The 10 Best New Scotches of 2016

Using the Christian Bible “ new ” to describe scotch seem paradoxical , as the industry is seemingly opposed to vary and anything modern with every peaty fiber of its being . Scotchenthusiasts be given to toady over ancient formulation made with antique stills and hoard prized nursing bottle for years , doling out the precious drams to only themost worthyof fellow nerd . But scotch distillers are also perfectionistsopen to change , always hunting for new ways to better their craft , new boulevard of flavor , Modern fiery experiences to unleash on the tender roof of the mouth of humble acolytes and curious neophytes likewise .

This twelvemonth see distiller experiment with outstandingly finished single malts , blends that reinterpret honored scotch traditions , expressions that explore the dark corners of brand heritage , and even a few passing well - aged feeding bottle that show window innovations introduce geezerhood ago . Here , in no especial order , the right new Scotch whiskies of 2016 .

Laphroaig Cairdeas Madeira($75)

When it come to scotch tasting , hardcore whisky wonk may sequester themselves in gamy , Medieval towers to reflect over their drachm in silent contemplation . But Laphroaig , the peaty shibboleth of Islay aficionados , make love whisky is good with friends . Cairdeas , which means “ friends ” in Scotch Gaelic , is the still ’s one-year expiration of Scotch malt whisky aged in the ex - barrels of a miscellanea of spirits , the accurate survival of which look on the twelvemonth . The 2016 dismission was initially aged in demode - bourbon barrel , but its 2nd interment in Madeira barrel really make the whisky unique . A sweetly spiced nose betrays the influences of the fortified wine immediately . The scotch coats the entire palate with creamy orange , before throw manner to wry spicery , but a splash of water really make for out the fruity vino notes . If you prefer something a bit more traditional , try Laphroaig Lore ( $ 125 ) , another novel release this twelvemonth , which has been hail as the distillery ’s richest expression yet , with a finish longer than a malt whiskey nerd ’s penchant for hyperbole .

Lagavulin 25-Year-Old($1,200)

desire to let all the imbiber in the room have a go at it that you intend business ? Uncap a bottle of the Lagavulin 25 , and watch the scent of Hebridean peat turn every head like catnip . This special edition Islay , unfreeze to celebrate the still ’s 200th anniversary , maycost an branch and a leg , but as long as you keep your taste buds , it still seems like a skillful deal to us . The first Lagavulin to be aged a poop - century entirely insherry caskful , this bottling may shock you with the sweet-smelling aroma of jammy fruit , toffee , and marzipan , but the extra time age in sherry ’s shadow rounds and darken the sense of taste . Smooth and pillowy , it tastes of powdered ginger , pepper and dark-skinned yield , with notes of wild marjoram and sage . The rim - smacking finish , heavy with oil colour and salt , will leave you thirsty for another dram .

Highland Park Fire($300)

Whisky is often associate with fire , whether it ’s the live burn of the liquid , the fire of the kiln , or thefiresideby which you sip your drachma on a cold-blooded wintertime ’s eve . Highland Park draw brainchild from a more primal fervor when they produce their new sacking : the fabled fight between the Fire Giants and the Norse gods . pour the ruby red scotch into your favorite snifter may almost convince you the whisky is infused with mythological native sulfur , until you earn the color comes from time drop in embrasure casks . The flavour of salty bacon sizzling over coals mix with bake spice like clove and Cinnamomum zeylanicum . Both the sweet and salty musical note are also evident upon sipping , along with cherry , orchard apple tree and oak tree . After tasting the Fire , try anticipate it with Highland Park ’s Ice variant ( $ 240 ) with its rich distinction of vanilla and orris root word .

Chivas Regal Ultis($200)

Master liquidizer are entrusted with Brobdingnagian power , as they interweave a arras of taste sensation from case-by-case single grain andsingle malted scotches . Celebrating five generations of blending prowess with a special release , Chivas Regal trench the single grain whiskies to create the brand ’s first blended malt whiskey . The blend of five Speyside single malts — representing less than one percentage of their monolithic inventory — call forth Chivas ’s home with a rich sweetness . The scent of vanilla , bar and fresh peaches give way to a creamy and fruity taste , in which each of the precious undivided malted milk play a role . Tormore distillery contributes the citrusy tone of orange , creamy Longmorn adds butterscotch , Strathisla reinforces the vanilla and peach , Allt A’Bhainne spices the commixture with acerb chocolate and gingerroot , and Braeval envelop thing up straightaway with a speedy finale of soft honey .

Glenfiddich India Pale Ale Cask Finish($70)

try out with finish up and flavored spirits has led many wayward distillers down moody , distorted road , but the honored Glenfiddich set out on firm undercoat when they launch their experimental series this year with an advanced IPA - complete single malt liquor . Rather than throw their treasured whisky into random ale casks and hope for the secure , the Glenfiddich R&D team worked with a local Speyside craft beer maker to make the veracious ale for the caper — one that would not only complement their scotch but become an integral part of the finished production . The frantic , wonderful experimentation yielded a whiskey that’shoppyfrom nose to tail . The perfume of hop mingles with wild flowers , brackish Edward Durell Stone fruit and beloved , while the unaccented taste of hops puts on a daze display on the palate with Al-Jama’a al-Islamiyyah al-Muqatilah bi-Libya , vanilla and a soupcon of licorice . Experiment with this one over ice and a squeeze of stock orangish .

The Balvenie Tun 1509 Batch 3($350)

The Balvenie ’s latest release of their one-year Tun 1509 single malt liquor is a masterful portmanteau word of 31 casks : 12 sherry butts , 11 American oak hogsheads and eight refill American oak butts . The scotch is scented with fresh wood and corn whisky , with a sour pang , hinting at the complex taste to come . A legion of flavor , from concentrated caramel , to dour yield , to nutty almond overlay the sweet honeyed reminiscence of sherry . It ’s limited to 2,100 bottles here in the States , so snap up one while you’re able to .

Glen Grant 18-Year-Old($120)

sleep on this new release is as big a mistake as sleeping on a wood storey during a cooccurring storm and wildfire , which , coincidentally , is an accurate delegacy of this Speyside scotch ’s divers ashy - yet - damp fictitious character . While we also liked the newfangled 12 - Year - Old ( $ 47 ) for its silky , honey taste of apple , thyme and wild spicery , it was the 18 - Year - Old that sent embers through our hearts ( in a skillful manner ) . The same mellifluous fragrance is there , but the scotch jab the palate with deeper look . It ’s at once round yet subtly astringent , and appreciation of stained wood , cinnamon and cigarettes over a inscrutable vegetational undercurrent .

Usquaebach An Ard Ri Cask Strength($200)

Usquaebach has managed to channel ancient tradition into its newest scotch without regurgitating tired tropes . It comes as lilliputian surprisal that the still would conjure tradition , given its name is derived from theGaelicuisge - beathaor “ piss of life , ” and the entire range of Highland blend is bottle in old school ceramic flagons reminiscent of the industry ’s heritage . The new cask - strength bottling combine 20 single malt liquor into a blend befitting of an expression named “ the high Billie Jean King . ” It professes brioche , walnut and ananas on the nozzle , and fills the mouth with a adorable , gum - like heft . It starts with a toasty , brackish taste of charred loot before ending with a foresighted sweet finishing . Long be the Martin Luther King .

Aberlour A’bunadh Batch No. 56($65)

This Speyside single malt has garnered a fast following by mimicking the method of the distillery ’s founder James Fleming . Made without advanced chill filtering oradded waterto temper the whisky ’s raw firepower , the cask - strength succus is instead balanced with a blanket of heavy cream flavor contribute by oloroso sherry casks . While Batches 54 through 56 all proud of buff this year with the series ’s distinctive , heavy elan , we found Batch 56 juggled the hefty flavors especially well . It indulges with yellowish brown , brittle and marzipan on the nose , and it coat the back of the tongue like sweet creamy suede . But the raw scotch also shines through on the tip of the tongue with dried ginger , salt Zea mays everta and the tingling , nearly acidic taste of cerise hots .

The Macallan 12-Year-Old Double Cask($65)

Hello again , ( 12 - year-)old acquaintance . After three years of releasing non - age affirmation whiskies , The Macallan has emerged from its midlife crisis and is once again willing to declare its dead on target historic period with its fresh discharge . Single malts spend those 12 year singly in American and European oak tree sherry casks before combining , resulting in a softly sherried compromise between The Macallan ’s other origin , the Sherry Oak series and the Fine Oak series , which involves senescence in old-fashioned - bourbon bbl in addition to sherry casks . The concentrated Double Cask remains favorable to drinkers of American whisky — with aromas of candied orange and custard , and a salmagundi of citrus , raisins and nutmeg — while coaxing them deeper into the traditional style of The Macallan malt whisky . Like a natal day party celebrated softly with a squeamish bottleful and a few old crony , the Double Cask relieve whisky drinkers everywhere into a new year , gratefully full of more Scotch malt whisky . Slàinte .