3 Top-Shelf Whiskies Worth the Price Tag
Image: Suntory
What do you picture when you think of whisky?
The drink, which once seemed to belong in the realm of regal, grey-haired men sitting beside a roaring fire in a sprawling manor in the Scottish Highlands has come a long way. Today, the liquor has developed worldwide, with top tier distilleries popping up around the globe, from the US to Japan.
And while the production of it has evolved, so too has its repertoire. With innovations in ageing methods and a broader and richer range of flavour profiles, whisky has reached another level in recent decades.
Today, it has become one of the most coveted liquors with people of all ages and across all countries, clamouring to purchase the most premium bottles available. Hard-core fans will tell you that—yes— it really is worth it to spend a little extra on a premium option.
But where does one begin?
Whether you're a weathered whisky drinker or new on the scene, we're here to help. From the highest quality scotches to best-tasting bourbons, we have rounded up 3 of the most luxurious whiskies from around the globe.
We promise these options are sure to delight and will make a fantastic splurge for yourself or as a gift. Scroll on to learn more.
Three of the Best Expensive Whiskys
Yamazaki 12-Year-Old Single Malt Whisky
Image: Suntory
Established in 1923 by Shinjiro Torri, Suntory Whisky is the founding house of Japanese Whisky and a brand admired by whisky connoisseurs worldwide. Yamazaki's 12-Year-Old Single Malt hails from the Yamazaki Distillery located on Kyoto's misty outskirts. You can't go wrong here: This pick is Suntory's flagship single malt whisky and has even been voted number 1 in Japan.
This sought-after whisky is pure gold in colour with fruity aromas of peach, pineapple, grapefruit and candied orange, balanced with spicy clove, vanilla and Mizunara (Japanese oak). This superior whisky delights with notes of coconut, cranberry and butter, with cinnamon and sweet ginger finishes that linger.
Glenmorangie Grand Vintage Malt 1990
Image: Catch
Founded by farmer William Matheson in 1843, Glenmorangie is located near the town of Tain in the scenic highlands of Scotland. Glenmorangie has become a household name and a brand synonymous with only the highest quality scotch whiskies.
Slowly distilled over 25 years in the finest bourbon and sherry casks, Glenmorangie Grand Vintage Malt 1990 is part of the distillery's Bond House No.1 collection. This vintage malt - coveted by both connoisseurs and collectors alike, is floral and fruity on the nose and creamy to taste with silky flavours of sweet orange syrup, vanilla and honeycomb. This amber-tinted malt has notes of gooseberry and menthol and a pleasant baked apple and pear, brown sugar and biscuit finish.
Wild Turkey Master's Keep 1894
Image: Wild Turkey
World-famous Wild Turkey bourbons are created in the historic distillery at Wild Turkey Hill in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. At the helm of Wild Turkey is Jimmy Russell, nicknamed the Buddha of Bourbon, the longest-tenured active master distiller in the world.
For over 60 years he has honed his craft, preserving traditions that date back generations. In 2015, his son Eddie took over as master distiller, making them one of the world's finest father-son distilling duos. Wild Turkey's rich, rural Kentucky roots mingle with Hollywood glamour, with Matthew McConaughey as the brand's creative director and chief storyteller of the intriguing Wild Turkey brand.
Wild Turkey Master's Keep 1894 is a super-premium, small batch of straight bourbon whiskey, crafted using master distiller Eddie Russell private selection of barrels. The bourbon, laid to rest between 6 and 13 years, delivers rich oak flavours with delicious layers of toffee and honey, notes of stewed apples, candied pear, spice and vanilla with a lingering caramel finish.
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