11 Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky Brands To Try Whether You're An Expert Or Want To Learn More
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If you don't fancy yourself a whisky connoisseur quite yet, here's a quick rundown of everything you should know before picking out a single malt scotch for yourself.
Though the name may make you assume otherwise, single malt scotch whisky can be produced anywhere in the world, not just in Scotland. According to Forbes, the word "single" is used to define malt whiskys that are distilled at one single distillery. This may mean that the whisky is blended together from different casks and does not refer to one single cask. When you choose a single malt whisky and see a number on the bottle (like 12 or 18) that refers to the youngest aged whisky combined into the bottle, though it likely contains some whisky that has been aged for much longer. The word "malt" in the phrase "single malt whisky" refers to the malted barley that is used to make the drink.
Single malt scotch whisky can be enjoyed neat, though you can add a splash of cold water or one to two ice cubes into your glass after taking your first taste. Always store your bottle as room temperature to maintain the integrity of your bottle's flavors and aromas, and enjoy for special occasions or just because.
Want more bar cart inspiration? Check out these best whisky brands.
As the name suggests, Glenlivet 14 is aged for 14 years total with a special aging process that takes place in bourbon and sherry casks before being finished in the highest quality ex-cognac casks for at least six months.
Balvenie's Carribbean cask offers unique aromas of passion fruit, rich toffee, and other tropical scents. As you sip you'll notice sweet vanilla, mango, apple, and a bit of orange.
The flavor of Glenrothes is smooth and lingering with vanilla, melon, and cinnamon when sipped.
This single malt scotch whisky is named after the small Aberfeldy Distillery located in Scotland where it's manufactured.
Aged in sherry-seasoned oak casks, Highland Park 12 Year boasts aromas and flavors like fresh tangerine, charred peach, smoked kindling, heather honey, dried fruit, warm spice and salty sea smoke.
Lagavulin is loved by connoisseurs everywhere for its rich and smoky flavors. The drink is aged 16 years in oak casks and that long fermentation, distillation, and maturation process gives it it's amazing reputation.
Not only is the Bruichladdich bottle beautiful, but the beverage itself is also made with 100 percent Scottish barley that is then matured in American oak by the shores of Lochindaal. Every Buichladdich bottle is done so naturally, with an un-chill filtering process, and no added colors.
Old Pulteney is aged for 12 years in air-dried, hand-selected ex-bourbon casks. The brand itself has its home in the coastal town of Wick, Scotland, where it was established in 1826.
Glendullan was the last of seven distilleries in the area upon its establishment in 1897. Since then, production has been steady, in fact, it took the barley shortages of the World War II to halt production. Singleton of Glendullan is describes as being light, fresh, and subtly sweet.
This Solera finished single malt has a rich and mellow profile that compliments all whiskey cocktails. Stranahan's Blue Peak gets its unique name from a 13-thousand foot peak in Aspen, drawing back to the distillery’s Colorado roots.
The 18-year aging process adds body and depth to Aberlour's aroma and it is matured in casks that add both bourbon and sherry flavors.
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