Nothing Says Valentine’s Day Like Scotch Whisky

 

Eschew the traditional this Valentine’s Day and instead head for a recently-debuted, all-things-Scotch-Whisky luxury shop in South Pasadena called Duncan Taylor.

No question, the glow of their lovely whisky cakes (washed down with their even lovlier whisky) is likely to keep you in fine spirits long after roses would have faded.

And their hand-made furniture crafted from vintage, spent whisky barrels is j-u-u-u-st large enough for the two of you to snuggle in while enjoying a toast or two.

The shop is a trove of unusual treasures that make Valentine’s Day delightfully different and everything, thankfully, is imbued in one way or another with Scotch Whisky. You can make off with Whisky flavored teas and coffees, or beautiful imported glassware. Handsome art for a gentleman’s studio or a lady’s parlor. Their wooden furniture is absolutely incredible.

There’s an authentic distillery warehouse feel to the place, fortified by beautiful murals on the wall of stacked whisky barrels and by prints and paintings by Scottish painter Ian Gray. It’s well worth a visit.

The parent company was founded in Scotland in 1938 and holds ownership of one of the largest privately held collections of rare Scotch whisky casks in the world. In 2002, it was acquired from American owners by Euan Shand, who ceased brokering whisky casks to concentrate on producing his own brands of Scotch whiskies. The company’s casks can now be found maturing throughout Scotland.

So as you settle back before a roaring fire in your whisky-barrel chair with your true love, sipping a wonderful Whisky, remind yourself that the Scots have more than a little to do with celebrating St. Valentine’s (remains of the martyr himself are at the church of Blessed St John Duns Scotus in Glasgow) and pour yourself another.

Duncan Taylor’s South Pasadena outpost is located at 1020 H Mission Street, South Pasadena. For more information, call (626) 441-4706 or visit duncantaylorluxury.com. The shop is open for your shopping convenience Tuesday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Duncan Taylor Valentine’s Day 2013 Price List
Whisky Cakes–$9.99
Irn Bru–$2.75
Whisky Flavored Teas–$5.99 & $15.99
Whisky Flavored Coffee–$12.99
T-shirts–$19.99, $29.99 & $39.99
Glassware
Glencairn Whisky Nosing Glass –$9.99
Neat Glass–$18.00
Whisky Snifter–$29.99
Whisky Lovers, 2 tumblers and 6 stones–$55.00
Whisky Stones, set of 9–$19.50
Slate items
Magnetic Fridge Hearts, Set of 4–$19.99
Coasters, set of 4–$25.00
Platter with handles–$35.00
Platter–$39.99
Pewter ware
Flasks–$50.
Bowls–$65. & $75.
Tankard with cover–$75.
Chairs
Chairs made from whisky casks, patented design, priced from $950. to $1,400.
Prints
Ian Gray Prints, signed–$100.
Paintings
Ian Gray, signed and dated, priced from $1,100 to $3,900