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Forbes
a day ago
- General
- Forbes
6 Bottles You Must Try If You Want To Learn About Scotch Whisky
With the incredible range of Scotch whiskies available to try today, it's become trickier than ever to figure out where to start. Diving in also means learning a new kind of whisky vocabulary - sherry bombs, peat, ex-bourbon, Islay, single malts, grain whisky - it can all feel a little overwhelming. But it doesn't have to be intimidating. While there's always new Scotch whiskies being released all the time, I've curated here what I'll call an ideal 'starter pack'. Each of these six whiskies is a great introduction to the different kinds of aroma and flavor profiles you can find in Scotch. While some of these are well-known, these aren't 'beginner whiskies'. The way they are made and matured also serves as an excellent way to start learning about production, maturation and even the history of Scotch whisky. So in no particular order, we've got: This iconic whisky is considered to be one of the industry's gold standard products. The Basics: Johnnie Walker Black Label is one of the most widely recognized Scotch whiskies in the world and features possibly whisky's most recognisable mascot, the 'Striding man'. It is also widely considered by the global whisky industry to be a masterpiece in terms of the quality and consistency that has been maintained over decades at a mass scale of production. First released in its current form in 1909, it's produced by Diageo and blends around 40 different malt and grain whiskies, with a minimum age of 12 years. Why is it important: Black Label is a perfect example of the blender's art: consistency, complexity, and a seamless integration of styles is achieved while mixing together 40 different malt and grain whiskies drawn from all over Scotland. Matured in a mix of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, it also features just a light whisper of barely perceptible peaty smoke. It's also an incredibly flexible whisky. Whether enjoyed neat, with ice or in a cocktail it'll always be satisfying to drink. Tasting notes: Table Whisky from the Leith Export Co. The Basics: Grain whisky is an underrated Scotch whisky category. When it comes to Scotch whisky terminology, 'grain' refers to anything that isn't made with 100% malted barley, and usually is distilled with a piece of equipment called column or continuous stills as opposed to the more traditional pot stills. Chapeau to the good people behind the Port of Leith Distillery in Edinburgh for releasing this affordable grain, which they've actually sourced from another Edinburgh distillery, the mysterious North British grain whisky distillery in Gorgie. Why is it important: Grain whisky often gets overshadowed by single malts, but this bottle shows just how elegant and approachable grain can be. Grain whisky features less of the variety found in malts - great grain whiskies tend to be sweet, floral and creamy. Table Whisky is the current and hip go-to for an easy to find, high quality and budget-friendly example of the category. Tasting Notes: The Deanston 12 Year Old label. The Basics: A Highland distillery housed in a former cotton mill, its 12 Year Old was reintroduced in 2012 with a bump in ABV and a promise that no chill-filtration nor caramel coloring added into the whisky. The distillery itself also generates its own power through an onsite hydro-energy facility. Why is it important: This whisky is entirely aged in ex-Bourbon casks, which comprise the vast majority of casks used to age whisky around the world, including in Scotland. Deanston 12 is an ideal example to illustrate the kinds of aromas and flavors that can be typically found in great ex-Bourbon casks - which tend towards lighter profiles. Tasting Notes: The Tamdhu 12 Year Old is entirely matured in sherry casks. The Basics: Located in the Scottish whisky capital of Speyside, Tamdhu exclusively matures its whiskies in sherry casks. The 12 Year Old expression debuted in 2018 as part of a revamped core range. Why is it important: This bottle demonstrates the power of sherry cask maturation without going too dry or deep. Using only Oloroso-seasoned European and American oak, Tamdhu 12 is rich and full-bodied. It's a great ambassador for sherried Scotch, showing how cask seasoning plays a major role in shaping flavor. Tasting Notes: Springbank Distillery's stills. The Basics: Campbeltown's Springbank is revered by most whisky connoisseurs and is one of the most old-school, largely making whisky exactly using the same methods as 50-60 years ago. Everything is done on-site, from malting to bottling. Its flagship 10 Year Old, is matured in a mix of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks. Why is it important: This is a perfect representation of what Campbeltown whiskies are about. While classifying whisky profiles by 'region' tends to be counterproductive, Campbeltown only has three of them (two of them owned by Springbank's owners), and they definitely share some key characteristics. Springbank 10 is coastal, oily, and ever so slightly peated,. Tasting Notes: Laphroaig Quarter Cask The Basics: Laphroaig is often the first distillery people think of when the word 'peat' is mentioned. One of Islay's poster children, Laphroaig's whisky is both loved and hated because of it's bold, medicinal and smoky profile. Therefore it serves as a perfect, if polarizing, example showcasing the aromas and flavors of heavy peat. Why is it important: When the Quarter Cask was first launched in 2004, it represented a bold move in maturation - using smaller casks (quarter casks, hence the name) to create an intense full profile across a shorter space of time. The whisky is first aged in standard ex-bourbon barrels and then transferred to smaller American oak quarter casks, increasing the contact between whisky and wood. Personally I prefer the result here over the distillery's iconic 10 year old. Tasting Notes:
IOL News
2 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Johnnie Walker introduces a bold, pan-African cultural platform
Launching in June 2025 in Johannesburg and continuing in Lagos in September, Johnnie Walker AfroExchange will unfold through a series of powerful, culturally rich experiences Johnnie Walker, the world's number one Scotch whisky, proudly announces the launch of Johnnie Walker AfroExchange — a bold, pan-African cultural platform that celebrates the continent's creative pulse. From Johannesburg to Lagos, AfroExchange brings together visionary voices in fashion, music, food, art, and storytelling, creating space for collaboration, expression, and shared progress. Rooted in the spirit of the brand's Keep Walking philosophy, AfroExchange is more than an event— it's a movement dedicated to spotlighting Africa's most dynamic cultural trailblazers and building bridges between two of its most influential creative hubs. Launching in June 2025 in Johannesburg and continuing in Lagos in September, Johnnie Walker AfroExchange will unfold through a series of powerful, culturally rich experiences: The Creative Summit – A vibrant gathering of Africa's leading creative minds in Johannesburg, where influential voices will exchange ideas, ignite new partnerships, and explore the future of the continent's creative industries. The Fashion Exchange – A standout collaboration between South Africa's Wanda Lephoto and Nigeria's Dye Lab, resulting in a unique capsule collection that blends their signature styles with the storied heritage of Johnnie Walker. AfroExchange Live – A high-energy lineup of immersive events in both cities, offering curated performances, interactive art, bold culinary moments, and vibrant experiences that celebrate the spirit of contemporary Africa. 'At Johnnie Walker, we believe in celebrating those who challenge convention, shift culture, and shape what's next,' says Ifeoma Agu, Group Head of Culture, Influencer and Advocacy at Diageo Southern, West and Central Africa. 'AfroExchange is our tribute to Africa's bold creators — a space for connection, experimentation, and cultural pride.' With AfroExchange, Johnnie Walker reaffirms its commitment to walking alongside the continent's fearless creators — fueling progress and celebrating the power of African expression.
Forbes
6 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Whisky In Edinburgh: Your Guide To The City's Best Spots
The Johnnie Walker Princes Street whisky experience in Edinburgh is a multi-floor whisky ... More extravaganza that cost over $200 million to build. Edinburgh's historic relationship with whisky runs deep. Following the Industrial Revolution and throughout the 19th century, Scotland's capital was a major Scotch whisky player. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, it was home to influential names like Andrew Usher, John Crabbie, and other grocers who became helped Scotch whisky become a global product by pioneering the first blends, making Edinburgh a major export hub for whisky at the time. At its height, the city was full of bonded warehouses, and its port in Leith was funnelling whisky to markets all over the world. Over time, the industrial aspects moved elsewhere. As whisky tourism emerged as an industry in the 90s, Edinburgh was mostly a place to fly into before heading out to places like Islay or Speyside. But in recent years, things have shifted again. A new generation of distilleries, bars, shops, and bottlers have brought fresh energy to the city's whisky culture. You can now taste experimental new make at one end of the city and sip a dram in a historic pub at the other. Whether you're a curious beginner or a seasoned connoisseur, Edinburgh now offers truly world class whisky experiences and opportunities to try the best whiskies available —without ever having to leave the city limits. So here's a little guide to help you decide where you should find a drink or few. Holyrood Distillery is in the center of Edinburgh. Whisky-making has returned to Edinburgh in a tangible way, with a handful of working distilleries now operating within the city. Each brings its own approach, adding welcome diversity to the capital's whisky landscape. Holyrood Distillery, located just a stone's throw from Edinburgh's iconic Royal Mile, is a good place to start. This urban distillery is a true pioneer with its exploration of new make spirit (the clear, vodka-like liquid that goes into a cask and eventually becomes whisky). Visitors are encouraged to taste their way through different types of new make, exploring different yeast strains and grain varietals used. The variety is impressive, and it gives a hands-on look at how small changes in production can lead to significant shifts in flavor and aroma. Across town at the Leith waterfront, the Port of Leith Distillery offers something equally distinctive. Built vertically over several floors, it's one of the most unique distillery layouts in Scotland. The gravity-fed production system is clever, but what really stands out is the rooftop bar. With views stretching across the city, it's as much a destination for whisky drinkers as it is for tourists. Then there's the North British Distillery, one of the largest grain whisky producers in the country. You won't find tours or tastings here, but its presence is unmistakable—it's responsible for the malty aroma that you'll often smell in the city. Similarly, Bonnington Distillery, home to the revived Crabbie's brand, doesn't offer public access, but it's a significant part of the city's distilling resurgence. Together, these four sites, two public-facing, two working behind the scenes, establish Edinburgh as a whisky-producing city once more. Royal Mile Whiskies is one of Edinburgh best-known whisky shops. Edinburgh's whisky shops are some of the best in the country. Each offers a different atmosphere and focus, and all are within walking distance if you fancy a whisky-themed stroll through the city. Royal Mile Whiskies is probably the most iconic of the bunch. Right on the High Street across the street across from the St. Giles Cathedral, this well-established shop is friendly, well-stocked, and staffed by people who really know their stuff. You'll find everything from core range classics to single cask oddities, and it's a reliable place for gifts, tasting sets, and unique bottlings you may not find anywhere else. Walk down the Royal Mile towards the Scottish Parliament and you'll find Cadenhead's, Scotland's oldest independent bottler. They stock only their own bottlings—mostly single cask whiskies sourced from distilleries across Scotland, often at cask strength. If you're hunting for something distinctive and unusual, this is the place to go. Just next to the Waverley train station you'll also find Jeffrey St. Whisky and Tobacco, which offers a curated, boutique feel. Alongside a strong selection of whisky, it also stocks high-quality cigars and pipe tobacco. They host regular tastings too, which are well-run and feature some phenomenal selections. Robert Graham, with shops on both the Royal Mile and near Princes St on the western side of the center of the city, is also an independent bottler in its own right and also offers cigars. Cask & Vine on the Royal Mile is a new bar serving superb whiskies. There's no shortage of good spots when it comes to drinking whisky in Edinburgh—whether you're looking for rare single casks or a relaxed pub atmosphere. A standout is the award-winning Kaleidoscope Bar in the Scotch Malt Whisky Society's Queen St. clubhouse. This is the public-facing side of the members' club and one of the best places in the city to try single cask whiskies. All the bottles are exclusive to the SMWS— which is famous for not providing any distillery labels. Each bottle features a numeric code which indicates the distillery its from and unique descriptions written up by its tasting panel, a refreshing way to try whisky without any prior expectations about a brand. In the Old Town, Bow Bar and the Ensign Ewart offer excellent selections in more central locations. All have long-standing reputations and a superb stock that will meet the requirements of the most demanding connoisseur. A more recent addition worth noting is Cask & Vine, also located right on the Royal Mile. A new bar linked with Jeffrey St. Whisky and Tobacco, it boasts an impressive whisky selection, nibbles and also the possibility of enjoying an olive oil tasting if not in a drinking mood. Also located in the heart of Old Town, The Lost Close is something different altogether. This tucked-away venue is part tasting room, part historical site, located within the centuries-old catacombs of the city. You'll need to book in advance to take part in one of their guided whisky tastings, but it's worth it for the intimate setting and carefully curated drams. The bar selection isn't huge, but very classy and well-curated. Further afield, The Canny Man's in Morningside is a famously eccentric pub running since the 19th century with a whisky list as eclectic as its décor, while the excellent Tipsy Midgie, located close to Holyrood Distillery, regularly hosts tasting events. Over in Gorgie, The Athletic Arms, also known as Diggers, is a bit of a local secret, maybe because of its location slightly outside the city centre. It doubles as a world class bar featuring hundreds of whiskies at extremely competitive prices but also as one of the top pub headquarters for local football (soccer) team Hearts of Midlothian, with plenty of pictures of past players and jerseys proudly hung all over the pub. In a different category altogether are the two big attractions aimed at whisky newcomers and broader audiences. Johnnie Walker Princes Street is the flashiest of the lot—a £150 million multi-floor whisky center with guided tastings, high-tech exhibits, and a rooftop bar with sweeping views. It's a sleek, brand-forward experience that emphasises storytelling and accessibility more than geeky detail, but it does it extremely well. Not to be left behind is the Scotch Whisky Experience located right next to Edinburgh Castle. It's recently undergone a refurbishment, refreshing its long-running tour experience. It's still the go-to for families or those new to whisky, combining sensory exhibits, guided tastings, and one of the largest whisky collections in the world. Gleann Mòr Spirits are one of Edinburgh's well-established indie bottlers. Connoisseurs know very well that some of the best whiskies you can find and try come from independent bottlers, businesses that purchase casks from distilleries or brokers and release their own whiskies. Edinburgh supports a small but varied group of independent bottlers, and to be able to try these Edinburgh bottlers' superb whiskies in the capital is a nice thing to be able to check off the whisky to-do list. Look out for bottles and drams from Fragrant Drops, The Whisky Cellar, Woodrow's of Edinburgh, and Gleann Mór. But one of the most distinctive new Edinburgh whisky businesses is Woven, a blending house based in Leith. Rather than bottling single casks, Woven focuses on small batch blends, each created with a clear flavor concept in mind. It's a modern take on Edinburgh's blending tradition, brought back with a fresh aesthetic and an open approach to flavour profiling. Edinburgh might not have the rural romance of Islay or the distillery density of Speyside, but it's quietly become one of the most impressive whisky destinations in Scotland. With working distilleries, top-tier bars, specialist shops, and a strong network of independent bottlers and blenders, the city offers a rounded experience that blends history with modern creativity. Whether you're sipping rooftop drams in Leith or discovering a new cask-strength gem in a hidden bar, Edinburgh's whisky scene has never been more exciting. This guide, while covering a lot of the good stuff, isn't fully comprehensive - many bars in the city have a great whisky selection and there's excellent shops all over. For any whisky tourist, the capital is no longer just a stopover, it's a destination in its own right.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Epson Tour's best coming to The Highlands for inaugural Great Lakes Championship
HARBOR SPRINGS — Northern Michigan in the summer transforms into a golfer's paradise. Well, summer feels like it's arrived and come this Friday to Sunday, June 13-15, some of the best women's golfers in the world will hope to turn The Highlands of Harbor Springs Heather Course into paradise. Advertisement The inaugural Great Lakes Championship at The Highlands presented by Johnnie Walker and part of the Epson Tour will tee off this weekend on The Heather Course. The Epson Tour, once know as the LPGA Futures Tour, is the official qualifying tour for the LPGA Tour, much like the Korn Ferry Tour for the PGA. Events are taking place throughout the week by BOYNE Golf and The Great Lakes Sports Commission, including a pair of Pro-Am events on Wednesday and Thursday, June 11-12. Epson Tour No. 4 ranked Yana Wilson is one of a handful of top ranked golfers that will take to The Highlands at Harbor Springs' Heather Course this Friday to Sunday, June 13-15 for the inaugural Great Lakes Championship. (Photo by) 'The Highlands and BOYNE Golf are honored and excited that the Great Lakes Sports Commission and the Epson Tour have selected The Heather golf course at The Highlands to host the Great Lakes Championship,' said Josh Richter, Boyne Resorts SVP of golf. 'The Heather was the first BOYNE Golf course and is widely credited as the spark that started the golf boom in northern Michigan. Advertisement "The Heather launched the region as America's summer golf capital and has hosted many prestigious championships, including five Michigan Amateur Championships since it opened in 1966. We look forward to the test it will provide the outstanding golfers on the Epson Tour on their journey to the LPGA.' From Epson to LPGA: Here are 15 of the most successful LPGA players to graduate from the Epson Tour since 1999, including two Hall of Famers Play will take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. both Friday and Saturday, and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. The Great Lakes Championship will feature a field of 144 golfers competing for Epson points of course, though also a $250,000 purse and $37,500 to the winner. Advertisement The field will be cut from 144 to 60 on Sunday, with a 5 p.m. awards ceremony and trophy presentation taking place. General admission is free to attend the 72-hole tournament, though there is a VIP ticket package available at $100 per day or $250 for the full weekend. Slots for the Pro-Am event are full. More: Michigan's best 20 public golf courses rankings: Arcadia Bluffs remains No. 1 More: Best Michigan private golf courses ranked: Alister MacKenzie gem still No. 1 It comes as the third Epson Tour event taking place in Michigan, following the recent FireKeepers Casino Hotel Championship in Battle Creak, along with the Island Resort Championship in Harris to follow, with the three making up the new Pure Michigan Cup. Advertisement The highest points earner within the three events receives extra prize money from the Epson Tour. 'Bringing the Epson Tour to The Heather Golf Course at The Highlands at Harbor Springs will have a big impact on the Petoskey area and the northern Michigan region,' said Great Lakes Sports Commission Executive Director, Eric Marvin. 'The expansion of the Tour's Michigan stretch will not only showcase the unparalleled beauty and unique charm of northern Michigan but also promises to create significant economic impact and international exposure. We are confident that adding another high-profile Epson Tour event will enhance our reputation as a premier destination for golf and we look forward to welcoming the world's top women's golfers to northern Michigan in 2025.' Sophia Schubert of the Epson Tour highlights a talented field that'll be on hand this weekend in Harbor Springs when golfers tee off in the inaugural Great Lakes Championship on BOYNE Golf's Heather Course. (Photo by) The inaugural field of the Great Lakes Championship will feature many of the top Epson Tour's current top points leaders, including the top five. Advertisement Current No. 1 with 1,176 points, Gina Kim, will be included in the field, with two wins to her credit already this season. The field will also include second ranked Sophia Schubert and third ranked Laetitia Beck, both with over $200,000 in career earnings. Yana Wilson, an 18-year-old with four career top 10 finishes and a May victory to her credit, will also be in the field, along with No. 5 ranked Minji Kang, who currently leads the Epson Tour with five top 10 finishes in eight events. All-Americans: Golfweek's 2024-25 Women's College Golf All-Americans Michigan natives will also take part in tournament, including BOYNE Golf ambassador and East Kentwood graduate, Sarah White. With an average driving distance of 270.48 yards, White is currently the Epson Tour leader. Advertisement The former Western Michigan and Texas State golfer earned a 2014 MHSAA Division 1 state championship at East Kentwood and has been with the Epson Tour since 2020. Many of the current top golfers of the LPGA Tour have made their way to the top ranks through the Epson Tour, including current LPGA No. 1, Nelly Korda. Korda has 15 career wins and over $15 million in career earnings. LPGA standouts Inbee Park and Lorena Ochoa are also former Epson Tour competitors, among others. More information on the Great Lakes Championship can be found at: Contact or send game stats/info to Sports Editor Drew Kochanny at dkochanny@ Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DrewKochanny, and Instagram, @drewkochanny This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Epson Great Lakes Championship teeing off Friday in Harbor Springs
USA Today
11-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Epson Tour heads to new territory in Michigan this week
Epson Tour heads to new territory in Michigan this week HARBOR SPRINGS, Michigan — Northern Michigan in the summer transforms into a golfer's paradise. Well, summer feels like it's arrived, and come this Friday to Sunday, June 13-15, some of the best women's golfers in the world will hope to turn The Highlands of Harbor Springs Heather Course into paradise. The inaugural Great Lakes Championship at The Highlands presented by Johnnie Walker and part of the Epson Tour will tee off this weekend on The Heather Course. The Epson Tour, once known as the LPGA Futures Tour, is the official qualifying tour for the LPGA Tour, much like the Korn Ferry Tour for the PGA. Events are taking place throughout the week by BOYNE Golf and The Great Lakes Sports Commission, including a pair of Pro-Am events on Wednesday and Thursday, June 11-12. 'The Highlands and BOYNE Golf are honored and excited that the Great Lakes Sports Commission and the Epson Tour have selected The Heather golf course at The Highlands to host the Great Lakes Championship,' said Josh Richter, Boyne Resorts' SVP of golf. 'The Heather was the first BOYNE Golf course and is widely credited as the spark that started the golf boom in northern Michigan. "The Heather launched the region as America's summer golf capital and has hosted many prestigious championships, including five Michigan Amateur Championships since it opened in 1966. We look forward to the test it will provide the outstanding golfers on the Epson Tour on their journey to the LPGA.' From Epson to LPGA: Here are 15 of the most successful LPGA players to graduate from the Epson Tour since 1999, including two Hall of Famers Play will take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. both Friday and Saturday, and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. The Great Lakes Championship will feature a field of 144 golfers competing for Epson points, of course, as well as a $250,000 purse, of which $37,500 goes to the winner. The field will be cut from 144 to 60 on Sunday, with a 5 p.m. awards ceremony and trophy presentation taking place. General admission is free to attend the 72-hole tournament, though there is a VIP ticket package available at $100 per day or $250 for the full weekend. Slots for the Pro-Am event are full. More: Michigan's best 20 public golf courses rankings: Arcadia Bluffs remains No. 1 More: Best Michigan private golf courses ranked: Alister MacKenzie gem still No. 1 It comes as the third Epson Tour event taking place in Michigan, following the recent FireKeepers Casino Hotel Championship in Battle Creek, along with the Island Resort Championship in Harris to follow, with the three making up the new Pure Michigan Cup. The highest points earner within the three events receives extra prize money from the Epson Tour. 'Bringing the Epson Tour to The Heather Golf Course at The Highlands at Harbor Springs will have a big impact on the Petoskey area and the northern Michigan region,' said Great Lakes Sports Commission Executive Director, Eric Marvin. 'The expansion of the Tour's Michigan stretch will not only showcase the unparalleled beauty and unique charm of northern Michigan but also promises to create significant economic impact and international exposure. We are confident that adding another high-profile Epson Tour event will enhance our reputation as a premier destination for golf and we look forward to welcoming the world's top women's golfers to northern Michigan in 2025.' The inaugural field of the Great Lakes Championship will feature many of the top Epson Tour's current top points leaders, including the top five. Current No. 1 with 1,176 points, Gina Kim, will be included in the field, with two wins to her credit already this season. The field will also include second ranked Sophia Schubert and third ranked Laetitia Beck, both with over $200,000 in career earnings. Yana Wilson, an 18-year-old with four career top 10 finishes and a May victory to her credit, will also be in the field, along with No. 5 ranked Minji Kang, who currently leads the Epson Tour with five top 10 finishes in eight events. All-Americans: Golfweek's 2024-25 Women's College Golf All-Americans Michigan natives will also take part in tournament, including BOYNE Golf ambassador and East Kentwood graduate, Sarah White. With an average driving distance of 270.48 yards, White is currently the Epson Tour leader. The former Western Michigan and Texas State golfer earned a 2014 MHSAA Division 1 state championship at East Kentwood and has been with the Epson Tour since 2020. Many of the current top golfers of the LPGA Tour have made their way to the top ranks through the Epson Tour, including current LPGA No. 1, Nelly Korda. Korda has 15 career wins and over $15 million in career earnings. LPGA standouts Inbee Park and Lorena Ochoa are also former Epson Tour competitors, among others. More information on the Great Lakes Championship can be found at: Contact or send game stats/info to Sports Editor Drew Kochanny at dkochanny@ Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DrewKochanny, and Instagram, @drewkochanny
