Cheesecakes have been popular in Britain for five hundred years. Our version has a shortbread crust, butterscotch topping and a filling laced with Scotch whisky.
02Using electric mixer, beat cream cheese, 1 1/4 cups sugar, Scotch and vanilla in large bowl until well blended. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating just until combined. Pour into crust-lined pan. Bake cheesecake until set at edges but center 3-inch area still moves slightly when pan is shaken, about 50 minutes. Place on rack; cool 10 minutes.
03Mix sour cream with remaining 1/4 cup sugar. Spoon sour cream mixture over cheesecake. Bake 10 minutes. Transfer cheesecake to rack and cool 10 minutes. Run small sharp knife around top edge of pan to loosen cake. Chill overnight. (Can be made 2 days ahead.)
04Stir sugar and 2/3 cup Scotch in heavy large saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat and boil without stirring until syrup turns golden, occasionally brushing down sides of pan with pastry brush dipped into water and swirling pan. Add 2/3 cup cream and butter (mixture will bubble) and stir until smooth. Cool 10 minutes. Stir in 1 tablespoon Scotch. Let stand until cool but still pourable, about 2 hours. Mix in 1/2 cup almonds.
05Spoon all but 1/2 cup butterscotch topping over cheesecake (reserve remainder for another use). Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup chopped almonds. Refrigerate up to 1 hour.
06Run sharp knife around pan sides to loosen cake. Release pan sides. Spoon cream into pastry bag fitted with star tip. Pipe cream over top edge of cake.