The surprise of the results of the Maison du Whisky/Ipsos survey, last October, seems very fragile in the face of the quality of the malted offer for this year 2022. Fans can only salute the plethora of new products, all terroirs confused. And bless all accounts of respectable age (from 18 to 50) that magically appear, although one can legitimately wonder if this will last.
Fortunately, epicureans no longer hold their noses in front of younger whiskeys as the finishes in legendary barrels, guarantors of beautiful stories, are charming. Let’s also salute the French whiskeys which reach the age of maturity with the release, this is unprecedented in France, of a 21-year-old eau-de-vie. Signed Eddu, she is closely followed by a 15 year old at Armorik. Here are the Breton precursors rewarded for their perseverance. Logic: whiskey was originally a pioneer drink.
The best whiskeys selected by L’Express
Whiskey Selection for the 2022 Holidays
© / SDP/mount
Aberlour 18 (43%)
This Speyside classic is offered in a version that has benefited from a double maturation in bourbon and sherry barrels (finish in pedro ximenez and sherry oloroso barrels). A complex single malt with a sweet finish. 120 €
Mortlach 20 years (43.4%)
A unique Scottish single malt distilled 2.81 times in a clever system of stills! An eau-de-vie aged in sherry casks with a heady intensity with its fruity and woody flavors, in the best sense of the word. 350 €
Fuji Single blend (43%)
This Japanese whiskey is the result of an exclusive blend of single malt and single grain produced in the Mount Fuji distillery, aged in American oak barrels. Lots of roundness with fruity notes. 51 €
Bellevoye Orange (40%)
A new expression for the whiskey of the Blessed. This triple malt, a blend of three French single malts, is refined in rum barrels. Scents of sweet spices, notes of exotic fruits and cocoa. 49€
Ninkasi ex-viognier single cask 134 (55%)
Tasty flavors of cocoa, peanut, dried fruit, candied quince and citrus zest exude from this nectar from a single cask selected by master distiller Alban Perret. Refining in a barrel that has contained Viognier is magical… €79.
Glen Turner 12 years (40%)
Originally from the Highlands region, this eau-de-vie was aged in barrels that contained bourbon. Notes of vanilla and red fruits assert themselves before a finish marked by spices and honey. €21.15
Mont Blanc Distillery Small batch No. 1 (43%)
“Value does not wait for the number of years”, reminds us of this young eau-de-vie with incredible charm. A limited edition made from three malts, double distillation in a Charentais still, aging in French and American oak barrels, followed by a finish in barrels of Vermouth de Chambéry. 60 €
Glen Moray rye cask finish (46.3%)
The Elgin distillery, in Speyside, takes care of its finishes with this single malt aged in barrels that have contained rye whiskies. Aromas of woody spices and vanilla precede a finish marked by notes of coffee. 70 €
Teeling Rising Reserve (46%)
Signed by the Dublin distillery created in 2015, this limited edition is aged for 17 years in ex-bourbon casks before spending four years in an ex-Carcavelos Port barrel. Citrus, spice and a long woody finish. €271.
Glen Scotia double cask rum (46%)
Made near Campbeltown, the historic birthplace of Scotch malt, this double cask is aged in first-fill bourbon barrels, then refined for eight months in barrels of Guyanese Demerara rum. So greedy. €70.
Kornog Sant Ivy 2022 (58.8%)
The Celtic Whiskey Distillery reveals all its know-how with this limited edition, bottled at its natural strength. Its iodized character exacerbates superb minty and peppery touches. A great exercise in style. 120 €
Bowmore 18 (43%)
With a beautiful amber color, this single malt from the Bowmore distillery reveals floral and citrus touches that evolve towards slightly smoky chocolate notes. The charm of a classic. 110 €