Classic single malts every whiskey connoisseur needs in their collection

Whether you’re new to the world of ambers or a connoisseur of all things Scottish, drams from unique distilleries are a must. We sip some single malts that have raised the whiskey game in Malaysia.

If you were to ask most malt connoisseurs or bartenders, few ambers can match the diversity and complexity of flavors that single malts bring to the table. Often occupying the upper shelves of stores, these refer to whiskeys made from 100% malted barley from a single distillery. Aged for at least three years in various barrels – these have an eclectic flavor profile. This includes slightly more pronounced earthy, fruity, nutty and smoky notes than most other whiskies.

Naturally, single malts are delicious – making them the perfect spirit to have neat or in an old-school classic number. These coveted bottles enjoy a sophisticated reputation and gloriously smooth flavors. We’ve put together a list of a few that have been on our radar for a long time and are definitely worth checking out.

These Classic Single Malt Whiskey Options Make Drinking Easier

The Macallan Double Cask 12 years

Known for housing some of the finest single malts in the business, a Macallan is a staple in any whiskey collection. The Double Cask range fuses the classic Macallan style of rich fruit and woody spice with indulgent American oak. This particular expression also includes European oak barrels seasoned with sherry. Entirely round and warm, it has notes of candy apple, candied orange, oak and vanilla pastry cream on the nose. Each sip is reminiscent of citrus, honey, raisins and caramel. The finish, meanwhile, is sweet and dry. If you like creamy whiskeys, this one is for you.

Amrut Fusion XI

The Indian brand Amrut offers a range of smooth drams, pioneering the single malt revolution in India. Their limited edition Fusion XI (Eleven) is a nod to over 12 years of their flagship single malt – Fusion. It is also a tribute to the father of Indian single malts and their former chairman and managing director, the late Neelakanta Rao Jagdale. This one-of-a-kind expression is a combination of their 12-year-old, 10-year-old, 9-year-old and 7-year-old single malt whiskies. Peated in port and ex-bourbon — every sip has fruity notes. You will notice hints of caramel, lemongrass and smoke. On the nose, a range of bananas, peaches, green apples and vanilla. The finish is long and smooth as silk. This golden spirit is highly coveted, with only 1000 bottles available worldwide.

Glenmorangie La Lasanta

One of the best whiskey brands in the business – Glenmorangie drams are innovative and delicious. With this particular expression, the brand tries to bottle the hues of a sunset – reds, oranges and purples. Aged in bourbon and sherry casks for 12 years, the amber is loaded with sweet and spicy notes. Each sip recalls raisins, honeycomb, dark chocolate and hazelnuts. You might also notice hints of cinnamon. The finish is long and sweet, with citrus notes. This one is as inviting and tasty as it gets.

Talisker 10 years

From Diageo – one of the largest alcohol producers in the world – Talisker is a classic malt for any home bar. The award-winning dram is also one of the oldest single malt scotches made on the shores of the Isle of Skye. Each sip is reminiscent of the sea, perfectly balancing smoke, seawater salinity and sweetness. On the palate, notes of dried fruit, smoke and barley. Meanwhile, the aroma is peaty and the finish is long, warm and sweet. Elegantly bottled, this is an elegant gift option and the perfect dram to start your journey with a single malt.

Glenlivet 15 years old

Producing some of the world’s most classic and quality Speyside malts, Glenlivet is home to some of the world’s oldest single malt scotches. Naturally, their expressions convey quality in every sip. And the 15 year old is no exception. Aged in French oak from Limousin – often used for cognacs – which has a low density, the maturation of the whiskey is carefully controlled to obtain a delicate and pleasant spiciness. You will also notice notes of almonds and fruits. This one makes a classic addition to any home bar.

Yamazaki Distillers Reserve

No single malt would be complete without the inclusion of smoky, peated Japanese options – which follow the Scottish tradition of double-distilled malted barley. The Yamazaki distillery is one of the best in this regard, having worked to create quintessentially Japanese whiskey for over a century. This particular single malt is one of two from Suntory in Japan.

Aging in Bordeaux wine and sherry barrels gives this malt notes of red fruits. Each sip recalls raspberry, white peach and coconut. The bottle also contains malt aged in Mizunara casks, giving it an earthy aroma reminiscent of oak. In addition, you will discover notes of strawberry and cherry. Round and luxurious, this one pours gold and is a must-have.

Scotch Laphroaig 10 years

Known for producing single malts based on centuries-old traditions established by passionate master distillers, Laphroaig is worth it. This particular single malt is aged for 10 years and contains malted barley that is cold smoked and then dried over a peat fire. This gives the unique rug a bold, smoky aroma. Each sip is reminiscent of peat and seaweed – with a surprising sweetness. Full-bodied and long on the palate, this is an award-winning wine not to be missed.

Glenfiddich 18 years old

Crowned the brand with the world’s best-selling single malt whisky, Glenfiddich knows a thing or two about smooth drams. Their 18-year-old expression is an elegant, soft and round single malt. Each sip recalls dried fruit, candied bark, dates and oak. On the nose, notes of baked apple and wood. The finish, meanwhile, is warm. If you’re looking for something that would add a luxurious touch to your home bar, we can’t think of a better option than this.

Balvenie Double Bois 12 Year Old

This luxury brand offers rare and fine whiskeys and has been around since 1892. Their Double Wood 12 Years expression is aged in two types of oak barrels – American and European oak oloroso sherry butts. The reward ? Each sip is sweet and reminiscent of sweet spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, dried fruits and peat. On the nose, notes of grapes and honeyed raisins. The finish, meanwhile, is spicy and dry, while remaining sweet. If you want something classic for your after-dinner on the rocks ritual, we can’t think of a better choice than this.

All images: Courtesy of Shutterstock/Brands

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