Its seaside maturation imparts a slightly maritime savoriness. The Balvenie . The Glenrothes also uses sherry-seasoned casks for the majority of its maturation, and has an in-house cooperage to repair and refurbish these casks that come from Jerez, Spain. Aberlour 18 Year Old: Creamy and Fruity. Unlike some of the larger houses, this stuff is full of flavor, and not watered down to the legal minimum. The barley is then milled and combined with water and cooked to release the sugars. This triple-distilled whisky has an almost bourbon-like character, making it great to use in a Manhattan, Old Fashioned, Boulevardier, or any other whiskey cocktail you can think of. ", Related: The Best Peaty Scotches for Smoky Scotch Lovers, Region: Islay | ABV: 43% | Tasting Notes: Vanilla, Black Tea, Smoke, McCoy is a big fan of Lagavulin, an Islay distillery that produces some nicely peated scotch. The name is a reference to the Catholic Insurrection in England in the early sixteenth century that attempted to topple Queen Elizabeth I and replace her with her half-sister, Mary Queen of Scots. Single Malts Aren't Just For Scotch The Perfect Fifth Distilled at Bunnahabhain Aged 28 Years Single Malt Scotch Whisky; $750, 98 points. Share. It might cost more than a grand, but youll enjoy every ounce of it. More recently, the distillery launched two coffee-influenced whiskies in the Harmony Collection, Inspired by Intense Arabica and Smooth Arabica. In 2018, the distillery released a 51-year-old whisky that it decided to give drams of away for free at special events instead of bottling and selling for thousands of dollars, which was a pretty nice treat for the fans. This is one of the core expressions in the Glenmorangie range. 4.5556 out of 5 star rating. Almond and honeysuckle aromas lead to a palate. 12. Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old: Sweet and Spicy Finish. The glycemic index is a relative ranking of food that estimates how the carbohydrates in food . Ardbeg. The whisky is generally moderately peaty and matured mostly in sherry-seasoned casks, with bourbon barrels used for a few expressions as well. Light floral with dark fruit in the nose followed by a well layered oily presence on the palate with dark sugar on the edges and a full-bodied finish. All three brands are produced by Diageo, and all three have their own core ranges and special bottlings. British chemist and scientific consultant for the whiskey industry Dr. James Swan claims that Single Malt Scotch Whisky is also good for health Flag. I write about wines and spirits and the hidden corners of the world, Some of the Single Malt Whisky Medalists at the. Ardbeg is a robust Islay whisky, which at about 50 ppm is slightly peatier than its neighbor Laphroaig. The core range consists of whisky aged for 10, 12, 15, 25 years, as well as a 50-year-old that retails for $35,000. 26.00 (37.14 / l) Glenfiddich 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 700ml. Laphroaig 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70cl. Mortlach, 20 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky. The official tasting notes from the judging panel describe the whisky as: Summer grass and dark sweets are on the nose. productslearn more about Distilerija. A Whisky for Every Moment ; A Guide to Ordering Whisky ; Whiskey Flip cocktail recipe. In the world of Irish Whiskey, the Single Malt is a prestigious title, with whiskies here tending to be minimum 10 years of aging in the barrel. The most accessible and affordable whiskies are simply and directly named - The Original Ten and The Smoky Ten, The Twelve and the Smoky Twelve. Both distilleries are based in Speyside. Simpson" as well as two episodes of " Modern Family ". Best 25-Year-Old: The Macallan Sherry Oak at Drizly. $64 at Drizly. This Speyside distillery has an excellent lineup, with the 16-year-old landing right in the sweet spot of maturation between the 12 and 18, the other two age statement bottles in the range. Aberlour, 16 YO, 43% ABV, 750 ml, $80, another Speyside icon, won the Best 16 YO Speyside single malt. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Although the Signet single malt does not bear an age statement, it does not need one (and as expert whiskey drinkers know, age is not necessarily an indicator of quality). Bowmore is an Islay distillery owned by Beam Suntory, which also owns Laphroaig, but the whisky it produces is quite different. What's the Difference Between Scotch and Bourbon? In fact, hes such a fan that he has collaborated on several releases with the distillery, including the recent Offerman Edition: Charred Oak Cask Aged 11 Years. Here is a summary of my top five selections. Few Cocktail Recipes With Scotch Whiskey Single Malt 10YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700mL. The plot failed, Mary was eventually beheaded and Queen Elizabeth endured. This is a classic Highlands whisky and is an interesting look at one of the whiskies that makes up the much better-known Dewars White Label. For that relatively low price, the discerning drinker is rewarded with flavor-rich, syrupy notes of honey punctuated by bursts of vanilla and paired with a gentle spice undercurrent. This non-age statement whisky is initially aged in bourbon barrels before being finished in Tawny Port pipes from W & J Graham's winery in Portugalexemplifying why port wood is a preferred cask finish. You can get a delicious single malt Scotch whisky that tastes like it costs more than it actually does. Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. While Islay in particular is known for using peat in the malting process, which gives its whisky that smoky flavor, the majority of scotch is not smoky at all. Twelve years is the benchmark for many distilleries, most of which have an entry-level whisky aged for this amount of time. The Scotch Malt Whisky Society The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is the world's leading club of whisky lovers, offering the widest selection of single cask, single malt whisky. There was a time, only a few years ago, when old reliable Glenlivet 12 could have been included in a list of the best . The well bodied liquid with citrus and honey layers lay on the tongue with hints of oak and brown sugar on the long finish. From one of the northernmost distilleries in Scotland, this velvety whisky does a delicious dance of dried flowers, dense vanilla, yellow plums, honey, and a touch of brininess through the long finish. 5. The 10-year-old is a staple you can find at most bars and liquor stores, and its a solid choice, full of seaweed, vanilla, and grill smoke flavors. This approachable whisky is perfect for any novice to the category, as it also works well in cocktails. The flavor of this Scotch comes from burning peat to dry out the barley and stop the malting process, which infuses the grain with smoke. This makes it a unique liquid and a great starting point for someone looking. ADD TO CART. Add to cart. Leer ms Su nombre hace referencia a la tradicin de disparar 21 salvas desde la Torre de Londres como seal de respeto a la Reina. Uigeadail is a double matured Islay whisky, which according to the company, marries Ardbeg's traditional deep, smoky notes with luscious, raisiny tones of old ex-Sherry casks. The combination of Islays traditional smoky whisky and the sweet dried fruit notes obtained from sweet wine casks has always been a winning formula on Islay, and has been replicated in dozens of expressions. Sip these with an espresso for a whisky-infused caffeinated jolt. The dried figs from the first sip ride all the way through the long, sweetly spiced finish. If you have the money to spend, the extra-aged expressions are where the whisky really starts to take on new dimensions. This Lowland malt is renowned for being triple distilled (much like Irish whiskey). For example, single malt scotch might get the critical accolades, and still seems like a rarified, serious drink to many people. A bottle of 10-year-old Ardbeg will run you around $62 and is the perfect introduction to scotch whisky. Single malt whisky is malt whisky produced by one distillery, using barley as the sole grain in the mashbill. 153 reviews #100 of 781 Restaurants in Vilnius $$ - $$$ Bar European Pub. $1,244.27. Its the sister distillery to Glenmorangie in the Highlands, and generally appeals to hardcore fans of the smoky stuff. There are many other Norse-themed bottles from Highland Park to explore, with age statements ranging up to 50 years. The distillery's history dates back to the early 1800s, and it has persevered over the years through Prohibition and World Wars. For a relatively low price, you get an enormous amount of flavor-rich, syrupy notes of honey matched with bursts of vanilla and a gentle spice undercurrent. In recent years, Bowmore has collaborated with British automaker Aston Martin, and the most recent release is Masters Selection 22 Year Old, aged in American oak and sherry butts. Lisa Glen currently holds the title of distillery manager, leading a whisky making team that is responsible for core expressions like the classic Glenlivet 12, a very good introductory single malt for beginners. Save 15%. There are many different combinations available to experiment with the whiskey. More recently, the 13-year-old Bas Armagnac Cask was released, which was given a secondary maturation period in these French brandy barrels for about a year after aging in bourbon and sherry casks. Along with barley and yeast, water is one of three key ingredients that make Scotch single malt whisky. The distillerys No. Lagavulin 16 Year Old: Powerful and Peaty. Like The Macallan, its focus is on sherry cask maturation, but the whisky produced here is entirely different. The GlenDronach Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky Port Wood Chocolate-coated raisin and caramel aromas set the stage for flavors of dark chocolate, cinnamon, cocktail cherries, and coffee.. The American Oak is matured in first-fill bourbon casks, giving it a vanilla fruity note. Scotch Whisky Regions. The core range here in the U.S. consists of 12. ADD TO CART. The Dalmore is a Highland distillery that has an excellent lineup of expressions, and a master distiller who is basically the P.T. The Singleton of Dufftown 54 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Scotch is hugely popular, even though in 2020 the Scotch Whisky Association said the industry "lost a decade of growth" as sales fell 20% due to high tariffs from the U.S. and Europe and the . It seems that things are going quite well at the distillery, given last summers announcement that parent company Brown-Forman is making a major investment to expand operations due to high global demand for the whisky. Best 12-Year-Old: The GlenDronach Original at Drizly. This unique finish lends a balanced yet sweet finish that dances between spice and oak. This single malt from Gordon & MacPhail, distilled at Glenlivet during World War II, is the . The 10-year-old anchors the range, with some hard-to-pronounce, Gaelic-named expressions to round it out. The result is a thick, creamy and fruity single malt whisky. The Macallan is a sherry cask single malt favorite, with a wide range of bottles aged in hand-selected sherry-seasoned oak from Jerez, Spain. Whisky is supposed to be fun, so dont listen to anyone who says you shouldnt add ice or you have to add water to enjoy your dram properly. Fill a shaker with ice, then add 1.5 fluid ounces (44 mL) of bourbon, 0.75 fluid ounces (22 mL) of lemon juice, and 0.75 fluid ounces (22 mL) of simple syrup. This iconic distillery was founded by brothers John and Tommy Dewar in 1896, so it is not surprising that today this gentle and slightly honeyed single malt is used as the basis for the blended. Double Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700mL. This is a good value at under $100, a great whisky to sip neat, and elevates a simple highball cocktail. .css-gk9meg{display:block;font-family:Lausanne,Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:normal;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;padding-top:0.25rem;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-gk9meg:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-gk9meg{font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.15;margin-bottom:0.25rem;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-gk9meg{font-size:1rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.625rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-gk9meg{font-size:1.25rem;line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 73.75rem){.css-gk9meg{font-size:1.25rem;line-height:1.2;}}The 55 Best Gifts to Get Your Girlfriend, 7 Things Esquire Editors Bought This Week, The 28 Best Places to Shop For Outdoor Furniture, The 24 Best Skincare Gift SetsEven For Yourself, The 10 Best Essential Oil Diffusers For Your Home, 12 Glasses That'll Do Your Single Malts Justice, The 11 Best Tom Ford Colognes For Any Occasion, 6 Things Esquire Editors Bought This Week, The Rowing Machine You'll Actually Want to Use. The whisky is aged for 12 years in ex-bourbon barrels and hogsheads, finished for nine months in Oloroso sherry casks, and then transferred into large "tuns" to allow the liquid to mingle. Whiskey, Bourbon & Scotch Whiskey Of The Month Award Winning Whiskey Barrel Select Bourbon Blended Scotch Japanese Whisky Rye Whiskey Single Malt Scotch Small Batch Bourbon Shop All Bourbon Shop All Scotch Shop All Whiskey Cocktail Recipes Cocktail Of The Month Customer Favorites Bourbon-Based Cocktails Tequila-Based Cocktails Vodka-Based Cocktails The distillery has six stills, all of which have a unique shape. The second portion undergoes a chocolate roast, a higher temperature kilning that imparts flavors of milk chocolate and coffee to the resulting whisky. our process. Lagavulin, 16 YO, 43% ABV, 750 ml, $109 took the award for Best 16 YO Single Malt from Islay. Talisker 2021 Distillers Edition Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 750ml. Sante Fe Spirits was perhaps the first American distillery to turn to that all-American flavour of mesquite for its whiskey. This is a classic whisky from the Island of Skye. This is absolutely one of my favorite 12-year aged Scottish whiskies, said Kurpinsky. Best overall Scotch: Lagavulin 16 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky. On the opposite end of the Macallan spectrumand most definitely not under $100is a Macallan 1969, aged a stunning 52 years, that was bottled and released last December by Duncan Taylor. Lagavulin is a very smoky Islay single malt with legions of fans, and one of them happens to be actor and author Nick Offerman. Big peat smoke, spice, sherry and notes of soft wood and black teadelicious all by itself (no ice) while you're unwinding next to the fire., Region: Speyside | ABV: 43% | Tasting Notes: Brown Sugar, Caramel, Spice, Finishing whisky in a rum cask might not be as popular as sherry or wine casks within the single malt scotch category, but there are some benefits. In contrast, Lowland whisky was often made from other grains including oats, wheat, and later maize (corn). Its not too peaty, and its really the best everyday drinking whisky for a great price, he says. Last winter, the oldest bottling to date was released, an 81-year-old whisky called The Reach which was distilled in 1940 and had a price tag of $125,000. - 20ml freshly squeezed lemon juice. Though it can be quite expensive, the 25-year-old is an excellent example of how good a whisky can taste when matured for nearly three decades. Dark color sherry cask finish with toasted nuts and chocolate on the nose. I love coffee and chocolate notes in both spirits and cocktails so this one sings to me, says Meaghan Dorman, bar director at Dear Irving on Hudson. If you only have a few thousand dollars to spend instead of a few tens of thousands, consider the new 36-year-old expression. While you might want to think twice about using that $300 bottle of 25-year-old whisky to whip up a Manhattan, there are single malt scotches that play beautifully in cocktails (and won't break the bank). Single malt Scotch whisky is Scotland's original whisky. Scotch Whisky ; American Whiskey ; Japanese Whisky . Single Malt Whisky: Best 5. Oban whisky is very different from many of its West Highland kin. Ardbeg Uigeadail, NAS, 54% ABV, 750 ml, $79. Vilniaus g. 28, Vilnius 01402 Lithuania +370 645 31206 Website. It has appeared in an episode of "The People V. O.J. Purchase Aberlour 12 Year The whisky is predominantly aged in first- and second-fill bourbon barrels, with some liquid going into sherry butts and French oak as well. ' | tasting notes, market data, prices and stores in UK. Regardless, the distilleries that don't use coloring at all in their whiskies will proudly and loudly let this be known. Orange peel and oak lay on the tongue with winter spices on top of the medium finish. This includes the Port Charlotte and annual Octomore releases, which at times reaches some of the highest levels of peat in any whisky out there. Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie at Flaviar, The Best Peaty Scotches for Smoky Scotch Lovers, The Best Whiskey Glasses, According to Experts. The primary source of the confusion seems to come from the word "single." "single" does not refer to coming from one batch, barrel or even kind. It was prominently featured in. Items 1 - 24 of 1957 Sort by: Featured Price (Low) Price (High) Strict regulations governing the production of single malt Scotch whisky dictate that barley is the only permitted grain. 60.00/litre. Its aged in a combination of PX and Oloroso sherry casks, giving it a range of flavor from sweet to baking spices. Recent expressions have focused on the concept of terroir in whisky, an idea that Bruichladdich is trying to convince the doubters really exists. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. [It's] one of my all-time favorites from Islay, says McCoy. A total of 228 bottles were released. This Speyside standout is non-chill-filtered, which lends it a lovely presence on the palate. Gordon & MacPhail Generations Glenlivet 80 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Speyside, Scotland. The spirit here is uniquely bright and fruit-forward, with a distinct hit of white licorice to the lemon-blossom honey and dulce de leche notes, all of it pulsed with a touch of toast hovering in the background. Its a balanced, silky, and fresh dram that, for under $80, is a serious steal. Mix bourbon whiskey, lemon juice, and syrup for a simple cocktail. If you taste from one of the 25 bottles in existence, youll be treated to a whisky unlike anything youve likely had before. (Peat is measured in ppm, or parts per million; the higher the ppm, the smokier the whisky will be.) Let us know if you manage to taste this one, because we havent! The official tasting notes of the judging panel described the whisky as having: A dark amber hue signaling its years in the cask. Legally, a small amount of caramel coloring can be used for color consistency in single malts. 42.00. Open now : 11:00 AM - 02:00 AM. An attractive choice would be Glenfiddich 's newly unveiled 50-year-old scotch. $53 at Wine.com. The quality of the finished malt whisky starts with the quality of the raw materials - barley, water, yeast (and spirit caramel). Single Malt. Highland Park 12. Muscular is the adjective often used to describe the flavor of the whisky from Craigellachie, a distillery owned by Bacardi (along with Aberfeldy, Royal Brackla, Aultmore, and Deveron). The official tasting notes of the judging panel described the whisky as a. Review. Buy Scotch whisky, Single Malts, Single Barrel, bourbon, Premium Tequilas, Gin and thousands of other Spirits at lowest prices for Scotch Lovers. Rich notes of chocolate, spice, cherry syrup and ripened fig abound in every sip of this luxury single malt scotch. It has to be produced and aged in Scotland; Malted Barley has to be the cereal base of this spirit; The 15-year-old spends its last three years maturing in Oloroso sherry casks, while the liquid in the 18-year-old (a standout bottle) spends its life in both bourbon and sherry casks before being blended together. Click & Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Laphroaig 10 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky. It was named after a geographical location in Scotland known for having fertile farmlands and surrounded by natural springs where barley grows, resulting in some of the best scotch whiskies.. Floral and dried dark fruit on the tongue with a balanced long finish with a soft layer of honey. 40 year old. A well-balanced Highlands Scotch with a light sweetness and smoke in the nose. 00. Stephen Kurpinsky, U.S. brand ambassador for Mr. Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur, Region: Speyside | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Apple, Citrus, Vanilla. Single malt scotch is defined as whisky that is made in Scotland at one distillery from a mash bill of 100 percent malted barley. GLENFIDDICH 12 Year Old. The result is a creamy, fruity whisky with hints of smoke and a salty sea breeze. The 16-year-old expression, aged in second-fill ex-bourbon barrels, might be a little pricey, but its well worth the splurge. Many scotch enthusiasts may discover that they're well into their journey of appreciation before they ever actually learn what the phrase "single malt" even means. There are so many to choose from, but one of the best comes from The GlenDronach. 'Single' malt whisky is the product of an individual distillery. 00. It was prominently featured in Diageos Classic Malts Collection as a quintessential example of a West Highlands malt. The use of worm coil condensers limits the amount of copper contact the vapor receives, resulting in notable meaty aromas of bacon fat and raw steak. 5. And last fall Grandeur Batch 11 was released, an expensive ($800) but fantastic 28-year-old single malt that is worth trying if you find a bottle. Size 750mL Proof 88.2 (44.1% ABV) *Please note that the ABV of this bottle may vary. Such whiskies tend to be light and grassy, gentle and fruity, and rich and sweet. Glenlivet 12 Year Old. And blended malt is a blend of malt whiskies, with no grain whisky included. / / Single Malt. The core range consists of single malts aged from 12 to 25 years, with some special releases in the mix as well. The Singleton is actually three separate brands: The Singleton of Glendullan, the Singleton of Glen Ord, and the Singleton of Dufftown. Buy Single Malt Scotch Whisky Online | Liquorland $10 - $20 (281) (273) SHOP ONLINE CLICK & COLLECT Single Malt Scotch Whisky Discover a taste of Scotland with well loved labels such as Loch Lomond and Glenlivet offering a smooth and smoky taste on the palate. The expression is full of fruity notes enriched with spicy sweetness. It was traditionally made in the Highlands in the 18th and 19th century only from malted barley. Earn up to 5% back on this product with Caskers Rewards. The whisky does not carry an age statement, but it includes whiskies up to 40 years old in the blend. For a Whisky to have this denomination, it. Being aged in both Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks gives this whisky a complex flavor of dark fruits, chocolate, baking spice and orange peels. Get our best cocktail recipes, tips, and more when you sign up for our newsletter. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best A favorite of bartenders and scotch fans alike, Caol Ila 12 is well-known as one of the best smoky/briny Islay whisky gateway bottles. Dried-fruit biscotti and a lingering note of ginger-snap cookies round it all out. Shop Wine.com Shop Reserve Bar Shop Whisky Exchange. The peat is about half the ppm of Laphroaig, so while its still noticeable, the fruit, caramel, and spice flavors create a whisky potpourri that unravels as you drink. And if you wanna get wild, check out ARC-52, a $75,000 single malt aged for 52 years that comes in a decanter that looks more like a spaceship than a bottle. Laphroaig, from the Islay region of Scotland known for its smoky scotch, falls around 45 ppm, which makes this a decidedly peat-forward whisky. Taking great pride in its Viking roots, Highland Park is situated in Orkney, a group of scarcely populated islands in the far north of Scotland. The hook for me is its time in both Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks, creating a complex, incredibly enjoyable whisky with a burst of flavor notes such as dark fruits, raisins, chocolate, butter, baking spice and orange peels. Its also non-chill filtered and has no added color, as the whisky picks up its dark golden hue from the casks alone. 750ml. You cant get a better whisky in this range. Kenneth McCoy, chief creative officer at The Rum House in New York, Region: Speyside | ABV: 43% | Tasting Notes: Sherry, Cinnamon, Vanilla. SPICE-ROASTED PINEAPPLE SYRUP. Get your glasses ready and let's see which the smoothest single malt scotch for beginners are: 7. Barley grains are malted (germinated) and then dried to stop the processsometimes using peat as a heat source to infuse the grain with a smoky flavor. If you love a scotch with a fiery flavor, this is the whisky for you. The GlenDronach does not add coloring to its whisky. The third batch of this NAS, non-chill filtered whisky was recently released, bottled at 64.1 percent ABV (slightly more than batch 2) with big notes of smoke, vanilla, and honey on the palate. The Singleton of Glendullan, 15 YO, 40% ABV, 750 ml, $50 took the award for the Best 15 YO Single Malt. If you want to splurge, there is, of course, a whisky or two for youthe 33-year-old that was released in 2017, or perhaps the 31-year-old that launched a few years before that. This excellent sherry cask-matured whisky comes out in batches (its currently on number 74), with each varying slightly in ABV but usually hovering somewhere around the 60 percent mark. If you're looking for cask-strength offerings, check out the Nadurra expressions, featuring sherry and peated cask matured whiskies. Stores and prices for '2022 Linkwood 26 Year Old Single Malt Sc . Bushmills tends to be the benchmark, given they . This limited edition expression is made from barley that was kiln-dried with what the brand calls woodland botanicals. The result is a totally different side of Glenmorangie, a smoke-kissed dram that speaks of deeply roasted root vegetables, woodsy spice, and pear fritters, all complicated by kumquats and balsamic notes that linger on the very long finish. Regarding what is Single Malt Scotch Whisky, there are a few regulations within Scotland's and international law that define a Single Malt Scotch. Style. Glenmorangie offers a wide selection of whiskies, from the 10-year-old core expression to some incredibly expensive vintages. The best overall single malt scotch, in a very competitive field, is Aberlour 16. Best 18-Year-Old: Highland Park at Drizly. The core range here in the U.S. consists of 12 (Viking Honour), 15 (Viking Heart), and 18-year-old (Viking Pride) whiskies, all of which do a nice job of balancing smoke with rich dried fruit flavors. The Islay distillery produces some of the most heavily peated whisky available. Aged in second-fill ex-bourbon barrels, the 16-year-old expression is well worth the splurge. More info. The brand's most well known offering is Lagavulin 16, a full-bodied single malt that clocks in at 43 percent ABV. Two new age statements were added to the Double Cask lineup a few years ago, 15- and 18-year-old expressions that are matured in both American and European oak Oloroso sherry-seasoned casks, both exceptional whiskies that are spicy and fruity with notes of chocolate and vanilla. Last fall, the second edition of Malting Season was released, which is made using barley malted inhouse at the distillery, along with a new edition of Smoke Season, the distillerys most heavily peated whisky. Speyside whiskies are known for being frugal with peat . Literallythe Octomore range ventures into the hundreds of ppm, which is extremely, seriously, not-fucking-around smoky (the 08.3 release clocked in at 309.1 ppm!). Spectacular single malt Scotch whisky from the legendary Glenfarclas Distillery up in Speyside, matured for 29 years in a single refill Oloroso sherry hogshead from December 1991 to September 2021. More info. Names like BenRiach, The Balvenie, The Glenlivet, Lagavulin, Bowmore, and Ardbeg are well-known and beloved for good reason: Theyre reliably excellent, no matter what you spend. The 12-year-old expression is a great value single malt, usually available for somewhere between $30 and $40. And if you really want to splurge on something truly exceptional, pick up a bottle of Ardbeg 25.