In recent months, we highlighted some of the most ancient and exceptional whiskies launched in 2024. However, several brands have recently elevated their craftsmanship by introducing their oldest bottlings to date. This achievement is particularly impressive in today’s competitive whisky landscape, and these extraordinary selections have attracted the attention of enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.
Some of these whiskies hail from venerable distilleries with decades of history, classifying them as ultra-premium (and notably high-priced). Others showcase the pinnacle of flavor development from emerging craft and artisanal producers.
Let’s delve into some of these collectible whisky treasures from Scotland and beyond.
Ardnamurchan | 10 Years Old
When the West Highland craft distillery of Ardnamurchan commenced distillation in July 2014, imagining a 10-year-old single malt felt far-off. Fast forward a decade, and that dream is now a reality. Nestled on the windswept Ardnamurchan peninsula, with views of the island of Mull, the distillery released its inaugural whisky four years back, eagerly anticipated ever since.
This inaugural 10-year-old single malt showcases Ardnamurchan’s unique unpeated style (their flagship spirit is lightly peated), having aged in ex-bourbon barrels and subsequently finished for a year in ex-Champagne barriques sourced from the renowned Paul Launois house.
Drinkers can expect delightful notes of sweet, waxy honeycomb, an abundance of ripe tropical fruit, and subtle hints of gingerbread and white chocolate.
Hibiki | 40 Years Old
The House of Suntory, Japan’s pioneering whisky producer, has unveiled the oldest iteration of their celebrated Hibiki blend. Crafted by distinguished Master Blender Shinji Fukuyo, this blend is composed of whiskies sourced from Suntory’s three distilleries—single malts from Hakushu and Yamazaki, and single grain from Chita, all distilled and placed into casks between 1979 and 1983.
The result is nothing short of outstanding, showcasing an array of whiskies matured in American, Spanish, and rare Japanese mizunara oak. Expect luscious notes of white peach, baked apple, and manuka honey, followed by hints of butterscotch, clove, and orange blossom.
The elegance and complexity are remarkable, with final flavors of raisin, dried apricot, cocoa powder, and delicate baking spices enriching the experience.
Littlemill | 47 Years Old
If Littlemill were still operational today, it would hold the title of the oldest distillery in Scotland. Founded in 1772, the Lowland distillery ceased operations in 1992, and a devastating fire in 2004 signaled its definitive closure. As a result, remaining stocks continue to dwindle, making Littlemill whiskies highly coveted among collectors.
This oldest release is part of the esteemed Vanguard Collection, curated by Master Blender Michael Henry. He meticulously selected from some of the scarcest barrels, this time from ex-bourbon casks filled in October 1976.
Expect inviting notes of vanilla toffee, hard caramel, and ripe tropical fruit, complemented by mocha, stewed pear, and cinnamon.
Express your interest at Littlemill
Longmorn | 30 Years Old
Located in Speyside, just south of Elgin, the Longmorn distillery boasts a rich heritage. For much of its existence, however, it has primarily served as a reliable provider of single malt for blending houses throughout Scotland. It is only in recent years that Longmorn has focused on establishing itself as a standalone single malt brand. This oldest-ever bottling marks a significant step forward.
The Longmorn 30 Years Old expression will join the newly revamped core range, aligning with its 18- and 22-year-old counterparts and set to be released in small batches each year.
Flavor notes include caramel, honey, and raspberry compote, combined with ripe plum, walnut, and spiced apple. This classic Speyside whisky shines after three decades of maturation in American oak ex-bourbon hogshead casks.
Available at The Whisky Exchange from mid-November
Mortlach | 50 Years Old
Mortlach, a distinguished Speyside distillery, has long been revered for its exceptional single malt. This reputation has only intensified with the introduction of their first-ever 50-year-old whisky. Crafted from a single first-fill American oak ex-bourbon barrel, this whisky has matured on-site for over five decades, distilled using the original direct-fired stills, now replaced, and filled into casks back in 1971.
This remarkable whisky is the latest and final release in Mortlach’s premium Singing Stills collection, hand-selected by Dr. Craig Wilson, Master Blender for brand owners Diageo.
It presents a luxurious blend of hedgerow fruits, golden syrup, and milk chocolate, complemented by drying wood spices, Brazil nuts, and a hint of cocoa powder. This is indeed a whisky for the ages, but it comes with a hefty price tag.
Stranahan’s | 12 Years Old
Stranahan’s distillery, located in Denver, marks the first whiskey producer in Colorado since before Prohibition. Taking a bold approach, they opted to break from traditional American whiskey styles like bourbon and rye, focusing instead on single malt, driven by the founder’s passion for Scotch. They are celebrated as pioneers within this evolving category in the United States.
Established in 2004, this marks the first release of a 12-year-old expression. Crafted from Colorado barley and the clear waters of the nearby Rocky Mountains, the single malt has matured in charred new American oak casks, followed by a finishing period in ex-Port wine barrels from Portugal.
Anticipate flavors of vanilla wafer, caramelized orange, and fig with a touch of ginger and lemon.
