Collecting The Best: Which 5 Single Malts Should be on Your Collector’s List?

Stamp collecting is so last century. Getting your hands on the most highly coveted bottles of single malt is all the rage. In fact, it’s practically liquid gold. Even collectors who view their single malt collections as an investment often begin collecting based on what they personally find most palatable. 

What you like most will certainly evolve as your collection does, but here are five single malts that make a great foundation to a refined collection. 

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1. Bruichladdich Black Art 

Like the black arts themselves, this is a mysterious series that people fall hard for. The Bruichladdich distillery has been in the business for well over 100 years, but this series might be the greatest part of its legacy. Aficionados were bowled over at the fourth whisky in the series, with many proclaiming it to be the finest tasting whisky ever offered.

However, Black Art 5.1 has proven itself just as collectible, while the sigils adorning the bottles lend themselves to a bewitching collection. 

2. Glenmorangie Signet

Have you met the Sixteen Men of Tain? You will when you snag a bottle of 2016’s Whisky of the Year. At turns sweet and dry, the fruity blend is tempered by notes of tobacco and an undeniable chocolate bend, a given when you realize that chocolate barley is one of two kinds used to create this stunning blend. 

3. Glen Moray Classic Sherry Cask Finish

Don’t shy from budget buys on your way to building the perfect collection. There are some truly spectacular bottles that you won’t regret opening at a moment’s notice, and this is one of them. It possesses a dark sweetness reminiscent of dried fruits, complemented by plenty of caramel and honey. It’s the perfect dram to share with your novice friends. 

4. Glenfiddich 21 Year old Gran Reserva Rum Cask Finish

If you want something experienced, classic, yet still accessible, glenfiddich 21 is your guy. The amber color is reminiscent of sweet syrup, which is surely representative of many of its tasting notes. It contains many flavors of fall, with apples and spice, while the dry finish is more complex than perhaps you bargained for. The main word used to describe this whisky is “balanced”, making it a sure bet to please the old and new guard alike. 

5. Aberlour 18 Year Old

The French have been apprised of this gem for quite a while longer than the rest of us, but now we’re all sharing in its glory. This award-winning concoction brings the drama, starting off woodsy and creamy, but tempers it all with brightly-scented fruits. The end, however, brings it all home with a finish of smoky chocolate. All told, it’s the smoothest journey a whisky lover may take. 

What’s your favorite region? Whether you’re solidly Islay or Speyside at heart, collecting a variety is the only way to become an expert. Build your well-rounded collection with a variety of light, smoky, and richly-profiled bottles, and you’ll always have reason to celebrate. If indulging is as important as collecting, just remember to drink responsibly.  

*Don’t forget You must be 21 years or older to drink alcoholic beverages and as always, please remember to drink responsibly.*