The Best Whiskies to Buy If You're Looking for a 20+ Year Old Bottle
When it comes to whisky, age isn’t everything. But if you’re looking for a bottle that’s been aged for 20 years or more, there are a few things you should keep in mind. In general, these older whiskies will be more complex and richer than their younger counterparts. They’ll also be more expensive.
There are many different types of whisky, including single malt, blended, grain, and bourbon. Single malt whisky is made from 100% malted barley and is typically associated with Scotland. Blended whisky is a mix of different whiskies, usually from different distilleries. Grain whisky is made from any grain other than barley, and is often used in blended whisky. Bourbon whiskey is a type of American whiskey that is made from at least 51% corn.
Whisky is typically aged in wooden casks, made of charred white oak. The length of time that a whisky is aged depends on the type of whisky. Scotch whisky must be aged for a minimum of three years, while bourbon whiskey must be aged for at least two years. The aging process contributes to the flavour, colour, and aroma of the whisky.
A lot of people are intimidated by the thought of tasting whisky that has been aged for 20 years or more. They think that it will be too intense or overwhelming. However, if you take the time to learn how to taste it properly, you will be able to enjoy the complex flavors and aromas of these whiskies.
Here are a few of the best whiskies to buy if you’re looking for a 20+ year old bottle.
TALISKER 40YO BODEGA SINGLE MALT
Talisker, pronounced "Tall-a-sker" and Gaelic for "land of the rock", is a whisky distillery on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. The distillery is located near the village of Carbost at the head of Loch Harport on the south coast of the island.
The Talisker distillery was founded in 1830 by Hugh and Kenneth MacAskill, two brothers from the Isle of Skye. The distillery was built on the site of an old tannery, and the brothers used the tannery's existing water source, the Talisker burn, to power the distillery. The distillery's first spirit was distilled in November 1830.
The Talisker distillery was acquired by Johnnie Walker & Sons in 1925. The distillery was modernized in 1972, and a visitor center was added in 1987. The Talisker distillery is currently owned by Diageo.
The Talisker 40yo Bodega Single Malt is a limited edition whisky that was aged for 40 years in American oak barrels and then finished in Spanish sherry casks. This whisky was distilled in 1972 and bottled in 2012. Only 2000 bottles of this whisky were produced.
The Talisker 40yo Bodega Single Malt has a deep amber color and a rich, complex flavor. The whisky has notes of dried fruits, dark chocolate, and spices. The Talisker 40yo Bodega Single Malt is best enjoyed neat or with a drop of water.
LAPHROAIG 25YO CASK STRENGTH
Laphroaig is one of the most famous and well-loved single malt Scotch whisky brands in the world. The brand’s history dates back to 1815, when brothers Donald and Alexander Johnston founded the Laphroaig distillery on the isle of Islay.
Laphroaig’s signature whisky is its 10-year-old single malt, which is renowned for its intense peaty flavour. The 10-year-old is the core whisky in Laphroaig’s range, but the brand also produces a number of other expressions, including a 15-year-old, a 25-year-old, and a cask strength version of the 10-year-old.
The Laphroaig 25yo Cask Strength is one of the brand’s most luxurious and sought-after expressions. It is bottled at cask strength, meaning that it is not diluted with water before bottling, and as such, it is a very powerful whisky, with an ABV of 57.2%.
The Laphroaig 25yo Cask Strength is a rich and intense whisky, with a powerful peaty flavour. The whisky has been matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, which give it a complex flavour profile.
The nose of the Laphroaig 25yo Cask Strength is full of peat smoke, with notes of seaweed and iodine. There are also hints of sweet vanilla and rich fruits.
On the palate, the Laphroaig 25yo Cask Strength is rich and full-bodied, with a powerful peaty flavour. The whisky has a long, lingering finish, with a hint of sweetness.
BLAIR ATHOL 23YO SINGLE MALT
Blair Athol 23yo Single Malt is a whisky that originates from the Blair Athol distillery in Scotland. The whisky is made using only the finest ingredients and is aged for 23 years in oak barrels.
This particular single malt has a deep amber colour and a complex aroma with notes of dried fruits, dark chocolate and spices. On the palate, it is full-bodied and creamy with a long finish that lingers on the tongue.
Blair Athol 23yo Single Malt is a whisky that is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks. It is also a perfect whisky for those who enjoy a dram with a cigar.
BUNNAHABHAIN 25YO SINGLE MALT
Bunnahabhain is a small, independent distillery located on the remote Isle of Islay in Scotland. The distillery was founded in 1881 by the Bunna brothers, and today it is one of only a handful of Islay distilleries still in operation. Bunnahabhain produces a range of single malt whiskies, including a 25 year old expression that is widely regarded as one of the best Islay whiskies on the market.
The Bunnahabhain 25 year old is a single malt whisky that has been aged in ex-bourbon barrels for over two decades. The whisky has a deep golden color, and the nose is full of rich, sweet aromas of toffee, caramel, and vanilla. The palate is incredibly smooth, with flavors of honey, oak, and citrus, and the finish is long and lingering, with just a hint of peat smoke.
This is an incredible whisky, and it's no wonder that it has won numerous awards, including a Gold Medal at the International Spirits Challenge. If you're looking for a truly special single malt whisky, the Bunnahabhain 25 year old is definitely worth seeking out.
CHIVAS REGAL 25YO SCOTCH WHISKY
Chivas Regal is a brand of Scotch whisky produced by Chivas Brothers, which is part of Pernod Ricard. The company can trace its roots back to 1801, when the Chivas brothers started selling whisky in Aberdeen. The 25-year-old expression was first released in 2009, and is a blend of some of the finest whiskies in the Chivas stable.
The Chivas brothers were James and John Chivas, who started their business in Aberdeen in 1801. The company originally sold luxury goods such as silk and cigars, but soon started selling whisky as well. The brothers were among the first to start maturing their whisky in used sherry casks, which imparted a unique flavour to the spirit.
The Chivas brothers' business flourished, and in 1909 they built a new distillery in Strathisla. The distillery is still in operation today, and produces the malt whisky that forms the basis of the Chivas Regal blend.
The Chivas Regal 25-year-old is a blend of some of the finest whiskies in the Chivas stable. The whisky is matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, which gives it a rich and complex flavour.
The Chivas Regal 25-year-old was first released in 2009, and has been a popular expression ever since. The whisky is bottled at 40% ABV, and is available in a number of different markets around the world.
GLENFIDDICH 23YR GRAND CRU WHISKY
Glenfiddich 23 Year Old Grand Cru is a single malt whisky from the Speyside region of Scotland. The whisky is made using a combination of traditional and modern techniques. The whisky is matured in a combination of American and European oak casks.
The Glenfiddich 23 Year Old Grand Cru has a light gold color. The nose is floral with notes of honeysuckle, jasmine, and orange blossom. The palate is medium-bodied with flavors of honey, vanilla, and oak. The finish is long and warming with notes of ginger and cinnamon.
This is a great whisky for those who enjoy a lighter style of single malt. The floral notes on the nose are beautiful and the palate is full of flavor without being too heavy. The finish is long and warming, making this a great whisky to enjoy on a cold winter night.
Should You Buy A 20+ Year Old Bottle of Whisky?
Most commercial whiskies are made using mass-produced grains and are only aged for a few years. These whiskies tend to be very smooth, with little to no smoky flavor. On the other hand, single malt whiskies are made using only one type of grain, and are often aged for 20 years or more.
The longer a whisky is aged, the more complex its flavor will be. Single malt whiskies often have a smoky flavor, due to the oak barrels they are aged in. The longer a whisky is aged, the more likely it is to develop this flavor.
Whiskies that are aged for 20 years or more are often very smooth, with a complex flavor that has hints of smoke, oak, and even fruit. These whiskies are often more expensive than younger whiskies, but they are definitely worth the price.
If you are looking for a smooth, complex whisky with a great flavor, then you should definitely consider buying a 20+ year old single malt whisky.
Is a 20+ Year Old Whisky a Good Investment?
Whisky is often seen as a drink for older, more sophisticated palates. But with the recent rise in popularity of premium and luxury whiskies, some younger consumers are starting to take notice. And while many young people are content to drink whatever is popular or trendy at the moment, some are wondering if investing in a high-quality, aged whisky might be a wise move.
There are a few things to consider when deciding if a 20+ year old whisky is a good investment. First, it is important to remember that not all whiskies age equally. Some whiskies, like those made with peated malt, tend to improve with age, while others, like those made with unpeated malt, can become over-the-top and overpowering. Second, it is important to consider how much the whisky will cost. Aged whiskies are generally more expensive than younger whiskies, so it is important to make sure that the price is justified. Finally, it is important to think about how long you are willing to wait for the whisky to reach its peak. Aged whiskies can take many years to reach their full potential, so you need to be patient.
If you are willing to take the time to learn about the different types of whisky and the aging process, and if you are patient enough to wait for the whisky to reach its full potential, then investing in a high-quality, aged whisky can be a wise move. Just be sure to do your research and be patient!