Bruichladdich Octomore 16.1 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whiskey

Usually $210 per bottle

On sale for $185 per bottle

5 years old, as noted, bourbon-barreled in 100% first-fill barrels; peated to 101.4 ppm of phenols — quite low for the series. 100% Scottish Concerto barley. This is one of the most immediately engaging “.1” Octomore releases ever produced, and it hits the nose with a freshness that can be lacking in the bourbon-exclusive version of Octomore. Sweet and fruity, there’s a strong tropical bent on the nose that makes for a nice companion to the lacing of peat smoke, ringed with tobacco-adjacent greenery notes. The palate keeps the theme going, here the fruit veering more to apricot and peach notes, later segueing into almond and honey. The peat is fairly light-handed here but always waiting in the wings. When the fruity sweetness fades a bit, it roars to life with a gravelly punch evoking turned earth more than beach bonfire this year, which ultimately threatens to overpower the milk chocolate notes that arrive on the finish. 118.6 proof.

Bruichladdich Octomore 16.2 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whiskey

Usually $250 per bottle

On sale for $220 per bottle

5 years old; aged in a complex configuration of oloroso and Bordeaux casks for 4 years, then finished in Madeira and Portuguese Moscatel for its final year. 101.4 ppm phenols. The finishing wine casks have had a field day with this one, creating an experience that is incredibly full of fruit and sweetness – lemon curd and loads of orange blossom honey dominate a sharp, citrus-fueled nose. The palate is incredibly sharp and wine-forward from the jump, here the fruit showing a more oxidized quality, with a hint of the apricot notes evident in 16.1. The fortified wine will not be ignored for long, though, as the finish explodes with a huge resurgence of oxidized wine mixed in with dried tea leaves. Water is particularly instructive here, though it does give the peat a peppery punch. Be prepared to linger with this one’s outsized flavor profile. 116.2 proof

Bruichladdich Octomore 16.3 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whiskey

Usually $295 per bottle

On sale for $260 per bottle

As always, 100% Octomore Farm-grown barley, aged 5 years full term in a mix of bourbon, Sauternes, and Pedro Ximénez casks. 189.5 ppm (last year’s 15.3 was 307.2ppm for comparison). Compared to many other “.3” Octomore releases, this one’s a real softy, and the lower peat level (while still extreme) is immediately noticeable; that’s not a bad thing, as last year’s 15.3 was overwhelming. The whisky makes room for lots more beyond peat, and again that’s great, as some “.3” releases can be ashy and sullen. An immediate pop of dark chocolate and orange marmalade, wrapped in baking spice, gives the whisky a holiday vibe on the nose. The palate sees the same elements at first, plus a bold raisin character driven by that PX influence. As it develops, the peat melds with the lemony-buttery elements to create a surprisingly rich and creamy experience, almost like pastry dough left by the fireplace for a few hours. The finish evokes notes of coconut and sesame cakes, with a vein of saline. 123.2 proof.

The Glendronach 15-year-old Revival Single Malt Highland Scotch Whisky

Usually $120 per bottle

On sale for $105 per bottle

One of the most popular sherried single malt whiskies on the market, The Glendronach Revival 15 Year Old is the iconic cult core range expression from The Glendronach brand. A multi-award-winning release, the 15-Year-Old was declared the ‘Best in Show’ whisky category winner at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2020). The Glendronach 15 Year Old is a flavorsome, aromatic, and complex sherried malt, with notes of dark fruits, rich chocolate, and manuka honey.

Glenmorangie 18-year-old Single Malt Highland Scotch Whisky

Usually $185 per bottle

On sale for $165 per bottle

If you’re looking for something to treat yourself with it’s hard to beat the Glenmorangie 18 Years in the “everyday luxury” category. It’s just magnificent with a warm, complex delivery that seduces the senses and keeps you entertained and intrigued from start to finish.

Ardbeg 17-year-old Single Malt Islay Scotch Whisky

Usually $195 per bottle

On sale for $175 per bottle

A quarter of a century since he first created this magnificent recipe, Dr Bill Lumsden – Master Distiller - has meticulously crafted this release to mirror the original, retracing the flavour profile note by note, and choosing to bottle at 40% strength, just as it was back then. Distinctly balmy and medicinal, an enticing minerality bursts into sweet smoke and malted barley. Its peaty presence is undeniable, with hints of tar and oak. Bottled in honour of the folk who were there at the start, this was always a whisky destined to return in the end

The Balvenie 21-year-old Portwood finished Single Malt Highland Scotch Whisky

Usually $375 per bottle

On sale for $335 per bottle

The Balvenie Portwood is first and foremost a delicate, well-balanced spirit. Insofar as sipping whiskey goes, it’s not the sort of thing you sip and enjoy while your mind wanders on other matters. The Portwood is the sort of thing you sip and then ponder on how it got such a profound texture. It practically whispers “study me” from the snifter.