Type: Blended Distillery: Various (Highlands malts and grains) Region: Highland, Scotland Age: NAS ABV: 43.0% Average Price: $43 Neat’s Thoughts: Described as a “Not blended for the sake of being blended” whisky, the Reserve is another promising selection from the Usquaebach collection. A rare blend of whiskies aged 16, 17 and 18 years gives it a range of complexity that … More Usquaebach Reserve
Type: Blended Distillery: Various (Highlands malts and grains) Region: Highands, Scotland Age: NAS ABV: 43.0% Average Price: $140 (Widely varies in U.S.) Neat’s Thoughts: This particular beauty (or beast) is called the Old Rare and couldn’t even be purchased in the U.S. up until about a year ago. Its a blend of 41 select single malts, with over 255 … More Usquaebach Old Rare
Type: Blended Distillery: Various Region: Other, Scotland Age: 12 ABV: 40% Average Price: $35 Peat’s Thoughts: There’s something to be said when you’re the best selling scotch whisky in the world. Johnnie Walker, which comes from the Diageo conglomerate, has long been a staple in homes around the world. And I should know, I’m from the Caribbean. To many West Indians (another name … More Johnnie Walker Black Label
Type: Single Malt Distillery: The Macallan Region: Speyside, Scotland Age: NAS ABV: 60.1% Average Price: $300 (if you can find it) Peat’s Thoughts: I’ve long been looking for a bottle of this, and I still can’t find one. Every time I hear a story about someone snagging this prized possession, it’s with some convoluted twists and turns about they found a … More The Macallan Cask Strength
Type: Single Malt Distillery: Ardbeg Region: Islay, Scotland Age: NAS ABV: 46.5% Average Price: $100 Peat’s Thoughts: Let me start by saying the name of this whisky is misleading. So is the marketing. Hailed as “The darkest Ardbeg ever”, I’m not too sure what constitutes “dark” anymore. I mean, next to the Uigeadail, it looks to be … More Ardbeg Dark Cove
Type: Single Malt Distillery: The Macallan Region: Speyside, Scotland Age: 12 years ABV: 43% Average Price: $55 (or comparable to the standard Macallan 12 Sherry in your market) Peat’s Thoughts: Finally! In an age where age has become a rare commodity and where for the past few releases, non-aged statements (NAS) have become the norm, we get something that harks … More The Macallan Double Cask
Type: Single Malt Distillery: Glenmorangie Region: Highland, Scotland Age: 12 years ABV: 43% Average Price: $40-$50 Finn’s Thoughts: Lasanta is one of Glenmorangie’s staple drams. It is also one of Finn’s absolute favorites. This actually was the confirmation scotch I had after trying a few others. The sherry power in this bottle is greatness. Everything about this is perfect for … More Glenmorangie Lasanta
Type: Single Malt Distillery: Kilchoman Region: Islay, Scotland Age: 5-6 years ABV: 46% Average Price: $60 Finn’s Thoughts: Wow this is good. How did they get smokey, sweet, and light but still full bodied all together? Ok, this is really good. I guess there’s like a fudge flavor accompanied by something like sherry. None of the flavors are competing … More Kilchoman Machir Bay
Type: Single Malt Distillery: Aberfeldy (of Dewar’s) Region: Highland, Scotland Age: 12 Years ABV: 40% Average Price: $40 Finn’s Thoughts: An everyday type of dram with fruity notes. Light but still with a good volume and depth that sets this apart from “starter scotches” into the next level of appreciating single malts. Really clean, with minimal bite. Smooth from start … More Aberfeldy 12 Year
Type: Single Malt Distillery: The Glenlivet Region: Speyside, Scotland Age: 15 years ABV: 40% Average Price: $60 Peat’s Thoughts: The 15 year old expression from The Glenlivet is matured in French Limousin oak casks, which are typically a popular choice for the maturation of cognac This gives it a rather unique flavour profile. The nose is rich, full-bodied and oaky, … More The Glenlivet 15 Year
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