New Year, New Whiskies! With a multitude of exceptional options on the horizon, we’re here to guide you through a tantalizing journey of discovery. In this list, we’ve consciously steered away from the familiar giants of the whisky industry and those ubiquitous brands adorning grocery store shelves. Instead, let’s look into the hidden gems and unique expressions that deserve your attention in 2024.
Bushmills Whiskey, Aged 16 Years
If you haven’t experienced the sheer delight of Bushmill whiskey, then it’s high time you did. Despite its considerable name recognition, Bushmills often flies under the radar. The 16-year-old Irish single malt from Bushmills is a testament to the brand’s exceptional craftsmanship.
Tasting Notes:
- Aromas: Fruits, Nuts, Spice
- Cask Types: Bourbon, Port, Sherry
The secret to its captivating flavor profile lies in the aging process, which involves three distinct types of casks: bourbon, port, and sherry. This combination infuses the whisky with a harmonious blend of fruitiness, nuttiness, and subtle spice. Bushmill 16-year-old is an ideal companion for those seeking an unforgettable Irish whisky experience.
Tamdhu
Join us on the Tamdhu bandwagon, where sherried single malt reigns supreme. Tamdhu’s Quercus Alba Distinction series is a testament to their commitment to excellence. The second release in this series offers a unique opportunity to explore the influence of first-fill American oak sherry barrels on whisky flavor.
Tasting Experience:
- Maturation: First-fill American Oak Sherry Barrels
Tamdhu’s dedication to using only first-fill American oak sherry barrels sets them apart in the whisky world. This allows you to savor the distinct nuances imparted by American oak, enhancing your appreciation of the whisky’s rich, sherried character.
That Boutique-y Whisky Company’s Fary Lochan 6-Year-Old
Prepare your palate for an unconventional adventure with That Boutique-y Whisky Company’s Fary Lochan 6-Year Old. This single malt whisky hails from the Fary Lochan Distillery in Denmark, and it’s bound to intrigue even the most seasoned whisky connoisseur.
Unique Flavor Character:
- Barley Smoked with Nettles
Unlike traditional peat-smoked whiskies, this one boasts a distinctive twist – the barley is smoked with nettles. This unorthodox approach creates a truly one-of-a-kind flavor profile. So, if you’re in the mood for something utterly unique and delicious, look no further.
Fuji Gotemba Single Malt: Discovering Japanese Excellence
Fuji Gotemba Distillery, nestled at the foot of Mount Fuji, is a sprawling complex dedicated to the art of whisky-making. Beyond its picturesque location, there’s a lot to uncover about the distillery’s inner workings. And what better way to begin your journey than by sampling their Single Malt?
Tasting Highlights:
- Maturation: Bourbon and Lager Barrels
This exquisite single malt, crafted in the Scotch style, is aged in a blend of bourbon and lager barrels. This distinctive maturation imparts a spectrum of flavors that will captivate your senses. Fuji Gotemba Single Malt is your gateway to Japanese whisky excellence.
Scapegrace Ephemeral (RP9) Is A Kiwi Whisky Revelation
Let’s take a detour to New Zealand with Scapegrace Ephemeral (RP9), a whisky that encapsulates the essence of its origin. Crafted from malted barley sourced in New Zealand, this whisky offers an intriguing journey of flavor.
A Kiwi Adventure:
- Matured: New Zealand Pinot Noir Barrel Finish
- ABV: 57%
After a minimum of five years of maturation in a 200-liter virgin French oak barrel, this whisky undergoes a fascinating transformation. Bottled without chill-filtration at a robust 57% ABV, Scapegrace Ephemeral is a captivating introduction to the Scapegrace brand. Prepare to be enthralled by its originality.
Turntable Track 2 Is a Firestarter Whisky
For those with a penchant for music and whisky, Turntable’s blended Scotch whiskies offer a double treat. Created by brothers Ally and Gordon Stevenson, who boast over 20 years of experience in the industry, Turntable has captured our hearts with both its exceptional whisky and eye-catching music-themed labels.
- Maturation: Various Virgin Oak Barrels
Each expression from Turntable undergoes a meticulous marrying process that lasts at least three months before bottling. Unfiltered and with a natural color, these whiskies are true gems. Track 02, Firestarter Whisky, is a masterful blend of four different types of virgin oak barrels, delivering notes of pineapple, toffee apple, vanilla, and campfire smoke. A harmonious symphony for your taste buds.
Beautiful Fruit 8-Year-Old
Revel in the delight of Figs’ finest Irish whiskey, the 8-Year-Old. This sophisticated single-grain whisky boasts a tantalizingly fruity and estery personality with a hint of tropical allure.
Versatile Elegance:
- Age: 8 Years
With its elegant profile, this eight-year-old whisky adds a burst of flavor to cocktails of all kinds. Whether you prefer it neat or mixed, Beautiful Fruit 8-Year Old is your ticket to a world of refined Irish whiskey enjoyment.
Nomad Outland Whisky
Nomad Outland Whisky takes us on a journey through the realms of blended whisky. Distilled and matured in Scotland before embarking on a transformative voyage to Jerez, Spain, this whisky is finished in PX sherry barrels.
- Finish: PX Sherry Barrels
- ABV: 41.3%
Nomad Outland Whisky is a decadent spirit with an ABV of 41.3% and a sweetness of 12 grams of sugar per liter – reminiscent of Brandy de Jerez. The fusion of sherry and Scotch creates a captivating flavor profile that will leave you intrigued and wanting more.
Compass Box Great King Street – Glasgow Blend Whisky
Embrace the ideal blend that never fails to delight: Compass Box Great King Street—Glasgow Blend Whisky. This versatile concoction combines 67% malt whisky from the Highlands, Speyside, and Islay with 33% grain whisky from the Lowlands.
- Maturation: Sherry Barrels, Bourbon Barrels, New French Wood
This corker from Compass Box boasts a complex depth that’s perfect for sipping neat or mixing into your favorite cocktails. Its affordability makes it a go-to choice for whisky enthusiasts looking for quality without breaking the bank.
Strathdearn 7-Year-Old 2015 Single Cask (Master of Malt) Whisky
Located in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, Strathdearn’s 7-Year-Old Single Malt is a hidden treasure worth exploring. As advocates of single-cask whiskies, we can’t help but share this remarkable find.
Limited Rarity:
- Bottles Produced: Only 324
With only 324 bottles produced, this single-cask gem is a testament to the uniqueness of the whisky world. If you haven’t delved into the world of single-cask whiskies yet, now is the perfect time to start your exploration.
Each whisky on our list, from the serene Japanese excellence of Fuji Gotemba to the bold innovation of Nomad Outland finished in PX sherry barrels, represents a waypoint in an epicurean adventure. The journey doesn’t stop there; with expressions like Compass Box’s Glasgow Blend offering complexity at an unbeatable value, and Strathdearn’s single-cask rarity showcasing the allure of limited editions, there’s a world of flavors waiting to be explored.