Sip advisor: 5 great Speyside single malts for under £50
You’ve made it through the dark, dog days of January. Well done. You deserve a drink. We’ve got five single malts from the heartland of whisky that taste great and won’t break the bank. By Gordon Thomson
Tamdhu 12 year old (43%)
What you’ll pay: £43
A belter of a dram, and ridiculously good value, this 12 year old is opulent and rich, with a silky texture that coats the mouth with tropical fruits, boiled sweets and raisins. That classic Tamdhu Oloroso cask depth ensures a long and beautifully balanced finish that conjurs subtle hints of dried fruit, ground spice and fudge. Delicious.
2. Benromach 10 year old (43%)
What you’ll pay: £38
This expression from Speyside’s smallest working distillery is exceptional value. Initially matured in a mix of Bourbon and Sherry casks, the whisky is transferred to oak Oloroso casks for a final period of maturation. The result? A perfectly balanced whisky, displaying a deep and warm sherry character, summer fruit flavours, malt creaminess and just a whiff of peat smoke.
3. Glen Moray Elgin Classic (40%)
What you’ll pay: £23.99
Light, smooth and fruity, this easy drinking gem is the perfect (and affordable) gateway dram to the world of Speyside single malts. Matured entirely in American oak casks, there’s butterscotch and baked shortbread on the nose, opening to blackcurrant and fragrant lemongrass. The finish offers a flourish of caramelised citrus fruits.
4. Glenfarclas 10 year old (40%)
What you’ll pay: £33
A superbly smooth whisk which punches above its weight (and price), with a depth and finish you would normally expect from a much older dram. Delicately light, with a mouth-watering combination of maltiness, smokiness and sherry sweetness. Hints of dried fruit, vanilla, cinnamon and cloves tempt the taste buds further. Makes a great apertif.
5. Benriach The Twelve (46%)
What you’ll pay: £44.35
A wondefully warm whisky that’s three cask matured for at least twelve years in sherry casks, bourbon barrels and port casks. Classic Speyside notes abound: layers of baked fruit, maple honey and cocoa, perfectly balanced with a lingering sultana and spiced mocha finish.
