High spirits: The top whiskies to sample this autumn

Words by
Charlotte McManus

24th September 2018

With the seasons on the turn, it’s the perfect time to indulge in one or two of our top-rated tipples from the likes of Talisker, The Glenlivet and Bruichladdich

It’s official: autumn is here. As the days get shorter and colder, the allure of spending a cosy night in sipping a fine whisky or two is growing (not that we need an excuse). Here is our essential round-up of some of the best new spirits on the market to indulge in a dram or two.

The Glenlivet – Captain’s Reserve

Ideal for more adventurous whisky drinkers, The Glenlivet has pushed boundaries with their new Captain’s Reserve, a single malt Scotch that has been finished in high-quality cognac casks for a distinctive, contemporary taste, fusing the distillery’s trademark Speyside style with a luxurious cognac flavour.

From £45, theglenlivet.com

Diageo – 2018 Special Releases Collection

An eagerly anticipated highlight in the whisky afficionado’s calendar, Diageo’s annual Special Releases Collection consists of 10 rare and old Scotches from iconic, lesser-known or even closed distilleries, each with its own limited-edition bottle. Highlights include the Oban 21 year old, with its impressively complex nose and intensely sweet taste, along with the smooth and perfectly balanced Talisker 8 year old. Extra special is the Carsebridge 48 year old, with the delicate nose of a very old grain, a rich texture and long finish.

Each whisky will only be released in limited quantities, so don’t hang around to get your hands on one.

From £70, diageo.com

Bruichladdich – Port Charlotte 10

As the name suggests, Bruichladdich's Port Charlotte 10 has been a decade in the making, offering a permanent bottling of the distillery’s heavily peated spirit. Made from 100% Scottish barley and matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and second-fill French wine casks, this whisky packs a real punch – one for conisseurs rather than novices.

£50, bruichladdich.com