Let’s be real for a moment. When scotch whisky is involved, there is never a bad time to think about buying it. You don’t need to wait for the holidays to go out and get a nice bottle for someone, even when that someone is yourself. With that in mind, check out these six single malts that’ll be there to treat you, no matter the occasion.
For the man who considers himself royalty:
Royal Brackla, which was previously released as a 35-year-old marque ($15,000 a bottle), is a truly regal malt. Founded in 1812, in the northern Highlands, it hails from the first distillery bestowed with a royal warrant and has since been lauded as “The King’s Own Whisky.” Heavily sherried, rich, fruity and full, Royal Brackla is a fine dram to savor as it slowly reveals its complexity. Royal Brackla will be available 12-year-old, 16-year-old and 21-year-old expressions. ($65, $130, $225)
For the man who likes a little intrigue:
Aultmore is a rare Speyside malt known locally as “a nip of the Buckie Road.” The distillery’s water filters down through the misty, mysterious area called the Foggie Moss and legend has it imbibers could only order a dram using a special code name. Aultmore is rated top-class and is a dram sought after for its gentle grassy notes. Aultmore will be available in 12- year-old and a 18-year-old in limited quantities. ($55, $115)
For the man who likes to unwind:
Deveron, a new range of 12 and 18 year-old single malts, is made where the River Deveron meets the open seas. Offering “calm from the storm,” it’s the perfect malt for relaxing by the fireside in the depths of winter. Soft fruity notes combine with an easy drinking style to make Deveron a favorite with the work force of the distillery after a long day. ($45, $110)
Related: Glenfiddich 14 Year Old Bourbon Barrel Reserve
For the man who likes a challenge:
Craigellachie stays true to its traditions of whisky-making, including the use of worm tubs – so called for their coiled copper tubing – to cool the spirit. The brand was described as “old-fashioned” even in 1891 as it makes no concessions to modern-day trends. Single malt fans appreciate Craigellachie for its remarkable sulphuric, savory, meaty character.Craigellachie 13-year-old and 23-year-old are perfect for the man who likes a challenging flavor. ($55, $280)
For the man with a heart of gold:
Aberfeldy, known as the “Golden Dram,” draws its water from the Pitilie Burn. Pure and fresh, its waters are famed for containing deposits of alluvial gold. The dram is much admired for its honey notes, displaying a classic Central Highland style rarely tasted in single malts today. Named “Highland Whisky of the Year 2014” by Whisky Magazine, Aberfeldy is available as 12-year-old and 21-year-old expressions. ($45, $195)
For the man who loves a classic:
Dewar’s 12: Make your holiday special with a bottle of Dewar’s 12 Year Old Scotch Whisky. DEWAR’S 12 is a luxuriously rich fruity and smooth blend, with warm, buttery and mellow notes. After Dewar’s 12 is blended, it is it is returned to the vintage oak casks so it can mature further. This extra step is called double barrel aging and it makes Dewar’s 12 Blended Scotch Whisky an even smoother blend with a long, lingering finish. ($29.99)
