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Aside from haggis and bagpipes, Scotland is perhaps best known for its golf ranges and scotch whiskeys. The two niche interests have merged, as the Speyside's Lombard family -- a purveyor of rare and aged whiskeys -- got together with the Pebble Beach Company, owners of the famous golf resort, and introduced a new 12-year-old scotch called Pebble Beach. As a brand name, this makes sense: Golfers probably like scotch as much as any demographic.
Pebble Beach itself has nothing to do with the product. Not a grain of sand from Monterey, California was used in the making of the spirit -- probably a good thing. Like many a Speyside scotch, this one is relatively sweet and honey-like. It does not have any of the smoky peatiness that turns many people off from scotch. Every bottle of Pebble Beach is matured in American White Oak for 12 years, which gives it hints of cedar, vanilla and coconut. A typical sip also yields a complex combination of fruit flavors (apples, pears, citrus), followed by a touch of spiciness. Add a splash of water and the floral notes really come through, simultaneously bringing down the alcohol level (43 percent by volume) and upping the easy drinkability. Ask your caddy to have it ready for the 19th hole -- your mouth.
-- James Oliver Cury
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