Why every gentleman needs to unlock the mystery of whisky

I used to hate whisky. Each sip felt as if Tyson Fury had punched me in the throat and the smell alone made me curdle. The problem was, however, that I really wanted to like it. I liked the idea of whisky. When I thought of sitting in front of a warm log fire after a long day on the hill, the Scottish Highlands rising high into the inky darkness and a mizzle drumming up a racket on the bothy’s corrugated iron roof, I wanted a dram in hand. When I thought of the cold winter nights in the wild, or the long summer evenings after a day spent chasing salmon, a whisky always seemed like the best way to close out the day.

While working in Inverness-shire many moons ago, I gave the initiation a whirl: neat, on ice and, sacrilegiously, mixing the nectar with Irn Bru – it was as foul, yet drinkable, as you’d imagine. Its effect was to push me only further away from whisky and the romantic image of me one day sitting on a riverbank with friends, toasting our successes.

I mentioned this to a whisky connoisseur recently and he was quick to silence my negativity. “You can’t say you don’t like all whisky,” he remarked. “That’s like saying you don’t like all music. There’s so much variation that there is bound to be a whisky style out there for you – you just have to find it.” I accepted the challenge.

Finding a whisky that suits your palette is a pilgrimage that I encourage you to embark on. You will open sensory glands you never knew existed – some of which you’ll never want to revisit – but others that will take you close to nirvana. You would be reckless, as I was, to underestimate the sheer depth and variety of Scotch. From the Speyside malts to the peaty spices found on Skye and Islay, there are enough to keep you busy for years – with a stiff headache or two thrown in for good measure – as nearly 100 distilleries still operate in Scotland today.

I soon found my rhythm, until I was halted by the flavour of hazelnut, honey, sherry and orange, followed by soft undertones of ginger, kumquats, sandalwood and dark chocolate. I instantly knew my connoisseur was onto something, awaking a sensation in me that had lain dormant. The finish lingered, but not in a way that repulsed me or caused me to squirm – quite the opposite, in fact. In the same breath I thought of heather-clad hills, days in the field, lazy afternoons on the riverbank; deep in the wilds where red deer, stone chats and golden eagles rule the land. I had nostalgia. The whisky? A famous name: Johnnie Walker Blue Label, taken with a dash of iced water. Little wonder so many swear on its taste.

It’s why I now adhere to the mantra that whisky is more than just a drink, but that each glass is an occasion. A dram now, an inch of Johnnie Walker Blue, accompanies some of my happiest moments and creates memories that will stay with me forever. And for this reason, I implore you to venture to The Whisky Shop, where Johnnie Walker Blue Label Masterclass Tasting evenings are being held, unlocking the mystery of whisky. An exciting world of exploration awaits.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Masterclass Tasting evenings, held at The Whisky Shop, are being held throughout December. We are giving away 25 pairs of tickets to three possible dates: December 4, 10 or 17, between 5-7pm. As part of the prize, you are also invited to enjoy a complimentary cocktail at the nearby exclusive Quaglinos.

To enter, simply fill out the form below:

Competition closes Tuesday, 1 December at 6pm. Entrants must be 18+. By entering this competition you are agreeing to sign up to The Gentleman’s Journal newsletter.