By Liam Hiller Whisky drinking often starts out as an interest, but before long it can blossom into a fully-fledged hobby; just ask the thousands of whisky enthusiasts dotted around the world. For many, the moment the sweet nectar of their first dram passed their lips is iconic and remembered for the rest of their lives. It opens a gateway ...

By Richard Thomas For Spring 2017, Scotland is delivering a little something for everyone. The seven whiskies that follow include not just offerings for Sherry devotees and Peat lovers, but also whiskies rare and old; using peculiar woods; and made with an eye on Bourbon drinkers. Ardbeg Kelpie ($140) The latest from the fan favorite Islay distillery, Ardbeg Kelpie is ...

By Richard Thomas Some may be surprised to learn that although whisky-making has been spreading around the globe in recent years, the industry had already long extended beyond the “Big Five” nations of Scotland, the United States, Ireland, Canada and Japan. Even if you discount the ersatz Indian whisky industry on technical grounds, the French and Germans have had whisky ...

By Father John Rayls “Slainte” is a traditional (and sometimes mispronounced) Celtic toast when drinking Irish whiskey. It means “health,” and is often combined with other Celtic words to make the toast more personal. In the American culture, a more appropriate meaning should be “slow your roll.” Of course, it doesn’t really mean that, but a slower more deliberate approach ...

By Richard Thomas St. Patrick’s Day is the day after tomorrow, and from then clear through the weekend people will be donning green attire, slurping green beer and chasing leprechauns. I humbly suggest one change in these annual festivities: ditch the green beer and have a dram or two of a fine Irish single malt instead. That statement will cause ...