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The Scots as a people may be canny with their money but a good bit of Scotch Whisky can set you back quite a bit. But the results that have just been released from The Scotch Whisky Masters 2022, are here to show you that this doesn’t need to always be the case.
In fact, out of the 14 whiskies selected as the best in the competition, 5 were actually liquids that retail for under £50.
Last month 16 independent, international whisky specialists from across the industry tasted around 150 Scotch whiskies as part of The Scotch Whisky Masters 2022 blind-tasting competition, hosted by The Global Spirits Masters in partnership with The Spirits Business magazine.
The Lowlands region was the top area of whisky production for budget-friendly single malts with top-scoring options being discovered in both the premium subcategory (under £50) and the super-premium subcategory (under £100).
Melita Kiely, the editor of The Spirits Business and chair of The Global Spirits Masters tastings, said: “What I love about this year’s medal-winning entries is that they give consumers room to experiment and try something new, without asking them to pay a fortune.”
“There are some fantastic Scotch whiskies in this year’s results to suit a range of flavour preferences and price points,” continued Kiely. “Accessibility is so important in helping consumers discover something new and delicious to drink, and these award-winners are leading by example. I’d gladly recommend any expression listed here.”
So which bottles made the grade (and your budget)?
PIN ITLauder’s 15 Year Old – MacDuff International
Lauder’s 15-year-old combines whiskies from Scotland’s Highland and Speyside regions matured for 15 years in Bourbon and Sherry casks. Our master blender then meticulously selects only the finest of them to create the most grown-up of the Lauder’s range. The smooth intensity and rich colour of the 15 Year Old Malt make this a blend to be truly savoured. Aged to perfection this blend appeals to all discerning Scotch whisky lovers .
90 – 100 points in the Premium (£21 – £30) category
PIN ITClydebuilt Shipwright – Ardgowan Distillery Company
Shipwright is a unique limited-edition blend of malts combining four distinctive single malt whiskies from Highland and Speyside distilleries, wholly matured in first-fill Oloroso sherry casks. A whisky that finishes gently, dry at first, then gliding into lingering spicy notes, Shipwright offers waves of marzipan, Ceylon tea, dried spices and hints of tobacco on the nose, while on the tip of the tongue you’ll find orange peel, rich dark notes of black cherries, and treacle.
90 – 100 points in the Super Premium (£31 – £50) category
PIN ITGlasgow 1770 Single Malt Scotch Whisky: Triple Distilled – Glasgow Distillery Company
Glasgow 1770 Single Malt Scotch is a smooth and vibrant whisky with outstanding character. Combining the finest concerto malted barley with the incredibly pure water of Loch Katrine, 1770 is fermented for over 72 hours before being distilled painstakingly slowly in our traditional copper pot stills, three times. It is then matured in a combination of ex-bourbon casks and virgin American oak casks which are married together before bottling.
90 – 100 points in the Super Premium (£31 – £50) category
PIN ITBenromach Contrasts: Organic – Benromach Distillery Company
The world’s first certified organic single malt whisky since 2006. UK Soil Association accredited from start to finish, Benromach Organic is matured in Virgin American Oak and gives sweet, malty notes with creamy pepper, banana, coffee and cocoa flavours. Owned by a family of whisky lovers, Benromach is a traditional Speyside distillery keeping things simple. Their small team of distillers rely entirely on their sense and expertise to create the finest handmade whisky.
90 – 100 points in the Super Premium (£31 – £50) category
Named after an inlet on Islay’s rugged Atlantic coast, Sanaig is a vatting of both sherry and bourbon casks. The high proportion of Oloroso sherry influence adds a balance of dried fruits and spices to classic Kilchoman citrus sweetness and peat smoke character.
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