3 Single Malt Scotch Whiskies to Try This Winter

There’s something about coming home to a roaring fire after a long day’s work out in the cold – or even just a long commute on the L train – and pouring yourself a neat glass of Scotch. Maybe it’s the smokiness of the peat that reminds you of a pine log burning in the fireplace; maybe it’s the wafting aroma of caramel that makes you think of your grandma’s pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving. Whatever it is, there’s a particular decadence and nostalgia that comes with drinking single malt Scotch whiskey. Here are three of our favorite Scotch whiskies to sip on this winter:

1. Glenlivet 15 Year Old French Reserve

This single malt Scotch whiskey, produced under the watchful eye of Alan Winchester, Glenlivet’s Master Distiller is as breathtaking as the view from on top of gloomy Ben Nevis, the highest point in the British Isles. Because this one is aged in French Oak casks, you can expect some subtle notes of pear and oak on the nose, while cedar and paraffin are the more frontal scents. A velvety texture yields flavors of peach and bran, with a semi-sweet finish. You can find Glenlivet 15 Year Old French Reserve in our store here.

2. Aberfeldy 12 Year Old

Aberfeldy is distilled on the banks of the River Tay, upstream from Loch Tay in the lower Scottish Highlands. A nearby stream called the Pitilie Burn, with water that flows directly from the mountain snowpack north of Aberfeldy, provides the water that is used to make every single batch of Aberfeldy. This fine golden single malt Scotch whiskey, with its apple cider and mild oak nose, sweet palate, and rich malt finish is available in 12, 18, or 21 year old iterations, although unfortunately at Liquor Barn we only carry the 12 year old version of Aberfeldy single malt Scotch whiskey. You can find Aberfeldy 12 Year Old in our store here.

3. Laphroaig 18 Years Old

Laphroaig is distilled on the windswept, rocky shores of Islay, jutting out into North Channel of the Irish Sea, across from the mysterious Giant’s Causeway. They’ve been making single malt Scotch whiskey here for 200 years, and the same determination and pride that first made this whiskey great continues to be a hallmark of the brand today. When you sip Laphroaig, the rich peaty aromas that this single malt Scotch is best known for will fill your nose, while a fruity yet dry body provide a medium-full finish on the palate. You can find Laphraig 18 Years Old in our store here.