Malt Whisky & Hotel Bars
Capital Malts, London's best hotel bars and whisky spotlight.
Capital Malts & Hotel Bars
The drink of choice in Scotland since the fifteenth century, whisky is quietly causing a stir in London in the twenty-first. And while blended whisky accounts for around 95 per cent of Scottish whisky production, it is single malt that is the connoisseur’s preferred tipple. Infinitely enjoyable and incredibly versatile, single malt is the new champagne, if its strong presence on the back-bars of top London bars and drinking establishments is anything to go by.
Fine single malt can be enjoyed anywhere but increasingly, London's young and affluent are flocking to hotel bars where the range of single malts is unrivalled and the atmosphere relaxed and unhurried.
'We have definitely noticed an increase in malt whisky drinkers in the 25 to 45 year age bracket,' says Guiseppe Ruo, manager at the Hilton’s Windows of the World Bar in Park Lane.
Young whisky drinkers are choosing to savour single malt in sophisticated and luxurious environments. After all, a drink like single malt requires special attention. Each sip should be slow and considered.
'You need a full half hour to truly appreciate the complexities of taste and aroma', says Simon Groves, a 33 year-old Production Artist for EMI. 'You can’t do that in an ordinary bar; you need somewhere less frenetic, and the service you get in a hotel bar is second to none. The staff really know their stuff.'
You don't have to be an aficionado, then, to get the most out of malt whisky if you frequent the hotel bar. Distilleries like Morrison Bowmore, based on the island of Islay in Argyllshire, one of the main whisky producing areas in Scotland, are sending out 'whisky preachers' to the top drinking establishments, with particular attention paid to the premium end of the hotel market. Bar staff are trained in the subtle nuances of malt whiskies, and in turn, pass this on to the customer. Novices and experienced alike, the key is not to be afraid to ask.
Best enjoyed neat, or with a splash of water to unleash the flavours, there is a vast array of malt whiskies to choose from, each with their own individual distinction. With over 80 Scottish distilleries, there are as many variations between distillery expressions as between French vineyard wines. Single malt whiskies vary hugely according to the amount of peat and the types of water and oak cask used. Glenlivet, Glenfiddich and Macallan are all well known names, but also look out for Auchentoshan, known as the Glasgow Malt and unique in its triple distillation method, and Bowmore, the number one selling Islay malt in Scotland.
Morrison Bowmore have been producing premium whisky since 1779 and are one of the few distilleries still doing their own malting and kilning. Smooth, with a hint of peat, the 12-year-old is the standard. Also popular are the 15, 17 and 25 year-olds, the latter winning Best of Show at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2004. At The Duke’s Hotel in St. James' Place, you can sample the Bowmore 1957 Limited Edition, at a price. Bowmore can also be found at the Stafford and Boisdale Hotels, Aurora and at all the Conran restaurant bars.
With women single malt drinkers also in the ascendant, it seems that what the Scots have known for centuries London's chic and stylish are finally coming to appreciate. And the growing trend for drinking Scotland's finest in style goes to show that single malt and the hotel bar go together like whisky and water.
Fiona Lawrie (September 2004)
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Bar Focus - Fine hotel bars in London
Below are six hotel bars that have cut their teeth in offering a great selection of fine whisky, backed up with knowledge to assist their customers if help is required.
Aurora boasts some of the best Bartenders in London, ably led by Alessandro Palazzi, and their cocktails consistently win awards. Try a Bowmore 25 year old and enjoy the palatial surroundings of this elegant, top-class bar that oozes class. More.
The Dukes is famous for its Martinis, considered by many to be the best in town.
On top of this a great selection of Malts fill the Back bar, with the Bowmore 1957 Limited Edition Bottling from Islay taking pride of place in this fine Mayfair establishment.More.
As well as serving possibly the best steaks in London, Boisdales boasts over 150 Malts and more than 100 varieties of the finest hand-made Havana cigars. The atmosphere has a well-worn clubbable feel and also provides late night Jazz for its mixed clientele. More.
Huge selection of Malts can be found in this well known haunt for whisky lovers. Décor is dark and moody and perfect to unwind and recharge the batteries. More.
Some of the building dates back to the 16th century, and inside their Bar is packed with pictures and mementoes from their well known , famous patrons. The staff are knowledgeable and know their stuff . Unusual and eclectic whisky selection (including some fine Japanese whiskies), well worth checking out. More.
As well as having one of the best views in London, Windows has a great choice of Malts including the rare Bowmore 40 year old. The Bar comes alive in the early evening, with a mixture of Hotel guests and people just interested in chilling out and soaking up the atmosphere. More.
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Whisky Spotlight
Every month, in addition to the featured article, Fluid Style will provide a spotlight on some of the leading drinks brands hitting the style venues of London. Septembers issue focuses on: Bowmore, Jonnie Walker Gold Label & Auchentoshan.
Bowmore
Bowmore is the number one selling Islay malt in Scotland, and has won more awards than any other Scottish distillery.
From Islay in the Hebrides, Bowmore has been making top class whisky since 1779 and can be drunk in various age statements: 12, 15 and 17 year old and three wood finishes - Darkest (Oloroso Cask) Dusk (Claret cask) and Dawn (Port Cask).
The Bowmore 25 year old has just won Best of Show at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2004 and rightly claims to be one of the world's greatest drams. Look out for it at The Stafford, Aurora, Boisdales and all Conran Restaurant Bars.
More information on Bowmore whisky is available on FLUID TRADE.
Johnnie Walker Gold Label
Johnnie Walker Gold Label is the luxurious and decadent blended whisky currently being introduced to the UK market, served in a distinctly new and sensual way: a unique whisky-drinking experience known as the 'frozen serve'.
A 'frozen serve' is poured straight from the freezer at 10ºC into a frozen glass. Johnnie Walker Gold Label whisky is already available in some of London's most exclusive clubs and bars, including Home House, Sketch, The Kingly Club, Adam Street and Lonsdale House.
Auchentoshan
Auchentoshan Distillery is "The Glasgow Malt" and is unique in it's triple distillation method that results in a wide variety of styles.
The 10 year old is a versatile whisky, light fresh and clean tasting. Auchentoshan 3 Wood expression has exploded on the malt scene with its rich toffee and sherry oak flavours.
Auchentoshan is available in a host of top Bars around the capital, including Shumi, Saltbar, Taman Gang and Bar Red.
More information on Auchentoshan whisky is available on FLUID TRADE.
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