davehora.com

What:
In fact, there’s one word you can add to your whiskey vocabulary to sound like an aficionado.

“Expression.”

That’s it. That’s all you need. But I’ve only put the hammer in your hands, let me show you how to pound in the nails.

How:
For starters, any whiskey, Scotch, Irish, or otherwise, is an expression of the type: Talisker and Lagavulin are expessions of Scotch whisky. Next, any whiskey is an expression of its region: Laphroaig is a characteristic expression of Islay malts, bold, rich, peaty, even seaweedy and medicinal. Finally, a specific label or bottling can be an expression of the brand: Red Label is a fresh and vibrant expression of Johnnie Walker Scotch.

Next, step it up a notch. Find a great adjective or two, and drop ‘em in front. Johnnie Walker Green label is a beautiful, delicate expression of a vatted malt. Done.

It’s not hard to understand, and it’s a fairly simple construction. Given the opportunity, you can really sound like you’re in the know. Conversely, try to talk about something like “expressions” of Scotch whisky around close friends and you’re just inviting the ridicule. Sometimes you just drink some damn Scotch, you know what I’m saying, bro?

Why:
I’ll accept the fact that I’m no authority on whiskey, and that you may wonder at how I’ve arrived at this conclusion. In fact, it’s through interaction with one of Diageo’s own 11 Masters of Whiskey that I’ve learned how to talk about a whiskey. The Scotch tastings offered at Tutto Vino are led by Robert Sickler, a Master of Whiskey in Diageo’s employ, and it’s been through interaction with Robert that I’ve picked up on the language of whiskey. (Diageo owns Johnnie Walker and several of the single malts of Scotland, among other brands such as Bailey’s, Cuervo, Guinness, Captain Morgan and many more).

For further proof, and some examples of use, the following are excerpts from emails sent out by Robert, concerning Diageo brands that he represents.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label King George V:

“… a luxurious and rare expression of Johnnie Walker Blue.”

Bushmill’s 400th Anniversary Edition:

“… not only a stunning expression of Irish Whiskey, but…”

“… a silkier, more complex expression of Bushmill’s finest.”