Albarino Ice Wine Single Malt Scotch Scotland Speyside
The pale skinned grapes of the Albarino varietal have been grown in and around Spain and Portugal for almost a thousand years, where they are highly enjoyed and prized by the locals for their distinctive aroma, and sharp, tart acidity levels. Over the past century, their influence has spread to the New World, and many vineyards keen to emulate the white wines of Spain have had considerable success with this varietal. The light bodied wines which are produced from the Albarino grapes have wonderfully aromatic properties, and carry ripe flavors of soft summer fruits, apricot and peach, with a mild and pleasantly bitter after taste brought on by their thick skins. Because of their acidic nature, they are a fantastic match for many Spanish foods, and are best served chilled on a hot day.
When you think of Scotch whisky, you are probably thinking of the whiskies of Speyside. This fascinating and unique corner of the country is tucked into the north-east coast of Scotland, where the north sea batters the cliffs and cold, arctic winds make life hard for the families who have worked there for generations. Speyside is the most industrious and productive whisky region in Scotland, and this small area on the river Spey between Moray and Badenoch produces more whisky than any other part of Scotland, due to the enormous number of famed distilleries which can be found there. No less than sixty percent of all Scotland’s whiskies come out of Speyside, and certain distilleries produce vast quantities of the spirit, with one distillery churning out 12.5 million litres of whisky per year for a global audience.
In Speyside, we can find the big-hitters of the scotch whisky world. Indeed, the two best selling single malt whiskies on earth are produced here - Glenlivet and Glenfiddich - still made using traditional techniques and fiercely guarded secret methods which have been passed down through the ages.
Speyside single malt whiskies fall comfortably into two quite distinctive camps. Whiskies like Glenlivet, for example, typify the light and smooth end of the spectrum - comforting, delicious and full of fresh, grassy flavors. On the other side, we have the heavier, richer and sweeter whiskies which age in sherry barrels and take on a caramel complexity which has its own dedicated fanbase.