Since single malt scotch is commonly aged in used barrels, whisky makers can let it relaxation for 21 years or extra with out concern of it changing into over-oaked. (Photograph by Jeff Harris)
Whether or not you might be celebrating a birthday or one other big day, you’ll be able to’t go incorrect with any of those 21 12 months previous whiskies, all of which scored 90 factors or extra in our Shopping for Information. This record presents a wide selection of kinds, together with single malt scotch, blended scotch, blended malt, blended grain, Irish single malt, single pot nonetheless, and Japanese whisky. Aged with care and typically with a number of cask varieties, all of those whiskies make for a toast-worthy pour.
Our picks for the most effective 21 12 months previous whiskies to drink now
Bushmills 21 12 months previous Madeira End Irish Single Malt
96 factors, 40%, $250
This whiskey underwent its ultimate two years of maturation in madeira casks, which convey unimaginable depth of taste to this distinctive triple distilled Irish single malt. Chocolate, sultana, dates, forest honey, nuts, and banana bread.
Dewar’s Double Double 21 12 months previous Blended Scotch
94 factors, 46%, $40/375 ml
Dewar’s blends parcels of aged malt and grain, blends and ages the parcels, then blends them, ages the mix, and finishes the mix in oloroso casks. Chocolate, vanilla, black cherry, espresso grounds, gingersnaps, smoke, and spice.
Knappogue Fortress 21 12 months previous Irish Single Malt
94 factors, 46%, $200
Two vintages of triple distilled single malt Irish whiskey matured in bourbon casks had been married collectively for this restricted launch. Honey, floral, vanilla pod, wooden spices, orange, kumquat, and lime.
Glenfiddich 21 12 months previous Reserva Rum Cask End Single Malt Scotch
93 factors, 40%, $210
William Grant & Sons is a rum-finished whisky specialist, and this expression represents the top of their experience. Lime zest, vanilla, meringue, pepper, and gentle oak.
Jura 21 12 months previous Tide Single Malt Scotch
93 factors, 46.7%, $200
Jura matures this whisky in bourbon barrels, then finishes it in new American oak casks which intensify the notes of ginger and spice. Baked apple, chocolate chip cookies, woodsmoke, ginger, honey, and clove.
GlenDronach 21 12 months previous Parliament Single Malt Scotch
93 factors, 48%, $252
Matured in oloroso and PX casks, that is named after the parliament of rooks that nest within the bushes beside the distillery. Candy sherry, leather-based, nuts, peach, clove, ginger, licorice, and chocolate.
Redbreast 21 12 months previous Irish Single Pot Nonetheless
93 factors, 46%, $290
A outstanding single pot nonetheless whiskey from Eire’s Midleton Distillery, matured in a mix of sherry and bourbon casks. Honey, vanilla, orange, apple, banana, creaminess, and pot nonetheless spices.
Hibiki 21 12 months previous Japanese Mix
93 factors, 43%, $350
Designed to indicate the artwork of mixing, this high quality whisky from the Home of Suntory attracts on uncommon shares from throughout the corporate’s distilleries. Vanilla, dried fruits, incense, mizunara oak, citrus, honey, and ginger.
Benromach 21 12 months previous Single Malt Scotch
92 factors, 43%, $200
Gordon & MacPhail reopened Benromach Distillery in 1998, so this expression, matured in first-fill sherry and bourbon casks, comprises among the oldest whisky made beneath the household’s possession. Cinnamon, orange, and black espresso.
Glenlivet 21 12 months previous Archive Single Malt Scotch
92 factors, 43%, $240
This one consists of whiskies from bourbon and sherry casks drawn from the Glenlivet warehouses. Sherry, fruitcake, maple syrup, Brazil nuts, previous leather-based, oily, toffee, raisin, and oak.
Glengoyne 21 12 months previous Single Malt Scotch
92 factors, 43%, $235
A bottling that has lengthy been thought to be a basic amongst sherry cask matured expressions. Purple apple, dates, dried fig, baking spices, toffee, crimson currant, sultana, and cinnamon.
MacNair’s Lum Reek 21 12 months previous Blended Scotch
92 factors, 48%, $220
A mix of Islay and Speyside whiskies. The identify comes from the normal Scottish toast to a protracted and affluent life: “Lang could yer lum reek.” Daring smoke, zesty citrus, vanilla, marmalade, caramel, spice, and chocolate.
Glencadam 21 12 months previous Scotch Single Malt
91 factors, 46%, $215
This whisky from Glencadam Distillery, which is able to have fun its bicentenary in 2025, is an unsung marvel. Marshmallow, coconut, apple, apricot, almond, lemon curd, ginger, and tobacco.
Royal Salute 21 12 months previous Snow Polo Version Blended Grain Scotch
91 factors, 46.5%, $155
That is Royal Salute’s first blended grain. Its ABV matches the latitude of St. Moritz, the place snow polo was first performed. Caramel, vanilla, pepper, stewed fruits, orange, chocolate, honeycomb, and marzipan.
Balvenie Port Wooden 21 12 months previous Single Malt Scotch
91 factors, 40%, $225
Whereas Balvenie has flirted with different variations of 21 12 months olds, this expression is the definitive bottling and an exemplar of port pipe maturation. Purple grape, vanilla, milk chocolate, nuts, plum, and refined smoke.
Arran 21 12 months previous Single Malt Scotch
91 factors, 46%, $250
At present the oldest expression in Arran’s core vary, this whisky was totally matured in sherry butts. Toffee, baked apple, tropical fruit, candy spice, peaches in syrup, and milk chocolate.
Aberfeldy 21 12 months previous Single Malt Scotch
91 factors, 40%, $190
An opulent dram matured in bourbon and sherry casks from Dewar’s flagship distillery. Heather honey, granola, vanilla, floor almond, waxy, pepper, citrus, and dried fruit.
Glenfarclas 21 12 months previous Single Malt Scotch
91 factors, 43%, $130
Few whiskies supply higher worth for cash than age assertion Glenfarclas, and this vigorous, expressive whisky additionally delivers on the palate. Simply don’t count on a sherry bomb. Honey, pear, cinnamon, toffee, apricot, and spice.
Benriach The Twenty One Single Malt Scotch
91 factors, 46%, $200
Peated and unpeated whisky matured in 4 completely different cask varieties—bourbon, sherry, virgin oak, and Bordeaux crimson wine. Candy smokiness, mint, vanilla, crimson berries, darkish chocolate, and licorice.
Glen Moray 21 12 months previous Elgin Heritage Portwood End Single Malt Scotch
90 factors, 46.3%, $180
The 2-year port end provides layers of darkish chocolate and fruit to the aged shares initially matured in American oak. Raspberry, ginger, vanilla custard, sultana, honey, coconut, chocolate, and oak.
