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FeatureWhiskies and Watches: A Gentleman’s Guide to Pairing Your Whisky With Your Watch

Discover a gentleman's paradise with whiskies and watches.

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Picture a modern gentleman with a fancy watch on his wrist. And then zoom out a little. Without realising, I bet you expected to see a smokey glass of scotch in his other hand. They say you can tell a lot about a man from the way he treats others. But, honestly and especially for enthusiasts of the finer things in life, one can tell a lot about a person with one look at his wrist and a sniff of the glass he is holding. Tasteful knowledge of whisky and watches is one of the most telling signs of a true gentleman. Keeping this in mind, we decided to plan a story for our beloved readers on the various ways you can pair your watches with your favourite whiskies!

Tasteful knowledge of whisky and watches is one of the most telling signs of a true gentleman.

While we can call ourselves experts on the subject of watches, we needed a little help with the whiskies. So we called upon our favourite whisky connoisseur, Magandeep Singh. He is India’s first French-qualified Sommelier and the most seasoned wine professional in the country. He has earlier been with us on some whisky tasting events hosted by Ethos.

Magandeep Singh – India’s first French-qualified Sommelier and the most seasoned wine professional in the country.
Our whisky expert Magandeep Singh explaining the different variants of whisky at our whisky tasting event held last year.

So, without further ado, let’s begin the pairing:

1.Vintage Craftsman: The M by Macallan with the Corum Golden Bridge Round

About the Whisky-

A mark of a true craftsmanship (more to do with the decanter), the M by Macallan is a one of a kind whisky that has collector’s piece written all over it. As our expert whisky connoisseur, Magandeep Singh describes it, the M by Macallan is a “seven unique sherry-cask aged Eaux-de-vie dating back to the ’40s that was specially selected to be a part of this unique bottling encased in a Lalique decanter”. It perfectly encapsulates the passing of time from a deep amber to bright gold seen through the immaculately designed decanter. With a wonderful mix of wood, fruit and spice, the M by Macallan draws one into the world of spirits and showcases attractive elements of an older whisky with finesse and desire.

The M by Macallan is a one of a kind whisky that has collector’s piece written all over it.

About the Watch-

Talking about exploring older flavours, the Corum Golden Bridge Round, like the whisky mentioned above not just discovers but rather, indulges in the past. It is a contemporary timepiece that brings forward the 40-year-old history of the Golden Bridge collection. The first Golden Bridge featured a delicate hand-engraved, vertical baguette movement and a barrel-shaped transparent case. Similarly, the 2016 version too features a hand-engraved, vertical baguette movement. However, the case of the movement has changed from a barrel shape to a round case which is more appealing than its predecessor. What makes the Corum Golden Bridge Round utterly unique is the design, which is inspired by the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

Corum’s flagship complication model- the Corum Golden Bridge Round was unveiled in a brand new avatar at Baselworld 2016.
The crown is uniquely placed at 6 o’clock, and creates an uninterrupted view of the entire case. With great attention to detail, the lugs on the lower side of the case are elongated to accommodate smooth operation of the crown.

Why they go well together?

As mentioned earlier, both the whisky and the watch are true examples of expert craftsmanship and vintage persona. While one satiates the taste buds, the other, your wrist. Both are marked by history, tradition and have something unique to offer. The incessant drive to bring forward their history and tradition in a new and modern light makes them perfect for each other.

The Corum Golden Bridge Round is a true representation of a gentleman’s fine taste and choice.

Want to know more about the watch? Read the full review here.

2. Sophisticated Blend: The Jameson Caskmates with the Carl F. Bucherer Manero Flyback

About the Whisky-

The head-turning modern Irish whisky- the Jameson Caskmates is our choice for the Sophisticated blend category. Our expert describes the whisky as “the classic Irish blend which can appeal to the first-timer as also to the seasoned tippler.” Every sip of this whisky is a mind boggling experience of complexity and layer. “Finished in Stout casks, it gives a lovely coffee and cocoa (with some hops too) tinge to the whisky making it an approachable yet a complex and layered sip.” Providing a rich and heavy taste with a brief yet dry finish, the Jameson Caskmates is an exciting, fun and confusing (in a good way) tasting experience.

The head-turning modern Irish whisky- the Jameson Caskmates is our choice for the Sophisticated blend category. Our expert describes the whisky as “the classic Irish blend which can appeal to the first-timer as also to the seasoned tippler.”

About the watch:

Pairing the incredibly exciting Jameson Caskmates with a deserving watch was no easy task until we thought of the King of Chronographs- the Carl F. Bucherer Manero Flyback. When we talk about a sophisticated blend, we are basically focusing on the unique taste and character of a watch, like the Jameson. And there is no watch that exudes character and taste as much as the Carl F. Bucherer Manero Flyback. A one of a kind watch, it spectacularly resonates a unique character with a complex blend of culture, class and calibre. It perfectly blends the chronograph function with a flyback complication with the help of the in-house movement- the caliber CFB 1970.

Meet the new king of Chronographs: The new Carl F. Bucherer Manero Flyback Chronograph
A gentleman’s first choice: Carl F. Bucherer Manero Flyback.

Why they go well together?

The finesse of the whisky is acutely represented in the intricate detailing of the dial and the overall watch. What makes the Jameson Caskmates and the Manero Flyback a perfect match is the different tones that each of them house. From a masterful blend of complications and flavours to the flair in the taste of the whisky and the design of the watch, it is no wonder that both were chosen for this particular category.

What makes the Jameson Caskmates and the Manero Flyback a perfect match is the different tones that each of them house.

Want to know more about the watch? Read the full review here.

3. Rare and Fine: The Ichiro Malt Series with the Baume & Mercier Shelby Cobra

About the Whisky-

When it comes to a rare and fine whisky, there is no other whisky that comes to mind other than the Japanese powerhouse – the Ichiro’s Malt Series. Also lovingly called the Deck of Card Series, this Japanese whisky is not just available in limited quantity but is also very rare to find. “It is all ex- Hanyu distillery stock now packaged as single cask variants into a set of 54 different malt whiskies, each more precious than the previous. From Joker to Jack of Clubs to Six of Hearts, you can go through almost the entire pack.” A true world whisky, the early hints of bourbon and sweet tobacco are quickly replaced with deeper cedar and potpourri notes. It is one of those rare whiskies that get more interesting with time.

When it comes to a rare and fine whisky, there is no other whisky that comes to mind other than the Japanese powerhouse – the Ichiro’s Malt Series also called the Card Series.

About the Watch-

Like the Japanese whisky, the Baume & Mercier Shelby Cobra is the kind of watch that gets better with time. A limited edition timepiece that is dedicated to one of the most successful cars in motorsport history, the Baume & Mercier Shelby Cobra is limited to 1964 pieces. Why only 1964 pieces? It commemorates the year that the Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe was created. Once on your wrist, the watch definitely feels like “wearing a well-engineered car on your wrist.”

A limited edition timepiece that is dedicated to one of the most successful cars in motorsport history, the Baume & Mercier Shelby Cobra is limited to 1964 pieces.
The Shelby Cobra Daytona collection is as close as one can get to wearing a well engineered ‘car’ on your wrist.

Why they go well together?

Two words – limited edition. Both the whisky and the watch are limited in quantity making it difficult to get your hands on either one. This aspect brings their exclusive quality to the forefront. Born out of the finest factories, the Ichiro’s Malt Series and the Baume & Mercier Shelby Cobra are undoubtedly fine pieces of craftsmanship and extremely rare, making this a rather perfect pairing.

A watch that pairs marvellously with the Ichiro Malt Series – the Baume & Mercier Shelby Cobra.

Want to know more about the watch? Read the full review here.

4. Instant Classic: The Four Roses with the Favre-Leuba Sky Chief Date

About the whisky-

Nothing says love at first sight (or taste in this matter) than a fancy glass of bourbon. As the whisky expert himself says, “Nothing appeals to the first-timer like the butterscotch and vanilla notes of an approachable American classic.” He also adds, “Four Roses or George Dickels would be my go-to brands.” The Four Roses like the name, offers the essence of floral aromas with a sophisticated and contemporary flair. An instant classic no doubt!

As the whisky expert, Magandeep Singh says, “Nothing appeals to the first-timer like the butterscotch and vanilla notes of an approachable American classic like Four Roses.”

About the watch-

After Favre-Leuba’s return in 2016, the one watch that instantly made a statement was their dress watch collection- the Sky Chief Date. It is not often that a minimalist dress watch makes such a huge leap into the hearts of all watch lovers alike. While the success of the watch could also be credited to the 279-year-old heritage it houses, the watch too does not shy away from being remarkable. Classic lines, clean cuts and an overall minimalistic approach definitely made heads turn.

Favre-Leuba unveiled a stylish new dress watch when they relaunched in India in late 2016 – the Sky Chief Date.
The Sky Chief Date is a dress watch polished to perfection by the 2nd oldest Swiss watch brand in the world.

Why they go well together?

Despite being released just last year, the Favre-Leuba Sky Chief Date has already won the hearts of true watch enthusiasts. In the same way, Bourbon has time and again, despite competing with many other spirits, always managed to stay on top. Every millennial dreams of one day succeeding to be worthy of wearing a Favre-Leuba Sky Chief Date on his wrist, all the while holding a glass of bourbon in the other. A whisky of this magnitude and a watch of this potential are after all what dreams are made of!

The Sky Chief is built with distinction even with the simplest of elements, and features one of the cleanest dials you would have ever seen.

Want to know more about the watch? Read the full review here.

All the above watches are available at Ethos Watch Boutiques.

What did you think of the watches and whisky pairing? Do you have any suggestions? We are happy to know. Comment down below.

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