Whiskies to Haunt Your Glass This Halloween

As the spooky season descends upon us, it’s time to put the fright in delight with a selection of whiskies perfect for those Halloween gatherings. From specially crafted autumnal releases to vibrant cocktail recipes, let’s explore the world of whisky that will surely enchant your Halloween festivities.

Whimsical whiskies for a spooky night!

SMWS and the Halloween Spirits

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) has conjured up a magical lineup for the winter months, initiating its collection with a bewitching Halloween release. Supernaturally Sweet Smoke (Cask No. 53.483) is a 12-year-old peated whisky that promises a wonderful balance of sweet and smoky notes. Matured in an ex-Pedro Ximénez cask, it tantalizes the palate with hints of spun sugar, plum jam, and even maple-cured bacon.

For curious souls, the label features a QR code, which, when scanned, plunges you into the entangled story of this spirit. Notably, the Whisky Bard, Robin Laing, narrates a spectral seasonal poem that spices up the experience. If you’re venturing out, don’t miss the Halloween events hosted by SMWS at its Queen Street and Vaults locations.

Autumn in a Bottle: J Mattingly’s Bourbon 31

As the leaves change, so does the spirit of Kentucky’s J Mattingly 1845, which has crafted Bourbon 31 to evoke the essence of autumn. This seasonal twist on their flagship Bourbon 30 seeks to unleash flavors that dance on the tongue with notes of pumpkin and cinnamon. The distillery’s double staving process enriches this blend, which tantalizingly marries hints of vanilla, brown sugar, and the warm embrace of pumpkin bread.

Celebrate the season with a taste of autumn.

Exploring the Samhain Spirits

Embracing the deeper roots of Halloween, Hannah Whisky Merchant has unveiled its Samhain series, diving into the lore that predates the modern celebration. This limited-edition collection draws inspiration from ancient Scottish legends, and each of the six whiskies carries unique characteristics reflecting tales of folklore.

Among the highlights, Hunting for the Gorbals Vampire (from Glasgow Distillery) and The Witch of Beinne A’Ghlo (from Blair Athol) stand out as intriguing companions for sipping during this mystical time.

Stirring the Cauldron: Smokehead’s Cocktail

If mixing is more your style, Smokehead offers a tantalizing recipe for a Halloween Hot Toddy, a drink warm enough to ward off even the hungriest spirits.

Ingredients:

• 50ml Smokehead Original
• 1.5 teaspoons brown sugar
• 3 dashes pineapple bitters
• Garnish with dried pineapple and a lemon twist

To concoct this warming potion, simply mix the Smokehead with brown sugar and bitters in a mug, then add a splash of lime cordial before topping it with hot water. Garnishing with dried pineapple and a twist of lemon transforms this beverage into a spellbinding treat for your guests.

Warm your spirits with this smoky concoction.

The Classic Manhattan with a Twist

No Halloween gathering is complete without a classic cocktail like the Manhattan. This timeless drink lends itself perfectly to a spooky twist with creative garnishes or Halloween-themed ice.

Ingredients:

• 50ml rye whiskey
• 20ml sweet red vermouth
• 1 dash Angostura bitters

Craft the perfect Manhattan by stirring together the ingredients with ice, straining into a chilled glass, and letting creativity flow with eerie garnishes — perhaps a lychee garnished as an eyeball to add a spine-tingling visual surprise!

Classic cocktail with a seasonal twist.

Fireball’s Eccentric New Brew

In a bizarre yet captivating twist in the whisky world, Fireball has taken this season’s festivities to an unforgettable level with their upcoming offering, Crierball. This limited-edition whiskey is poised to include an unusual ingredient: the tears of football fans whose teams suffer defeat. Although this transparent brewing process raises eyebrows, it embodies the spirited competitive nature of the game season.

Fireball’s team plans to collect these salty-sweet tears from fans at key matches this November, transforming them into this unique whisky through an elaborate distillation process. With anticipated launches in key rivalry games, Crierball aims to capture the essence of the unique emotional experience of the season.

Thoughts on Unique Ingredients

This isn’t the first time alcohol brands have embodied the unusual; from Rogue Ales brewing Beard Beer with yeast from a brewmaster’s beard to the daring Dogfish Head remaking Chicha using chewed corn — the spirits industry has a vast ranging of oddities to bring us tongue-in-cheek narratives. Fireball is just joining the ranks of the comfortably strange.

Unusual ingredients take center stage this Halloween.

A Toast to the Hauntings Ahead

As Halloween approaches, whether you’re sipping on creamy, smoky whiskies or concocting uniquely gorgeous cocktails, it’s evident that the distillers are spurring creative spirits that reflect the season. These offerings create a delightful canvas for celebration, spiked with lore and enhanced by a bit of mystery. So, raise your glass this Halloween — here’s to the haunting nights ahead!

Raising spirits this Halloween!