The Dalmore

The Dalmore Unveils Second Annual Distillery Select Series

If there’s one thing whisky lovers know about The Dalmore, it’s that the Highland powerhouse doesn’t do things by halves. With a history stretching back to 1839 and a reputation for rich, chocolate-orange house style draped in luxury, each release has collectors and connoisseurs leaning in closer. Now, following the sell-out success of last year’s debut, The Dalmore has lifted the curtain on its second annual Distillery Select Series - and it’s a trio worth talking about.

The Distillery Select Series is all about uncovering hidden gems from the distillery’s famed warehouses. These are parcels of spirit chosen for their singular dimension of character, bottled at natural colour, non-chill filtered, and nurtured until The Dalmore’s master whisky makers declare them ready. Think of it as the inside track to some of the distillery’s most intriguing treasures.

Cabernet Sauvignon Cask Finish – 13 Years Old

First up is the Cabernet Sauvignon Cask Finish, a 13-year-old expression bottled at 51.3% ABV, priced at £350, with just 1,002 bottles released. Matured in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels before a two-year slumber in Médoc Cabernet Sauvignon barriques, it’s brimming with charm. On the nose, warm citrus fruits mingle with black toffee, sugared almonds, and ginger spice. The palate unfolds with poached peach, balsamic whispers, chocolate mocha, and soft liquorice, while the finish brings waves of tropical fruits, exotic spice, and lingering berry richness. A dram of finesse indeed.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 51.3%
Price: £350

Loire Valley Wine Cask Finish – 17 Years Old

Ratcheting up the rarity, the Loire Valley Wine Cask Finish comes in at 17 years, 46.8% ABV, and a cool £1,000 - though with only 252 bottles available, blink and you’ll miss it. Finished in sweet wine barriques from Bouvet Ladubay in France’s Loire Valley, this whisky is a tapestry of flavour. Aromas of damson plums, marmalade, and Madagascan vanilla invite you in, before poaching spices, Demerara sugar, and bright orchard fruits take over the palate. The finish is an indulgent mix of Tahitian vanilla, caramel, and soft baking spice - a dram that dances between elegance and decadence.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46.8%
Price: £1,000

Colheita Tawny Port Cask Finish – 28 Years Old

The jewel of the collection, however, is the Colheita Tawny Port Cask Finish, a venerable 28-year-old presented at 48.2% ABV, with a mere 49 bottles available worldwide. Price? £5,500. This extraordinary whisky spent its final four years in 1997 vintage Colheita casks from Graham’s Port, the very year it was distilled. The result is liquid velvet: aromas of exotic fruits and damson plums, a palate of roasted pineapple, raspberry coulis, coffee beans, and Seville orange, with a finish of star fruit, liquorice, dark cacao, and allspice. Quite simply, a deepened beauty.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 48.2%
Price: £5,500

The collection launches globally on 11 October 2025, available online at The Dalmore website and at select boutiques in Spain, Cambodia, and the Philippines. Members of The Dalmore Guild will get an exclusive two-day head start.

With the inaugural Distillery Select Series of 2024 snapped up by collectors in record time, expect this year’s trio to follow suit. Each bottle captures The Dalmore’s artistry in miniature, proving once again why the stag remains one of whisky’s most coveted emblems. Thirsty for more? Click here.

5 Epic Whisky and Chocolate Pairings 

best whisky and chocolate pairings thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers.png

By Helena Nicklin

Whisky and chocolate is a match you might not immediately think of but once you try it, you will never go back! The warming alcohol cleanses the palate perfectly while the individual notes of each whisky, be it dried fruit, tar, seaweed or citrus, perfectly complement many types of chocolate, especially the really good, hand-made stuff. Here are some basic whisky and chocolate pairings that have been tried and tested, then tried and tested all over again - just for you, of course.

How to taste whisky with chocolate

The best way to get the most out of your whisky and chocolate pairing is to take a sip of whisky first and let the flavour expand in your mouth. Swallow and then take a small bit of chocolate, allowing it to melt slowly on your tongue, its flavours gradually mingling with those of the whisky. Follow up with another small sip and enjoy. Tip: Use high-quality chocolate where you can to make the most of the flavour matches. 

Five Epic Whisky and Chocolate Pairings 

MILK CHOCOLATE WITH FRUIT & NUT

best whisky and chocolate pairings fruit and nut thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers.png

Whisky style: Light, floral and fruity.

Fruity whiskies, especially lighter, aromatic ones with notes of orchard fruit, love nuts, be they hazelnut, almond or pecan. Neither the milk chocolate nor the whisky will overpower each other and the fruit and nut flavours combine to make an irresistible, elegant pairing. 

Try: Aberfeldy 12 year old
ABV: 46%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £42.50 // US $44.99

SALTED CARAMEL

best whisky and chocolate pairings salted caramel thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers.png

Whisky style: Saline, maritime and complex.

Salted caramel everything has taken the world by storm these past few years and a complex, saline whisky with a subtle umami note will send your tastebuds bonkers with the juxtaposition of sweet caramel and salty flavours.

Try: Ardbeg Corryvreckan
ABV: 57.1%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £74.75 // US $139.99

DARK CHOCOLATE WITH DRIED FRUIT

best whisky and chocolate pairings dried fruit thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers.png

Whisky style: Dark, rich and fruit-cakey.

If you’re into darker versions of fruit and nut, maybe even with the odd dried cherry, try an age statement whisky that’s seen a few different barrels including sherry casks. These whiskies are often described as tasting of ‘Christmas cake’. They’re a match made in heaven with so many flavours to play with. 

Try: The Dalmore 12 Year Old
ABV: 40%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £60.50 // US $76.99

ORANGE CHOCOLATE

best whisky and chocolate pairings chocolate orange thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers.png

Whisky style: Smooth, toffee and orange citrusy.

High quality orange chocolate begs for an equally smooth partner with bold notes of orange citrus fruit, honey and vanilla spice to elevate its flavours. Find a Bourbon with a splash of rye in the mash bill for pure indulgence and a spicy kick that will have you coming back for more.

Try: Woodford Reserve, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
ABV: 43.2%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £27 // US $31.98

DARK MINT CHOCOLATE

best whisky and chocolate pairings mint chocolate thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers.png

Whisky style: Peated, medicinal and smoky.

Medicinal, peaty whiskies, such as those found on Islay can knock you for six with their power. Pairing them with a peppermint flavoured dark chocolate, however, creates a refreshing kind of menthol alchemy. It’s the perfect way to end a meal and will leave a memorable impression.

Try: Lagavulin 16 Year Old
ABV: 43%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £79.50 // US $119.99

Still looking for some chocolate-y goodness? Why not check out these Delicious Chocolate-themed Alcoholic Drinks?

*Prices last updated in March 2024.

Best Whiskies To Invest In - October Whisky Investment Index

Springbank leaps forward.

Last month was all about Springbank. At auction, this distillery has excelled and pushed its way to the top of the board. Macallan is still up their but seems to be slowing down at the moment, Brora is still strong as is Bowmore, and the rest of the table stays pretty much as it was.

Springbank is a relatively small distillery in comparison to many, and really only produces about as much as the Springbank fans can consume. This leaves collectors and speculators picking up Springbank at auction and keeping the prices rising. Releases of Springbank sell out extremely quickly, like the “local barley” expression for example, and are then traded for a lot more than the retail value at auction. Even after they are picked up at auction the prices will still steadily rise.

Springbank 2%
Macallan 1%
Karuizawa 1.0%
Brora 2%
Bowmore 1.5%
The Dalmore 2%
Clynelish 2%
Rosebank Official Bottlings 1%
Ardbeg 1%
Glen Grant

Bottles to Watch

I recently highlighted Springbank bottles, and there are a few more I have found here. But with the rarity of Springbank at retail, it is really about keeping a keen eye on the auction sites and picking up bottles when they seem good value to you.

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength

This expression sells out pretty quickly as Springbank at cask strength is well sought after. A good option for anyone starting out in collecting Springbank

ABV: 53.8%
Size: 750ml 
Find here: $159.99

Springbank 16 Year Old Local Barley

Another cask strength offering and this being the local barley expression, means that this is rare and will do very well in the future. There is very little of this expression produced as there is very little local barely to make the whisky.

ABV: 54.3%
Size: 750ml  

Springbank 19 Year Old Rechar Sherry

Cask strength with an unusual cask make up using casks which have been de-charred and then re-charred giving them one more use and they have a spicier flavour profile. With this expression being a little older, the price is higher, but then so might be the returns.

ABV: 58.6%
Size: 750ml

The next couple of expressions are very rare as they are older expressions from years ago.

Springbank 25 Year Old Millennium Collection

Released some time ago, this expression of Springbank has been steadily rising in value over the years. Hard to find even at auction, these bottles will always be wanted.

ABV: 46%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £3495

Longrow 1973 Natural Strength

Longrow is a peated expression distilled at the Springbank distillery. This one has been bottled by famous Italian independent bottler Samaroli. This bottler holds a great deal of respect, especially with older offerings like this one.

ABV: 53%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £6995

These are a few examples and always everything written in this article is just advice, but overall with Springbank, the annual releases which have an age statement and unusual cask maturation will do well, especially if they are at cask strength. Try and seek them out at retail when they first come on the market, otherwise, happy hunting at auction.

To catch up on the past couple of months of whisky investment advice and to see how it all started click on the following links: September, August, July, the beginning.

Best Whiskies To Invest In - September Whisky Investment Index

Best Whiskies To Invest In - September Whisky Investment Index

By Colin Hampden-White

Macallan does it again.

Macallan has not only managed to stay at the top of the table, but it has also extended its lead. This could be down to a few things. Mainly, it’s because there has been a lot of Macallan at auction recently. Also there have been a few lower-level limited editions come to market over the last year or so and they are finding their way onto the secondary market. Examples of this would be the Concept series, which has had its final release recently, and the editions series. These I believe still have potential to grow even if bought on the secondary market at today’s prices. And it looks like a lot of other people feel the same as these series are doing well at auction.

High value Karuizawa bottles are still coming to auction giving this Japanese closed distillery a strong place on the table and with the recent releases of Brora, the most well known being the Tryptic, Brora continues to do well.

There is little change in the table this month, but the percentages have changed. They have become closer together. This makes it difficult to pick clear winners, but it is also a good sign that one shouldn’t do badly by choosing any of the brands or distilleries below as an investment. As long as one sticks to the rule of buying limited editions, single casks and good independent bottles.

Macallan 2%
Bowmore 1%
Karuizawa 1.0%
Springbank 1.5%
The Dalmore 2%
Brora 2%
Clynelish 2%
Rosebank Official Bottlings 1%
Ardbeg 1%
Glen Grant

With no clear winner other than Macallan, I have chosen a few different brands rather than sticking to one. As any good investment portfolio should have variation.

Bottles to Watch

Ardbeg Drum

Best Whiskies To Invest In Ardbeg Drum September Whisky Investment Index thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers Colin Hampden White

Released a few years ago, this has already had some time in the marketplace and is still a great one to keep your eyes open for.

ABV: 46%
Size: 750ml
Find here: $279.99 

From the committee release, this can still be found in the UK.

Ardbeg Drum Committee Release

Best Whiskies To Invest In Ardbeg Drum September Whisky Investment Index thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers Colin Hampden White

ABV: 52%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £295

From the middle of the table I’d look for Clynelish

Clynelish Game of Thrones

Best Whiskies To Invest In Clynelish Game of Thrones September Whisky Investment Index thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers Colin Hampden White

This is a good low-level bottle at well under £50. It is high strength, and although not very limited, it is limited and will run out. A longer prospect, but still worth it.

ABV: 51.2%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £40.95 // US $178.49

Clynelish 1995 25 year old

Best Whiskies To Invest In Clynelish 1995 25 Year Old September Whisky Investment Index thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers Colin Hampden White

With only 340 bottles of this single cask, cask strength bottle produced, from a well known independent bottler. I think this will do well.

ABV: 51%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £313.15

And from the very top of the table.

The Macallan Edition No.6

Best Whiskies To Invest In The Macallan Edition No.6 September Whisky Investment Index thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers Colin Hampden White

The last in the edition series, these are already collectable. And although not as expensive as earlier editions, it will still rise in value.

ABV: 48.6%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £299.99 // US $179.99

The Macallan Rare Cask 2021 edition

Best Whiskies To Invest In The Macallan Rare Cask 2021 September Whisky Investment Index thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers Colin Hampden White

When customers are only allowed to buy one, it’s a clear indication that these will sell out fast and be in high demand. An annual release, also shows it’s only going to be created in limited numbers.

ABV: 43%
Size: 700ml
Find here: £249.95

And there we have it. A few suggestions for bottles which I think will do well in the future. As always, they are only suggestions, and I don’t profess to be the fountain of all knowledge, but these ideas might give you a helping hand in choosing bottles to invest in.

To see how this whisky investment index was created, follow this link and if you want to check out August and July’s recommended bottles then click here: August / July.

Which Whisky Should I Invest in?

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Words by Colin Hampden-White

The summer months are normally a little slower for auctions. This year has been a bit different. With few traveling on holiday and little opportunity to spend, alternative investments tend to do very well and this seems to be the case for Scotch.

This month sees the king has fallen and Macallan has taken the top place again. Macallan is always dominant in Asia and this month even more so taking it above all others. The mid table has been very steady with only minor changes. At the bottom, Ardbeg is still rising, and Glen Grant has taken the place of Bunnahabhain.

With little volatility, there doesn’t seem to be a bad bet in the top ten at the moment, although buying a bottle from the middle of the table would seem the safest thing to do.

Like last month I would still look at Springbank, and add Clynelish to your watch list. Below are a few bottles of the latter I’d be interested in.

Macallan 1%
Bowmore 1%
The Dalmore 2%
Springbank 1%
Clynelish 5%
Karuizawa 1.0%
Rosebank Official Bottlings 1%
Ardbeg 2%
Yamazaki 1%
Glen Grant

Bottles to Watch

Clynelish 1996 21 Year Old - Mission Gold Single Malt Whisky (Murry McDavid)

Best whisky to invest in Clynelish 21 Year Old 1996 - Mission Gold Single Malt Whisky thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

Size: 700ml
ABV:
50%
Find here: £344.94

 

Clynelish 1995 22 Year Old - Cask Strength Collection Single Malt Whisky

Best whisky to invest in Clynelish 1995 22 Year Old  - Cask Strength Collection Single Malt Whisky thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

Size: 700ml
ABV:
55.4%
Find here: £344.94


Clynelish 1995 24 years old Wemyss Malts

Best whisky to invest in Clynelish 1995 24 years old Wemyss Malts thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

Size: 700ml
ABV:
46%
Find here: £260.35

 

Clynelish 1995 25 Year Old - Cask Strength Collection Signatory

Best whisky to invest in Clynelish 1995 25 Year Old - Cask Strength Collection Signatory theethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

Size: 700ml
ABV:
51%
Find here: £313.15

When buying single cask bottles which seem cheaper than others, have a look at the abv. The price might be lower because the abv is also lower and therefore hasn’t been bottled at cask strength. Cask strength bottles will be more desirable, but also more expensive. Of the above four my pick would be the last one. Decent abv, good age, and less expensive than the first two.

Clynelish is never bottled by the distillery as a single cask. Diageo release a limited amount each year within the special releases, so the best way to invest in Clynelish is by buying independent bottles. These usually sell out quickly, so if you find one at the right price, don’t delay! Happy hunting.

As with March, April , May and June’s Whisky Investment Indexes, any bottles mentioned are just suggestions, I don’t pretend to have a crystal ball, but it will point you in the right direction to do your own research and start you on your journey in whisky investment.

Which Whiskies To Invest In - May Whisky Investment Index

Best whiskies to invest in May 2021 thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers Colin Hampden White

Words by Colin Hampden-White

The king lives on, as Dalmore stays at the top for whisky investors, or, very wealthy drinkers were buying at auction last month! Closing the gap from last month and now in second place is Bowmore with old bottles of Bowmore doing very well.

There were a good amount of Karuizawa bottles at auction, notably a bottle of Five Decades sold for charity which was donated by Marcin Miller and David Croll raising £9800 for the Worshipful Company of Distillers Charities.

The usual suspects are still in the top ten with Macallan, Springbank and Clynelish, and they are joined by Ardbeg, which, because of the rarity of old bottles dips in and out of the top ten, and with the release of Ardbeg 25, Scorch and a very notable single cask 20 year old, Ardbeg may well move further up in the coming months.

So, my top tip for bottles to watch this month would be Ardbeg as I feel there will be plenty on the market in the coming month and it will go up the top ten. Avoid the first bottles on the market from new releases as they tend to spike in price before settling down after a month or so. It might even be worth looking back at bottles released a year ago. I’ve listed a few below.

The Dalmore 6%
Bowmore 3%
Rosebank Official Bottlings 2%
Karuizawa 1.5%
Clynelish 5%
Macallan 1%
Springbank 1%
Yamazaki 0.5%
Bunnahabhain 1.5%
Ardbeg

Bottles to Watch

Ardbeg Arrrrrrrdbeg! Committee Release 

Best whiskies to invest in Ardbeg Committee Release thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers Colin Hampden White

A one-off release to celebrate the career of distillery manager Micky Heads. We had the fortune of meeting Micky on our trip to Islay and he spoke about another brilliant expression called Galileo. Another Ardbeg well worth investing in if you can find it!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 58.8%
Find here:
US from 179.49

Ardbeg Blaaack

Best whiskies to invest in Ardbeg Blaaack thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers Colin Hampden White

Before Scorch there was Blaaack. This special release for the 20th anniversary of the committee was released over six months ago now means the initial spike in prices are over and are back to a good level to buy at auction, or if like this one you can find it at its original release price, then that’s a great option.

Size: 750ml
ABV:
46%
Find here: US from $139.99

Ardbeg 19 1st release

Best whiskies to invest in Ardbeg 19 Traigh Bhan thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers Colin Hampden White

This Ardbeg was a new release at the end of 2019, and they are now onto their second batch with a 3rd to follow soon. If you can find the original first release, these are now being found at auction and increasing in price steadily.

Size: 750ml
ABV:
46.2%
Find here:
US from $322.70

In the UK there are a few very special bottles on sale. Along with a distillery bottling from 2002, independent bottles are also well worth looking at. With the rarity of Ardbeg official bottles, these independent bottles will also increase over time.

 

Ardbeg Committee Reserve (bottled 2002)

Best whiskies to invest in Ardbeg Committee Reserve thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers Colin Hampden White

Size: 700ml
ABV:
55.3%
Find here:
£1,195

 

Ardbeg 28 Year Old Hunter Laing

Best whiskies to invest in Ardbeg 28 Hunter Laing thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers Colin Hampden White

Size: 700ml
ABV:
50.1%
Find here:
£1012.22

 

Ardbeg 24 Year Old

Best whiskies to invest in Ardbeg 24 Darkness thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers Colin Hampden White

Size: 500ml
ABV:
46.8%
Find here:
£1034.95

All the brands in the top ten should do well over time. Like any of my suggestions, they are suggestions and I don’t pretend to have a crystal ball, but it will point you in the right direction to do your own research and introduce you to the possibilities of investing in whisky.

If you want to take a look at past whisky investment indexes then click here for April and here for March.

Which Whiskies to Invest in - March Whisky Investment Index

How to invest in whisky Which whisky should I invest in thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers whisky and casks.png

By Colin Hampden-White 

Which whiskies should I invest in?

Once you have decided you would like to invest in whisky, the biggest question is going to be which distillery’s whiskies to invest in. Like the stock market, distilleries’ value and popularity go up and down, and this on-going set of articles aims to make the decision a little easier.

I am not a financial advisor, and I strongly suggest you also do your own research. That research may differ from mine and have a different result. There are also other rankings available and they will use a different formula from mine in determining a ranking.

I sort our ranking by looking at a few of the most popular whisky auction sites in the UK. Most whisky which is invested in is bought at auction and the results of auctions can tell us a great deal about the popularity and desirability of certain whiskies and brands. I look at the volume of whisky being sold from any particular distillery and also the average value from that distillery. Taking both these sets of data into account I then create a ranking which I will update once a month, as whisky auctions are generally held monthly.

For example, the most traded may be Macallan and at the highest prices. However, if the price increase is marginal over time, giving not much rise in price, then it will be lower down the ranking. I am looking for whiskies which are rising in price. It may be that a rarely traded distillery, which has had recent high increases in value, could be at the top of the rankings.

How can I invest in whisky?

How to invest in whisky Which whisky should I invest in thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers auction .png

In my experience whisky is a great investment and, like any investment portfolio, it should be varied. Rather than investing in one expensive bottle, I would suggest buying a few less expensive bottles from different distilleries and at different ages. This can make the process less daunting and a lot more fun. Some people collect certain vintages, or distilleries or regions, By doing this a portfolio can have a definite direction and hold more meaning.

I am including Japanese whisky in the rankings as the investment value in the right Japanese whiskies has become evident. I am not including bourbon, but lookout for a forthcoming article on bourbon about which are regularly the best to invest in. Bourbon has its own following, especially in America and some bottles rise in price quickly after release.

I think it is not useful to include expressions that are regular bottlings but are being auctioned as part of a collection, house clearance, and generally don’t fetch their retail price as they are very widely available. I understand this is subjective, but with my experience, I decided to cut off at around the £100 mark on most distilleries.

The rates below relate to how much of a percentage higher a distillery has been trading above the next. In the future, as we now have this index base mark, I will track the increase of each distillery over time as well as increase over each other.

How to invest in whisky Which whisky should I invest in thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers.png

Distillery Index

The Dalmore 9%
Rosebank Official Bottlings 4%
Bowmore 1%
Yamazaki 0.5%
Clynelish 5%
Springbank 1%
Karuizawa 1.5%
Bunnahabhain 1.5%
Glendronach (base)

To reiterate I am not a financial advisor, and please do your own research. I cannot be responsible for gains or losses. This is simply a guide that hopefully helps people in their whisky investment journey.

I would advise getting other expert advice and, if you are looking to invest in excess of £2,000, then looking at cask investment may be a good way to invest in whisky, and we suggest Cask Trade Ltd. Cask Trade helped us with sourcing for our 17 year old blended malt, and we know them to be a very professional outfit.

And always remember. At the end of the day, you can always drink it!

Bottles to Watch:

Bowmore Mizunara Cask Finish

Best whiskies to invest in Bowmore Muzunara Cask finish thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers.jpg

Mostly sold out around the world.

Size: 70cl
ABV: 53.9%
Find here: UK £2250

Bowmore 25 year old 1969

Best whiskies to invest in Bowmore 25 year old 1969  thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers.png

Already historic and produced in tiny numbers.

Size: 70cl
ABV:
43%
Find here: UK £2750

 

Springbank 21

Best whiskies to invest in Springbank 21 year old thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers.jpg

As an annual release, these become historic and collectable.

Size: 70cl
ABV:
46%
Find here:
UK £439.99 // US $499.99

 

Springbank 21 That Boutique-ey Whisky Company

Best whiskies to invest in That Boutique-y Whisky company Single Malt Scotch whisky thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers.jpg

Small batch and from a collectable brand

Size: 50cl
ABV:
47.5%
Find here:
UK £339.95

 

Dalmore 40 year old 2018

Best whiskies to invest in The Dalmore 40year old thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers.jpg.jpg

Top of the tree, and a vintage 2018

Size: 70cl
ABV: 42%
Find here: £6,736.50

 

Dalmore 40 year old 2017

Best whiskies to invest in The Dalmore 40year old 2017 thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers.jpg.jpg

From top of the tree Damore as above, but from the sold out 2017 vintage.

Size: 70cl
ABV: 42%
Find here: UK £6750

 

8 Year old Clynelish from Simply Whisky

Best whiskies to invest in Simply Whisky Let's Dance  thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers.jpg

If you’d like to invest at a lower level, then good independent bottlings are a good choice.

Size: 70cl
ABV: 51.6%
Find here: UK £58.95

If you want to find out more about Scotch whisky then don’t forget to watch The Three Drinkers do Scotch Whisky on Amazon Prime now!

Best Scotch Whisky Distillery Tours

Best Scottish Distillery Tours scotch whisky thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

We don’t need to tell you we’re big fans of Scotch whisky; chances are you already know thanks to our Amazon Prime series. And while a dram at home always hits the spot, Scotch can taste even more magical when sipped at the source. Whether your thing is Highlands or Lowlands, Islands or Islay – pack those bags for our virtual round-up of Scotland’s best distillery tours. Cheers!

Talisker, Islands

Best Scottish Distillery Scotch Whisky Tours Talisker thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

Perched on the shores of jaw-drop-beautiful Skye – full of rolling green hills, misty peaks and fluffy herds of roaming sheep – Talisker’s setting alone is worth the epic journey from the nearest city (Inverness: two and a half hours away). Its sweet, full-bodied malts can be tasted on a Cask Tasting tour, where drams are hand-drawn atmospherically from warehouse casks. Mitigate the long (albeit beautiful) drive with an overnight on this pretty isle; a drive along undulating roads to the north, The Three Chimneys is one of Scotland’s finest restaurants with rooms.

Find more info here

Glenfiddich, Dufftown

Best Scottish Distillery Scotch Whisky Tours Glenfiddich thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

If you join just one distillery tour, it might have to be this one. Pedigree aside – world-renowned, family owned Glenfiddich has been distilling in Dufftown since 1887 – this 35-hectare site is one of the most impressive in whiskydom. Rich in detail on the whisky-making process, Glenfiddich’s tours hop between Instagrammable stone-fronted buildings, bottling lines, giant stillhouses and a seriously atmospheric traditional aging warehouse. Guides are lively, answer all your questions, and (obviously) take you through a generous tasting flight of golden Speyside liquor at the end.

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Ardbeg, Islay

Best Scottish Distillery Scotch Whisky Tours Ardbeg thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

Seriously smoky, sweet and citric, Ardberg isn’t for the faint-hearted. But fans keen to make the peaty pilgrimage to Islay – a ferry ride or flight from mainland Scotland – can down their fill on a series of daily tours. The 2021 schedule is still being confirmed, but historically a tasting of the core range kicks off at an ambitious 10:30am, then at lunchtime is followed the Committee Bottle Tasting - a set of pours picked by a guide - before peaking in the Old, Mature and Unusual tasting in the afternoon. Book into the distillery’s onsite Seaview Cottage and you can wake up and do the whole thing all over again tomorrow. 

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The Dalmore, Alness

Best Scottish Distillery Scotch Whisky Tours The Dalmore thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

One of Scotland’s more accessible distilleries, The Dalmore is stumbling distance from Alness rail station, a hop north of Inverness – so it’s great if you don’t drive (or if, for obvious reasons, you don’t want to). It’s a pretty one too: aged stone buildings, blue shore waters of Cromarty Firth, green fields. Tours are intimate – with a maximum of just about a dozen guests, and often fewer – so there’s plenty of opportunity to ask questions and learn all you’d like about this popular single malt. Videos walk you through proper ‘nosing’ and tasting technique, too, great for whisky beginners.

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Glenkinchie, Pencaitland

Best Scottish Distillery Scotch Whisky Tours Glenkinchie thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

This Victorian distillery needs to be on your hit-list for two reasons: it’s only a half-hour drive outside of Edinburgh, making it perfect for city-breakers or car-free travellers, and it’s the Lowlands home of Johnny Walker. And in case you need a third – it’s just had a major revamp, with its red-bricked buildings now housing a top-quality multi-levelled visitor experience. A lovely orchard and garden, speckled with blooms in summer, is a great spot to chill and wait out sobriety after a few Highballs in the bar.  

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Glenlivet, Speyside

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If we could move into a distillery, it might be this one: set above Speyside hills in a remote glen, with floor-to-ceiling windows along the still room that let sunshine spill in, it’s one of the best-looking distilleries out there. And, if you’re serious about your whisky, it’s one of the finest for deep-dive tastings, too. While many distilleries offer just one tour, Glenlivet has a roster that includes sessions aimed at knowledgeable enthusiasts as well as beginners. They’ll be announcing new experiences very soon, so keep eyes on their website for details.

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Glenmorangie, Tain

Best Scottish Distillery Scotch Whisky Tours Glenmorangie thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

You’ll get a warm Highland welcome at this famed distillery, home to Scotland’s tallest stills – the copper necks are as long as a fully grown giraffe – and some of its most elegant malts. Set on the banks of Dornoch Firth, Glenmorangie runs a series of expert-led tours that illuminate the whisky-making process from grain to glass. Sign up to The Innovator and you’ll get the chance to taste some of the distillery’s most prized expressions.

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Fancy a sneaky peek of some of Scotland’s distilleries while you wait for things to open up again? Then, make sure you check out The Three Drinkers do Scotch Whisky on Amazon Prime!