The spirits industry experienced a vibrant resurgence in 2022 as the world moved past the pandemic and related restrictions. Whisky sales, in particular, surged, with numerous brands reporting impressive growth and finally introducing special editions that had been postponed from 2020 and 2021.
Scotch whisky had a remarkable year, but noteworthy releases from various regions also made their mark. Here, we explore 10 of the standout whiskies introduced in 2022.
Ardbeg Hypernova
Marketed as the smokiest Ardbeg to date, Hypernova certainly lives up to its bold claims. This expression elevates the already powerful Ardbeg character from Islay, delivering a whisky that is robust, daring, and intensely peaty, adorned with earthy and coastal aromas.
With notes of bonfire embers, damp moss, and desiccated seaweed blending with hearty cereals, scorched green apple, white chocolate, and a hint of saltiness, this whisky is not for the faint of heart.
Bimber Camden Town
2022 has been a remarkable year for Bimber Distillery, firmly establishing itself among the world’s most sought-after craft whisky brands.
Camden Town, part of its exclusive London Underground Series created in partnership with Transport for London, sold out at an astonishing rate and featured a unique finish in less conventional ex-sherry casks.
This expression highlights notes from ex-Amontillado casks, showcasing Bimber’s characteristic bold and fruity style alongside dried fruits, nuts, and robust spice from the oak. A whisky to keep on your radar.
Benromach 40 Years Old
Distinctively pricier than others on this list, the Benromach 40 Years Old retails for £1,000 per bottle, reflecting its rarity and age.
This is just the second time the esteemed Speyside distillery has launched a 40-year-old whisky, and it is nothing short of magnificent.
Rich and multilayered, it reveals notes of dark caramel, orange marmalade, and warming baking spices, with accents of hazelnut praline, clove, and black cherry, all beautifully complemented by a whisper of peat smoke. A truly sublime whisky.
Buy now at The Whisky Exchange
Bushmills 1997 Rum Cask
This exquisite single malt whiskey is the most recent addition to the Bushmills Causeway Collection, named after the nearby Giant’s Causeway—an impressive World Heritage site just a short distance from the distillery on Northern Ireland’s Co. Antrim coast.
While ex-rum casks are often used to finish Scotch for shorter periods, this triple-distilled spirit has spent its entire 25 years aging in high-quality Caribbean rum casks.
It offers delightful tropical notes of pineapple, mango, sugarcane, and peach, layered over Bushmills’ signature light, grainy, and grassy style.
Craigellachie 13 Years Old Armagnac Cask Finish
The use of ex-Cognac and ex-Armagnac barrels for Scotch whisky maturation has gained popularity over recent years, and few expressions have excelled like this Craigellachie, which marks the beginning of the distillery’s Cask Collection series.
Initially matured in ex-bourbon casks, this whisky was finished in French oak Bas-Armagnac brandy casks from Gascony.
The taste experience is rich with juicy fruits and baking spices, exemplifying Craigellachie’s signature oily spirit, with notes of apricot, pear, vanilla, sultanas, and ginger coming through beautifully.
Buy now at The Whisky Exchange
Dalmore 15 Years Old 2007 Vintage
Dalmore is one of Scotland’s most distinguished distilleries, overlooking the Cromarty Firth, which is the UK’s deepest sea loch, revered for its rich and luxurious single malts.
With this 2007 Vintage, bottled at 15 years old and sourced from just 12 casks, initial maturation takes place in ex-bourbon barrels, followed by a treatment in a unique blend of four cask types: ex-Matusalem, ex-Apostoles, ex-Amoroso sherry, and ex-Madeira sweet wine casks.
Expect floral notes paired with warming flavors of sultana, brown sugar, heather honey, and a touch of Christmas spice.
Glendronach Cask Strength Batch 11
The annual cask strength release from Glendronach had been delayed due to the pandemic. While Batch 10 arrived earlier in 2022, Batch 11 recently followed to re-establish the series.
Renowned for its crafting with top-notch ex-sherry casks, this release exemplifies that tradition, featuring a blend of whiskies aged in ex-Oloroso and ex-Pedro Ximenez sherry casks before being merged.
The result is a luxurious harmony of rich and fruity notes, including raisin, sultana, prune, and candied orange, coupled with caramel, toasted nuts, and chocolate. Truly exceptional.
Buy now at The Whisky Exchange
Glenfiddich Orchard Experiment
Another innovative creation from Glenfiddich, a pioneering name in the single malt whisky scene since the 1960s. The Orchard Experiment is the fifth release in their popular Experimental Series, showcasing Glenfiddich’s sweet, soft, and fruity spirit matured in Somerset Pomona apple brandy casks. This unique interplay embodies a delightful union of Scotland and Somerset.
The whisky presents beautifully baked apple and toffee apple flavors, complemented by notes of honey and cinnamon. A bright and cheerful expression!
Gold Spot 9 Years Old
The Irish whiskey market is thriving, and the new Gold Spot 9 Years Old is a splendid addition from Irish Distillers. Launched to mark the 135th anniversary of the whiskey bonding venture from Mitchell & Sons, this whiskey features a fascinating blend of cask types: ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks alongside ex-Bordeaux red wine barrels and ex-Port pipes.
Expect a sumptuous profile of tropical fruit, apricot jam, golden syrup, and vanilla sugar, punctuated by hints of cinnamon, red apple, and gingerbread.
Whistlepig Piggyback 6 Years Old
Mid-year saw the launch of Whistlepig Piggyback 6 Years Old, a premium offering from this esteemed American distillery that has made a significant impact in the bartending community. As the youngest expression from Whistlepig, this whisky provides an affordable alternative without sacrificing quality.
Characterized by notes of vanilla, maple syrup, and coconut, it also reveals dark cherry, spicy pepper, and a hint of cola bottle sweets, making it versatile both in cocktails and neat.
