Top Picks for Single Malt Whisky

Ruby color. Fruity aromas of dense raisin-studded caponata, ripe cantaloupe, molasses, sassafras, and candied dried mango with a slightly chewy, lively, dry-yet-fruity full body and a hot, very complex, very long milk chocolate, moist spice cake with stewed fruit, cajeta, rosemary, candied walnuts, and bananas flambé finish. A port-like Single Malt with highly concentrated fruity flavors; this stunning display of intensity will satisfy most any lover of cask-finished spirits and may even convert rum drinkers into whisky lovers.

Amber color. Aromas of roasted pineapple, bruleed lime, hints of copper pot still rum, hibiscus, curry, and caramel-chocolate truffle with a satiny, vibrant, dry medium body and a smooth, interesting, medium-long roasted kiwi, green tea, sage, and crushed pink peppercorns finish. A funky and tropical Single Malt with a spicy, peppery palate.

Dark amber color. Aromas of roasted almonds, leather, hazelnuts in caramel, molasses, orange peel, savory herbs, and starfruit with a satiny, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a hot, very complex, very long suede, kalamata olives, glazed nuts, dates, dark chocolate, fine tobacco, luxury tea, and dried tropical fruits finish. A delicious and captivating Whisky that inundates the senses with luxury.

Copper color. Aromas of madeira cake, raisins and roasted walnuts, leather, and roasted meats with a slightly chewy, vibrant, dryish full body and a hot, engaging, long coffee gelato, soft licorice, and ripe red apple finish. A bold, full-bodied Single Malt with serious wine influence; a flavor-packed indulgence.

Bright golden amber color. Smoky aromas of sea salt, olive oil, flamed orange peel, douglas fir, singed quassia, leather, and raisins in honey with a round, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a peppery, interesting, medium-long dried mint, lavender, rosemary, thyme, green peppercorn, and eucalyptus finish. A vividly spicy and herbal American Single Malt with world-class depth and balance; a very memorable dram.

Awards: 2018 Best American Single Malt Whiskey

Gold color. Aromas and flavors of ginger-passionfruit preserves, spiced apples, lime cordial, and dried mango with a round, vibrant, dry medium-to-full body and a hot, gigantic, very long finish with nuances of caramel, honey-roasted macadamia, roasted yellow bell pepper, allspice, anise, minerals, and pineapple finish. A tropical, super complex Single Malt with the minerality and finesse of a fine wine but the power of brute 57.1% ABV.

Dark copper color. Aromas of cinnamon, allspice, molasses, black tea, sarsaparilla, and dark chocolate with a round, crisp, dryish medium-full body and a complex, long buttered black bread and pineapple chutney finish. A brawny, memorable Single Malt with a lively melange of tropical flavors; a must-try.

Golden amber color. Aromas of peach tea with honey, hints of saffron, leather, iced apricot danish, and white peppercorn with a satiny, crisp, dryish light-to-medium body and a tingling, interesting, medium-long toasted brioche, coconut latte, caramel-drizzled apples, whipped honey on rye crisps, and limestone finish. A finely crafted Single Malt with a hypnotic, come-hither personality

Mahogany color. Aromas of smoked almonds, dark chocolate, raisins, currants, and citrus zest with a slightly chewy, lively, dryish medium-full body and a peppery, elegant, long licorice, black peppercorns, hot cinnamon, and cumin finish. A spicy, chocolatey dram in an over-the-top style for lovers of full-bodied, full-throttle whiskies.

Golden amber color. Aromas and flavors of ripe starfruit, melon, cinnamon, nutmeg, cherry, jasmine, and pound cake with a satiny, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light body and a warming, layered, medium-long finish revealing shades of leather, honey, spice cake, sesame, dried fig, and smoked tea. An unassuming nose leads to a a complex and balanced palate with a sophisticated finish that lasts and lasts.