LCBO Gift Guide - Issue 4: The High-End Single Malt (and some Irish) Whisky Edition
/Expensive single malt scotch isn’t for everyone, but when you’re shopping at a price-point of over $100 Canadian, it’s important to get the right expensive single malt scotch.
Smoky Peaty Single Malts!
If you have a friend that’s into the peated scotches, they likely have it all. There are a few offerings that are just coming out of the LCBO that they likely don’t have. And if they do, well, they probably won’t mind having a second bottle.
Bruichladdich Octomore 10.1 (13780) comes in at $220.45. While I haven’t reviewed this one specifically, Octoberes are a fun treat for pig peated fans. This is the sort of peat that, when opening up a bottle, people will smell the smokiness from across the room. You can read my review on October 7.1 here.
There is, however, a gentler peat available on the market: The Balvenie Peat Week 14YO Single Malt Scotch (12298) $249.40. This is brand new from The Balvenie, a distillery that doesn’t normally make peated whiskies. I’ve written about A Week of Peat a few times. It’s a fantastic gentle highland peat that’ll surprise your whisky friends. I’ve had a bottle for a week now, and each time I pour it, people love it.
For classic peat flavour, Laphroaig Lore Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (455436) is back for just under $200. This is always a hit at parties. It’s not quite as peated as the Octomore, and it’s more medicinal than The Balvenie. Peat fans will love it.
Both collectable, and peated, Ardbeg Drum (10653) is the special annual release from the distillery. It’s a single malt scotch matured in both bourbon and rum casks. It’s a gentle release from Ardbeg. If you’re interested in something more intense, Ardbeg Uigeadail Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (660860) will be your best pick at $172.95.
The Collectable Single Malts
There’s a lot of collectable whisky in the LCBO. Once it’s gone, it’ll be gone. There are a few, though, that are good to highlight. Macallan Edition No. 4 (633263) is at $179.95. There are a few bottles left. Edition No. 5 will be released soon, and having these two side by side will be a treat. These are collectable, they usually sell for more in secondary markets, and once Edition 4 sells out you won’t be able to get it from the LCBO again (or anywhere else, for that matter).
I first tasted Ancnoc 16YO Strength Signle Malt Whisky (12592) at the New Brunswick Spirit Festival. Even after having a few sips of whisky, it stood out. I bought it that evening at the whisky show. When it showed up on LCBO, I recommended it on Instagram (I’m fastest with my recommendations there, so follow along if you don’t already). It’s a classic single malt scotch profile at a nice proof point. I really enjoy it. At $149.95, it’s priced well!
The Arran Limited Edition Single Cask 20-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (521229) is back! I reviewed a similar cask sample last year. It’s a one-time-cask sample that’s picked up specifically for the LCBO. These are collectable, and once they’re gone, they’re gone. Each cask will be different.
Finally, there’s Glenfiddich Winter Storm Single Malt Scotch Whisky (535195) at $349.75. This Glenfiddich comes with a Canadian story, because the barrels the 21 year old whisky was finished in came from a Canadian ice wine maker. It’s a delicate dessert single malt that you can sip at with ease.
The Battle of the Eighteen Plus Single Malts and Irish Whiskeys
Don’t make me choose between Bunnahabhain Small Batch Distilled 18-Year-Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (37242) and Glengoyne 18 Year Old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (426130). They’re both terrific single malts that are priced relatively well. They have that edge of a modern single malts, with the richness from European oak.
While Glenmorangie Signet Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (327452) doesn’t come with an age statement, it is the most delectable scotch that comes in a perfect gift box and bottle. At $336.00 it’s priced at that “thanks for the big help this year” price point.
Always a fun recommendation, Redbreast 21 Year Old Irish Whiskey (446799) is a fan favourite. It’s rich, honey sweet, with terrific herbal notes. I write all about it here.
Cask Strength Favourites
Photo by Matt Mark
The cheapest recommendation on this list continues to be Aberlour A'Bunadh Scotch Whisky (573352) at $99.97 (my review). This is an interesting whisky, because in the UK it’s already gone up to over $150 and more. It’s still relatively affordable here.
While The Balvenie 12 Year Old Single Barrel Scotch Whisky (361055 at $149.95) isn’t quite cask strength, it’s really really close. The Balvenie bottles individual barrels of whisky. Each one will be a little different. The profile is more American oak profile, and it’s honey, and oak spice. It’s a great pour. I rave about it here.
While my The Irishman Cask Strength (619130) $189.95 is a different take on Irish Whiskey. It’s triple distilled and aged exclusively in American oak barrels.
Need more gift ideas?
Issue 1 focused on Japanese whisky, rare whiskies, and advent calendars. Issue 2 is centred around Black Friday deals, but some of those are still around. Issue 3 is all about cocktails. Speaking of cocktail whisky, Bearface One Eleven is a very interesting buy. You can also check out the gift guide from the Toronto Whisky Society and the Spirit and Oak gift guide! I love all their picks.
