Despite the groaning weight of my living room bar shelf, I find myself continually drawn to the whisky deals on Amazon. If you're savvy with your discounts, the online retail behemoth can outdo even Tesco, Britain's largest supermarket, and the comprehensive whisky selection at Waitrose. This includes my all-time favourite, Glenfiddich 15-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky .
Priced at a reduced £41 from £51, that's a saving of 20 per cent. Not only is it delivered straight to your door, but it also undercuts Tesco's full price (£51.50) and their Clubcard price of £41.
50. Another crowd favourite, Talisker 10-Year-Old whisky , boasts a substantial 40 per cent discount - reducing it from £49.99 to a mere £30.
This again trumps Tesco Clubcard (£36) and Waitrose's sale price (£36) . The Glenfiddich 15-Year-Old is likely the most quaffable whisky on my shelf - by likely, I mean certainly, judging by the emptiness of the current bottle. This Scotch is characterised by sweet aromas and flavours.
Imagine orange and raisin, with a hint of spice that concludes in an oaky aftertaste, reports My London. Simply divine. Best enjoyed neat with a dash - and I mean just a dash - of water to truly unleash the full palette.
It's also an excellent introductory whisky as this Scotch is bursting with flavour but lacks the distinctive sharpness other, slightly pricier bottles possess. Shoppers have been left savouring every sip of a particular whisky that boasts an impressive 4.8 out of 5,005 reviews.
One satisfied customer exclaimed: "This is possibly one of the best whiskies for the low price point. Very smooth, goes down easy, light smoke taste and a hint of fruitiness. Highly recommended as a gift or for yourself to enjoy as many whisky enthusiasts enjoy this simple yet delicious whisky.
" Another connoisseur declared: "It's simply one of the best malts about. Slight tingle on the palate, warming. No smoke or peat here.
Light colour it's a very easy sipper. And a good price." A third shared: "This whisky has a lovely deep flavour and good nose.
It's an easy-drinking whisky and not too sharp. I drink it neat to get the full flavour." Despite the praise, certain shoppers expressed their critical opinions, with one remarking: "Surprised by how sharp it is at the right beginning, then shifting into mellow nutty note but that intro sharpness is not for me.
" For those who have a penchant for peaty flavours - a term connoisseurs use for 'smoky' notes - Talisker is hailed as a fine, affordable selection. Transformative for one's palate, a shopper noted: "It took me a while to get into peaty whiskies but Talisker eased the transition for me. On the nose and the tongue it's smoky, with notes of apples and pears to cut through it and deliver a well-rounded experience.
" As evidence to its popularity, this dram also boasts a formidable 4.8 out of 12,565 reviews. One whisky enthusiast raved: "Regular Talisker Skye and Ardbeg drinker.
I saw this 10-year-old on offer and gave it a go. Ordered 3 more as it is so beautiful and rich. Well balanced and high quality.
Very highly recommended to smoke lovers." Another chimed in: "A 12th anniversary present from my better half and an absolute beauty. It's my favourite dram, and for good reason.
It's peppery, orangery, smoky and yet there's a smoothness that defies the smoke...
It's paradoxical, and yet it works...
Liquid gold!" However, a less impressed reviewer warned: "It is an acquired taste. If you have not tried it earlier, do not buy it! Most whisky fans that I know do not enjoy this particular taste." For those who prefer a peaty flavour, Caol Ila is a potent choice, retailing at £51.
99 on Amazon or £52.50 at Tesco..
Food
Glenfiddich whisky cut by 20% in Amazon deal as Talisker slashed by 40%
Glenfiddich 15 Year Old and Talisker 10 Year Old will make the perfect Christmas present for a spirits drinker in your life, writes Tom Capon