As much as I love having a contemplative whisky at home, nothing beats drinking with friends again after months of lockdown. With that in mind, I thought about which whiskies would be great in a real face-to-face gathering: drinks that are accessible, can spark a conversation, and won’t break your heart when the bottle is killed off. 

For starters, I’d kick off with a Deanston Virgin Oak, one of the best value-buy single malts in the market. Bottled at 46.3% and non-chill filtered, it’s got a pleasantly sweet profile while maintaining a hearty malt spirit -- definitely fab with Asian food. AnCnoc 12 Year Old's honeyed character has also always been high on my list of 'sessionable whiskies'. Both the Tamnavulin whiskies are a perfect fit for this purpose.

For the big-hitting sherry lovers, Old Perth Cask Strength and Glenfarclas 12 Year Old are both also notable contenders.For a conversation piece, why not try the Mac-Talla Mara? Not only is it a cask strength Islay that packs plenty of punch and smoke, but it’ll leave you guessing as to which distillery it’s from.

Another suggestion for something non-Scotch: A peated Irish whiskey, Teeling Blackpitts, or the South African award winner, Three Ships 10 Year Old -- both are definitely unusual enough to get the ball rolling on a night with friends. Slàinte Mhaith! 

Buy any of the whiskies recommended and use the promo code WHISKYWITHFRIENDS from now until the end of September for a further 10% off the listed price - 6Sep21 -