As we approach the end of 2024, it’s the perfect time to look back and reflect on the year in whisky. This past year has brought a wealth of impressive releases, catering to both budget-conscious consumers and enthusiasts seeking rare, high-end bottlings.
To guide you through this rich landscape, we’ve curated a list of the six standout new whiskies from the past year. Cheers!
Bushmills | 36 Years Old Hill Street Edition
Irish whiskey is currently experiencing a renaissance, though its history has seen its share of ups and downs. Amidst this evolving landscape stands Bushmills, a distillery located along Northern Ireland’s scenic Co. Antrim coast, near The Giant’s Causeway.
With a distilling heritage that spans over four centuries, Bushmills boasts some of the oldest maturing stocks of Irish whiskey. This particular release, crafted for the renowned Belfast retailer The Friend at Hand, is a rare gem from 1986.
This triple-distilled single malt matured in ex-Oloroso sherry casks, with only 208 bottles available. Its tasting notes reveal a blend of cedar and sandalwood, accentuated with cinnamon and clove, mingling with sweeter, fruitier elements like tropical fruits, succulent dried fruit, hazelnut, and a touch of mocha.
It beautifully exemplifies the depth of flavor that old Irish whiskey can deliver.
Available at The Friend at Hand. 35-43 Hill St, Belfast, BT1 2PB
Caol Ila | Ambrosial Feast 11 Years Old
When picturing the Caol Ila distillery on Islay, most envision a profile defined by smoke and peat. However, there are instances when this distillery produces exceptional whiskies that break from that mold.
The Ambrosial Feast 11 Years Old is one such offering, utilizing a rare pocket of unpeated spirit that is no longer produced at Caol Ila. The whisky is aged in a combination of American oak ex-bourbon barrels and ex-red wine casks.
By removing the signature ash-like peat smoke, the spirit reveals a delightful sweetness and fruity character, featuring notes of green apple and candied orange complemented by butterscotch, golden syrup, fresh honeycomb, and a subtle hint of buttery popcorn, all rounded out by malty biscuits and a touch of black pepper.
This remarkable bottling provides a rare glimpse into the distillery’s historical production.
Available at The Whisky Exchange
Glenmorangie | The Original 12 Years Old
The Original has long been a staple of Glenmorangie’s lineup, but this year marked a significant update. The distillery took the daring initiative to raise the age from 10 to 12 years, refreshing a classic that had remained consistent since the 1950s.
This new version maintains the same composition (100% ex-bourbon barrels) and alcohol strength (40% ABV), with a minimal increase in price. Essentially, it is the same beloved whisky, just two years older—with delightful results.
The palate is now even silkier, creamier, and softer, showcasing an uplifting aroma and flavor profile that includes mandarin orange, ripe peach, and vanilla fudge, as well as flavors of fresh coconut, butterscotch, and gingerbread spice. Revamping such a revered classic is no small feat, but Glenmorangie has achieved it beautifully.
Johnnie Walker | 52 Years Old
Johnnie Walker blends are renowned as the top-selling Scotch whiskies worldwide, outperforming their nearest rival by a two-to-one margin in both domestic and travel retail markets.
Occasionally, exclusive limited editions showcase Diageo’s rare and aged stock along with the talents of their master blending team. The 52 Years Old is the latest creation from Emma Walker, their newly appointed Master Blender.
This impressive edition incorporates six rare Highland single malts, including whiskies from the closed distilleries of Brora and Glen Albyn, as well as two old single grains from Cambus and Carsebridge. The result is a complex and nuanced whisky, featuring rich notes of dusty cocoa powder, dried apricots, and spiced plums combined with hazelnut praline, elegant peat smoke, and hints of blackcurrant and candied ginger.
Truly sublime.
Available through Diageo private client teams and select luxury retailers.
Mossburn | 12 Years Old Calvados Cask Finish
As independent bottlers and distillers, Mossburn is rapidly gaining recognition for its innovative approach to whisky maturation, often experimenting with unconventional cask types.
This particular release is the second in their Cask Collaboration Series, where they partner with other craft distillers across the globe. Their first entry featured an award-winning Speyside blended malt finished in Foursquare rum barrels from Barbados.
This new bottling is a blended malt exclusively sourced from Speyside single malts, finished in French oak ex-Calvados apple brandy casks provided by Domaine Dupont, a renowned Calvados producer in Normandy.
Expect delightful blends of golden syrup, baked apples, and juicy sultanas with every sip. Marvelous.
Wild Turkey | Jimmy Russell 70th Anniversary 8 Years Old
The American whiskey landscape is flourishing, largely due to a surge of craft distillers creating unique products. Yet, it’s essential to honor the country’s rich whiskey-making history and traditions.
Among the best-selling bourbon brands, Wild Turkey stands as an emblem of Kentucky’s heartland. Jimmy Russell, a living legend, has dedicated nearly 70 years to the brand since its early days in the 1950s, securing his place in the Bourbon Hall of Fame.
This commemorative bottling, crafted by his son and grandson, Eddie and Bruce Russell, celebrates Jimmy’s remarkable 70 years of contribution to Wild Turkey, bringing together barrels selected from his favorite rickhouse.
This bourbon delivers on all fronts—imagine luscious vanilla toffee, vibrant candied orange, marzipan, and cherry, complemented by warming wood spices and the aroma of an old cigar box.
A heartfelt tribute to a whiskey icon.
