It’s difficult to imagine a drink with more pedigree, cultural significance and status than Scotch Whisky. After all, this is a libation that even commands its own spelling exemption, with Scotch whisky being recognised all around the world as the only whiskey without the ‘e’. The stories, history and heritage of the planet’s most famous spirit can be traced back over half a millennia to the evolving artisanal craftsmanship of monks that began to meticulously hone, iterate and improve their methods and recipes. It was clear from the very beginning that time would remain the most important ingredient in all of them, with years, decades and even generations now factored in to achieve the perfect taste.
Scotch whisky has also long been the choice of drink connoisseurs, gaining admiration from aristocracy, recognition from royalty and favour from the famous. There is a wonderful connection and sense of place that ties it to the diverse landscapes of Scotland, too. The Highlands whisky produces rich, full-bodied and often citrus notes, with the Lowlands informing a gentler, more elegant taste. The Speyside distilleries offer a smoother, sweeter experience before giving way to the Isla whiskies that pack a peaty punch in a robust and smoky manner.
Let’s take a look at some of the very finest currently available.
The Macallan 1926
The Macallan 1926 stands out as perhaps the pinnacle of Scotch Whisky, with the Macallan Distillery, near Craigellachie in Speyside, widely recognised as the best in the world. Much of its reputation understandably stems from the meticulous production methods of traditional copper pot distillation and aging in hand-picked sherry-seasoned oak barrels from Jerez in Spain. The 1926 was matured for 60 years before bottling in 1986 and was limited to a batch of only 40 bottles. Those fortunate enough to have tasted the 1926 have described it as an exquisite mix of dried fruit, dark chocolate and figs with subtle notes of tobacco and sweet oak, a balanced and legendary taste to be coveted by every whisky aficionado. This iconic drink also holds several auction records, with bottles regularly commanding £1.5 million each. Add in some fantastic labels created by artists such as Sir Peter Blake and Valerio Adami, and you can begin to appreciate exactly why this is the most desirable dram you may ever lay your hands on.
Dalmore 62
The Dalmore Distillery crouches on the banks of the Cromarty Firth in Allens, a truly breathtaking part of the northern Scottish Highlands. It holds a prestige in the whisky world that is difficult to match with its benchmark for outstanding sophistication and craftsmanship for every drop in every bottle. The Dalmore 62 stands as a testament to the history of this distillery, blending from their select single malt casks that date back to 1868, 1878, 1926 and 1939 to produce only 12 crystal decanters that are all hand-crafted and individually numbered. Elements of espresso, orange zest and vanilla work in tandem to achieve a smooth balance of flavour harmony in the Dalmore 62, with a lingering finish that whisky lovers have often referred to as graceful. The price at auction today will easily climb to around the £250,000 mark as an indication of how coveted this drink is. The Dalmore 62 works as a piece of history, a work of art and a genuine collector’s item revered all over the world.
The Bowmore 1957
The peated flavour profiles and briny maritime taste influence of the Islay region is embodied in the wonderful Bowmore Distillery found on the shores of Loch Indaal. This is the oldest known distillery on the famous island, dating back to 1779 and it holds over two and a half centuries worth of whisky-making magic that benefits from the bracing, oceanic climate for a spirit of some distinction. The Bowmore 1957 represents this unique location perfectly, with just 12 bottles of the drink ever produced in hand-blown glass decanters designed to mimic the crashing waves of the Atlantic against the rugged island coastline. Although the peat smoke Islay taste is undeniable, there is a delicate and surprisingly gentle layered aspect to the Bowmore 1957 with honeyed figs, mango and a definite sea salt zing all expressed on a journey towards the long and memorable finish. Aged at 54 years before bottling, it remains one of the oldest Bowmore has ever produced and, as you would expect, the market scarcity can mean prices north of £350,000 have been achieved. An island icon in the Scotch whisky world, without doubt.
Glenfiddich 1937
It may come as a surprise to the casual whisky drinker, or collector, to see Glenfiddich appear on any of these prestige lists. To many, it represents the entry level drams that make up average bar menus without the sophistication and status of some other scotch titans. However, the Glenfiddich 1937 Rare Collection stands with any of the greatest scotch whiskies ever produced and is a testament to the enduring methods and appeal of this Speyside distillery that is often cited as integral to whisky’s popularity.
Distilled almost 90 years ago in 1937, this was laid in the now legendary Cask Number 843, a single oak barrel, and aged for 64 years, surviving two world wars and a whole host of global events that changed history before it was finally bottled in 2001. Over this time, the vast majority of the spirit evaporated, as a fine example of what is known today as The Angel’s Share, leaving behind only 61 bottles.
If you are lucky enough to find this in your glass, you can expect some complex layers of antique oak tinged with sherry and molasses, evoking polished leather and warming tobacco notes. Rounded and refined, there is a story here in every sip written by not only the ingredients but the Glenfiddich Malt Masters that would taste it over those 64 years until they thought the time was right to release it into the world. With very few unopened bottles remaining, the price tag is well set to reach £100,000 and above as its own saga continues well into this century.
The finest scotch whiskies are a combination of flavour profiles and provenance. It speaks volumes that the drink is now part of a firmly established collector’s market alongside fine art and properties that attract the same levels of status and allure. The monastic methods of the 1500s have certainly developed over time, but the foundations remain and with every passing year, demand increases much like the aging process of the whisky itself, to make them more desirable and valuable. All of which is something worth raising a glass to.
