The other day I met with Snezhi who is a master and expert in Whisky and she educated me how to enjoy and relax over the Holidays with her favourite drinks. I asked Snezhi to write down a short article about our conversation. Enjoy.

Let’s hygge this Christmas.

Recently “hygge” has become a popular trend for people who seek pleasure in the simple things in life. It is a Danish and Norwegian word for a mood of coziness. A feel of home. A feeling that we are safe, and we can let our guard down.

What a better way to celebrate Christmas this year than with a soft glow from a candle and a toasty drink that brings a cozy space in our soul? Like a glass of good single malt scotch.

A good whisky calms the most frazzled festive nerves.

For those not familiar with the ancient art of scotch whisky, here is a little background.

Single malt Scotch whisky is one of the most revered spirits in the world. It has an incredible scope for variation, it can offer complexity or simplicity, unbridled power or a subtle whisper.

To legally be called a single malt Scotch, the whisky must be distilled at a single distillery in Scotland, in a copper pot still from nothing other than malted barley, yeast and water. It must then be aged in an oak cask for at least three years and a day, and be bottled at no less than 40% abv.

There are currently over 120 licensed distilleries in Scotland each making a beautifully unique flavor.  From the light and delicate whiskies in the Lowlands to the rich fruity whiskies from the Speyside region, to the incredibly smoky flavors from the islands, in particular the enchanting Island of Islay.

Enjoying a glass of single malt in the best possible way.

There is no right or wrong way to enjoy a malt.  The diversity of flavors gives you so many possibilities. But the Scotch single malts are so perfect and so pure that they can, and should be, drunk neat. This is the best way to truly enjoy all the flavors.

Finding your way in the world of single malt.

Being new to the world of single malt can be both exciting and overwhelming. But trust me, you’re about to embark on a wonderful journey. So where do you start? I came across this great infographic, the flavor map, that attempts to give you a visual break down on scotch based on its taste, defined by one of the 4 flavor profiles.

Source: http://drinkwire.liquor.com/post/single-malt-whisky-guide-infographic#gs.3JT5aQ8

• Light – predominant flavors are fruits, nuts, light grassy notes with a fresh finish.
• Delicate – subtle nuts and floral aromas with sweet grains and light wood.
• Rich – bold but warm, chocolate, fudge, spiced fruits and biscuit.
• Smoky – spices like ginger, heat and smoke with long finishes: the Islay whiskies use peat to fuel the drying of barley, which delivers a potent smoke on the palate.

Cheers to the simple things in life.

Make yourself a “hygge” present this Christmas. Experience something new and enjoy the magic of single malt.