In the case of growing old whisky, there’s nobody dimension matches all strategy. There are a selection of variables that may impression the ultimate taste, from cask kind and dimension to local weather to warehouse model. Bourbon, for instance, requires a brand new charred oak container, whereas scotch whisky may be aged in used barrels. Which means bourbon typically extracts extra taste from the wooden it’s being held in, and is prone to changing into over-oaked if it sits too lengthy, whereas scotch whisky can proceed to climb in age upward of fifty years and past. The query of whether or not bourbon may be too outdated is a official one, whereas with scotch, excessive growing old is barely a problem with regard to cost.
Nonetheless, if there may be one frequent candy spot for each bourbon and scotch, it appears to be at 12 years. Throughout all types, in actual fact, whisky at that age performs properly, incomes excessive scores and supplied at comparatively low prices. The Spring 2022 situation options numerous 12 yr outdated whisky evaluations, together with some from our piece on the whiskies you forgot you’re keen on. Standbys like Glenfiddich 12 yr outdated and Johnnie Walker Black Label; whiskies that you just maybe encountered early on in your whisky journey however have since left behind, are nonetheless delivering the identical high quality as earlier than. A dozen years within the barrel does the trick for these six whiskies, all of which scored 88 factors or extra within the most up-to-date Shopping for Information.
Dive Into A Dozen Years With One in every of These Whiskies
Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 yr outdated
91 factors, 40%, $35
A torchbearer for scotch whisky, this tangles creaminess with peat smoke, mixes toffee with vanilla, tumbles raisin with fig, and integrates smoke with contemporary citrus and purple apple. Creamy caramels with gentle toffee drizzled over marmalade, vanilla sweetness balanced with a bit oak, and layers of raisin, Braeburn apple, and sultana, permeated with smoke. It seems that the liquid contained in the world’s most recognizable whisky bottle is exceedingly good.—Jonny McCormick
Bib & Tucker 12 yr outdated Single Barrel Small Batch (No. 102258)
91 factors, 49.5%, $100
Honeycomb, vanilla fudge, pancakes with syrup, a touch of coconut, plus new leather-based and really mature and aromatic oak. On the palate, deep fruit flavors of grape jelly and strawberries, vanilla cream, a sprinkling of coconut, bitter chocolate, and peppery spice. The end is lengthy, spiced, and crammed with chocolate ice cream, chocolate layer cake, cocoa powder, and spiced oak. Full and wealthy, with nice spice on the end. (9.600 bottles)—David Fleming
Cutty Sark 12 yr outdated
90 factors, 40%, $27
Returning this stalwart, the primary new Cutty Sark since La Martiniquaise took cost of the ship, appeared a secure wager, however they’ve achieved it so properly. Apricot, golden sultana, caramel, honeydew melon, honey, and vanilla meet cumin, cardamom, Parma violets, and orange jelly bean aromas. Richly flavored however frivolously textured, there’s lemon bonbon, sugar-dusted churro, vanilla custard, cinder toffee, hazelnut, and sharp apple acidity. It’s like sunshine rippling on the ocean.—Jonny McCormick
Ugly Canine 12 yr outdated Distiller’s Cache Single Barrel (No. 11)
90 factors, 47%, $90
Plentiful citrus on the nostril—lemony and brilliant, exhibiting candy notes of manuka honey, maple syrup, and custard. The palate is honeyed and clean, with vanilla and buttered French toast, but it surely’s additionally spiced and presents dark-chocolate mint and occasional. A mid-length end has overtones of orange peel, vanilla milkshake, and spice. Very balanced and scrumptious total, maybe solely barely missing in size and depth. (3,000 bottles)—David Fleming
Glenfiddich 12 yr outdated
89 factors, 40%, $40
From its distinctive triangular bottle, the nostril boasts inexperienced apple, creamy vanilla, shortbread, aromatic dry spices, zested orange, white florals, and a touch of pear and white grape. The palate is clean and delicious, opening with scrumptious apple and vanilla sponge sweetness, briefly interrupted by pepper and cloves, with satisfying notes of chocolate, dried fruit, and citrus peel to comply with. It’s time to reacquaint your palate with this basic.—Jonny McCormick
Chivas Regal 12 yr outdated
88 factors, 40%, $50
Wealthy, layered, and full of signature notes from the vary, the nostril brings forth honey, caramel, candy apple, poached pear, smoked orange peel, and baked citrus notes. The core flavors riff between citrus, runny caramels, gingersnap, and vanilla, however there are punchy spices, pear, and nutty almond notes too. The end encircles ginger, orange peel, and hints of chocolate.—Jonny McCormick
