Oban is one of the few urban distilleries left in Scotland. What is unusual about The Singleton is that each of the three brands has a specific geographic area where its sold: Glendullan is sold in North America, Dufftown is reserved for Europe and Glen Ord is exclusive to Asia. LOS ANGELES, March 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Mortlach Single Malt Scotch Whisky, a treasured spirit from Scotland's Speyside region, partnered with multidisciplinary artist and designer Sebastian . There are some NAS bottles to try and some interesting single cask releases, each with its own specific character. The well bodied liquid with citrus and honey layers lay on the tongue with hints of oak and brown sugar on the long finish. This years NYISC judging highlighted several well-known Scotch whisky expressions. Glenlivet 12 Year Old. Bottled at. Best single malt Scotch whisky. Sale! Ardbeg is a robust Islay whisky, which at about 50 ppm is slightly peatier than its neighbor Laphroaig. 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. The team at Bruichladdich has been hard at work establishing themselves in the field, and this rare unpeated whisky from Islay absolutely brings some modern, forward-thinking, and transparency to the region." All have their own unique distillation process but all follow the same blueprint to garner the title Single Malt. The expression is full of fruity notes enriched with spicy sweetness. Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. Whiskey goes with soda, water, orange, or chocolates. Hailing from the Lochranza Distillery on the Island of Arran, southwest of Glasgow and southeast of Islay, this whisky boasts delicately spiced citrus and honey-coated yellow apples. This year there were four Scotch whiskies that won Double Gold: Ardbeg Uigeadail, Glenmorangie Signet, Oban 14 YO and Talisker 10 YO. The Singleton is actually three separate brands: The Singleton of Glendullan, the Singleton of Glen Ord, and the Singleton of Dufftown. Single Malts Aren't Just For Scotch The Perfect Fifth Distilled at Bunnahabhain Aged 28 Years Single Malt Scotch Whisky; $750, 98 points. 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. Dried herbs and a lingering soft sweetness when in the mouth with a light oak finish. So a bottle of Glenfiddich 12, for example, may be a blend of a few hundred barrels, but all of them come from the Glenfiddich distillery, and the 12-year-old age statement refers to the youngest whisky in the mix. Its priced affordably and has a really approachable palate, according to Chris Dempsey, bartender at Xaman in Dallas. "On the palate, it is remarkably smooth and almost sweet. Old Pulteney 12 Year Old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky | 70CL / 40% ABV. Talisker 10 YO, Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Citrus and dark fruit lay on the mouth with a soft awareness of oak that continues on the balanced finish with a light layering of vanilla. The whisky is generally moderately peaty and matured mostly in sherry-seasoned casks, with bourbon barrels used for a few expressions as well. Talisker. $53 at Wine.com. Write a review. This is the oldest The Singleton expression to date. Another new and really flavorful addition to the family is the Cask Strength expression. 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. In addition to those icons, the 15 single malt scotch whiskies below, listed alphabetically, are well worth stocking up on. 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. All of these distilleries are key components of the Dewars blend, but make excellent single malts of their own as well. 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. Save 21%. Malt whisky / whiskey is usually made from barley, which has a particularly affinity with the malting process, and was also the most easily available grain during the development of th . The whisky is predominantly aged in first- and second-fill bourbon barrels, with some liquid going into sherry butts and French oak as well. 750ml. 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. This year, there still was a total of 1,400 entrants judged. And if you really want to splurge on something truly exceptional, pick up a bottle of Ardbeg 25. SHOP NOW. This is a classic whisky from the Island of Skye. The quality of the finished malt whisky starts with the quality of the raw materials - barley, water, yeast (and spirit caramel). The whisky in the 14-year-old Caribbean Cask is finished in rum barrels, where it picks up molasses and fruit notes. Easy Sipping Arran Robert Burns Single Malt Scotch Whisky. 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. The Macallan Single Malts - The Macallan Explore Our Single Malts Our Whisky Explore Our Single Malts Each and every Macallan single malt whisky reveals our unrivalled commitment to the mastery of wood and spirit since 1824. The official tasting notes from the judging panel described the whisky as offering: Hints of peak and smokiness on the nose without the impact of an Islay whisky. Laphroaig 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70cl. Laphroaig 10 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old: Sweet and Spicy Finish. Twelve years is the benchmark for many distilleries, most of which have an entry-level whisky aged for this amount of time. 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. A total of 228 bottles were released. Single malt scotch is defined as whisky that is made in Scotland at one distillery from a mash bill of 100 percent malted barley. After 18 years the two liquids are blended together and, after being allowed to marry, are bottled. Recent expressions have focused on the concept of terroir in whisky, an idea that Bruichladdich is trying to convince the doubters really exists. Its intake needs to . Crafted more than half a century ago in 1966, the whisky was finished in a Pedro . This is a superb whisky that combines notes of chocolate, dried fruit, candied citrus peel and bread pudding notes into a layered, complex, absolutely stunning whisky at a very affordable price. Best Under $100: Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie at Flaviar. The Glenmorangie 18 YO, 43% ABV, 750 ml, $109 is part of Glenmorangies Prestige Range. Best Under $100: Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie, Best Under $50: The Glenlivet 12 Year Old, Best for Cocktails: Auchentoshan American Oak, Best 12-Year-Old: The GlenDronach Original, Best 25-Year-Old: The Macallan Sherry Oak, Best Rum Cask Finish: The Balvenie Caribbean Cask, Best Port Cask Finish: The Dalmore Port Wood Reserve, Best No-Age Statement: Glenmorangie Signet, Best Entry-Level: Glenfiddich 12 Year Old, The 13 Best Scotch Whiskies to Drink in 2023, The Essential Scotch Whisky Bottles for Your Home Bar, Speaking Scotch: A Guide to Scotch Whisky Terms, The 9 Best Cheap Scotches to Drink in 2022, The Best Scotch Under $100, According to Industry Experts, The 12 Best Japanese Whiskies to Drink in 2023, These Peaty Scotches Taste Like Campfire in a Glass. It sizzles with singed spearmint, hints of chamomile, dried apricots, and orange blossom, and coats the palate with carob-studded caramel and chocolate-enrobed Amarena cherries. ", 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. Best single malt Scotch whisky for 2023. The distillery has six stills, all of which have a unique shape. The 12-year-old expression is a great value single malt, usually available for somewhere between $30 and $40. Mortlach is one of the few distilleries that still operates worm coils instead of the modern clam shell condensers. Highland Park does not add coloring to its whisky. Sometimes the familiar is the hardest to appreciate. There are so many to choose from (over 130 and counting), but here are 15 of the best single malt scotch distilleries making whisky right now. Discover more Showing 1 to 24 of 3075 products Sort & Filter Ledaig 18 Year Old 70cl / 46.3% 84.95 (121.36 per litre) It has appeared in an episode of "The People V. O.J. Bruichladdich Classic Laddie. 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. Aberlour 16 features a beautiful golden amber hue with rich scented floral, spicy nuttiness, and sweet raisin aroma. It must be aged for a minimum of three years in oak barrels. Lagavulin, 16 YO, 43% ABV, 750 ml, $109 took the award for Best 16 YO Single Malt from Islay. Oban whisky is very different from many of its West Highland kin. Single Malt and Blended Whisky What's the Difference? Talisker 8 Year Old Special Releases 2021 Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 750ml. There are several different ranges to try, from Sherry Oak to Double Cask to Triple Cask Matured. A rum barrel brings new flavors to the mix, like banana, brown sugar and cocoa. This single cask release comes with an NFT, if you care about such things, with artwork from The New Yorker illustrator Maddie Dai. The Classic Laddie is a non-age statement single malt that is light and full of notes of citrus, sweet malted barley, vanilla and honey. a deep amber liquid with long oily legs. Theres really no wrong way to drink whiskybut experts recommend trying it neat first, perhaps with a few drops of water to open up the palate. 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.. 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. 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. The distillerys No. Aberlour is often overlooked by whisky drinkers here in the US, but undeservedly so. Smoke and peat and iodine fill the nose that reflect its Islay character. It might cost more than a grand, but youll enjoy every ounce of it. It has to be produced and aged in Scotland; Malted Barley has to be the cereal base of this spirit; Talisker 2021 Distillers Edition Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 750ml. Colorado calling: Deerhammer distillery started out making single malt in Buena Vista in 2010 Over two and a half years ago, a group of American distillers met at the behest of Matt Hofmann and Westland distillery - the first meeting of the American Single Malt Commission. $64 at Drizly. 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. So Speyside gives us this single malt Scotch whisky aged 15 years in a European oak sherry cask. With a style out there for everyone, here are the best single malt scotch whiskies available in a range of categories. According to the official tasting note submitted by the judging panel, the whisky exhibits: Whiffs of tobacco and dark chocolate and berries are found in the nose. The Macallan's New Scotch Collection Is Inspired By Coffee, The Best Way to Travel Through Scotch Country? A much adored expression here - 40 year old single malt Scotch whisky from the legendary Glenfarclas, offering up generous helpings of Sherried notes that the distillery are famous for. Many of the spirits judged are already being distributed on the East Coast, although according to Levy, the competition has increasingly been used by beverage companies to evaluate the pricing, packaging and positioning of spirit expressions they are planning to introduce into the US market. Classic Serve : The Last King. 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. 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. Diageo, the brands owner and the largest Scotch whisky producer on the planet, has announced plans to make The Singleton, in all of its three forms combined, the best-selling single malt whisky in the world. Aberlour 16 Year Old is our top pick because the whisky marries during the sweet spot of maturation and creates a balanced flavor of rich oak, sweet vanilla, ripe fruits, and spices. There are more than 120 distilleries in Scotland making single malt whiskymuch of which is ultimately destined to be used as a component in blended whiskies, but some of which is bottled as an individual expression of the particular distillery's character. The official tasting note from the judging panel described the Singleton of Glendullan 15 YO as having: Citrus and hints of lemon are on the nose. Dark color sherry cask finish with toasted nuts and chocolate on the nose. 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. Balvenie malt master David Stewart has worked in the industry for 60 years, and just recently passed the mantle to his apprentice Kelsey McKechnie. Best for Cocktails: Auchentoshan American Oak at Drizly. Laphroaig, from the Islay region of Scotland known for its smoky scotch, falls around 45 ppm, which makes this a decidedly peat-forward whisky. Glenmorangie Signet: Dry and Decadent. If youre looking for something quite a bit stronger, try Batch 15 of the cask-strength version of this classic, which you can proof down as you like. Aberlour 18 Year Old: Creamy and Fruity. 34.99 29.95 Add to basket. Its the sister distillery to Glenmorangie in the Highlands, and generally appeals to hardcore fans of the smoky stuff. 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. 4.7143 out of 5 star rating $ 95. Style. But its about more than the smoke, with sweet mashed pears, espresso beans, chocolate ganache, and root beer spices weaving together with telltale seaweed and nori notes into a deeply complex whole. If you only have a few thousand dollars to spend instead of a few tens of thousands, consider the new 36-year-old expression. A major malt component of the Dewars blend comes from Aberfeldy, a distillery that has been around since the beginning of the 20th century. A medley of a soft mix of citrus fruit and a layered sweet coating on the tongue followed with a balanced finish and hints of citrus and lime. We have suggested a few recipes to try with scotch whiskeys. 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. The landscape of Speyside in the Scottish Highlands is a patchwork of green; rolling but rugged, each morning it seems to shimmer slightly in the mist. Johnnie Walker ; Jack Daniel's . 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. Also look for Octomor and Port Charlotte, both made by Bruichladdich as well. Distillers are then allowed to get as creative as theyd like, from experimenting with the number of distillations to using a variety of cask finishes. If you're looking for cask-strength offerings, check out the Nadurra expressions, featuring sherry and peated cask matured whiskies. His first love remains whiskey, but he is partial to tequila, rum, gin, cognac, and all things distilled. Price reduced from $ 105. Few Cocktail Recipes With Scotch Whiskey Single Malt Aberlour is sometimes overlooked in the single malt world, but there is one main reason not to sleep on this Pernod Ricard-owned distillerythe cask strength expression, Abunadh. Celeb collabs aside, the distillery has a variety of special edition and one-off releases, as well as a range of age statements that veer towards youngerseven, eight, and nine-year-old single malts that prove that older doesnt mean better despite what some people think. With flavors of caramel streaked with a touch of ancho chili and cinnamon, as well as supporting notes of honey-coated figs and white raisins, this grows more dense on the finish, resolving with lingering notes of caramel and graham crackers. One such whisky comes from Auchentoshan, a distillery located in the Lowlands just outside of Glasgow. Well layered with dark fruit and sherry with a mild oak layering followed by a long smoky peaty finish with a soft presence of vanilla. Its only lightly peated, and it undergoes an exceptionally long fermentation. Single malt Scotch whisky is Scotland's original whisky. $793.03. The pioneer of the single malt Scotch whiskey category, Glenfiddich's Signature malt is famous for its wonderfully balanced scent and refreshing rich flavour. In addition to the Double Gold medalists, the NYISC also recognizes outstanding distilleries in some of Scotlands key producing areas. The award for the Best 20 YO Single Malt went to another legendary Scotch whisky: Mortlach, 20 YO, 43.4% ABV, 750 ml, $250. 2021 New York International Spirits Competition. The 10-year-old anchors the range, with some hard-to-pronounce, Gaelic-named expressions to round it out. A single grain Scotch whisky is not a Scotch whisky from a single grain but rather a grain whisky, typically from multiple grains, i.e., a blended whisky, from a single distillery. Add some . The bottom line is that theres a Lagavulin for everyone, so peruse the selection and find the bottle that best suits you. Bowmore is an Islay distillery owned by Beam Suntory, which also owns Laphroaig, but the whisky it produces is quite different. This whisky combines the best flavors of bourbon and sherry cask maturation and provides the best complexity of flavor and palate for its price range. More info. There are many whiskies included in their lineup, but the 18-year-old is one of the best for its age, which fills the gap between the entry-level 10-year-old and the luxury 21-year-old. The most recent release was Batch 11 of the Cask Strength version of the whisky, a non-age statement single malt bottled at 59.8% (strong, but very drinkable) that brings an array of new flavors to the palate. Best Under $50: The Glenlivet 12 Year Old at Drizly. Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie at Flaviar, The Best Peaty Scotches for Smoky Scotch Lovers, The Best Whiskey Glasses, According to Experts. A single shot of scotch contains 97 calories, no carbohydrates, no sugars, and no fiber. There are different levels of peat, of course. Some people are staunchly against this, believing it affects the character of the whisky, while others argue that it makes no noticeable difference. The Balvenie . And while there are countless expressions that will set you back some serious dollars, there are just as many that can be found for less than $100, and deliver serious pleasure. Single malt Scotch whisky is one of the great spirits of the world. Velvety and sophisticatedthis is a unique spirit, worth the investment.. Signet is produced from two different types of malted barley. Best Splurge: Lagavulin 16 Year Old at Drizly. $64 at Drizly. - 20ml freshly squeezed lemon juice. This particular expression spends 15 years in ex-bourbon barrels before 30% is transferred to Oloroso Sherry butts. productslearn more about Best overall Scotch: Lagavulin 16 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Once a quaint fishing village on the shores of the Sound of Kerrera, the distillery has found itself in the center of a bustling town and resort community that has grown up around it. Ardbeg is something of an Islay cult favorite, particularly appealing to true lovers of smoky whisky. Dried-fruit biscotti and a lingering note of ginger-snap cookies round it all out. $1,244.27. 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 . 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. Mortlach, 20 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Get your glasses ready and let's see which the smoothest single malt scotch for beginners are: 7. Ultra-Rare Single-Malt Whiskies Will Headline Sotheby's Largest Online Spirits Auction For $17,500 This Japanese Distillery Will Age a Whole Barrel of Rare Single-Malt Whisky for You A. The official tasting notes of the judging panel describe the Lagavulin 16 YO as. 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. Assorted. Lagavulin is a very smoky Islay single malt with legions of fans, and one of them happens to be actor and author Nick Offerman. Best Scotch under $200: Oban 14 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Royal Salute es un whisky escocs creado en 1953 para celebrar la coronacin de la Reina Isabel II de Inglaterra. While some people think the cask plays the biggest part in flavor, overriding barley varieties and even peat source, Bruichladdich is intent on proving otherwise. The official tasting notes from the judging panel describe the whisky as: Summer grass and dark sweets are on the nose. Glenfarclas. The Regulations of a Single Malt Scotch Whisky. If you taste from one of the 25 bottles in existence, youll be treated to a whisky unlike anything youve likely had before. Earn up to 5% back on this product with Caskers Rewards. Yeast is then added to the liquid, now called wash, and it is put into large vessels to ferment. No color is added to these delicate and flavorful whiskies, which are complex enough for seasoned drinkers but simultaneously suitable for newcomers to scotch. Ardbeg. 00. There are many other Norse-themed bottles from Highland Park to explore, with age statements ranging up to 50 years. 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. Jonah Flicker is a freelance writer who covers booze, food, travel, and lifestyle for a variety of publications. But theres a lot of nuance underneath all of that salty, ripe, bold, burnt vanilla flavor. It's a fruity Speyside malt with a whisp of salt tang that's usually associated with the heavier styles of Scotch. For something a bit more accessible, try the 10-Year-Old Sherry Oak, which gives a sherry finish to the core expression with fantastic results. The result is a dram that deliciously bucks convention and shines with vivid hard pear and apple fruit, honey candies, brown sugar caramel, and a delicate finish that unfolds with layers of sun-warmed hay and dried springtime flowers. Click & Best 12-Year-Old: The GlenDronach Original at Drizly. This is a whisky designed to be paired with steak, and is quite good even if the previous years Guinness Cask Edition was just a bit better. 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. ADD TO CART. Its super luxurious, smooth and well-balanced with smokey honey, wood, fruit notes and toffee. Talisker 10 Year Old: Smoke, Sea Air and Garden Fruit. 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 other whiskies in the core lineup are double matured in sherry and bourbon casks, but the impact of the former is particularly notable on these single malts, especially when you move from the 12 up to the 18-year-old. It arrives as the elder statesmen in a trio of single malt releases the legendary Dufftown distillery is dubbing . Ardbeg Uigeadail, NAS, 54% ABV, 750 ml, $79. Ingredients : - 50ml The Glenlivet Founder's Reserve. Floral and dried dark fruit on the tongue with a balanced long finish with a soft layer of honey. If its been a while since youve tasted them, then you owe it to yourself to taste them again for the first time. The official tasting note from the judging panel described the GlenAllachie 15 YO as. Tomatin 14 Year Old Port Cask Whisky 70cl. This vapor is captured and cooled so it returns to a liquid form with an increasingly higher ABV. An attractive choice would be Glenfiddich 's newly unveiled 50-year-old scotch. The ex-rum barrel finish creates a sense of richness in the flavors, like toffee or caramel, toasted oak, or perhaps a bit of honey on fresh papaya; but rather than expressing itself as a sugary taste, it comes through as a luxurious textural element., Region: Highlands | ABV: 46.5% | Tasting Notes: Berry, Mocha, Ginger. The Glenrothes is owned by the same parent company as The Macallan, Scottish company Edrington, which acquired it again after nearly a decade under ownership of Berry Bros & Rudd. Glenmorangie offers a wide selection of whiskies, from the 10-year-old core expression to some incredibly expensive vintages. The Glenlivet is one of the most popular and best-selling single malt scotch whisky brands, usually positioned neck and neck with fellow Speyside distillery Glenfiddich. Few people seem to be intimidated by good ole bourbon or humble Irish whiskey, but single malt is different. Glenfarclas 40 Year Old. Single Malt ; Blended Whisky ; Rye Whiskey ; Blended Malt ; Single Grain ; Popular Brands. Peat has a strong presence with hints of sea salt as it lays well on the tongue. 'Process water' is used in the boilers to make the steam that heats the . This distillery is located in the Highlands and focuses on sherry-cask matured whisky. Bushmills tends to be the benchmark, given they . Vanilla and floral aromas draws you in time and time again, making it far-too-easy to go through a bottle without noticing. Tomatin 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70cl. 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. Blended Whiskey: A blend of malted barley and grain whiskeys from multiple distilleries. Like The Macallan, its focus is on sherry cask maturation, but the whisky produced here is entirely different. Sip these with an espresso for a whisky-infused caffeinated jolt. 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). 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. The whisky is generally moderately peaty and matured mostly in sherry-seasoned casks, with bourbon barrels used for a few expressions as well. Rich notes of chocolate, spice, cherry syrup and ripened fig abound in every sip of this luxury single malt scotch. Its a serious value for a 15-year expression. Distillers are then allowed to get as creative as they'd like, from experimenting with the number of distillations to using a variety of cask finishes. Ardbeg does not add coloring to its whisky. The whisky is then cut with water (unless its bottled at cask strength) before bottling. Address: PO Box 69 Legana, 7277 Tasmania Phone: (03) 9010 5090 Cradle Mountain Whisky. 10YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700mL. The Ian Hunter Story is a newer series of whiskies highlighting the life and contributions of the former Laphroaig owner. Size 750mL Proof 88.2 (44.1% ABV) *Please note that the ABV of this bottle may vary. And of course there has to be an ultra-luxury collection as wellin this case, its the Decades collection, the latest of which includes vintages from 1951 to 2000 and is valued at $275,000. 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. 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.