The Top 10 Best Scotch Brands of 2016 - Thrillist
The Top 10 Best Scotch Brands of 2016 - Thrillist |
| The Top 10 Best Scotch Brands of 2016 - Thrillist Posted: 09 Dec 2016 12:00 AM PST  Courtesy of The Macallan Using the word "new" to describe scotch seem paradoxical, as the industry is seemingly opposed to change and anything modern with every peaty fiber of its being. Scotch enthusiasts tend to fawn over ancient expressions made with antique stills and hoard prized bottles for years, doling out the precious drams to only the most worthy of fellow nerds. But scotch distillers are also perfectionists open to change, constantly hunting for new ways to improve their craft, new avenues of flavor, new fiery experiences to unleash on the tender palates of humble acolytes and curious neophytes alike. This year saw distillers experimenting with unusually finished single malts, blends that reinterpret honored scotch traditions, expressions that explore the dark corners of brand heritage, and even a few extremely well-aged bottles that showcase innovations introduced years ago. Here, in no particular order, the best new Scotch whiskies of 2016.  When it comes to scotch tasting, hardcore whisky nerds may sequester themselves in high, Medieval towers to meditate over their dram in silent contemplation. But Laphroaig, the peaty shibboleth of Islay aficionados, knows whisky is better with friends. Cairdeas, which means "friends" in Scotch Gaelic, is the distillery's annual release of scotch aged in the ex-barrels of a variety of spirits, the precise selection of which depends on the year. The 2016 release was initially aged in ex-bourbon barrels, but its second interment in Madeira casks really makes the whisky unique. A sweetly spiced nose betrays the influences of the fortified wine immediately. The scotch coats the entire palate with creamy orange, before giving way to dry spice, but a splash of water really brings out the fruity wine notes. If you prefer something a bit more traditional, try Laphroaig Lore ($125), another new release this year, which has been hailed as the distillery's richest expression yet, with a finish longer than a scotch nerd's penchant for hyperbole.  Want to let all the drinkers in the room know that you mean business? Uncap a bottle of the Lagavulin 25, and watch the scent of Hebridean peat turn every head like catnip. This special edition Islay, released to celebrate the distillery's 200th anniversary, may cost an arm and a leg, but as long as you keep your taste buds, it still seems like a good deal to us. The first Lagavulin to be aged a quarter-century entirely in sherry casks, this bottling may shock you with the sweet aroma of jammy fruit, toffee, and marzipan, but the extra time aging in sherry's shadow rounds and darkens the taste. Smooth and pillowy, it tastes of ginger, pepper and dark fruit, with notes of oregano and sage. The lip-smacking finish, heavy with oil and salt, will leave you thirsty for another dram.  Whisky is often associated with fire, whether it's the hot burn of the liquid, the fire of the kiln, or the fireside by which you sip your dram on a cold winter's eve. Highland Park drew inspiration from a more primal fire when they created their new release: the fabled battle between the Fire Giants and the Norse gods. Pouring the ruby red scotch into your favorite snifter may almost convince you the whisky is infused with mythical brimstone, until you realize the color comes from time spent in port casks. The smell of salty bacon sizzling over coals mixes with baking spices like clove and cinnamon. Both the sweet and salty notes are also evident upon sipping, along with cherry, apple and oak. After tasting the Fire, try countering it with Highland Park's Ice edition ($240) with its rich notes of vanilla and orris root.  Master blenders are entrusted with immense power, as they weave a tapestry of taste from individual single grain and single malt scotches. Celebrating five generations of blending prowess with a special release, Chivas Regal ditched the single grain whiskies to create the brand's first blended malt whisky. The blend of five Speyside single malts—representing less than one percent of their massive inventory—evokes Chivas's home with a rich sweetness. The scent of vanilla, cake and fresh peaches gives way to a creamy and fruity taste, in which each of the precious single malts play a role. Tormore distillery contributes the citrusy notes of orange, creamy Longmorn adds butterscotch, Strathisla reinforces the vanilla and peach, Allt A'Bhainne spices the mix with bitter chocolate and ginger, and Braeval wraps things up quick with a rapid finish of soft honey.  Experimenting with finished and flavored spirits has led many wayward distillers down dark, twisted roads, but the esteemed Glenfiddich set out on firm ground when they launched their experimental series this year with an innovative IPA-finished single malt. Rather than throw their precious whisky into random ale casks and hope for the best, the Glenfiddich R&D team worked with a local Speyside craft brewer to create the right ale for the job—one that would not only complement their scotch but become an integral part of the finished product. The mad, wonderful experiment yielded a whisky that's hoppy from nose to tail. The aroma of hops mingles with wild flowers, briny stone fruit and honey, while the light taste of hops puts on a dazzling display on the palate with figs, vanilla and a hint of licorice. Experiment with this one over ice and a squeeze of blood orange.  The Balvenie's latest release of their annual Tun 1509 single malt is a masterful blend of 31 casks: 12 sherry butts, 11 American oak hogsheads and eight refill American oak butts. The scotch is scented with fresh wood and corn, with a sour twinge, hinting at the complex taste to come. A legion of flavors, from concentrated caramel, to sour fruit, to nutty almond overlay the sweet honeyed reminiscence of sherry. It's limited to 2,100 bottles here in the States, so grab one while you can.  Sleeping on this new release is as big a mistake as sleeping on a forest floor during a simultaneous storm and wildfire, which, coincidentally, is an accurate representation of this Speyside scotch's diverse ashy-yet-damp character. While we also liked the new 12-Year-Old ($47) for its silky, honeyed taste of apples, thyme and wild spice, it was the 18-Year-Old that sent embers through our hearts (in a good way). The same honeyed sweetness is there, but the scotch prods the palate with deeper flavor. It's at once round yet subtly astringent, and tastes of varnished wood, cinnamon and cigarettes over a deep vegetal undercurrent.  Usquaebach has managed to channel ancient tradition into its newest scotch without regurgitating tired tropes. It comes as little surprise that the distillery would conjure tradition, given its name is derived from the Gaelic uisge-beatha or "water of life," and the entire range of Highland blends is bottled in old school ceramic flagons reminiscent of the industry's heritage. The new cask-strength bottling combines 20 single malts into a blend befitting of an expression named "the high king." It professes brioche, walnut and pineapple on the nose, and fills the mouth with a lovely, gum-like heft. It starts with a toasty, briny taste of charred sugar before ending with a long sweet finish. Long live the king.  This Speyside single malt has garnered a loyal following by mimicking the methods of the distillery's founder James Fleming. Made without modern chill filtering or added water to temper the whisky's raw firepower, the cask-strength juice is instead balanced with a blanket of heavy cream flavor imparted by oloroso sherry casks. While Batches 54 through 56 all pleased fans this year with the series's distinctive, heavy style, we found Batch 56 juggled the hefty flavors especially well. It indulges with caramel, toffee and marzipan on the nose, and it coats the back of the tongue like sweet creamy suede. But the raw scotch also shines through on the tip of the tongue with dried ginger, salted popcorn and the tingling, nearly acidic taste of red hots.  Hello again, (12-year-)old friend. After three years of releasing non-age statement whiskies, The Macallan has emerged from its midlife crisis and is once again willing to declare its true age with its newest release. Single malts spend those 12 years separately in American and European oak sherry casks before combining, resulting in a lightly sherried compromise between The Macallan's other lines, the Sherry Oak series and the Fine Oak series, which involves aging in ex-bourbon barrels in addition to sherry casks. The concentrated Double Cask remains friendly to drinkers of American whiskey—with aromas of candied orange and custard, and a mixture of citrus, raisins and nutmeg—while coaxing them deeper into the traditional style of The Macallan scotch. Like a birthday party celebrated quietly with a nice bottle and a few old pals, the Double Cask eases whiskey drinkers everywhere into a new year, thankfully full of more scotch. Slàinte. Our Newsletter |
| The Best Philly Restaurant for Every Cuisine - Thrillist Posted: 17 Apr 2020 12:00 AM PDT Philadelphia  As the lockdown date for Pennsylvania looms ever longer, you might be getting bored with your typical array of at-home survival food and delivery usuals. Since the spread of COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc on the restaurant and hospitality industry, ordering takeout and delivery is something you can do during this time to help support the local economy. Plus, if being on lockdown happens to give you wanderlust for the rest of the world's sights and tastes, you can at least cheer up over international cuisine. Conjure up what you're craving and follow this guide to think global and buy local.  Spruce Hill
How to order: Order takeout by calling or texting 215.554.7380, delivery through Caviar Graduate Hospital The Australian cafe specializes in brunch, so have yourself an Aussie-inspired breakfast with the brekkie burrito or eggs- and bacon-stuffed French toast. They can also be your go-to for all things maple bacon-related during this trying time. How to order: Order by calling 215.875.8002, delivery through Caviar or Postmates Northeast Though the Center City location of the Brazilian steakhouse is closed during quarantine, the restaurant is still offering delivery and takeout from its Northeast outpost, so get all the top sirloin you can handle. How to order: Order by calling 215.402.6967 Multiple locations Han Dynasty is still available for delivery and pickup, giving hospitality industry employees an extra 20% off. Get some comforting lo mein, scallion pancakes, and flash-fried crab. How to order: Order by calling 215.922.1888  Bella Vista El Bouchinche is open for takeout and delivery, offering up an endless array of authentic Colombian chicken, seafood, and meat dishes, including the sample platter of steak, chicken, and shrimp served with plantains. How to order: Order by calling 215.329.0861 Spruce Hill Order all the doro wot your heart desires (as well as vegetarian options) for takeout and delivery, as well as Ethiopian-style varieties of breakfast dishes and the fava beans that come cooked in a blend of spices. How to order: Order by calling 215.386.0504 Old City Score cocktail mixers, along with food delivery and takeout, from the upscale French eatery. Spring for the daily 3-course menu for your share of escargot, braised rib, duck confit, and whatever else is good that day. How to order: Order by calling 215.644.9395 Washington Square West An array of Greek appetizers and entrees are yours at Effie's, along with simpler gyros and sandwiches, for both pick up and delivery. How to order: Order by calling 215.592.8333  Rittenhouse Delivery and pickup preserves through COVID-19 at El Merkury, where you can score a dozen uncooked pupusas to make at home, along with house salsa and some veggies and protein to go with them. This is especially great if you have a lot of people to feed at home. How to order: Order online Rittenhouse Select your choice of naan, sides, spice level, and dessert with one of Veda's takeout thali specials, which can be made vegetarian and/or gluten-free. Most of the rest of the menu is up for grabs, too. How to order: Order online Bella Vista Jembatan 5 is now delivering for a minimum order of $20 in light of the pandemic, so you can stay home while feasting on seafood stir-fry and pork satay. How to order: Order by calling 215.238.1898  Washington Square West Little Nonna's has a scaled-down takeout menu of some staples, offered in conjunction from dishes from sister restaurants Bud & Marilyn's and Barbuzzo. Always on the menu is the signature spaghetti and meatballs. Specials change daily and are shared on Instagram. How to order: Order through the Bud & Marilyn's website Graduate Hospital Keep it simple with a half jerk chicken or make it a multi-course event with some oxtail stew, fried plantains, and curry shrimp from this South Street staple, open for delivery and takeout. How to order: Order online Fishtown The artful Japanese eatery is downsizing its menu to bring delivery during the pandemic, offering a couple of sushi set varieties and bowl specials. The takeout menu is small but changes often. How to order: Order online  Washington Square West Kimchi pancakes, spicy stir-fry, and so much BBQ is available for delivery at Seorabol. You can't miss the signature marinated pork rib. How to order: Order online Le Mandingue offers a menu influenced by the cuisine of Liberia and neighboring West African countries, owned and operated by a survivor of Liberian Civil War. The spot is staying open for takeout during COVID-19, offering entrees with Attieke, Fou Fou, and much more. How to order: Order online Passyunk One of Philly's best restaurants is open for delivery, with items including coconut cream rice, braised beef with pickled veggies, and stir-fry rice vermicelli filling out the menu. How to order: Order through Caviar  Graduate Hospital Stock up on quesadillas, tacos, and guac (before it sells out) from this neighborhood Mexican cafe. Orders can be made for both pickup and delivery, and stay up to date on the latest offerings on the cafe's Instagram. How to order: Order through Grubhub Washington Square West Enjoy Lebanese-style sandwiches (there will be fries and pickles in them) or get a platter of hummus, kebabs, and falafel. Sahara Bar & Grill switched to delivery and curbside pickup daily starting at 11am all the way to 10:30pm. Check out more details on the shop's Instagram. How to order: Order through the restaurant's app Fairmount Enhance your takeout game with Figs' lofty menu of crab-stuffed filet, goat lasagna, and other Morrocan-Mediterranean infused dishes. How to order: Order delivery through Caviar Passyunk Noord is cutting back on its offerings during COVID-19, narrowing in on a $25 weekend Dutch Dinner menu that comes with a soup, main course, and dessert. Get your orders in early because they sell out every time. How to order: Order by emailing bob@winkelphilly.com  Roxborough Curbside pickup and delivery is available for both neighbors and non-Rox residents alike, and you can load up on frozen pierogies to enjoy at your leisure during quarantine, alongside fresh borscht. How to order: Order by calling 215.483.5301 Rittenhouse Most of Bar Bombon's plant-based menu is available for delivery, so treat yourself to chips and guac, empanadas, and corn pico de gallo that pleases vegans and non-vegans alike. Though the restaurant has roots in Puerto Rico, the entire menu is a celebration and infusion of Latin flavors. How to order: Order delivery through Caviar Rittenhouse Chef Jose Garces' Basque destination is staying open for takeout and delivery, so you can curate your own tapas feast to be enjoyed from the comfort of your home. Don't miss the Pulpo with olive oil or the shrimp in chocolate. How to order: Order delivery through Caviar  Bella Vista Kalaya is offering delivery and takeout fare five days a week, plus putting together free meals for hospitality industry workers. Go big with the bigger 3-course plates that start at $50, or keep it simple with the spicy ground duck salad. How to order: Order by calling 215.385.3777 Venezuelan: SazonSpring Garden Sign up here for our daily Philly email and be the first to get all the food/drink/fun in town. Marielle Mondon is a writer from Philly. Follow her @MarielleMondon on Twitter and Instagram. Our Newsletter |
| You are subscribed to email updates from "what canimake withfigs" - Google News. To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, United States | |
Comments
Post a Comment