- Post Title
- 2022's Best Scotch Whisky Values
- Posted Time
- 04/13/2022
- Author
- Ray Daniel
- Advertiser
- Ray Daniel
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Current breweries are also continually expanding their official limited-edition releases of distillery products, whether through new core range additions or special. As a result, the terrain of Scotch whisky tastes is always shifting.
Some of the greatest prices and most fascinating Scotch whisky expressions that can be found in 2022 are listed below. Some are new bottlings, both permanent versions of existing core ranges and limited-edition releases, while others are old standbys that continue to provide exceptional value to Scotch whiskey fans.
GlenAllachie is a relatively new whisky among Scotch whiskey distilleries. It has a capacity of roughly four million litres of alcohol (LOA) per year and is located in Aberlour. Clan Campbell, Chivas Regal, and House of Lords blended whiskies accounted for the majority of its output. Since being acquired by Pernod-Ricard Distilleries Company in 2017, the distillery has concentrated on extending its single malt products. In recent years, it has been operating at a much lower capacity.
GlenAllachie's fermentation cycle is very long, lasting an average of 160 hours. A 10-year-old (48% ABV), a 12-year-old Port Wood finish, and a 30-year-old Cask Strength are all part of the current core range (48.9% ABV) There are also Madera and Pedro Ximénez (PX) finished whiskies that are comparable in age, albeit these might be difficult to locate. With tropical fruit aromas of fried banana, mango, and melon, they're all outstanding.
The GlenAllachie 30 YO (Batch 1) is aged in Pedro Ximénez (PX), Oloroso Sherry, and a small amount of Chinquapin Virgin oak barrels. Inver House also owns Speyburn, a Speyside distillery. Torbhaig is a youthful whiskey, only three years old, and yet a long way from its ten-year maturation period. The candied orange zest/marmalade, dates, raisins, and apricot jam tastes in the 18 YO are strong.
If you like peated whiskies, though, a new distillery expression, especially one at around $60 a bottle, is hard to pass up.
Benromach is another Speyside distillery with a design that harkens back to the 1950s and 1960s. This is a mildly peated malt that nonetheless maintains the sweet, fruity taste of Speyside whiskies from those eras, as did most Speyside whiskies at the time.
Fettercairn Distillery, founded in 1824, is one of Scotland's oldest whiskies. Sherry butts and ex-bourbon barrels were used to age the whiskey. Fresh plum, raspberry, orange zest, blackberry, juicy apples, figs, golden raisin, and spiced/mulled wine are among the flavours. It's also a great bargain for a 21-year-old whiskey, with an average price of $162 per bottle. A 12-year-old, a 16-year-old, and a 22-year-old are among the current crop.
Existing Scotch whisky expressions provide a wealth of excellent value. Glendronach 21 YO is a fantastic whiskey that has been aged in both Oloroso and PX sherry barrels. Over the previous five years, the price has risen to roughly $270 per bottle. It's still a fantastic whiskey, but it's no longer the bargain it once was.
The Glendronach 15 YO, on the other hand, is aged in Oloroso and PX Sherry barrels and is frequently available for under $80 per bottle. It's still a great deal at less than a third of the typical price of its elder sister. Also, try the completed expressions of Moscatel and Tawny Port.
Aberlour A'bunadh is a cask strength whiskey with no age declaration, often about 60% ABV. Glenfarclas single malts are all aged in Oloroso Sherry casks and provide excellent value, despite growing pricing. The bottle of 40 YO costs roughly $1,200. The 25 YO still sells for roughly $220, however, it may be purchased for as cheap as $150 on occasion. There are additional younger expressions, as well as a 21 YO and 30 YO.
Both BenRiach and Glenglassaugh are rising stars. Master Blender Rachel Barrie's subtle touch, as well as new owner Brown Forman's enhanced marketing initiatives, are benefiting both distilleries. Both companies' whiskies are progressively increasing in price, particularly their ultra-aged and unique cask-finished varieties. All of these items are excellent options for purchase before prices rise further higher.
Because of the rising price of Scotch whisky, you might occasionally uncover older bottlings and cheaper pricing. This adds a sense of adventure to your search for the best Scotch whisky.
In 2022, here's to broadening your Scotch whisky horizons.
Good luck with your hunt!