Spicy
- Cinnamon
- Ginger
- Nutmeg
- Clove
- Pepper
- Anise
- Leather
- Tobacco
Whiskies with a warm kick of cinnamon, pepper and ginger.
See spicy whiskiesWhat spicy tastes like
Spicy here means the spice rack, not chili heat.
Tastes like
Cinnamon, ginger and black pepper
Feels
Warm, with a gentle bite
Great for
Classic cocktails and cold evenings
You will probably like spicy if you enjoy
- Gingerbread
- Chai tea
- Cinnamon buns
- Ginger beer
- Black pepper
Where spicy comes from
Mix Mash bill
Rye is the spiciest grain. The more rye in the recipe, the more pepper you taste.
- Soft
- Warm
- Peppery
Boil Distillation
Short, wide stills keep more of the heavy, oily parts of the spirit. That gives a rich feel that carries the spice.
Rest Maturing
European oak and sherry casks add baking spice like cinnamon, clove and nutmeg.
Spicy is not the same as hot. That burn on your tongue mostly comes from the alcohol.
Spicy whiskies to try
Whiskies with spicy as their main flavour.
Eight spicy notes to look for
From sweet baking spice to deep and leathery. Most spicy whiskies sit in the warm middle.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon buns and warm bark
Ginger
Fresh ginger and ginger beer
Nutmeg
Freshly grated nutmeg, warm and nutty
Clove
Mulled wine and gingerbread
Pepper
Black pepper on the tongue
Anise
Star anise and licorice
Leather
An old leather armchair
Tobacco
Pipe tobacco and dry leaves
Spicy plus one more
Most whiskies have a second flavour. Pick one and see what spicy turns into.
Festive and warming
Like Christmas cake with a hint of ginger.
- Dried fruit
- Cinnamon
- Orange peel
4 to start with
Your first spicy flight
A flight is a few whiskies tasted side by side. These go from easy-going to special, so you can taste how spicy changes.
Start here
Step up
Go deeper
Compass Box The Spice Tree
Spicy Fruity€44Finished in casks with toasted French oak ends. Clove and ginger.Treat yourself
Highland Park 15 years
Spicy Woody€75Matured mostly in sherry casks on the Orkney islands. Cinnamon and allspice.
My spicy flight
Find your own flavour profile
Answer a few quick questions and we will match you with whiskies you are likely to love.
Take the flavour test