// Listen Now – the Scotch Drawing Room Spotify Playlist // 

Scotch whiskey is simultaneously unpretentious and rich in tradition. The Scotch drawing room in the Spirited Entertaining Specialty Shop takes its cues from the smooth staple. The bent wood, rich finishes, chromed metal, tough veneers, and supple leathers that populate the Shop create an aura of self-sufficiency worthy of Scotch (and whiskey) association.

There are a couple of types of Scotch, and for brevity’s sake, just single malt and blended whiskeys will do. Connoisseurs and eager newcomers will no doubt look for a single malt Scotch, which is a whiskey produced with only water and malted barley at a single distillery (consider Glenmorangie, The Glenlivet, or Auchentoshan Three Wood). Blended Scotch whiskey–accounting for the majority of Scotch production–contains both malted whiskey and grain whiskey. The ever-popular Johnnie Walker is a blended Scotch whiskey (the Red Label is intended for mixing drinks, but is just fine for drinking on its own).

There’s an unofficial rule that says, “If you buy it, you get to drink it your way.” A tulip-shaped glass enhances the aromas at the neck, allowing you to nose the Scotch and appreciate its aromas. However, a rocks glass will suffice. As empowering as ordering your Scotch neat may be, remember that a little water will break up the individual flavors for a different kind of enjoyment. Ice can hinder the aromas and flavors, but again, as the Scotch purchaser, it all comes down to your preference (and the temperature outside).

Keeping Scotch Simple:

• 1 tulip-shaped glass
• Add inert soapstone rocks for cooling off (optional)
• Fill glass with a single malt Scotch (Glenmorangie 10 Year is a good bet)

For all its artisanal qualities, Scotch is best enjoyed in the company of friends. We’ve curated a Spotify playlist sure to pluck the heartstrings of Scotch and whiskey enthusiasts.

// Shop Spirited Entertaining until August 11, 2012. //