Every year, whisky enthusiasts are treated to an ever-growing selection of whiskies, and 2023 is no exception. With nearly half the year behind us, we’ve seen some exceptional releases that cater to a variety of tastes and budgets.
From luxurious old classics to groundbreaking artisanal creations, here are eight standout whiskies that you should consider.
Ardbeg Heavy Vapours
Every year, the famed Islay distillery Ardbeg captivates whisky lovers with its annual Ardbeg Day bottling. In 2023, they embraced innovation with a bold and intensely smoky single malt.
This year’s release was distilled using a still without a purifier, an element that typically balances smoky, floral, and fruity flavors. The absence of the purifier results in a richer, more robust whisky characterized by profound, ashy notes. Expect aromas of dusty peat smoke blended with golden syrup and vanilla toffee, complemented by subtle references to bonfire embers, drying seaweed, and eucalyptus.
If smoky whiskies are your preference, this is a must-try.
Bushmills 25 Years Old
The addition of the Bushmills 25 Years Old to their lineup is truly remarkable. As Northern Ireland’s oldest licensed distillery, established in 1608, they have access to some exceptional stocks of aged whiskey.
This particular release underwent an initial four years of maturation in a mix of ex-bourbon and ex-Oloroso sherry casks, followed by an impressive 21 years in ex-Port pipes.
This lengthy maturation has resulted in a delightful fusion of rich fruitiness and spiciness, featuring flavors of caramelized plum, raisins, peach, and barbecued pineapple intertwined with notes of cinnamon, walnut, milk chocolate, gingerbread, and orange oil.
Bushmills demonstrates the exceptional quality of aged Irish whiskey with this exquisite offering.
Glenmorangie Amontillado Cask Finish 12 Years Old
Glenmorangie, located in the Highlands, has long been a pioneer in Scotch whisky innovation. One of the first to introduce the cask finishing process in the 1980s, they continue this legacy with their new release, specially available in Australia and the UK.
Rarely utilized by distillers, ex-Amontillado sherry casks shine in this whisky. With luscious notes of sultanas and overripe peach, supported by hazelnut praline, candied orange, and cocoa powder, this release is both exuberant and accessible. A definite highlight in recent Glenmorangie offerings.
Glen Moray Twisted Vine
Glen Moray introduces its Glen Moray Twisted Vine with a refreshing twist. Known for their innovative cask maturation techniques, this release spent time in ex-Cognac casks from France.
Expect a delightful ensemble of raisins, sultanas, and prunes complemented by caramel, toffee, and toasted nuts. Hints of milk chocolate, espresso, and warming spices like cinnamon and clove intertwine with undertones of malted biscuits and delicate tannins, resulting in a beautifully rounded and soft whisky that offers excellent value.
Purchase now at The Whisky Exchange
InchDairnie Ryelaw
Ryelaw marks the debut release from the innovative InchDairnie distillery in Fife. This single grain whisky is crafted from a unique combination of 53% rye and 47% malted barley, named after Ryelaw Farm, where some of the grains are cultivated.
Produced for just one week each year, the spirit matures in charred virgin American oak barrels.
On the nose, Ryelaw offers a sweet and spicy profile featuring fudge, toffee, blackcurrant, and cherry, harmonized with expressive wood and baking spices. Notes of milk chocolate, orange fondant, and marshmallow join hints of bittersweet malt and menthol, making this a promising first bottling from InchDairnie.
Powers Irish Rye
As the popularity of rye whiskies surges, Powers Irish Rye emerges as a significant milestone, being the first made from 100% Irish rye. Utilising information from its extensive archives, Irish Distillers sourced rye grain from Cooney Furlong Farm in Wexford, near the Powers family estate.
This superb whiskey shines when enjoyed neat and also excels in classic rye cocktails such as the Manhattan and Old Fashioned. Expect notes of peppery cereal, maraschino cherry, and cocoa powder, accompanied by hints of banana bread and green apple. The lovely warmth of cinnamon and a ginger-like spice follows through to the finish.
Purchase now at The Whisky Exchange
Tobermory 25 Years Old
Remarkably, the Tobermory 25 Years Old is the third release in the Hebridean Series from the Isle of Mull distillery. This single malt is rare, created during a time when production was inconsistent.
It underwent initial maturation in American oak and ex-sherry casks, followed by a nine-year finishing period in Oloroso sherry casks sourced from Gonzalez Byass in Jerez, Spain.
Expect delightful combinations of milk chocolate, fresh honeycomb, and jammy fruit notes such as plum and apricot. Added complexity comes from layers of coconut, caramel, and toasted walnut, along with whispers of dried fruit and clove.
A captivating whisky that truly deserves your attention.
Purchase now at Master of Malt
Wire Works Caduro
Introducing the first permanent whisky in the Wire Works core range, Caduro, named after the cable brand once produced in the Victorian wire factory that houses the White Peak distillery in Derbyshire. It has already secured a gold medal at the IWSC, marking it as the only English single malt to achieve this accolade this year.
This lightly peated expression weaves delicate peat smoke with vibrant notes of vanilla, honey, and caramel, resulting in a beautifully sweet and soft palate. Additional flavors of toffee apple, chocolate, and sultana enhance this experience, turning more savory on the finish with touches of cinnamon bark, all-spice, and cigar box notes.
