Paul Kushner
Single malt scotch whisky is produced from malted barley at a single distillery in Scotland. The best single malts have rich, complex flavors that develop from aging in oak barrels. Aficionados seek out highly rated single malts from renowned distilleries to savor their intricate notes of smoke, peat, vanilla, honey and more.
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Connoisseurs of fine spirits often have a favorite single malt or two that they return to time and again. The dedicated whisky lover takes pleasure in discovering new single malts to add to their collection. A night spent sampling some top-rated pours with friends is a great way to explore the flavors and appreciate the craft that has gone into creating these outstanding drams of liquid gold.
The Macallan Double Cask 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch
The Macallan is a classic scotch option that is exceptionally robust in flavor. Many consider this scotch to be perfectly balanced, typically matured in American and European sherry oak casks. You’ll notice subtle hints of European oak and vanilla, with a warm finish that speaks of a sweet yet bold character. It’s hard to go wrong with The Macallan.
The Glenlivet Scotch Single Malt 18 Year
If you want to keep a scotch on hand that lets every visitor know that you know something about good scotch, then check out Glenlivet’s single malt option. You will immediately notice that Glenlivet has a powerful yet smooth palate with notes of oak, fruit, and toffee. The finish is long and lingering, making the experience last long after the last sip is swallowed.
The Balvenie Caribbean Cask
Balvenie is an excellent name in the world of single malt scotch. The Caribbean Cask line is a special bottle, even for Balvenie. The Caribbean Cask is primarily known for its sweet oak and vanilla-tasting notes, making this scotch a smooth experience. The soft and lasting finish makes Balvenie the perfect scotch to sip on some ice.
Ardbeg Scotch Single Malt
The Ardbeg single malt is an excellent scotch if you want something straightforward yet powerfully delicious. In addition, it’s simple, meaning it tastes how scotch is supposed to taste. You’ll enjoy the heavy peat notes and the unique flavor that comes from aging this scotch in bourbon barrels.
Glenmorangie Scotch Single Malt Signet
Glenmorangie produces some excellent whiskies, and their single malt is no exception. You’ll appreciate the variety of flavors experienced with Glenmorangie. Enjoy the bitter dark chocolate notes combined with special spices and a mellow, smooth butterscotch taste that’s simply delightful. Glenmorangie provides a complex yet subtle flavor profile compared to other single malts.
Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie
The Classic Laddie is a great house scotch to keep around and serve neat. You can add a splash of water or ice if you’d like, but neat is undoubtedly the best. You’ll notice the floral notes that set this scotch apart from other options on the list. It has a little bit of a peaty flavor and hints of oak.
Aberlour 16 Year Old
You’ll love the Aberlour for its depth and complexity, making it a great option for sipping neat on a cold winter night. The Aberlour 16 has a nice mouthfeel that mingles spicy and sweet notes together for a pleasant scotch sipping experience. Since Aberlour is matured in two types of casks, it’s unique compared to other options on the list.
Glenfiddich 21 Year Old Reserva Single Malt Scotch
Glenfiddich is an excellent single malt scotch, regardless of the occasion. It could be an everyday scotch or something for a special day. With traditional scotch flavors that are rich and ripe, you’ll love the smooth finish from Glenfiddich that lasts long after you’ve finished your glass.
Highland Park 12 Year Old Viking Honour
Highland Park is the scotch for you if you’re looking for a single malt scotch with earthy, warm notes that speak of some of the most traditional scotch. You’ll love the hints of orange, fruit, cinnamon, and nutmeg in the Highland Park 12. The flavor is so profound, and the aroma is exceptionally pleasant and unique.
Oban 14 Single Malt
We finish our list with a great sipping scotch called Oban 14, a single malt with unique hints of dried fig and spice. You’ll also note the freshness of orange, lemon, and pear. A dose of salt, peat, and dry malt is exceptional. With a sweet, oaky finish, the Oban 14 is a great single malt for any occasion.
