Any whisky lover might be hard pressed to suggest an occasion when a dram isn’t appropriate, but as the nights draw in and the festive season approaches, there is no better time to open a bottle of a delicious Scotch whisky. Whether it’s something to savour and enjoy with friends and family, or for a snatched moment of quiet contemplation, Tod Bradbury, Justerini & Brooks’ Head of Rare & Collectable whisky, has hand-picked a selection of fantastic drams that we think are prefect for any celebratory occasion.
Read MoreRoyal Lochnagar, 17 Year Old, 175th Anniversary Edition, 56.3% abv, £250
A special release bottled in honour of the distillery’s 175th anniversary, Royal Lochnagar 17 Year Old is a natural cask strength whisky, aged in a combination of Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso European Oak Sherry casks. Smooth and sweet with notes of chocolate and coffee, this is a truly exceptional highland single malt with celebration at its very core.
Mortlach, 21 Year Old, Special Releases 2020, 56.9% abv, £574.99
The super-smooth Mortlach 21 Year Old, with its dark dried fruit aroma is the perfect match for any Christmas feast. Creamy and smooth in texture, sweet then juicy in taste, with traces of fondant dotting the finish. Deliciously buttery, hot and spicy, Mortlach is often referred to as the “The Beast of Dufftown” for its robust, meaty nature. Little known Mortlach may be the best-kept secret in Scotch.
Johnnie Walker, 28 Year Old, Bicentennial, 46% abv, £740
The mighty Johnnie Walker Bicentennial 28 Year Old was released this year to mark 200 years since John Walker opened his grocers and started to sell his renowned blend. It is a whisky that is smooth, well-balanced and easy to enjoy, with layers of spice mingling with sweet honey and rich molasses.
Singleton of Glen Ord, 38 Year Old, 46.9% abv, £2,100
Something particularly special, the Singleton of Glen Ord 38 Year Old, is drawn from just eight casks with only 1,689 bottles released. It is a rich Scotch, showing off layers of flavour. Sweet notes of vanilla ice cream and caramel fudge are perfectly balanced by just a trace of salt and a light touch of Szechuan pepper warmth.
Port Ellen, 40 Year Old, 9 Rogue casks, 50.9% abv £6,500
A whisky to be savoured. Blended from nine unique casks, each with rogue characteristics, this highly collectable Port Ellen is unlike any other. Port Ellen’s signature soft peat smoke and rich sweet aromas, are met with a more refined character that is unusually layered and distinctive. A truly memorable whisky.