Seemingly hundreds of new Scotch whiskies hit shelves in 2024, but when it came down to it these were the best
Is there anything better than a good glass of Scotch? Seriously, we’re asking. As whiskies go, the northern British variety continues to deliver a diverse range of flavors despite the use of only three ingredients. This year felt like a particularly good one in which to be a Scotch drinker as brands old and new delivered a vast array of expressions that more than once blew our minds. As for the best new Scotch whiskies of 2024, these are our picks.
Best New Scotch 2024
Lagavulin Skies of Fèis Ìle, 29-Year-Old
While it might seem a bit unfair to put a £2,500, 29-year-old whisky on our list, it would be even more unfair for it to be left off. Inspired by the aurora borealis, the Lagavulin Skies of Fèis Ìle 29-Year-Old celebrates the magnetic power of this iconic Islay distillery. Finished in a heavily charred Amoroso-seasoned American Oak hogshead cask, the whisky offers intense fruity notes. Just 250 bottles of this beauty were made and we suggest you find some way to get your hands on two (one to drink and one to save and sell in several years time).
Port Charlotte SYC:01
Bottled at 54.4% ABV and malted to 40 PPM, Port Charlotte SYC:01 features 2013 Port Charlotte spirit that was initially filled into a combination of first fill (75%) and second fill (25%) bourbon barrels. In 2018, the spirit was re-casked into first fill Syrah wine casks. After four years and with the wine influence now at its peak, the spirit was re-casked into refill bourbon to allow the whisky to marry. The cask imparted rich red fruit notes and layers of delicate spice to the final single malt Scotch whisky, complementing Port Charlotte’s signature peat smoke.
Glenmorangie A Tale Of Ice Cream
The fifth release in Glenmorangie’s Tale Of series, A Tale of Ice Cream looks to capture the nostalgic delight of an age-old ice cream parlor through ‘irresistible’ and ‘decadent’ flavors. Sweet, creamy, with hints of fresh fruits and an abundance of vanilla, the whisky is “like sinking your spoon into a carousel of flavor,” says Dr Bill Lumsden.
Ardbeg The Unicorn’s Tale
Aged for 14 years, the Ardbeg Unicorn’s Tale blends the Scotch maker’s classic smoky flavors with sweetness delivered by Madeira casks. The Anthology Collection features unusual single malts from the distillery, which cross classic Ardbeg with experimental stock to create new flavor combinations. On the nose, the single malt offers aromas of baked banana bread and syrupy sponge pudding, which leads to distinct notes of burning cedar wood and tropical fruits. The palate delivers flavors of lime, stone fruits, peat smoke, menthol, and barley. The influence of the Madeira casks is particularly noticeable on the finish, which lingers with notes of menthol, clove, wood smoke, and camphor.
Laphroaig Elements 2.0
Laphroaig Elements 2.0 showcases the impact of extending the fermentation period. The experimentation included several longer fermentations ranging up to almost five full days in the tun – a total of 115 hours. The tun was specially aerated to maintain mash conditions, much like practices of the past–the brand’s standard fermentation is around 55 hours. By extending the time, a secondary fermentation begins to happen inside the washback. This means more tropical, fruity flavours alongside the smoky, peaty signature.
Aberfeldy 15 Year Single Malt Cadillac Sweet White Wine Cask Finished
Initially matured in a mix of refill barrels and refill Hogsheads, the 15-year-old Aberfeldy was then finished in French Semillon Cadillac white wine casks. The casks bestow yellow fruits, floral tones, and citrus to the Scotch, bringing a balance of opulence and freshness. The nose finds floral notes alongside aromas of ripe peach, nectarines, and creamy toffee. The palate delivers the brand’s signature honeyed character along with bursts of citrus and yellow fruits. The finish lingers with touches of cinnamon.
Cù Bòcan Creation #6
Inspired by the lightly-peated spirit historically produced at Tomatin distillery more than a century ago, Cù Bòcan uses unique cask maturations to create a collection of vibrant flavors. For Creation #6 they used lightly peated Scottish barley and a fusion of liquid matured in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks for nine years and Jamaican Rum casks for ten years. The resulting spirit boasts a smoky and lively character. Notes of toasted Jamaica ginger cake, bonfire toffee, and banana and walnut loaf join hints of rum-soaked pineapple, raisins and a hint of crunchy almond caramel. The deep, dark palate finds flavors of amaretto cherries and salted caramel-coated liquorice, along with spiced plum jam and lozenges. The finish is soft and lingers.
Kilchoman Loch Gorm 2024
Named after the dark, peaty loch the distillery overlooks, the limited-edition whisky is the only release from the Islay brand that matures entirely in oloroso sherry casks. Distilled in 2014, the 2024 edition matured in butts previously used by Bodega José y Miguel Martín. The majority of fresh casks in the vatting allow for layers of oloroso influence to be imparted from the sherry soaked oak. On the nose, the whisky offers waves of sweet BBQ smoke and cooked fruits with hints of dark chocolate and dried figs. The palate finds delicate peat smoke combining with honey roasted nuts, cinnamon, and malted barley. The finish features fresh notes of citrus and rich toffee.
Orphan Barrel Woven Honor
Orphan Barrel Woven Honor aged for 18 years in American Oak barrels from Linkwood Distillery in the Scottish Highlands, which sits on the outskirts of Elgin. Founded in 1821, the distillery is noted for its time-honored process of patience, letting whisky age to its full potential. Woven Honor is smooth and medium-bodied, delivering grassy and floral notes, alongside hints of green apple, lemon zest, vanilla, and honeycomb. The palate is light and looks to invoke the freshness of spring.
Johnnie Walker Blue Ice Chalet
The follow up to last year’s Johnnie Walker Elusive Umami, Blue Ice Chalet explores the world of après ski. Master Blender Emma Walker crafted the rare new blend using Scotch drawn from Diageo’s most northern and highest altitude distilleries, including Dalwhinnie, Clynelish, and old stock from the recently reopened Brora Distillery. It was predominantly aged in refill American oak, rejuvenated heavily charred casks, and ex-American oak bourbon casks, as well as some wine and sherry casks. On the nose, sweet and creamy vanilla aromas combine with spiced apples and plums as well as a gentle wood spice. The palate delivers apples, berries, spices with some soft wood, gentle smoke and rich orchard fruits. The finish features soft fruity spice with a gentle smoke.
Check out our Best New Bourbons of 2024
If you think we’re missing any of the best Scotch whiskies of 2024, please let us know.
