Every year, the whisky world buzzes with ‘Whisky of the Year’ lists. My own selection process is, shall we say, very scientific, mildly emotional and sometimes a bit messy. This year, however, I wanted my winner to represent something more than just exceptional flavour. It had to be honest and accessible, a bottle that proves fantastic Scotch doesn’t require a bankrupting price tag. It needed to be a whisky for everyone.
The journey to the top spot was crowded with brilliant contenders. An exceptional Ardnamurchan was ultimately held back by its premium price. A spectacular Compass Box blend was disqualified because it was a review sample, and I have a strict rule about using my own money for the top pick. Even a beloved Benromach Peat Smoke, a personal go-to, was set aside to avoid any perception of bias towards a brand I admire so much.
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So, the crown this year goes to a bottle I’ve purchased three times: the Ledaig Sinclair Series from Tobermory Distillery. Finished in Rioja casks, it’s a masterclass in balance. You get a peppery, coastal peat that clashes beautifully with dark red berries, creating a profile that’s almost like a fruit meringue dessert thrown onto a beach bonfire. It is smoky, fruity, and deeply interesting. Most importantly, it delivers fantastic bang for your buck as a non-age-statement single malt you can find in a supermarket, often for under £40, and presented at 46.3% ABV, fully natural. It just ticks every box.
This choice is also a statement. While we have seen so many brands creep up their prices, Tobermory is a distillery that is still doing it right. They are putting high quality, honest whisky on the shelf at a price that does not punish enthusiasts. For me, that is exactly what the whisky world needs right now: integrity in the bottle and on the price tag.
Ultimately, my whisky of the year had to be a bottle I could recommend to anyone, regardless of their budget or stage in their journey. The Ledaig Sinclair is accessible, affordable, and absolutely awesome; it simply overdelivers on every front. But this is just my take, so I have to ask: what bottle truly won you over this year?
For a more detailed breakdown and to see all the runners-up for yourself, watch my YouTube video.
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