Hidden Treasures: Niche Whisky Brands to Discover
When it comes to whisky, nobody needs to try too hard to convince a curious connoisseur on the benefits of a luxury Johnnie Walker Blue Label or a sophisticated Cardhu. These premium names have earned their place on top of every whisky expert's list of recommendations - and on the top shelves of many a home bar.
There is, however, a case to be made in complementing these classics with some uncovered treasures – the smaller distilleries who offer expressions which have slipped by the masses. Here we’ve picked out some of the finest niche whiskies, to help you elevate your knowledge on the varied brands available in the world of whisky.
Benrinnes is a hidden jewel among the Speyside whiskies. Situated in Scotland’s Highlands, the region is home to roughly 50 distilleries and produces nearly half of all Scotches made. Liquids like the Mortlach 12 perfectly embody the spirit of Speyside whiskies, often identified by their soft spiciness and fresh, sweet notes.
Benrinnes 15 Year Old Flora & Fauna is another Speyside staple, boasting a flavour profile alive with fresh, estery touches and rich, full sweetness. Enjoy this exceptional malt neat or with a splash of water.
Presented as part of the 2015 Special Releases, the Caledonian 1974 40 Year Old – often called The Cally by whisky enthusiasts and inspired by those who worked at the original distillery years ago – is a complex whisky worthy of a space on your shelf.
With a classic old grain character, The Cally cleverly demonstrates the toffee character of American oak with added touches of well-balanced spice.
If you’re already well-versed in the nuances and luxurious notes of whiskies including Caol Ila, Lagavulin and Talisker, you’ll love adding the Cladach 2018 blended Scotch whisky to your collection, a gloriously pleasing and affirming whisky that captures the character of coastal malts perfectly.
This unique and dynamic malt was the first-ever master blend of whiskies from six sublime single malt distilleries, including the aforementioned Caol Ila, Lagavulin and Talisker, plus Clynelish, Oban and Inchgower. Sip and see if you can pick out any of the distinct characteristics in each.
From Band Aid to the Avengers, all-star collaborations have long been a source for excitement and excellence. And with Collectivum whisky, the superheroes of single malts came together for the release of the XXVIII Blended Scotch Whisky.
This once-in-a-lifetime blend – boasting a rich and rounded liquid, filled with spicy-sweet aromas and a balanced sweet palate - unites all twenty-eight operating single malt distilleries owned by Diageo.
Nestled in the heart of Speyside’s luscious hills, Glen Elgin is a smaller distillery which draws the water from the springs of the Millbuies Loch to produce some world-class whisky.
The Glen Elgin 12 Year Old is full of Speyside trademarks, bringing pleasant sweet notes including marzipan and almonds together for something that’s been thought of as ‘fruitcake in a bottle.’
For a nuttier, sophisticated taste, the Glen Elgin 18 Year Old brings together mild sweetness, vanilla toffees and hints of brown sugar and dried spices.
While not as well known as some of its Speyside neighbours, the Inchgower distillery produces distinctive whiskies full of character and charm.
Notable releases include the 14 Year Old Flora & Fauna – a puzzling, beguiling liquid which has a chameleon-esque quality, boasting aromatics and a changing flavour profile, offering both a pleasing sweet palate opener and a saccharine, bitter finish.
Meanwhile, the Inchgower 27 Year Old Special Releases 2018 is testament to the distillery’s exploratory spirit, combining the staples of Speyside whiskies with the openness of the salty sea as they expanded their horizons to age the liquid for almost three decades in American oak hogsheads.
Demolished in 2002, the Pittyvaich distillery may be gone but it’s not forgotten thanks to incredible malts, like the 2020 30 Year Old Special Release.
An elusive bottling from Pittyvaich, the Special Release – with light, creamy, fruity aromas and flavours of a lesser-known Speyside gem - is a serious contender for any collector or whisky enthusiast. The luxury liquid was made from the last remaining stocks of the ghost distillery, and it was the first ever to be finished in first-fill ex-bourbon casks.
Captain Hugh Munro, head of the local clan, established the Teaninich distillery more than 200 years ago. In 1887, it became the first distillery north of Inverness to have electricity and a telephone. Despite this pioneering, enterprising spirit – and the fact it remains an impressive 20 acres plus in size – Teaninich is lesser known than some of its Highland neighbours partly due to the fact not many expressions have been released.
There are two notable exceptions, starting with the 10 Year Old Flora & Fauna, a well-rounded single malt whisky with light salty flavours indicative of its Highlands roots.
The 17 Year Old Special Releases 2017 single malt was released during the distillery’s 200th year. An exceptional offering, the malt has an initial sweetness which opens up to layers of toffee and apple flavours, warming up to a spicy oak finish.
Love the idea of expanding your horizons even more with these hidden gems? Take your whisky wisdom further with our guide to whisky lingo, featuring all the terminology and phrases you'll ever need to know. After a quick study, you'll be well equipped to impress everyone with your new-found knowledge.
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