The 6 best spiced and woody whiskeys
How we chose the spiced whiskeys
Strong aromas: this list contains a selection of single malts with intense, spicy and woody aromas. Some bottlings also mature in sherry barrels or in port wine barrels.
Higher alcohol content: a higher alcohol content promises a more intense flavor and aromatic depth and, of course, a stronger bottled whiskey warms more. Most of the single malts on our list have an alcohol content of 43% or more.
Value for money: the recommended whiskeys cost between 40 and 120 euros. Proof that spicy single malts can be found in every price range and always bring a lot of pleasure to the glass.
Spiced single malt whiskeys: our recommendations
Glenfarclas 105
The Glenfarclas 105 is probably the whisky full proof more traditional. The exceptionally strong Speyside malt was first bottled in 1962. The powerful aromas of the single malt bring an impressive 60% alcohol content.
As usual with Glenfarclas, the 105 also ages exclusively in Spanish sherry casks. It is very likely that it is Oloroso sherry barrels , which provide dry and strong flavors.
In tasting, the Glenfarclas 105 it's right there: strong, full-bodied aromas of raspberries, dried apricots, grapefruit peel and spiced oak wood unfold. Depending on personal preference, Glenfarclas whiskeys can be tamed with just a few drops of water.
Balvenie Double Wood 17 anni
The Balvenie of the heart of Speyside has long been one of the most experimental distilleries. This also applies to the Balvenie Double Wood aged 17: the single malt matures in American ex bourbon barrels and then in Spanish sherry barrels.
The result convinces with dark, spicy and woody notes. The influence of sherry is clearly evident, we find black cherries, black currants, but also raisins and plums in the tasting.
The complex aromas of 17 year old Balvenie Double Wood are very well balanced.
Glendronach 15 anni Revival
This scotch whisky of the small Highland distillery, it is aged for 15 years exclusively in ex-sherry barrels, it does not undergo cold filtration, nor caramel coloring.
Glendronach Revival 15 anni it is rich, dense and full of juicy but dried fruit: raisins soaked in rum, plums and a touch of date. Nutmeg and cinnamon sit together with black licorice sticks. It is tastier than the nose suggests
focusing on bitter dark chocolate and fruit cake.
Dalmore 18 years
The elegant case of Dalmore 18 years already promises a lot: the single malt from the northern highlands fascinates with multilayered oak aromas and an extremely fine composition. The Dalmore matures first for 14 years in ex Bourbon barrels and is then aged in Oloroso sherry barrels for the next four years.
The 18 year old Dalmore shows complex oak wood notes, which are complemented by orange zest, roasted coffee, dark chocolate and toasted apple.
Anyone looking for a wood-based single malt will find a spicy companion in the 18 year old Dalmore, which looks good as an 'after work' whiskey, but can also be served on special occasions.
Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban 14 years old
Quinta Ribbon is a standard Glenmorangie malt that is aged around 12 years in ex bourbon barrels and then finished in ruby port wine barrels for another 2 years, for a total age statement of 14 years.
It is a medium-bodied, almost syrupy whiskey. A robust tongue burn brings notes of cinnamon and chilli jelly, then recedes to show sweet dried berries, grape jam and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. Tasty.
Bottled without cold filtration with an alcohol content of 46%.
Talisker Port Ruighe
I marini whiskey di Talisker they are known for their aging in bourbon barrels, but this has not always been the case. In the founding years, the malts from the Isle of Skye distillery were mostly aged in port wine barrels. The Talisker Port Ruighe wants to commemorate this ancient tradition.
After a first maturation in botti ex Bourbon , the Talisker Port Ruighe is subjected to a second aging in ex Porto barrels. Portuguese oak barrels add spicy, fruity and dark notes to the whiskey.
The tasting of Talisker Port Ruighe starts with a variety of flavors of blackberries, vanilla pudding, white chocolate and grapefruit. The maritime origin is manifested in fine, smoked and salty notes.
The Talisker Port Ruighe is a profound find for advanced and connoisseurs one of the best whiskeys with a port finish.
