Chad, John, Shekar, Lynette, David, Su Ming: these are but a handful of my friends that have been to Langkawi since the travel bubble opened --  and they’re not the only ones. So instead of just vicariously living through Instagram, I decided to create a list of my favourite whiskies that can 'bring' the beach to me.

At the top of the list has to be Bunnahabhain - whether an independent or official bottling, whiskies from this distillery are the perfect maritime choice because of its beautiful briny notes that layer a sweet, nutty character. If I had to pick briny-buddies, I’d go with Bunnahabhain Stíuíreadair or Bunnahabhain 2008 11 Year Old Manzanilla. The Stiureadair can be drunk all day, while the Manza is a rich, salted caramel-laden dram that’s best enjoyed at night. Close eyes and you can almost hear the lapping waves! 

Nothing says more beach to me than coconuts and a piña colada. Our new Black Bull Ltd Ed 10 Year Old Rum Cask isn't shy about its coconut-like aromas. The Arran Quarter Cask, The Bothy has a subtle coconut oil-like on its long finish that can also quite effectively 'transport' you to a tropical beach paradise.

Some of the most beautiful beaches I have been are not in the tropics, but in Scotland, where icy cold winds bring their own invigorating joy. I have some amazing memories sipping Kilchoman Machir Bay on Machir Bay Beach (yes, Machir Bay is a real beach) - Bring on that Islay winds and sea spray!

For me, beaches and seafood are synonymous. My favourite whisky-seafood-beach memory is washing freshly caught shellfish at Cafe Fish on the Isle of Mull, Scotland down with Tobermory 23 Year Old at sunset. Having said that, a no less memorable experience, was an outrageous crab & sotong bakar night-long feast on Banting beach with copious amounts of Glenfarclas 15 Year Old! Switching off the Insta now and focusing on the whiskies!!

Order any of the whiskies mentioned and use the promo code BEACHWHISKY from now until the end of October for a 10% off listed price - 4Oct21 -

Here is a quick link to all of Shareen's Current Obesessions.