Scotch consumers may not understand what “single malt” means until they’ve already began their journey of appreciation. Malt whisky The mash bill for Scotch whisky must include only barley malt and must be aged in oak barrels for a minimum of three years before it can be considered authentic. As a result, distillers are free to experiment with the number of distillations, as well as utilizing a range of barrel finishes, to get their desired flavour profile. Single malt whiskey is produced by more than 120 distilleries in Scotland. While most of this whisky is used in blended drinks, some of it is sold in its own right as a unique representation of the distillery’s unique personality.
There is a single malt scotch whisky to suit every taste, so we’ve compiled a list of some of the greatest.
Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie
Whisky from the Islay area of Scotland, such as Bruichladdich, is well-known for its highly smokey taste. Port Charlotte and Octomore, which at times approach the highest quantities of peat in any whiskey on the market, are included in this category However, this wonderful unpeated whiskey serves as the basis for the core of the bottling.
This is a non-age-statement single malt whisky that has citrus, honey, vanilla, and malted barley flavours. For less than $100, you get a fantastic whiskey that tastes terrific neat and improves a basic highball.
The Glenlivet 12-Year-Old
There’s a solid reason why the 12-year-old Glenlivet expression is so popular. It’s reasonably priced and has a very accessible taste. The greatest daily sipping whiskey for a terrific price” since it isn’t overpoweringly peaty.
For people who don’t want to spend a lot of money but are seeking for something with a lot of depth, this bottle of whiskey is an excellent choice.
Aberlour 16-Year-Old
However, whiskey consumers in the United States tend to neglect Aberlour unnecessarily. The 16-year-old from this Speyside distillery hits the sweet spot of maturity between the 12 and 18-year-old from the other two age declaration bottles in the range. Before being bottled, the whiskey is aged in both whiskey and sherry barrels for a total of 16 years. Because it has spent so much time in bourbon barrels and in sherry barrels, it has a rich, oaky body with some sweet vanilla flavours.
Aberfeldy 12-Year-Old
Classic Scotch, and a fascinating look at one of the whiskies that goes into the far more well-known Dewar’s White Label.
A distillery that’s been in business since the early 1900s provides a crucial component of the Dewar’s blend. For about $30 to $40, you can get a lot of single malt for your money with the 12-year-old. The discerning drinker receives a honey syrupy flavour with undertones of vanilla and spice in return for the modest price tag.
Auchentoshan American Oak
While you would want to think twice before mixing a Manhattan with that $300 bottle of 25-year-old whiskey, there are some excellent Single malt Irish whiskey that aren’t too pricey. In the Lowlands of Scotland, Auchentoshan Distillery produces a single malt whiskey.
Use this triple-distilled whisky in your Manhattans, Old Fashioned and other whiskey cocktails, since it has an almost bourbon-like taste.
Jura 10-Year-Old
This scotch is rested in bourbon and then finished in Olorous sherry casks, which produces a balanced but sweet finish that dances among spice and oak,” the distillery’s 10-year-old statement. First-time scotch drinkers will find the smoky flavour of this dram appealing.
The Glen Dronach Original
As a rule of thumb for many distilleries, their entry-level whiskey is matured for at least twelve years. The Glen Dronach is one of the greatest options out there, although there are several to select from. This Highlands-based distillery specializes in sherry-aged whiskey.
This is without a doubt one of my favorited 12-year-old Scottish whiskies. This stuff isn’t diluted down to the legal minimum like some of the bigger establishments. My favorited part of this whiskey is the time it spends in Pedro Ximenez sherry barrels, which imparts a richness and complexity of flavours like raisins, butter, chocolate, baking spice, and orange peels. This whiskey is likewise unchill filtered and does not have any extra colour since the colour comes from the barrels alone.