Looking to buy whisky, but not sure what to try? The local team at Wine Divine are here to help. From our online store we can ship whisky anywhere in New Zealand, right to your door. We stock the popular Scotch whiskies you know and love, whiskies from around the world, as well as locally made New Zealand whiskies. Whether you like your whisky rich and fruity, sweet and floral, or robust and peated, we can recommend a whisky to suit you.
There is a whisky out there to suit everyone. One of the reasons whisky is such a popular drink is because within the world of whisky there are such a wide range of flavours. One of the challenges can be choosing a whisky you like, and once you’ve found one, deciding which whisky to try next?
Scotland is the most famous whisky making country, and it’s divided into whisky making regions. Each Scotch Whisky region has its own unique characteristics, helping you find your new favourite whisky.
Highland Scotch Whisky
The Highland whisky region of Scotland is the largest, and you’ll find a wide variety of flavours within the whisky made here. Typical flavours found in Highland Scotch whiskies are slightly sweet oak, cereal like malt, vanilla, and a dry nuttiness. Classic examples of Highland Scotch whiskies are Glen Garioch, Deanston, Macallan or anCnoc.
Speyside Scotch Whisky
The Speyside region has been the heart of malt-whisky production for a long time, and has a very high concentration of whisky distilleries. There is no one Speyside style of whisky, but you’ll typically find fruity and spicy flavours of vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and honey. Speyside whiskies that use sherry or port barrels will have very rich flavours of raisin, dates, or rich stone fruit. If you want to try a Speyside single malt whisky, try Knockando, Cardhu, Glen Grant or Cragganmore.
Lowland Scotch Whisky
The area of Scotland closest to England, Lowland Scotch whiskies tend to be quite light, fragrant and floral. If you’re new to whisky and aren’t sure where to start, a Lowland Scotch whisky is a great introduction. Flavours like heather, honey, green apple are typically found in Lowland whiskies. Try Auchentoshan 12 year old, or Auchentoshan American Oak for a great Lowland whisky.
Islay Scotch Whisky
Scotch whiskies from Islay are famous for peat and smoke. It’s said Islay Single Malt Whisky takes on the rough, stormy characteristics from the weather and local surroundings. Not for the faint hearted, Islay whiskies can taste earthy, salty, like soot and smoke with a touch of sweetness. For a great Islay single malt whisky try Laphroaig, Bowmore,Finlaggan, or the Ileach.
The Islands Scotch Whisky
This is how Single Malt Scotch Whisky that doesn’t fit into the other categories are labelled. Scotland is surrounded by a number of islands, and most of them have a Scotch whisky distillery or two. Within Scotch whisky from the Islands you’ll find a wide range of flavours from smoky to sweet. Island single malt Scotch whiskies include Scapa, Ledaig, Arran, and Talisker.
Blended Scotch Whisky
Blended Scotch whisky is simply a number of whiskies produced at different distilleries blended together to create a more layered, complex flavour. Of all the Scotch whisky produced, most of it goes into making blended Scotch whisky. Famous examples of blended Scotch whiskies are Johnnie Walker, Teachers, Chivas Regal, and Islay Mist.
Compared to Scotch whiskies, Irish whiskies tend to be lighter, sweeter, more fragrant and floral. This is because Irish whiskies are triple distilled, and the extra step in the whiskey making process removes more of the impurities and robust whiskey flavours. You’ll find a great selection of Irish whiskies available to order on our website, and we can ship anywhere in New Zealand. For a great Irish whiskey try The Irishman, Writer’s Tears, Silkie Irish Whiskey or Teeling.