TL;DR

The article highlights three exceptional single-malt Scotch producers for 2022: BenRiach for varied cask maturation, Highland Park for Viking-themed lightly peated whiskies, and Bladnoch for unique wine-cask finishes.

In the realm of whisky, many preconceived assumptions exist. Even while single malt scotch often receives high praise, many people still consider it an exclusive and severe beverage. Single malt scotch may have higher sales numbers, but blended scotch wins hands down when it comes to popularity. The cost is a factor here since a standard blend is typically much cheaper than a single malt, but this is not always the case. Each kind is good in its own right, but many people lean towards single malt whisky because it best reveals the unique characteristics of the distillery where it was created.

Barrel with lemon and a glass of cognac on the old table

Remember that there is no right or wrong way to enjoy whisky, so long as you do it in moderation and with an open mind. Whisky is designed to be enjoyed; therefore, ignore those who insist that it must be served neat or that water must be added. Just go ahead and mix that $300 bottle of whisky with some Diet Dr. Pepper if that’s what you want to do (however, possibly give the whisky a strive by itself as nicely).

We’ve highlighted 3 of the finest single malt whisky out of more than 130 distilleries in Scotland.

BenRiach

BenRiach isn’t the best-known scotch distillery, yet it makes excellent whisky. Additionally, it’s one of the few distilleries that regularly conducts ground maltings, in which barley is wet to germinate and then dried onsite before distillation (that is often accomplished by malting homes these days). Brown Forman purchased BenRiach a few years ago and revamped the primary product with new bottle designs, names, and expressions. The Twelve, The Unique Ten, The Smoky Ten, and the Smoky Twelve are the most inexpensive whiskies. One is peated, and the other isn’t. These superb single malts are matured in ex-bourbon, sherry, port, virgin oak, and rum barrels, among others. Malting Season is BenRiach’s first whisky made using malted barley in a century. Smoke Season is the distillery’s peatiest whisky. These delicate and tasty whiskies have no added color and are suited for seasoned and beginning scotch drinkers.

Highland Park

Highland Park is notable in the scotch whisky business for its Viking focus and isolated Orkney location, making it Scotland’s northernmost distillery (it beats Scapa by a couple of miles). The whisky is frequently lightly peated and matured in sherry or bourbon barrels. In the US, 10-, 12-, and 18-year-old whiskies mix smoke and dried fruit flavors nicely. Viking Coronary Heart, a 15-year-old whisky aged in European and American sherry-seasoned oak barrels, was introduced last year. Cask Energy is a unique and charming household accent. The next batch of this NAS, non-chill filtered whisky, was produced last fall. It has overtones of smoke, vanilla, and honey. Highland Park bottles have Norse-themed labels and 50-year age claims. Highland Park is uncolored.

Bladnoch

Many fans of single malt whisky may overlook distilleries in the Lowland region of Scotland, but you should check out them. Some people will recognize Glenkinchie and Auchentoshan, whereas Bladnoch is still a relatively unknown brand in the United States. Since 1817, when it first opened, this distillery has been producing alcohol but has undergone several ownership changes and periods of inactivity. Dr. Nick Savage, who has worked in the whisky business for many years, is now a master distiller. There are currently a handful of standout bottles on the market, including NAS Vinaya whisky that was aged in bourbon and sherry casks, the NAS Samsara whisky in bourbon and California purple wine casks, the 15-year-old aged in Oloroso sherry casks, and the 25-year-old that was completed in virgin oak and bottled at cask power. Try a handful of these varieties if you’re looking for a change of pace in the world of single malt scotch.

Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat makes BenRiach single-malt Scotch unique?

BenRiach is one of few distilleries that still conducts on-site ground maltings and offers a wide range of expressions matured in ex-bourbon, sherry, port, virgin oak, and rum barrels, with both peated and unpeated options.Where is Highland Park distillery located and what is its signature style?

Highland Park is Scotland's northernmost distillery, located on Orkney. Its whisky is typically lightly peated and matured in sherry or bourbon barrels, featuring a balance of smoke and dried fruit flavors with Norse-themed branding.Why should I try Bladnoch single-malt Scotch?

Bladnoch is a historic Lowland distillery offering a change of pace with unique cask finishes, such as California red wine casks and Oloroso sherry casks, producing complex and lesser-known expressions worth exploring.

Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat makes single-malt Scotch different from blended Scotch?

Single-malt Scotch is produced at one distillery, showcasing its unique character, while blended Scotch combines malts and grains from multiple distilleries for a consistent profile.Which single-malt Scotch producer is known for Viking-themed whiskies?

Highland Park, from Orkney, is famous for its Viking focus and lightly peated whiskies matured in sherry and bourbon casks.What is unique about BenRiach distillery?

BenRiach is notable for its varied cask maturation, producing both peated and unpeated expressions, and for conducting its own traditional floor maltings.Why is Bladnoch a noteworthy single-malt producer?

Bladnoch is a historic Lowland distillery offering unique wine-cask finishes, making it a standout for its delicate and fruity single malts.