“Single malt.” The phrases evoke such reverence amongst most whisky drinkers. Class, refinement, sophistication, wealth. However what about nice single malt Scotch on a price range?
Maybe we should always first study what a single malt is. Merely put: It’s whisky that has been pot-distilled at a single distillery utilizing 100% malted barley. Such easy rules and elements, nonetheless, can nonetheless result in extraordinarily wide-ranging aromas and flavors. When taking a look at Scottish single malt, particularly, the spirit’s character may be decided by every part from location to growing old, using peat (or not) to the forms of barrel finishes and so forth.
Not like another spirits, single malt Scotch just isn’t sure by actual guidelines for the barrels it have to be aged in. Many distillers use ex-bourbon barrels, that are probably the most extensively obtainable barrels on the planet as bourbon itself is simply allowed to fill them one time. Sherry-seasoned barrels are additionally widespread for growing old, and infrequently used as a ending vessel. Time within the barrel is crucial: Single malt Scotch have to be aged not less than three years, although most make it not less than a decade earlier than hitting cabinets. (With a $50 cap, the oldest Scotch in our tasting was aged 12 years.)
Lastly, and maybe most significantly, there are 5 main Scottish whisky areas, every with its personal typical profile (although whiskies from the small space of Campbeltown, recognized for daring, wealthy expressions, have crept above the worth cap of this explicit tasting), whether or not that’s the mellow, extra floral choices of the Lowlands or the sturdy, usually peaty examples from the island of Islay. All of those areas have their standouts, although, so it usually comes down to non-public choice.
That’s a part of why we organized this tasting: to supply a various handful of inexpensive Scotches to seek out out what profile you gravitate towards, with out breaking the financial institution. The final time we blind-tasted single malt Scotch at this worth level was greater than 5 years in the past, and plenty of of our earlier alternatives—together with these from Springbank, The Glenrothes and Ardbeg—are not obtainable below $50, so we figured it was excessive time to reexamine the panorama.
Beneath are our prime 5 picks, which, taken collectively, provide a snapshot of one of the best inexpensive Scottish single malts to strive proper now.
Editor’s be aware: As a result of costs range by market, sure bottles listed under might retail for barely above $50.
