and consumed most by the Japanese (fact) but in popular culture Whiskey has always been associated with America. Since the first settlers foisted their firewater upon the indian tribes (no wonder they all run casinos) it has been a key ingredient of the American underworld and the subversive curruption of the American Dream. From the card sharps of Mississippi’s river-boat casinos to the damaged anti-heroes of Dashiel Hammet’s novels, Whiskey has been the cause of the decline of many a man, and yet it remains the sexiest and most sophisticated drink in the cabinet. Maddog gives you a run down of the best brands with which to stage your downfall...*

Photographer: Andrew Deere
Model: Matthew ‘Dungeon’ Bunkell
Writer: Dean Bowman
 

Famous Grouse

As the best selling Scotch in Scotland Famous Grouse is certainly famous. But despite the fact that it is a blended whiskey, Famous Grouse is delicious. Founded in 1896 by Matthew Gloag in Perth, taking advantage of the influx of upper class visitors enjoying the victorian sport of shooting, the now infamous mascot was first drawn by the Gloag’s daughter. A new addition to the range is Black Grouse, which adds to the blend some stronger Islay malts, but still produces a wonderfully balanced drink. Famous Grouse goes through 8735 quality checks. - and it shows.

Lagavulin

Lagavulin is smokier than the bandit in a New Orleans jazz cellar - before the smoking ban. But once that initial overwhelming impression fades, you’re left with a lingering and complex aftertaste that warms the cockles of the heart and just makes the world seem like a better place. This Whiskey has its origins in the illicit breweries of the rocky Islay coast, where it gets its intense peaty character. After being mellowed in a cask for 16 years this richly amber nectar emerges like the first golden rays of summer over the highlands - an instant classic.

Jameson

The downfall of many a young Irishman, Jamesons is a sweet whiskey with a bite, and its nose brings to mind the smell of golden syrup. A good introduction to the world of irish whiskies, with which it has become synonymous, Jamesons is a staple drink at most bars. With quite a feminine character this is definitely a whiskey for the sweet tooth. That said the drink has a lot of ammunition behind it - possible of the kind banned by the UN, like a cluster bomb. Its this combination of sweet and sharp that compells.

Talisker

Talisker is the only whiskey produced on the Isle of Skye. It is so infused with the sea and manliness that it almost seems as though you are sucking it through Hemmingway’s beard. Pleasantly abrasive on its pilgrimage to your stomache, this is a whiskey that likes you to know it is being drunk. But despite its initial roughness Talisker has a mellow aftertaste and the flavour seems to leave an imprint on your tongue, like a love bite. One for a long voyage into the cold night,

Maccallan

Macallan is a fruity whiskey with Sherry taste. This underage delight has a very enticing nose. With hints of spice, orange peel and fruitcake that fill your senses and takes you back to those cold winter days when you’d watch as a fresh Christmas cake would be taken out of the oven. It lays well in the mouth with fruity tones followed by a light wheaty touch. The finish is a moderate one – becoming increasingly sweeter as it diminishes. At 10 years old this is pure jailbait.