If you’re a connoisseur of fine Scotch, a visit to the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona, should be on your radar. The resort houses The Scotch Library, a collection boasting over 300 Scotch whiskies, including more than 125 single malts and 25 blends from all six of Scotland’s whisky regions. Notably, 10% to 15% of the whiskies in the library are considered rare, making it one of the most comprehensive Scotch collections in the United States.
The library hosts private tastings and a range of events led by expert guides, offering guests the chance to explore an impressive variety of Scotch whiskies. Guy Sporbert, the Senior Scotch Ambassador at the resort, highlights some of the rarest bottles in the collection, including a 62-year-old Macallan, which is the oldest whisky available, and a 50-year-old Balvenie—one of the rarest spirits in the library.
Only 131 bottles of the Balvenie 50 exist worldwide, and the one at The Scotch Library is one of just 15 in the U.S. “It’s the most expensive whisky in the world. When you’re sipping a Balvenie 50, you’re practically guaranteed that no one else on Earth is doing what you’re doing right at that moment,” Sporbert told Iconic Life. Given that an ounce of this rare Scotch can cost several thousand dollars, he’s certainly right that not many people are savoring a sip.
Expert-Led Tastings for All Palates
While visiting the Scotch Library doesn’t require drinking, learning how to taste Scotch whisky is a big part of the experience. For those on a budget, Guy Sporbert is happy to guide both new and seasoned whisky drinkers through the intricate world of Scotch. He offers tips and recommendations during private tastings and at regularly scheduled events.
As Sporbert explains, “Your nose and tongue need to be on the same page to enjoy a glass.” He suggests that the more you smell the whisky, the more you’ll enjoy its taste. For those looking to broaden their palates, adding a few drops of water to your whisky can help open up its subtle flavors. Sporbert and his team are always available to walk visitors through the tasting notes of popular Scotch whiskies.
While Scotland’s whisky library at The Fife Arms bar offers an iconic experience overseas, The Scotch Library in Arizona may be the best option stateside for those looking to explore the world of whisky without crossing the Atlantic. With such a remarkable collection, Arizona’s Scotch Library is certainly worth raising a glass to.
