The Fall 2022 issue explores the many wonders Scotland has to offer, from gorgeous golf courses to great hotels, and of course, unforgettable whiskies. It should come as no surprise then, that the issue contains reviews of a number of high-scoring single malt scotches. Most notably, we highlight 15 single malts that bear a 30 year age statement, all of which scored between 90 and 96 points. Two of those whiskies, Macallan 30 year old Sherry Oak (2021 Release) and Springbank 30 year old, were named among the issue’s most collectible whiskies reviewed. At 30 years old, all of the bottles included would make for a special toast and treat.
The below list, however, provides a bit more diversity and some great deals, offering something for everyone: cask-strength bourbon, inventive single pot still finishes, peated American single malt, and more. Blue Note Juke Joint Uncut scored 92 points and will set you back just $45. We have similar deals within our Best Values selections, and always designate our favorite whiskies in each issue using the Editors’ Choice tag. Fall is known to be a busy month for whisky makers and drinkers, so scan this list, which features dependable names like Booker’s, The Irishman, Glenfiddich, and more, and dive into the full Fall 2022 Buying Guide, which has over 130 whiskies rated and reviewed, to find your next dram.
Great Whiskies From the Fall 2022 Issue
Macallan 30 year old Double Cask single malt scotch (2021 Release)
95 points, 43%, $4,250
Sherry-seasoned American and European oak casks produce a layered, complex whisky with notes of honeycomb, satsuma, vanilla, dried lavender, macadamia nut, white-fleshed apples, nectarine, and apricot juice. The qualities of the American oak make for a delightful whisky of honeyed citrus, nutty creaminess, and red apple, becoming more oily in texture, with spicy citrus peel, vanilla sponge, creamy oak, apricot, toffee, and a long, dry finish.—Jonny McCormick
Balvenie Rare Marriages 30 year old single malt scotch
94 points, 44.2%, $2,400
Needs time to open up, but the nose of this superb whisky reveals cocoa powder, heather honey, milk chocolate, dark berries, dried orange, toasted sourdough, and a growing presence of oak spices. Indulgent flavors of plum, date, dried fig, dark chocolate, and mocha, then black grape, milk chocolate, charred oak, Brazil nut, and nutmeg. The finish is mellow, with dry spices, nuts, and chocolate.—Jonny McCormick
Glenfiddich 30 year old single malt scotch
94 points, 43%, $700
Matured in bourbon and oloroso sherry casks, this is intensely fruity, with attractive oak characteristics, apple pastries, honey, malt, pressed flowers, dried fruits, fresh pear, vanilla, and polished oak. Exceptionally smooth with balletic grace on the tongue, offering flavors of honey, sweet vanilla, tangy citrus, baked apples, creamy poached pear, and gentle cask spices. Vanilla pudding, malt, and hints of coffee and clove appear on the finish.—Jonny McCormick
The Irishman Cask Strength blend 2022 Vintage Release
94 points, 54.9%, $140
Complex, intense, and full-bodied with toffee, green apple, ripening plum, aromatic spices, nutmeg, and peppercorn. The 14th consecutive release in this long-running series is one of their best-ever whiskeys, delivering delicious flavors of toffee apple, malt, chocolate, vanilla pod, and spice, yielding to concentrated fruitiness with baked orange, mango, candied pineapple, and a lengthy finish of dried and tropical fruits.—Jonny McCormick
Kilkerran 12 year old single malt scotch
93 points, 46%, $110
This delivers a highly distinctive combination of fruity, savory, and spicy aromas: damson, cherry, aromatic smoke, and pastrami, with increasing peatiness, backed up by cake mix, dried peel, pink peppercorn, nutmeg, and licorice. The mouthfeel changes gears from sweet to oily, beginning with orange peel, lime, watermelon, lemon curd, toffee, and sherbet, then pivots to peat smoke, orange fondant, red apple, ginger- bread, and peppery base notes.—Jonny McCormick
Booker’s “Ronnie’s Batch 2022-01” straight bourbon
93 points, 62.15%, $90
Richly herbal on the nose, with dark fruits, subtle notes of cooked meat and barbecue, sweet pickles, hints of cinnamon, and vanilla cream. Very creamy on the palate, well-spiced, with more meaty flavors, cinnamon stick, and chocolate ball. A lot of depth of flavor here, and the texture is creamy despite the heft. A great spice bomb with an explosive finish full of more cinnamon spice, cooked fruit, and chocolate sweetness.—David Fleming
Method & Madness Japanese Cedarwood Finish single pot still
93 points, 48%, $95
Delivering a unique flavor profile, this opens with delicate, ethereal notes of sweet lychee, grapefruit, white florals, and tangerine that float atop aromatic spice, paprika heat, tree bark, antique books, and balsa wood. The flavors encompass golden syrup, caraway, and sesame bars, with pepperiness wrapped around the base of the tongue, transitioning to smooth creamy vanilla, toffee, and orange peel, with dried apricot, strong green tea, and lingering clove.—Jonny McCormick
Redbreast Kentucky Oak Edition single pot still
93 points, 50.5%, $95
The Irish-American whiskey trend works both ways. This golden dram serves up oak spices and lashings of creamy vanilla at 101 proof, with aromas of butter biscuits, sliced almond, and creamed coconut. Brown sugar, red fruits, and cherry lozenges on first sip, then cinder toffee, Milky Way, forest honey, and warm apple pie, ratcheting up lush vanilla, oakiness, and sweet concentrated fruitiness to finish. Water adds extra creaminess, if that’s possible.—Jonny McCormick
Blue Note Juke Joint Uncut straight bourbon
92 points, 58.75%, $45
Vanilla wafers and fresh marshmallows on the nose, with bake shop notes of fresh pastry. The palate is spicy and rich, with flavors of chocolate fudge, coffee, black pepper, and cooked red fruits. Water brings out more chocolate and spice. Very well-balanced and appealing. The well-textured and smooth finish offers notes of chocolate, mellow almond, and milk chocolate. It’s a big one and ice is recommended, but the quality is there.—David Fleming
Manatawny Double Peated American single malt (Batch 24)
92 points, 47%, $75
A rustic and smoky nose delivers dried herbs, cocoa powder, salted peanuts, citrus, licorice, and wax. Where the nose draws you in, the palate keeps your attention with a beautiful creamy texture and notes of oyster brine, anise, peppercorns, candied orange, chocolate, and green olives. A lengthy finish completes the experience, with woodsmoke, mocha, and salted caramel. Somewhat irregular in profile, with undeniable balance, nuance, and intrigue. (400 bottles)—Ted Simmons
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