On Burns Night

On the day that the birth of Rabbie Burns, Scotland’s national poet, is celebrated worldwide it seemed wholly appropriate to present a new and very special ranking. Obviously the criteria involved in assessing all these different blends and single malts mean that the ranking methodology is an exceptionally subtle and complex one. Our judging panel has worked long into the night sampling all of these whiskies, repeatedly, at no little cost. Fortunately for all they remained sharp and laser-focused on their duties throughout. So there can be no arguing with the outcomes.

It is a surprisingly international league table in that not every whisky in the top 10 is from Scotland. Let the protests begin.

The top 10 higher ed whisky offerings

10 University of Glasgow

Nice table, nice presentation. But they may have overdone the tasting notes:

Ripe red berries, vanilla, and a subtle hint of oak on the nose evoke the University of Glasgow’s historic oak-panelled rooms, while the smooth, fruity palate – featuring cherry, honey, and a dash of spice – reflects the city’s vibrant cultural blend. The finish lingers harmoniously with a wine-infused essence, echoing the University’s tradition of excellence and innovation.

Or maybe it really does taste like a university?

9 New Mexico State University – Pistol Pete’s Six-Shooter Rye Whiskey

A very different kind of drink this. Apparently

This high rye whiskey brings a spicy start with rich cherry and caramel notes, leaving a bold, long lasting flavor.

Appropriately, funds raised from the sales of this one go to the athletics department.

8 University of Lincoln commemorative whisky (limited edition)

A bit special this one, it is a very limited bottling of 11 year old Glentauchers (just 100 were produced) was produced to commemorate the occasion of Queen Elizabeth II opening the University of Lincoln campus back in 1996.

7 Heriot Watt Whisky

This one was blended by four students from Heriot-Watt’s International Centre for Brewing and Distilling – the first of what is hoped to be come an annual series of releases. Full marks for enterprise there.

6 Furman University’s FU All The Time bourbon

Another North American offering comes in the form of Furman University’s own brand of bourbon, the delightfully named FU All The Time:

Furman University fans and friends have a new way to show their spirit for the university. FU All the Time, a favorite Paladins cheer, is also now a private-label straight bourbon whiskey.

The straight-talking and level-headed comms director said, soberly:

“We thought FU All the Time bourbon would be popular, and it was a huge hit. Everyone loved it. It felt good to be able to offer the Furman Family something new and unique that they can enjoy and take some pride in, and give them a new way to toast and celebrate Furman. We expect this new product to be a favorite for a long time.”

5 Osaka University Whisky

A clear demonstration this of the strength of the whisky industry in Japan. Fans of Lost in Translation will be thrilled to learn it was distilled by Suntory. For relaxing times, make it Osaka University time.

4 Aberdeen Quincentenary whisky

This is a 20 year old Knockando single malt distilled, as the name suggests, for the University of Aberdeen quincentenary in 1995. A big event requires a big whisky. Not sure if you can still acquire this one and if so how much it is going to set you back.

3 University of Edinburgh Speyside 10 Year Old Whisky

This bottle of Speyside 10 Year Old University of Edinburgh 1583 is an independent bottling which was produced in the Speyside region of Scotland. It was aged in first fill bourbon casks for 10 years and includes notes of fresh barley, vanilla cheesecake and orchard blossoms. Splendid.

2 University of St Andrews Class of 2020, onwards

In an excellent initiative, the University of St Andrews’ bottles a single cask of 12 year old Glen Elgin each year. Only around 300 individually numbered bottles are made for each graduating class. They presumably have to pay for them though.

1 The Wonkhe Whisky

This single malt English whisky (English?!) was distilled by Adnam’s to celebrate Wonkhe’s 10th anniversary. As with Wonkhe itself the flavour and tones are distinctive and, for a malt whisky, it asks a lot of questions (did I mention it was English?). So the Wonkhe Whisky is straight in at number one in this all new ranking. Not everyone will agree of course but that’s rankings for you. And whisky.

I was fortunate to acquire a bottle of this premium product as part of the Wonkhe 10th anniversary celebrations. And I can confirm it is as influential and interesting as Wonkhe itself. Cheers!