Malt Whisky List at 'The Garth'
May we suggest that you round off your meal with one (or, perhaps more!) of our superb range of Malt Whiskies. A good Malt can be enjoyed in place of a Cognac or Armagnac but many find it superior in quality and taste. We have included "tasting notes" on just a representative few of our selection but we should emphasise that you should let your own palate be the final judge!
The Aviemore Malt, 10 years old, 40%
This Single Malt has been selected by the Aviemore Business Association for the “Aviemore” label. It embodies many of the features of a really good Highland Malt - initially quite light on the palate, followed by a rich mellowness and a pleasant after taste. Available only in Aviemore - so be sure to take a bottle home!
Cragganmore, 12 years old, 40%
The whisky from this distillery near Elgin is a favourite amongst blenders because of its consistently mature character and flavours. An excellent middle-of-the-road malt, it has a superb nose - clean and delicate with herbal fragrances - which is confirmed on the palate. The finish is enjoyably long. A safe malt for almost everyone to try.
Dalwhinnie, 15 years old, 43%
Almost a local, from the highest distillery in Scotland, its distinctive pagoda roofs are clearly seen from the A9. Very light and so smooth with a heather-honeyness combined with a maltiness and a touch of peaty character. Often an aperitif but it has enough strength to round off your meal.
Glenfarclas, 10 years old, 40% or "105" at 60%
From the last of the truly independent distillers, it is still produced on a family farm near Ballindalloch. The 10 year old is very slightly smoky, crisp and dry on the palate and a sweet lingering finish. The "105" is big and bold, very sweet to the taste with a long warm finish from that high proof.
Lagavulin, 16 years old, 43%
Islay malts are famous for their strong flavours of peat and smoke. Lagavulin is probably the best example - truly powerful, bursting with all the characteristics of the island, mellowed by sherry casking and with a distinctive tang off the Atlantic winds. The almost pungent nose is more than fulfilled by its long embracing finish.
Macallan, 10 years old, 40%
The definitive sherry cask malt. Macallan go to extraordinary lengths to secure the very best casks for their famous whisky. Whisky has been made on the site of the distillery near Craigellachie since the eighteenth century. Plenty of malty taste, round, full and just a hint of ginger. A malt for all occasions.
Springbank, 12 years old, 46%
One of the last of 30 Campbeltown distilleries, Springbank is very much a classic. It is also one of only two distilleries to bottle their whisky on site. A long taste, salty, slightly oily with a complex sweet and fruity floweriness developing on the palate. The finish is both sweet and salty. An individualistic malt but well worth trying after a light meal.
Tomatin, 10 years old, 40%
From Scotland’s largest malt distillery, lying just off the A9 between Aviemore and Inverness. This malt retains plenty of character and is a good choice after a meal for those who prefer a Highland malt over an Islay one.
Thanks to
Frank Clark of Cairngorm Malt Whisky for his help in compiling these notes.
Frank's amusing Whisky Tastings and Talks also provide great entertainment for social or corporate events and occasions at the Hotel, on the Strathspey Steam Train or wherever you wish. Contact Frank Clark for more information.
