Words by Colin Hampden-White
There seems to be a new whisky release every few weeks these days. This can largely be attributed to the myriad of distilleries that started to distill a few years ago that now have spirit they can call whisk(e)y due to it having spent at least three years maturing in a barrel. I have tasted a great deal of them, and there are certainly whiskies which stand out in the crowd. Unsurprisingly, some of these come from outside of Scotland, but not all, and there is a particular whisky from the other side of the world which is already good and will get better and better with age. I’ll start off my recommendations in my home country and then range further afield giving my picks of whisky that is well worth discovering.
Nc’nean Organic Single Malt Whisky Batch 14
I have written about Nc’nean before with previous batches, and the consistency keeps on going. The batches are all very consistent and very good. The whisky is rich and fruity by using both wine and ex bourbon STR casks (shaved, toasted, re-chared). Added to that they are using 100% recycled bottles. A great start from one of Scotland’s newest distilleries.
Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £46.45
Isle of Raasay Batch R-02 Hebridean Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Continuing from the first whiskies produced by the Isle of Raasay distillery is a brilliant second batch. In the same tradition as the first, using peated and non-peated whisky, in various types of oak including American Oak Chinkapin and ex port pipes, this gives lots of red fruit flavours and rich honey with a soft bbq smoke running through the background. Even having been bottled at a slightly higher strength than most whiskies, it is still extremely smooth.
Size: 700ml
ABV: 46.4%
Find here: £48
White Peak 2 year old (That Boutiqu-ey Malt Company)
I visited White Peak for the first time for the launch of their new whisky called Wire Works. The whisky is seriously impressive with big bold flavours using STR casks. The balance and depth of the whisky is akin to drams a great deal older, and had I tasted this whisky blind I would never have guessed it was little over three years old. There were only tiny amounts of the first release, so look out for further releases, but for now to get an idea of how good this whisky is, the chaps at That Boutiqu-ey Malt Company have bottled an excellent spirit from White Peak. It’s called spirit as it’s only two years old, but excellent all the same!
Size: 500ml
ABV: 50%
Find here: £49.95
Masthouse Single Malt
Masthouse Malt comes from one of the most southerly distilleries in England. Down in Kent, right on the coast, the Copper Rivet distillery is specialising in local barley malted in Kent from the Isle of Sheppey. The result is a fruity and complex whisky which has great balance. It manages to be mature and ready to drink whilst retaining its distillery and spirit character. It’s no mean feat, and a whisky I would certainly try if you’re after something new and exciting.
Size: 500ml
ABV: 45%
Find here: £39.95
Aber Falls Autumn 2021 release
Moving away from England we have only the second distillery to be built in Wales. At the foot of Snowdonia, Aber Falls is on the coast in a beautiful area that is well worth a trek to. They work with local farmers for their barley, so the whisky truly is from Wales. Using ex Pedro Ximénez, oloroso, bourbon casks and virgin oak casks, there are bountiful fruit flavours and a subtle underlying spice in this whisky. The whisky has lots of complexity with nuts and dark chocolate with coffee, zesty orange peel and vanilla toffee.
Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £26
The Cardrona Growing Wings Solera – Sherry and Bourbon Cask
Hailing from the other side of the world in New Zealand is Cardrona. Their first batch “Just Hatched” was a huge success, and this next one is even more complex and fruity. Bottled at a huge 64.9%, it certainly packs a punch, but not so much as to blow your head off. It is surprisingly gentle on the nose and full of flavour. The wood and climate have certainly worked their magic. It’s an exotic whisky, and although quite pricy in comparison to other young whiskies, it is made in tiny amounts and is a real treat.
Size: 350ml
ABV: 64.9%
Find here: £73.99
Do you like Irish whiskey? If so, why not have a read of The Best Irish Whiskeys, or if you are a fan of an Old Fashioned Cocktail, how about checking out The Best Whiskies for an Old Fashioned?!