At one time or another, it hits all of us: the dreaded pressure and paralyzing uncertainty that comes with gift giving. The good news is no matter the occasion, holiday, or impromptu reason for rejoicing there is undoubtedly a single malt whisky that will make for the perfect gift. Here’s a gift guide for a wide variety of recipients.
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What to know:
Located on the Orkney Islands (essentially, north of almost everything), this Scotch whisky is aged mostly in American and European sherry seasoned oak casks.
What the experts say:
Most bourbon drinkers will find something to like in it. As the “Greatest all rounder” it has good Highland flavors of heather, citrus and honey and it also has a bit of “sea spray” and a hint of peat smoke.
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If you’re shopping for someone whose idea of the best Scotch gift is smoke in a glass, look no further. Simply put, this peated single malt from Bruichladdich is not for the faint of heart.
What the experts say:
Octomore for sure, but that's on the extreme side.
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Many imbibers who shy away from all things peated whisky often look to a Scotch with a sherry cask finish. A less traveled path is the Sauternes cask; Sauternes is a French sweet wine. This Glenmorangie single malt whisky is first aged in American oak ex-bourbon casks and then transferred to Sauternes casks.
What the experts say:
We recommend the Glenmorangie Nectar D'Or, a smooth scotch finished in a Sauternes cask for a little sweetness, at a good price.
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This Highland single malt is matured in six different types of wood: American oak ex-bourbon casks, Matusalem Oloroso sherry casks, Madeira barrels, Marsala casks, Port pipes and Cabernet Sauvignon wine barriques. The result? A smooth and luxurious dram.
What the experts say:
Now the Dalmore King Alexander III, is not cheap whisky at about $250 a bottle but knocks the socks off whiskies that are 2x or more cost.
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To say that this single malt Scotch is aged for 14 years in oak whisky casks and then finished in Caribbean rum casks is something of an oversimplification. Long-time Malt Master for William Grant & Sons distillers, David Stewart MBE, actually filled American oak casks with his own blend of select West Indian rums and only when he deemed the casks ready were they then filled with the 14 year old whisky.
What the experts say:
Those with a sweet tooth might enjoy a rum cask finished Speyside. Balvenie 14 for those who will always order crème brûlée.
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This Scotch whisky was first released over 175 years ago and has been a staple of the Glenmorangie lineup in some form or fashion ever since. Aged for 10 years in ex-bourbon casks, this is a light and easy single malt that, with its reasonable price, can also be used guilt-free in a cocktail.
What the experts say:
I feel, and recommend to guests all the time, Glenmorangie 10 for the new Scotch drinker. It is a delicious high quality single malt for the price. It has all of the characteristics you want in a Scotch while still being really approachable.
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For those who never stray far from a blended whisky (like Johnnie Walker or Chivas Regal) or even the true Scotch lover who likes to stick with the staples, explore the unexpected from Islay. After 124 years of status quo for Islay whisky distilleries, Kilchoman was founded in 2005. In just a short time, Kilchoman has produced a series of dynamic expressions ranging from Machir Bay, the signature peated whisky, to Sanaig with its sherry influence.
What the experts say:
If you are looking for something a little more under the radar, Kilchoman is a family owned distillery on a farm in the northwest region of Islay. They have a great lineup that is readily available and they also have special cask finishes that you don't want to miss out on.
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The third expression in The Macallan’s wood-centric Edition series is as intriguing and enjoyable as the tale behind it.
What the experts say:
I love the story behind Macallan Edition No. 3. The collaboration between master distiller Bob Dalgarno and master perfumer Roja Dove is just so intriguing. The technique used in creating perfume of scent and counter scent to balance, then being used to bring together 6 barrels is amazing. The fact that Roja Dove doesn't drink at all makes it even better.
No matter the occasion, there’s a Scotch whisky gift for it. Whether you’re buying something for Scotch lovers, the general whiskey drinker, or your friend who refuses to stray from Jack Daniel’s, there’s a great bottle out there for everyone.
