Despite taking the foot off the gas in terms of posts this year, I think I’ve actually tried more new whiskies than in previous years. That’s in terms of new whiskies that have been released on the market AND established names and bottles that are simply new to me. Looking back over the year and compiling this list is testament to that need to explore the old and the new:
10. Lagavulin – Offerman Edition – Charred Oak Cask
Released at the tail end of 2022 and having that initial big smoky neck pour, the cork was not actually properly popped until early 2023, hence its appearance here. The third iteration and collaboration of Nick Offerman with Lagavulin probably saw them have the most fun with the marketing yet. Inside the bottle was another extreme: their smokiest whisky yet. The extra charred oak casks added to the classic peaty bonfire influence of Lagavulin and made for a great winter addition to the cabinet. Click here to read more.
9. Johnnie Walker – Blue Label
A dalliance with Johnnie Walker’s most expensive “label” resulted in my most read post of the year. The jewel in the JW crown is their Blue Label release and purchasing the “Johnnie Walker 12 Days of Discovery” bundle in the January sales meant that 2x 50cl samples were awaiting at a fraction of the regular asking price. What arrived was one of the silkiest sensations I’ve had from a whisky in recent times. The question of price is not for this space but as an experience and finally getting there, it makes the list. Click here to read more.
8. Glen Elgin – Floc de Gascogne (Pintail)
It wouldn’t be a Whisky Unplugged end-of-year list without something from Keith Bonnington featuring. Under his multiple guises, the Pintail brand looks to celebrate wine cask maturations, and this whisky was reportedly the first time that the Floc de Gascogne wine barrels had been used for such purpose. Not surprisingly, a delicious whisky was produced. Click here to read more.
7. The Lakes – Whiskymaker’s Reserve No. 7
The final release in The Lakes’ journey to their core release delivered another belter of sherry-led comfort and joy. Another milestone and enjoyable experience, and a welcome note to hear that the final recipe is nigh. Click here to read more.
6. Dailuaine – 16 Year Old (Flora & Fauna)
As I said above, I’ve been exploring old classics as well as new this year and this was a very welcome addition to the WU cabinet. Probably the most sought-after release in the existing/remaining Flora and Fauna range, this well-aged, sherry-casked delight is simply a “stone cold classic.” One I’ll happily keep in stock moving forward. Click here to read more.
5. Turntable – Smokin’ Riff
And here’s something completely new… 2023 saw the launch of “Turntable Blending House”: a music-themed collection of blended whiskies. The packaging is as bold and vibrant as the whisky inside. Of the initial 3 core releases, the Smokin’ Riff is my standout favourite based on the whisky alone – throw in the numerous guitar references, and I was always going to be sold! Lovely stuff.
4. Penderyn – Hiraeth
I will put my hands up and say that it has taken me a while to get into Penderyn whiskies. As a Welshman, that stings a little as I’ve wanted to love them. Whether it has been my tastebuds developing over time, or their whisky making skills, or a combination of both, I have grown to enjoy them more and more however. Whilst I have been lucky enough to taste the gold range numerous times, it has been their one-off Icons of Wales releases that have seen the most range and diversity, and the Hiraeth release (No. 8 / 50) was the most pleasant and surprising of the ones I’ve tasted to date. This is a solely bourbon cask matured whisky – something that none of their standard expressions have explored – and the first to take advantage of their traditional pot still (which might explain my preference) over their Faraday still. A super soft texture with a vanilla pod flavour and sweetness that made this particularly stand out to me.
3. Wire Works – Caduro
I visited the White Peak distillery this year and was really impressed by their setup and approach to whisky making. The Caduro represents their first core release and looks at marrying their two key barrel types: Heaven Hill bourbon barrels and Portuguese STR red wine casks. The result is a well balanced and flavoursome single malt that proves once again that an age statement isn’t everything. Click here to read more.
2. Stauning – Rye
In recent years, we have usually had a Mackmyra entrant in our top ten, but this year there is another Scandinavian player in town which has really caught our attention. (Not to take away from the lovely Mackmyra whiskies enjoyed – the Limousin, in particular). Even more notably, for my tastes, this is not a single malt whisky either. This is the flagship release from Denmark’s Stauning distillery and is a rye-based whisky. Full of flavour and character and a doorway into a different style of whisky. Lovely design and packaging too. Tasting a couple of samples swiftly manifested into buying a full size bottle. Wins all round on this one. Click here to read more.
1. Bruichladdich – Islay Barley 2013
All the odds were in favour of this bottle coming out on top this year. My favourite distillery. My favourite style of theirs. Made the year that I first visited them. Call it biased. Call it favouritism. Call it whatever. Once you taste this – regardless of your preferences – you will be hard pressed to take issue with this whisky. “Ultimately, a very pleasing malt which builds on the signature Bruichladdich style with extra provenance and Islay-focus to boot.” Click here to read more.
Honourable mentions:
- Big love and gratitude to Steve Rush at The Whisky Wire for his continued support, tweet tasting events and flash blogs.
- Thanks and indeed commiserations to Becky Paskin for having to bring the OurWhisky subscription to an end. Some fantastic and varied whiskies collated for us.
- Chester Beer and Wine for their great events and whisky selection.
- Turmeaus for the warm welcome, comfort, and fine selection.
whisky unplugged 
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