Whisky’s origins may be ancient, dating back to around 1,000 AD, but its popularity is soaring in the modern era. Today, distillers worldwide are producing exceptional whiskies, pushing the boundaries of this beloved spirit. Amid this wealth of choices, finding the pinnacle of whisky can be daunting. While American bourbon and Japanese whisky are celebrated, Scotland remains the undisputed master of whisky, particularly when it comes to single malt scotch.
Single malt scotch, often crafted by small family-owned distilleries in Scotland’s rugged Highland region, exemplifies centuries of distilling expertise. These whiskies, distilled at a single distillery using pot stills from malted barley mash, age for at least three years in oak casks. They are revered for their unique regional flavors and often command high prices due to their limited production and extended aging periods.
To guide whisky enthusiasts towards the finest bottles available, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, a premier event in the spirits industry, has announced its finalists for the Best in Class Scotch Awards. Here are the standout single malt scotch whiskies vying for top honors in 2024.
Single Malt Scotch – No Age Statement
Old Pulteney Huddart
This whisky honors Old Pulteney’s maritime heritage, aging its spirits on Scotland’s northeastern shores. It offers a smooth, smoky profile with notes of vanilla and honey.
Smokehead Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
From the renowned Isle of Islay, this bold and dynamic single malt is rich and fruity, captivating the judges with its intense flavors.
Arran Single Malt Sherry Cask Finish
Bottled at 55.8% ABV, this Arran scotch aged in sherry casks delivers full-bodied flavors of dried fruits, nuts, and spices.
Glenglassaugh Sandend
Inspired by a nearby beach, Glenglassaugh Sandend has won numerous accolades. Aged in bourbon, sherry, and manzanilla casks, it features bright tropical flavors.
Loch Lomond Classic
Ideal for newcomers to single malts, Loch Lomond Classic is affordable yet complex, blending fresh fruits and vanilla with a hint of smoke.
Single Malt Scotch – Up to 12 Years
Aberlour 12-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
This Speyside scotch offers fruity and gingerbread notes on the nose, followed by apple and chocolate flavors, and finishes with a sweet lingering taste.
Arran Single Malt 10 Years Old
From the Isle of Arran, this mellow scotch has floral aromas and flavors of dried prunes, sherry, and dark fruits.
Port Askaig Aged 8 Years
A smoky scotch from Port Askaig, founded in 2009, this whisky features tropical notes and a sweet, smoky finish.
Benromach 10 Years Old
A traditional Speyside distillery, Benromach’s 10-Year-Old is a powerful and creamy scotch with dark fruits and sherry notes, leading to a long, oaky finish.
Tobermory 12 Year Old
From the Isle of Mull, Tobermory’s 12-Year-Old is a well-balanced scotch with malty aromas and floral and dried fruit flavors.
Single Malt Scotch – 13 to 19 Years
The GlenDronach Allardice 18 Year Old
The GlenDronach Allardice 18-Year-Old boasts good oak integration, malt and fruit flavors, and a flavorful, sweet finish.
Longmorn 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
This limited-release Speyside scotch features toffee, apricot, and dried fruit notes, followed by a sweet, chocolatey finish.
TOMATIN 18 Year Old
Tomatin’s 18-Year-Old offers floral and dried fruit aromas, sweet malt, light smoke, and peppery flavors, with a sweet, slightly drying finish.
Aberlour 2010 Vintage Double Cask
This single-cask edition scotch from Aberlour presents apple, vanilla, and plum on the nose, with berries, oak, and caramel on the palate, ending with a creamy lingering finish.
Highland Park 15 Year Old Single Malt Scotch
From Orkney, Highland Park’s 15-Year-Old offers cinnamon, vanilla, and tropical fruit notes, followed by light smoke and a smooth, flavorful finish.
Single Malt Scotch – 20 Years and Older
The GlenDronach Parliament 21 Year Old
Named after rooks nesting near the distillery, this scotch aged in Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks features rich notes of smoked pipe and tobacco.
TOMATIN 45 Year Old
A rare and sought-after bottle, Tomatin’s 45-Year-Old is priced around $8,500. With only 250 bottles produced, it has fresh smoke notes that pair well with a cigar.
Tomintoul Distillery 21 Years Old
Tomintoul’s 21-Year-Old offers fresh citrus notes, sweet toffee flavors, and a spicy finish, usually priced around $300.
Glenfiddich 23 Year Old Grand Cru
Aged in American and European oak casks before finishing in French cuvée casks, Glenfiddich’s 23-Year-Old Grand Cru balances fruitiness, oak, and subtle sweetness.
Talisker 45 Year Old
Talisker’s 45-Year-Old showcases the distillery’s expertise, balancing smokiness and fruitiness in a rare, exceptional whisky.
These finalists highlight the diversity and excellence of single malt scotch, offering whisky enthusiasts a range of exceptional choices for their collections. The winner will be announced in October, adding another chapter to the rich history of whisky excellence.
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