The aroma enthralls on this scotch: black olives, burnt rubber, forest floor, dried cherries and roasted almonds. For less than $75, upgrade to the 18 Year or the Nadurra selections which are perfect gifts for dedicated Glenlivet fans. Each offers a vast range of options, so there is something for every occasion, taste, budget, and knowledge. Ardmore's entry-level offering goes against the typical Speyside grain. Whether they’re from Islay, Aberdeenshire or Speyside, the brands featured on GAYOT’s Best Single Malt Scotch Whiskies are sure to provide a sublime sipping experience. The Glenlivet is the "whiskey that started it all" and an iconic name in the world of whiskey. Speyside malts are typically the sweetest of all Scotch Whisky Malts and many of the most popular single malts are produced in Speyside. The first addition to Ardbeg’s foundational range of scotches in a decade, this 2017 introduction is named after the Mull of Oa, a rocky peninsula on the Kilodalton coast where the distillery is located. It’s underwhelming for an 18-year Scotch, but good overall as a gentle and non-offensive sipping whiskey. Aged in the Highlands in Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks, it starts off with a spiced fruit nose that Tardie calls “brilliant.” Drink it neat with milk chocolate or aged cheeses, or, as he suggests, "drop an ice cube in and let it sit for a few seconds and see what happens.". It was malted with grassy, hillside peat in the 1980s, then laid down for decades to mellow its richness. It is a vast portfolio of vintage and reserve expressions that continually change and evolve. The world of scotch is also evolving, with restless distillers nowadays playing around with various categories of the whisky, from heavily-peated smoke bombs to sherry-cask whiskies. Located in Northeastern Scotland, the Strathspey area these whiskeys come from has the highest number of distilleries in Scotland. Speyside single malt originates from the north-eastern corner of the Scottish Highlands. The “Big 3” single malts are #1 Glenlivet, #2 The Macallan, and #3 Glenfiddich. As more and more cask-strength whiskies enter the market, everyday tipples are muscling up. “It’s exciting—it makes it more of an adventure for a novice who wants to start exploring scotch.” From the Highlands to the isle of Islay, here are the best scotch whiskies to get you started. Passion is fundamental to the operation and the resulting whisky imparts an impeccable sense of balance and consistency. The whiskey connoisseur will not be bored with the Ardmore selection, so don't be afraid of picking up the wrong one for a gift. The Macallan has both introductory whiskeys as well as special bottlings. 9 thoughts on “ Islay vs. Speyside Scotch ” Andrew on December 12, 2011 at 5:32 pm said: I think you’ll find that none of the distilleries on the Spey uses water from the river as an ingredient but a number of them use it for cooling/condensing. “You can have a single malt in America, Japan, Taiwan or elsewhere, but to be scotch, it has to be made in Scotland,” says Tommy Tardie, owner of New York's The Flatiron Room and Fine and Rare. From one of Scotland’s most ancient family clans - the Muirheads; comes a whisky range that has resonated with the hearts of a nation to become Scotland’s precious own. Ten-year-old Speyburn single malt is matured in American Oak ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks. It's technically a Speyside, which is a sort of sub-region within the Highlands and the two are not that dissimilar. Special offer. It's also an excellent single malt choice for mixing up impressive scotch cocktails. The Elgin Classic is their introductory-level label and this honeyed dram is definitely an easy drinker at a great price. These three brands typify the characteristic Speyside “style” or “template,” even though they each have very different aroma and flavor profiles. However, you can find some fantastic bottles of their single malts. What Is Johnnie Walker Blended Scotch Whisky? Peated Scotch Single Malts from the Speyside. For a reasonably-priced option, look no further than this whisky from Aberfeldy, a Central Highlands distillery that started operating in 1898. If you miss it, go to Scotland’s Malt Whisky Trail through seven Speyside distilleries. View Highland . Due to the sheer volume of distilleries, there's a huge amount of difference in the character of Speyside Scotch, from lighter grassy numbers, to the sweeter, richer, sherried type. 2000 Speyside Distilleries is sold to a private investment group, including Christie's son, Ricky, Ian Jerman and Sir James Ackroyd. The Macallan whiskies are in the top 3 of whisky sales worldwide. These three brands typify the characteristic Speyside “style” or “template,” even though they each have very different aroma and flavor profiles. Speyside whiskies are known for their fruity notes (white-fleshed fruit, berries) and their rounded, mellow character. Get our free book when you sign up for our newsletter. So prominent within the industry is this modest sized distillery … With notes of cedar, chocolate-covered cherries, pecans and honey, The GlenDronach Revival 15-year-old scotch “evolves in layers and layers of new flavors and keeps on delivering,” according to Tardie, following through with its seemingly miles-long finish. Speyside's product comes from the 50 distilleries, over half of the country's total number of Scotch producers. Yet, for a special gift, it would be good to seek out one of the rarer bottles. WS0987I SPEYSIDE miniature 1993-1993-1997 3x 5cl Malts of Scotland Cask 18012-636-15040 These are often available in vintages by year, much like wine, with some of the oldest fetching a pretty hefty price. H. Joseph Ehrmann, owner of San Francisco’s Elixir Saloon and co-founder of Fresh Victor, calls it “a head-turner that can open your eyes to the pleasures of grain whisky.” With its coconut and caramel notes, “it tastes fun,” says Tardie. If ever there was on occasion on which to crack open a bottle of scotch then Burns Night, on 25 January, is it. This is an incomplete list of whisky distilleries in Scotland.According to the Scotch Whisky Association there were 128 distilleries licensed to produce Scotch whisky in the calendar year 2018. From the region of Speyside, this famed distillery has been around since 1824. Ratings and reviews for the best whiskies from the Speyside region of Scotland Scotch whisky is vast, with 120 distilleries producing hundreds of brands. The Aberlour distillery (in the heart of Speyside), was founded in 1879 by James Fleming. The distillery offers a great range of affordable whiskeys and each is special in its own right. It’s made from the distillery’s oldest whisky—35- to 40-year-old scotch, aged in American white oak—which gives it a gravitas that Tardie appreciates. It is the perfect gift for the whiskey lover who has tried them all and it is sure to make an impression. For over 100 years, Speyburn have trusted their instincts and challenged the norm to create a single malt scotch whisky worthy of the Speyside region. Kirkland 18 Year Speyside Single Malt Scotch is a whiskey sold through Costco’s private label brand using Alexander Murray as its independent bottler. Look for the iconic 12 Year offering as well as the 18 Year for a nice whiskey that makes a good budget-friendly gift. An everyday pour, this whisky offers cherry Cola aromas with a mouth-coating, mid-palate sweetness that finishes in bittersweet, woody tannins. Please click on your favourite Scotch Whisky distillery on theWhisky Trail map below, the Scotland map or the A-Z list at the bottom of the page. Bringing together the best of Scotland’s opposing traditions, this cherrywood-colored scotch from Bowmore, Islay’s oldest distillery, is made with heavily-peated malt from island-grown barley. Their 25-year-old scotch whisky is a citrusy, chocolatey libation, made with spring water that runs down the Speyside heather-covered hills—giving Glenfarclas its name, which means “the valley of green grass.” The distillate is aged in Oloroso casks for a nutty, sherry finish that is perfect for sipping after dinner. Brands like Signatory, Gordon Mccail, and The Scotch Malt Whisky Society are all top tier examples. Aberlour has a number of older offerings that will please anyone who enjoys the occasional scotch on the rocks. There are currently 84 working distilleries. The Sherry casks imparts telltale fruit and nut tones to the final whisky. The second best selling single malt Scotch whisky in the world, their most famous core is the 12-year old. Since 1822, The Glenlivet continues to deliver a unique single malt scotch experience by selecting exceptional unique casks, finishes and liquids. Glenfarclas distillery Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky. But unlike other scotches from the island, “It's not a peat bomb; it’s just very drinkable,” says Tardie. Welcome to the Aberlour Whisky website. Its honey-blossom nose leads to vanilla and roasted nuts, a delightful herbaceous, and a hint of orange. Click here to explore our brands, browse our whiskies that are born out of craft, passion, and knowledge. Glenfiddich is the world’s best selling single-malt whisky.. Kirkland Signature, Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Sherry Cask Finish, 22 YO, Alexander Murray & Co, 46% ABV, 750 ml, MSRP: $80 The color is a … Outside scotch enthusiast circles, The Balvenie remains a relatively obscure Speyside single malt, though it is growing in popularity. Speyside is a "protected region" for Scotch Whisky distilling under UK Government legislation. Highland single malts are single malt Scotch whiskies produced in the Highland region of Scotland.This categorization includes the whiskies produced on the islands around the perimeter of Scotland (the Island single malts), except for Islay (see Islay whisky).Incongruously, the area also includes certain lowland areas in the North-East of the country such as Banffshire and Aberdeenshire. The Glenlivet 12 Year makes a great introduction to the world of single malt scotch and is surprisingly affordable at less than $50. “They’re taking a super-peaty whisky and taming it with beautiful wine-cask,” says Shanahan. You'll also be delighted to find a rather surprising honey note in any of their whiskeys. The first legal distillery in Speyside, the Glenlivet's whiskeys are characterized by bright tropical fruit notes including pineapple and banana. It is matured in quarter casks and offers a briny, peaty flavor profile. The Glenlivet and Glenfiddich, the two critically prolific and bestselling single malt Scotch whiskies of the world belonging to the Speyside. If you are shopping for a whiskey lover who enjoys a dram of whiskey after dinner, look for something from the Glenrothes range. Best Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whiskies, Award-winning mixologist, freelance cocktail columnist, and author of the book "Whisky Made Me Do It.". This is no doubt why it has become one of the most best known regions of Scottish whisky production. 2014 Harvey's releases a new range, Spey from Speyside distillery, predominantly in … Betsy Andrews has been writing about wine and spirits for two decades. The Glenlivet. If you've never tried scotch from the country's northeastern Speyside region, let us introduce you to one of its finest single malts: The Glenrothes 12. The top-selling single malt Scotch whisky in France isn't as well known in the U.S. This particular age of Speyburn whisky is enjoyed around the world with citrus notes and hints of butterscotch and toffee it leaves a pleasing sweet finish. "It’s absolutely phenomenal,” says Shanahan. These are finished off in port, sherry, and other previously used casks. “They toasted the barley so much that they call it a chocolate malt.” Just as in beer making, where a chocolate malt adds mocha flavor to a porter or stout, this Highland scotch is rich in cocoa and espresso notes that only deepen over time. If you cut down the amount of copper available to spirit vapour the higher the sulphur levels in the new make will be. Celebrated by Scotch-lovers for it's long and lingering finish, Johnnie Walker Gold Label is made from a blend of whiskies from the Speyside and Highland regions. Aberlour A'bunadh is a rich, creamy dram that will impress even the richest of scotch snobs, though it will not break the bank. Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky Broadly speaking, Speyside whiskies can be classified as falling into one of two camps. This is a single malt from a blend of their 4-5 year old peated whisky and 8 year-old unpeated whisky. Speyside actually falls within the borders of the Highland region, but despite its small size it takes the lion's share, being responsible for two-thirds of all Scotch malt whisky. Bottler Acorn bottled Scotch malt whisky exclusively for Japan. The Glenlivet 12 Year makes a great introduction to the world of single malt scotch and is surprisingly affordable at less than $50. The water for the distillation comes mainly from private springs and burns. The Balvenie -- 12-year-old Double Wood Scotch Whiskey. Aberfeldy is a malt whisky distillery in the 'Midlands', not far from Edradour and Blair Athol. This reflects the Speyside’s commercial superiority over Highland single malts with a fairly voluminous dominion over the loyalties of single malt lovers all over the world. “I think that if you’re going to add mixers, you should put the Highland metal to the test,” says Shanahan. Ardmore remains a favorite among Speyside whiskeys and is a great choice for those who prefer a more robust, savory whiskey. Their 12-year-old expressions are a great introduction for the new whiskey drinker. “There’s no age on it, but still, it’s brilliant.” It’s a great introduction to the island’s style. Best Under $100: Bowmore Darkest 15 Year Old, Best Single Malt: Lagavulin Distillers Edition, Best Cask-Strength: Laphroaig 10 Year Old, Best for Rusty Nail: Glencadam 10 Year Old, Best Single Estate: Glenmorangie The Cadboll Estate, Best Non-Aged: Bruichladdich Islay Barley, The 9 Best Cheap Scotches to Drink in 2021, The 12 Best Sipping Rums to Drink in 2021, 5 Essential Scotch Bottles You Need for Your Home Bar, The 15 Best Single Malt Scotch Whiskies to Drink in 2021, The 12 Best Canadian Whiskies to Drink in 2021, The 10 Best Japanese Whiskies to Drink in 2021, Your Essential Cheat Sheet to Scotland’s 5 Scotch Regions, What You Need to Know About Every Distillery on Islay. Spey River is a collection of some of the finest Single Malt Scotch Whiskies from the renowned Speyside region of Scotland known for its combination of refined flavour, aroma and excellence. Hera is the Most Popular & Best Scotch Brands in India with a price list & other details. Firstly, there is the light, sweet and honeyed single malts of distilleries such as The Glenlivet and Glenfiddich (which are the two best-selling single malt whiskies in the world). A resolute adherence to maturation in ex-Sherry casks helps to produce a whisky which is rich, resonant and capable of extremely long ageing, itself aided by a somewhat cool microclimate which limits evaporation losses to 0.05% per annum (against an industry average of 2.5). Speyside whiskies are the best-selling and, with the possible exception of Islay whiskies, most well-known of all Scotch whiskies. Celebrated by Scotch-lovers for it's long and lingering finish, Johnnie Walker Gold Label is made from a blend of whiskies from the Speyside and Highland regions. Bottle, box and glass of Speyburn whisky. Beyond that bottle, the distillery offers a few more interesting finds. This distillery also produces a lot of whiskey for blends, though their single malts are award-winning and a true adventure. The 10 Year and 12 Year are the flagship bottles and are affordably priced. With over 650 international brands, la Maison du Whisky offers the largest selection online. BL1510e € 195.00 ... SPEYSIDE 12yo 70cl 50% North Star - Bottled from one single refill sherry butt. Average rating: 85.6 Total reviews: 11 Common tags: Open the whisky up with some water and try it with marinated grilled chicken, barbecued spare ribs, mint-laced salads or fresh berries for dessert. From the Wemyss family in Speyside, this whisky is blended from 16 different single malts sourced throughout Scotland. If you thought of blended scotches as your grandfather’s drink, think again. Highly Awarded Speyside Whiskies. Speyside whiskies are the best selling and most well known of all Scotch whiskies. Brands; SPEYSIDE; SPEYSIDE. From one of Scotland’s most ancient family clans - the Muirheads; comes a whisky range that has resonated with the hearts of a nation to become Scotland’s precious own. 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