Contents
A drink for true gentlemen – such a name could be worn by Hankey Bannister whiskey, created by English businessmen for representatives of the London elite.
Among the famous admirers of the drink were Oscar Wilde, Evelyn Waugh, Winston Churchill and members of the royal family.
famous brands of whiskey
The story of Hankey Bannister
To produce exclusive alcohol, businessmen Beaumont Hankey and Hugh Bannister founded the Wines and Spirits Company in London’s West End in 1757. The partners set themselves the goal of offering the British aristocracy alcoholic beverages that can satisfy the most demanding taste.
In search of ingredients, they went to Scotland, where they selected the best samples of spirits to create a blend.
The result was a whiskey with a double name and character, borrowing the best qualities from both creators. From the charming socialite Beaumont, the drink got brightness and sophisticated charisma. The prudent businessman Hugh gave the hood power and elegance.
In 1785 the business moved from the fashionable West End to the City. The new cellars are housed in the famous neoclassical Adelphi Terrace, designed by the Adams brothers. In subsequent years, the company had to change its address more than once. Things were going well, and by the beginning of the XNUMXth century, the Hankey Bannister brand had reached its peak of popularity.
In 1901, the drink was approved by George V: the company received the first order for supplies to the royal table and began to actively absorb competitors.
In 1922, the company merged with Saccone & Speed under the name Hankey Bannister & Co and soon received another Royal Warrant (already from George VI), confirming the reputation of a supplier of elite alcohol.
Since 1988, the brand has been owned by the alcohol company Inver House Distillers. Scotch production was concentrated in North Lanarkshire.
In recent years, whiskeys of the prestigious brand have repeatedly been awarded the highest awards at the international competitions World Whiskey Awards and IWSC.
Production features
The perfect taste of “Hankey Bannister” is the result of a careful selection of ingredients and adherence to the original recipe, originating in the 18th century:
Scotch is made from the finest Scottish distillates, including single malts from old Highland distilleries (Pulteney, Balblair, AnCnoc, Speyburn, Balmenach) and Lowland’s gentle grain spirits.
The malted barley for Hankey Bannister Original is air-dried without the use of peat smoke, allowing the finest flavors to be expressed and smoothness to the drink.
The process is completed by aging in oak and the “marriage” of spirits. The minimum maturity period is 3 years. The percentage of evaporation (“the share of angels”) during this period reaches 9%. Once mixed, the scotch is allowed time to harmonize without being bottled immediately.
The entire process, from distillation to bottling, takes place in Scotland.
single malt whiskey
Overview of flavors and types of Hanky Bannister
Original Blend
The same scotch tape invented by London innovators Hugh and Beaumont over 250 years ago. An exquisite blend of creamy iris color with a golden sheen and a light aroma of spices.
Taste: balanced, clean, delicate, with hints of spices and honey, pleasant sweet finish.
Heritage Blend
A rare drink with a touch of history recreated from a 1920s recipe.
Colour: golden amber.
Aroma: Sweet, smoky, with hints of burnt orange, green apple, vanilla and caramel.
Taste: full-bodied, with hints of honey, toffee, long layered finish.
12 Year Old Regency
Perfectly balanced sweet-spicy blend of mature spirits aged in bourbon barrels.
Colour: amber with copper highlights.
Aroma: sweetish, with hints of vanilla and oak.
Taste: harmonious, soft with a smoky plume.
21 Year Old Partners Reserve
A luxurious scotch for special occasions, matured in selected bourbon and sherry casks.
Color: dark honey with bronze highlights. The aroma is dominated by notes of dried fruits, vanilla and oak.
Taste: soft, creamy, with hints of toffee, Christmas spices and dark chocolate.
Finish: smooth, malty, lingering.
Aged 25 Years
An exquisite full-bodied drink aged in American oak. Produced in a limited series.
Color: dark gold.
Nose: bright, fruity, with accents of citrus, green apple, vanilla, caramel and a slight hint of leather.
Taste: rich, complex, with hints of lemon, orange, toffee, honey, vanilla and coconut.
Finish: lingering, spicy, with a subtle leathery touch.
Aged 40 Years
An exclusive scotch made from hand-selected components: highland malt spirits, over 40 years old, aged in sherry casks, and the best lowland grain distillates. Bottled at a natural strength of 44,3%. A total of 1480 decanters were produced.
Color: dark copper.
Aroma: sweet, confectionery, with tones of vanilla cake, fresh pastries, caramelized bananas.
Taste: multi-layered, spicy-pepper, with notes of figs, dates and cinnamon.
Finish: long lasting with hints of autumn spices, dark chocolate, butterscotch and oak.
whiskey cocktails
Relevance: 12.04.2019
Tags: Whiskey and bourbon, Whiskey brands