It is important to remember that, while all Scotch is whisky, not all whisky is Scotch. Origin is everything when it comes to Scotch. It must be made in Scotland, under predetermined quality control measures. Scotch whisky is made with a combination of malted and unmalted grains, such as wheat or maize, and must be matured in oak casks for a minimum of three years.
So, why are scotch whiskies so venerated?
“Multiple reasons, but history and heritage are big factors. They’ve been distilling in Scotland for over 500 years. A lot of legends and stories surround some family-run businesses that go way back to the 18th century. Strict regulations indicate great quality, and I would say, craftsmanship and time truly lend themselves to this liquid,” says Angad Singh Gandhi, founder of a boutique spirits consultancy called Drams with Drama.
Here are some of the finest scotch whiskies to enjoy or collect.
Balvenie 30 Years Old
Price: $3,000 – $3,500 ( 2,59,000 INR - 3,02,000 INR)
Aged in traditional oak and sherry casks, the Balvenie 30 is a collector’s pride. Think honeyed indulgence laced with gentle spice, and a long, persistent finish. “The Balvenie 12 Year Old Double Wood is an absolute gem too. It’s approachable enough for someone just starting, yet layered and complex enough to keep seasoned drinkers intrigued,” points out Evonne Eadie, Founder of Perfect Serve India, who is the Co-Founder of Shaker Collective, a new digital community for hospitality
professionals.
Laphroaig 30 Years Old Single Malt
Price: $1,335 (1,15,200 INR)
An Islay gem, this is part of an annual small batch series. Notes of citrusy zest meet whispers of bergamot, sweet pastry, and white pepper, before trailing off into a lingering smokiness that Laphroaig is loved for. It is gloriously complex, but also has a nicely balanced aroma.
Ardbeg 25 Years Old
Price: $1,100 – $1,400 (94,960 INR - 1,20,800 INR)
One of Ardbeg’s most elegant releases, this 25-year-old is a medley of peat and other interesting notes like menthol and smoked cream.
Springbank 21 Years Old
Price: $800 – $1,200 (69,068 INR - 103600 INR)
From the area of Campbeltown, Springbank 21 is surprising, rare, and multi-layered. Closeness to the sea lends maritime notes with a playful, salted caramel undertone and a waxy texture.
The Dalmore King Alexander III
Price: $350 – $400 ( 30,200 INR - 34,000 INR )
A glorious blend, this one has an enviable complexity as it is aged in six different cask types, including Madeira, Marsala, and Cabernet Sauvignon. A rendition of ripe, red berries, chocolate, cinnamon, and coffee, it is plump and sumptuous.
Glenfiddich 21 Years Old Reserva Rum Cask Finish
Price: $250 – $300 (21,000 INR- 25,900 INR)
Due to its finish inside rum casks, it packs in a Caribbean punch along with a Speyside refinement. Toffee, fig, and banana deliver sweet and indulgent notes.
Lagavulin 16 Years Old
Price: $110 – $130 (9496 INR - 11,200 INR)
One for the lovers of peat and smoke, Lagavulin 16 is an Islay remembrance. Bold and with deep flavors of iodine, sea salt, and dark chocolate, this is the holy grail of peated whisky.
Johnnie Walker Blue Label
Price: $230 – $280 ( 19,800 INR - 24,000 INR)
Of course, this list would be incomplete without this icon. A silky palate opens the portal for honey, smoke, dried fruit, and spice notes. Seductive and aspirational, this one is meant for those embarking on the refined route of fine whiskies.
With notes, flavours, and expressions as varied as the 5 different regions of Scottish whisky, namely Campbeltown, Highland, Islay, Lowland, and Speyside, there is something for everyone in the world of fine scotch whiskies.
With a storied past, every bottle of fine scotch captures snapshots of the land and represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship. Best enjoyed over languorous, unhurried sips.
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