Whiskey bottles aged 18 to 25 years offer complex flavors.
When a celebratory toast is in order, what’s in your glass? For some, vintage wine or champagne bottles are worthy libations. However, for those who enjoy the complex flavors a single malt whiskey promises, there are plenty of options to try for moments that aren’t to be forgotten.
Whiskey making was invented in Scotland, with records dating back to 1494. According to industry standards, a well-aged whiskey, similar to wine, tastes better than a young liquid because it adds layers to the taste. But if left in barrels for too long, the liquor can grow too woody and bitter to enjoy.
Fortunately, some disileries have been producing bottles for nearly 200 years. With their tried and tested processes, they’re able to craft complex whiskey aged 25 years. We recommend these bottles for your bar collection or to save for your next milestone.
GLENFIDDICH Gran Reserva
The newly launched collection, Grand Series, includes the 21 year Gran Reserva is a flexible spirit that peaks with sweet toffee and spicy warm flavors.
You can get more information here.
MACALLAN Sherry Oak 18 Years Old
Made with hand-picked sherry seasoned oak casts from Jerez de la Frontera in Spain, the Macallan Sherry Oak was aged for 18 years. It features notes of matured oak, ginger, and raisin flavors. On the nose, the spirit offers hints of dried fruits, vanilla, cinnamon, and ginger as well.
You can get more information here.
DALMORE 18 Years
Created by Dalmore’s master distiller Richard Peterson, the 18-year-old whiskey splits its time between bourbon barrels, Matsualem rum casks, and its last year inside the rare sherry butts. Thanks to the Matsualem rum cask (which provides notes of cocoa), the whiskey’s taste includes chocolate raisins. Then, the flavor develops into citrus, stewed fruits, old sherry, and pepper.
You can get more information here.
GLENFIDDICH Grand Cru
The Gran Cru aged for 23 years are for luxurious events, according to the family-owned brand. It’s their first and only expression to be finished in French cuvée casks, where it sits for the process’ last six months. Inside the black and gold foil bottle is a liquid meant to be rich to the palette.
You can get more information here.
CHIVAS REGAL Chivas 25
According to Chivas Regal’s master blender Sandy Hyslop, the same blending process is used from when Chivas 25 was first created in the early 1900’s. “Each batch of Chivas Regal 25 is built up from scratch in the blending room,” he says on the brand’s website.
“We bring in cask samples from our extensive stocks in warehouses all over Scotland and build up the blend in miniature amounts, then assess the quality before blending all the casks together.” On the palate, the whiskey includes hints of rich chocolate orange and fondant creaminess.
You can get more information here.
JAMESON 18 Years
Jameson describes this bottle as the “kind of thing you only pull out for best mates.” For nearly two decades, this 18-year-old is matured in oak casks before moving to a fresh American oak barrel for at least six months. Its mellow taste comprises toffee, spice, hints of wood and leather, and mild sherry and vanilla flavors.
You can get more information here.
Glen Moray 25 year old Single Malt
Each batch was of Glen Moray’s 25 Year Old Single Malt was treated to a pork cask finish. This means it was transferred from its primary barrel to a second or more, whichs softens alcohol for a smooth finish. On the nose, it offers sugar coated nuts, fresh barley, and a hint of old oak furniture. Meanwhile, the taste offers vanilla pod, candied orange, oak, and nutmeg.
You can get more information here.
GLENFIDDICH Grand Couronne
The 26-year Grande Couronne completes Glenfiddich’s Grand Series. Inside a 26-sided gold closure, the spirit offers layers of sweet toasted oak and smooth aromas as flavor notes.
You can get more information here.
Banner image from Glenfiddich.
