As many scotch aficionados find out, “single malt” doesn’t truly signify anything until much later on in their journey of appreciation. One distillery must produce a single malt Scotch whisky that is aged for at least three years in wood barrels. As a result, distillers are free to experiment with the number of distillations they use, as well as the kind of casks they use. More than 120 distilleries in Scotland produce single malt whiskey, most of which is used in blended whiskies, but some of which is bottled as a unique representation of a specific distillery’s character.
With a wide range of tastes catered to, these are some of the top Single malt whiskey on the market today.
Glenfiddich 12-Year-Old
Glenfiddich, one of the world’s most famous whiskey brands, has a 12-year-old expression that is both reasonable and accessible. This traditional whiskey, which has been aged in bourbon and sherry barrels before being blended together in a huge tun, offers pear and green apple aromas. It’s a great whiskey for those who are new to the category, and it’s also a great mixer.
Pomegranate and delicate, earthy spices complement one other well, and there’s plenty of room for acidic, tannic, or bitter elements in its long, creamy finish,” says Otsuji. “A neat pour or on the rocks will give you plenty of barrel flavor.” Don’t think I’m telling the truth.” Glenfiddich 12-year is an excellent choice for your Moscow Mule or Jungle Bird.”
Glenmorangie Signet
A broad range of whiskies are available from Glenmorangie, from the 10-year-old basic expression to some of the costliest vintages in the industry. Because it does not have an age statement, the Signet single malt Scotch does not require one.
It is said that the mash bill contains roasted chocolate barley malt, and that the spirit is matured in “designer” oak barrels. ‘I adore coffee and chocolate overtones in both alcohol and cocktails so this one calls to me,’ Meaghan Dorman, the bar director at Dear Irving on Hudson, explains. Velvety and refined, this is a one-off spirit well worth the money.
The Dalmore Port Wood Reserve
As the name suggests, port pipes are large wooden containers that once contained port and are called from the Portuguese word “pipa,” meaning cask. This unique method of enhancing the taste of whiskey is used by several Scotch distilleries. Adding luscious plums, cherries, and dried apricots to Dalmore’s already incredibly rich and complex single malt is the Port Wood Reserve bottling. The Tawny Port pipe from W & J Graham’s vineyard in Portugal are used to finish this non-age-statement whiskey, demonstrating why port wood is a favorite cask finish.
The Balvenie Caribbean Cask
Single malt scotch may not be as widely consumed as sherry or wine, but there are certain advantages to finishing a whiskey in a rum barrel. Banana, brown sugar, and chocolate are some of the unique tastes that may be found in a rum barrel.
An excellent example is the 14-year-old Caribbean Cask Scotch from The Balvenie. This whiskey has “everything” going for it, in the words of Otsuji. Rich flavors like toffee or caramel, toasty oak, or even honey on fresh papaya is enhanced by the ex-rum barrel finish. However, the finish does not come off as sweet or syrupy, but rather as a sumptuous tactile feature.
Lagavulin 16-Year-Old
Islay-based distillery Lagavulin is a favorite of McCoy’s, and it produces some of the best peated scotch anywhere. The second-fill ex-bourbon barrel-aged 16-year-old expression may be costly, but it’s certainly worth it. McCoy describes it as “one of my all-time favorites from Islay.” You may drink it straight up (no ice) while relaxing by the fire with spice, sherry, big peat smoke, and overtones of black tea and soft wood.
Ardbeg Uigeadail
When it comes to a peated Single malt Irish whiskey, this is hands-down the greatest, according to Kurpinsky. If you’re looking for a really unique Islay whiskey, Ardbeg is a must-have for you. Burning peat to dry out the barley and halt the malting process infuses the grain with smoke, which gives this Scotch its taste. There is plenty of saltiness in this bottling, named after a nearby lake, but it also boasts one of Islay’s most gratifying endings, according to distiller Kurpinsky. Tobacco, fresh coffee, black sugar, and a pinch of sea salt are all part of this dish’s flavor profile.