20.12.2024
Damian's top whiskies of 2024: The ultimate guide to good whisky as a gift
Bartender pouring a glass of whisky.
- Laphroaig 18 Years Old
- Laphroaig Cairdeas 2024
- Meikle Tòir - The Turbo 2024
- Springbank 10 Years Old Amontillado Cask
- Springbank 18 Years Old Core Range
- Kilchoman Tour Edition 2024
- Redbreast 21 Years Old
- Yamazaki Distillery Reserve 2024
- Caol Ila Special Release 2024
- Ardnahoe Infinite Loch
- Bunnahabhain 21 Years Old PX Cask
In this article, we present our top whiskies of 2024 - a hand-picked selection suitable for whisky novices and connoisseurs alike. This list was created in collaboration with the renowned influencer Damian Baran, a true lover and collector of whisky. Whether single malt or cask strength - here you will find the best whisky that is perfect as a gift.
1. Laphroaig 18 Years Old
A classic that is making a great comeback in 2024. This bottle is a must for any fan of the brand. After a break, the 18-year-old Laphroaig returns and delights with a unique blend of medicinal notes, peat smoke and balanced sweetness.
Flavor profile:
Nose: Herbal and floral tones, infused with medicinal smoke.
Palate: Strong and oily, with vanilla and oak, accompanied by a sweet and slightly smoky note.
Finish: Long lasting, spicy with intense smoke.
2. Laphroaig Cairdeas 2024
Every year, Laphroaig releases a Cairdeas edition to celebrate its community of fans. The 2024 version combines the triple wood with PX sherry casks, resulting in a harmonious blend of smoke and sweetness. Ideal for those who appreciate complex and deep whiskies.
Flavor profile:
Nose: Brazil nut toffee, chocolate raisins and a hint of spiced orange.
Palate: Smoky orange toffee, bonfire and dried fruit, accompanied by coffee grounds and licorice root.
Finish: Long, slightly sweet and dry with a smoky, peppery finish.
3. Meikle Tòir - The Turbo 2024
Meikle Tour 2024 is a highlight for anyone looking for an intense and exceptional whisky experience. With its powerful character and a perfect balance between fruit and oak, this whisky is a must for any collection.
Flavor profile:
Nose: Smoky blood orange, cinnamon spice and manuka honey.
Palate: Leather, baking spices, cigar smoke, honey and dried red fruits.
Finish: Medium length with burnt orange peel and salty caramel.
4. Springbank 10 Years Old Amontillado Cask
This late release has taken the market by storm. The amontillado cask-matured Springbank 10 combines the typical Campbeltown flavors of maritime influences and light smoke with the dry sweetness of a sherry cask. An absolute highlight for collectors and connoisseurs.
Flavor profile:
Nose: Earthy notes, hazelnut, maraschino cherries and blood orange.
Palate: Sausage, broom, tobacco tin, coconut and molasses.
Finish: Dry, with wood shavings and tarragon.
5. Springbank 18 Years Old Core Range
A masterpiece from Campbeltown: The 18-year-old Springbank is a prime example of mature elegance. With its complexity and depth, it impressively demonstrates how time and the choice of cask shape the quality of a whisky.
Flavor profile:
Nose: Ripe plums, dark honey, toasted hazelnuts and a hint of leather.
Palate: Silky with notes of dark chocolate, orange peel, sweet malt and mild smoke.
Finish: Long lasting and harmonious with hints of sherry, oak and delicate spice.
6. Kilchoman Tour Edition 2024
This Kilchoman at cask strength (57%) is a true explosion of flavor. The Tour Edition 2024 comes with a special personality, enhanced by the signature of James, one of the makers.
Flavor profile:
Nose: Ripe cherries, red fruits, peat smoke and heather.
Palate: Rich spices, toffee and vanilla, backed by lingering smoke.
Finish: Long lasting with butter and honey.
7. Redbreast 21 Years Old
A masterpiece of Irish whisky making, Redbreast 21 is the epitome of elegance and depth. The 21-year maturation gives this drop aromas of exotic fruits, nuts and a hint of wood smoke. A must for fans of Irish whisky.
Flavor profile:
Nose: Nutty, tropical fruit and dried fruit.
Palate: Velvety, with sherry, vanilla, wood and spicy-fruity nuances.
Finish: Long and complex with nutty cereal notes.
8. Yamazaki Distillery Reserve 2024
Another masterpiece from the Yamazaki portfolio comes from Japan this year. The Distillery Reserve 2024 offers a touch of exoticism and elegance typical of Japanese whisky.
Flavor profile:
Nose: Blooming flowers, barley, peach and light oak.
Palate: Honey, vanilla and a subtle spiciness.
Finish: Elegant, with a hint of nuts.
9. Caol Ila Special Release 2024
Another highlight from the Diageo portfolio: This year's unpeated Caol Ila bottling is presented at cask strength and with a sophisticated combination of refill, rejuvenated and ex-wine casks.
Flavor profile:
Nose: Green apple, caramel, roasted nuts and spices.
Palate: Vanilla custard, oak, almonds and green apples.
Finish: Long lasting, warming and fruity.
10. Ardnahoe Infinite Loch
A newcomer, Ardnahoe impresses with its young but sophisticated Infinite Loch bottling. This peaty single malt from the Isle of Islay combines maritime and sweet notes in a unique way.
Flavor profile:
Nose: Coastal notes, citrus, charred embers
Palate: Peaty, smoky, with campfire and smoked beer notes, fennel and grapefruit.
Finish: Medium length, dry, with vanilla and salty campfire notes.
11. Bunnahabhain 21 Years Old PX Cask
A limited edition with only 2,682 bottles. The unpeated Islay whisky delights with sweet and complex aromas that benefit from maturation in PX sherry casks. This whisky is bottled at an alcohol content of 53.6%, which gives it an intense and multi-layered depth.
Flavor profile:
Nose: Sweet fruit aromas, molasses and subtle wood notes, complemented by dark berries and light caramel.
Palate: Full-bodied with cherries, tobacco, spices, dried figs and a hint of dark chocolate.
Finish: Multi-layered, with wood notes, tarragon, roasted nuts and the fine acidity of the PX barrels.
Conclusion: This selection reflects the variety and quality of the best whiskies that 2024 has to offer. Whether for newcomers, experienced connoisseurs or passionate collectors - our favorites offer the ideal bottle for every occasion and taste. Let this Top Guide 2024 inspire you to choose the perfect whisky for yourself or your loved ones. Because whisky is more than just a gift - it's an invitation to an extraordinary taste experience!
About the author
Spiritory Team
Spiritory is a team of dedicated Whisky, Rum and Spirits Enthusiast. Our passion for the product, craftmanship and art of producing the finest spirits in the world will be represented in every article we write on our blog-page. Our goal is to produce content which is interesting to read and for a broad base of consumers, enthusiasts, investors and collectors.