There is something about a Single Malt whisky that just makes it special. From the first sip, you can taste the care and attention that has gone into making it. Each distiller has its own unique process, and as a result, each bottle of Single Malt whisky tastes different.
Whether you enjoy it on the rocks, with a little water, or mixed in a cocktail, there’s no doubt that Single Malt whisky is a drink for discerning palates. But for those who are new to the scene, Single Malt Whisky can be a bit intimidating. With so many options available, where do you start?
Sure, you could go out and buy any old whisky to add to your collection. But if you’re looking for the best single malt whiskies, then look no further. We’ve gathered some of the best options available, so you can find the perfect one for your taste. Whether you prefer smoky and peaty whiskies or sweet and fruity ones, we’ve got something for everyone.
Single malt whiskey is a type of whisky that is made from water and malted barley at a distillery, using a process called “malt distilling.” Single malt whiskeys are usually aged in oak barrels.
The spirit must be distilled at no more than 80% alcohol by volume (160 proof) and matured for a minimum of three years. It should also have the taste, aroma, and characteristics that give it its unique character or style.
While there are many types of single malt whiskeys, the most common type is scotch since it originated in Scotland. Single malt whiskey may also refer to any one of many styles, including bourbon, rye, or other grains like corn or wheat.
Single malt whiskeys are often the most expensive types of whiskeys because they’re typically aged longer than other types of whiskies, and they use only whole grains or raw materials sourced from a single distillery.
A single malt whiskey’s flavor depends on the conditions where it was produced: how long it was aged, what type of wood was used for aging, and even which part of the warehouse it resided in. The taste may also vary seasonally as those factors change over time.
Single malts vary greatly depending on where they’re made and what flavors they have, so let me take you through some recommendations!
The Glengoyne 35 Year Single Malt Scotch Whiskey is a rare and exceptional whiskey that has been distilled and matured in oak casks for over 35 years.
This rich and complex whiskey has notes of dried fruits, nuts, spices, and honey, and it delivers a smooth and mellow finish. The Glengoyne 35 Year Single Malt Scotch Whiskey is the perfect dram for whisky lovers who appreciate complex flavors and a long-lasting finish.
If you are looking for an unforgettable whiskey experience, be sure to add the Glengoyne 35 Year Single Malt Scotch Whiskey to your shopping list. This exquisite dram is sure to please even the most discerning whisky lover.
One of the most popular single malt scotches in the world is the Glenlivet 18 Year. It has a rich and smoky flavor, with hints of vanilla and caramel. The 18 Year is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks but can also be used in cocktails.
The Glenlivet has been a favorite among whiskey lovers ever since. It is made from Highland malts that have been aged for at least 18 years. The result is a smooth, mellow whisky with notes of honey, spice, and oak.
The Glenlivet 18 Year is available in limited quantities, so be sure to pick up a bottle while you still can. Whether you’re a seasoned whisky drinker or just starting out, the Glenlivet 18 Year is sure to please.
Ardbeg Uigeadail is a Single Malt Scotch Whisky from the Ardbeg Distillery on Islay. It is bottled at cask strength and non-chill filtered.
Ardbeg Uigeadail was named “World’s Best Single Malt Whisky” in 2009 by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible. In addition, it has been awarded a score of 95 points by Wine Enthusiast Magazine.
Ardbeg Uigeadail is made from malted barley, which is peated to a phenol level of 40 parts per million (ppm). The whisky is distilled in copper pot stills and then matured in ex-bourbon casks. After maturation, it is then transferred into ex-oloroso sherry casks to provide additional complexity through the introduction of “darker, heavier” flavors.
Nikka Yoichi Single Malt Whiskey is a Japanese whiskey made from malted barley and distilled in copper pot stills. It is then aged in oak casks for a minimum of 10 years.
The distillery was founded in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru, who was later recognized as the father of Japanese whisky. The name Yoichi comes from the place where the distillery is located, on the island of Hokkaido.
Yoichi Single Malt Whiskey has a rich, smoky flavor with hints of vanilla and caramel. It is a well-balanced whiskey that can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks. If you’re looking for an excellent Japanese whiskey to add to your collection, be sure to check out Nikka Yoichi Single Malt Whiskey. It’s definitely worth a try!
Glendronach is one of the few distilleries that uses unpeated malt to create their offerings. They’re also known for using ex-bourbon barrels to mature their whisky, though they’ve recently gone back to making use of sherry casks as well after a several-year hiatus.
As you might expect from two factors like those (along with an absence of coloring or chill-filtration), the resulting product shares the warm, honeyed character common to many Highland malts. This gives it plenty of character without becoming overpowering.
This is an incredible whisky. The nose is full of sweet malt flavors, chocolate, vanilla, and nuts. The flavor is rich with dark brown sugar and fruit cake first, then soft spice (cinnamon especially), some soft woody tannins, and a hint of smoke on the finish. Some water brings out more sweetness (toffee/caramel).
If you enjoy a good single malt whiskey, you’ll want to check out Cutwater Spirits Devil’s Share. This unique whiskey is made from 100% malted barley and distilled in small batches in copper pot stills. It has a rich, smoky flavor with hints of vanilla and caramel.
Devil’s Share is available in both 750 ml and 1-liter bottles, and it makes a great gift for the whiskey lover in your life. So next time you’re looking for something special to drink, give Cutwater Spirits Devil’s Share a try. You won’t be disappointed!
Westward American Single Malt Whiskey is made in the Pacific Northwest from barley grown in the region. The distillery uses traditional copper pot stills to produce a whiskey that is light, fruity, and subtly smoky.
Westward whiskey is made using traditional techniques. It’s mashed, fermented, and distilled entirely in the Pacific Northwest. The barley used to make Westward whiskey is grown in Washington State, Idaho, and Oregon.
The spirit is then aged in new American white oak barrels for at least 18 months before it’s ready for bottling. Proprietors Matt Hofmann (the master distiller) and Brett Carlile (the master blender) oversee every step of the process. They hand-select all of the ingredients that are used to produce Westward, ensuring that each batch has a distinct flavor profile guaranteed to please even the most finicky palate.
Kavalan Distillery Select Single Malt Whiskey is a Taiwanese whiskey made with barley, water, and yeast. It is distilled in copper pot stills and matured in American oak casks. Kavalan Distillery Select Single Malt Whiskey has a smoky aroma with notes of toffee, vanilla, and honey. It is smooth and mellow with flavors of caramel, honey, and malt. Kavalan Distillery Select Single Malt Whiskey is best served neat or on the rocks.
Kavalan Distillery Select Single Malt Whiskey was named the “Best Spirit in the World” at the 2017 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. It was also awarded “Gold – Best in Class” and “95 Points” at the 2017 Ultimate Spirits Challenge.
Kavalan Distillery is located in Yilan City, Taiwan, on the East Asian Island of the same name. It is nestled amongst mountains which act as natural barriers against typhoons and other extreme weather events. Average temperatures are 25 °C (77 °F) during summer and 5 to 10 degrees lower than that during winter, which provides an ideal climate for aging whisky.
The Tyrconnell Sherry Cask Single Malt Irish Whiskey is a delicious expression of Irish whiskey that has been finished in sherry casks. This whiskey has a sweet and fruity flavor that is sure to please anyone who enjoys a good glass of whiskey.
The Tyrconnell Sherry Cask Single Malt Irish Whiskey is a high-quality whiskey that has been aged in popular sherry casks for over nine years. This Irish whiskey has a deep amber color with a nose of sweet toffee and dried fruit aromas. The palate offers flavors of candied orange peel, vanilla, butterscotch, nutmeg, and cocoa.
The Tyrconnell Sherry Cask Single Malt Irish Whiskey is the perfect whiskey for those who enjoy a sweet and flavorful dram. This expression is sure to please anyone who enjoys a nice glass of sherry cask-finished whiskey.
So there you have it. The best single malt whiskies to add to your collection this year! This list should provide you with plenty of options to choose from if you’re looking for a great bottle of single malt whisky but are completely lost as to where to start or perhaps overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices that are out there.
This list is by no means exhaustive, so if you have a favorite single malt whisky that isn’t on this list, be sure to share it with us in the comments below!
Cheers!
