The Last Great Malts of Scotland are here.

The single malt Scotch whisky brands of Aberfeldy, Aultmore, Craigellachie, The Devron and Royal Brackla are complex spirits, each with a compelling story to tell. Each unique as the corners of Scotland they were crafted in.

Beside a distillery called Aberfeldy runs a stream called Pitilie Burn. Now this is no ordinary stream. The water is cold, pure and rich with deposits of alluvial gold. The distillery uses the water to create a light, pure single malt with hints of honey. Meet Aberfeldy, “The Golden Dram”. This single malt whisky has a rich texture with notes of fruit and honey. Aberfeldy is available as a 12, and 21-year-old with a limited edition 18-year-old.The smoothest example of Speyside, this classic, fruity style whisky has a floral aroma and spice notes. It has been distilled along the 9-mile Buckie Road since 1897 and yet only tasted by a few, making it a local secret. Buckie Road is a site well known for illicit distillation, the location of the water source on the Foggy Moss is vital because of the damp atmospheric conditions. This affects the whisky because that water, filtered through gorse and heather, is the key to the fine taste. That and the long, slow maturation in oak casks.  Aultmore is available  in a 12- year-old, a 21-year-old and a 25-year-old in limited quantities.Built by Peter Mackie in 1891 on a rock overlooking the rivers Fiddrich and Spey, the Craigellachie distillery uses “worm tubs” to cool the vapor and condense the spirit back into liquid form. The result is a whisky with a strong, sulphur flavor that’s been known to divide opinion. Craigellachie has been called ” the whisky with a touch of brimstone” due to the stubborn, sulphur, meaty tasting notes; characteristics  single malt fans will appreciate. Craigellachie  is available as a 13-year-old, 17-year-old, an exclusive 19-year-old, and a limited 23-year-old.

My favourite of The Last Great Malts, The Deveron, a new range of 12-, 18- and 25-year-old single malts, made where the River Deveron meets the open seas. Offering “calm from the storm,” it’s the perfect fireside malt. Soft fruity notes makes this whisky very easy to drink.  This has been called ” The King’s Own Whisky”. The Royal Brackla is a truly regal malt, with notes of pears, sherry and spice. Established in 1812 and the first Scotch whisky ever granted a Royal Warrant, by King William IV,. One of the first finely crafted single malts, it is peerless in taste and quality – a secret savoured by the privileged few. This is the single malt that defined luxury single malts. This whisky is best savoured slowly to reveal its complexity.  The Royal Brackla is available as a  12-year-old, 16-year-old and 21-year-old expressions.
For more information on The Last Great Malts, visit http://www.LastGreatMalts.com.