Favourite Malt of the year?

[davidbe]

Well, it's almost December.

What bottle this year has impressed more than any other?

Doesn't need to be a new release, could be an established bottling you've tried for the first time or an old favourite of yours that continues to deliver, or a brand new release that's spanked the pants off of everything else...

So what's your malt of the year so far (or blend, even..)?

[TheMaster]

Easy winner for me; Talisker 8yo 2018 Special Release. Incredible whisky, everything I want a Talisker to be and hoped for. Scoring it, I'd give it an easy 90/100 day in day out, possibly nudging 92/93 if I was being thoughtful and honest.

[TheWM]

I’ll have to agree with talisker 8. I too scored it in the 90+ range. What a price too. Can’t even think of anything that comes close.

[Quaich1]

Hard to limit it to one.

I really enjoyed Longmorn 23, 48% ABV. (was oldest release of Longmorn in core range). Tried it last January. Was released in 2017.

In the non-single malt category if I can throw that in, I would have to choose my stellar dram of Pappy Van Winkle 20 yr Family Reserve bourbon which I tried last May in Chicago during a trip.
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"Always carry a large flagon of whisky in case of snakebite and furthermore always carry a small snake."
W.C. Fields (1880-1946)

[Whisky Chaser]

Ardbeg Grooves was an outstanding whisky for me this year.

[MattS]

Kilkerran - Cask Strength 2nd Edition - 8 year old Whisky

[Craig Mac]

Ardbeg An Oa which has become a permanent addition in my whisky drinking collection.

[Graeme H]

Nothing new for me this past year just 2 whiskies which continue to impress. me. My stand out single malt from this past year would be the Glengoyne 21 and the blend which I have enjoyed is Royal Salute 21.

[GregBurnett]

For me it's a toss up between the Glendronach 18, and the Glenfiddich 26.

Too completely different drams, so they can be my favourite 2 malts!

[Drame Blanche]

In the "priced within reason" category, Kavalan Solist Sherry hands down (the Fino is even better, but it's not priced within reason).

In the "priced beyond reason", Longmorn 31 Masterpieces from TWE, which my taste buds have appreciated more than the various Karuizawa, Port Ellen, etc. tried over the year.

Gotta say I haven't tried that talisker 8, I'll have to give it a go!

[Jez Hellewell]

Kilchoman Machir Bay

A stunner & under £50.

[Tennessee Dave]

New to me this year and most impressive was the Benromach 10. It just hits on all the right notes for my palate. Also especially was delighted with Deanston 12, Glen Grant 15 and Tomatin Cu Bocan.
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Dave

[Olorin]

Balblair 99 vintage. Really love this, very unique character I found. Also the price was £76 for a litre, which is great for an 18yr these days. I also loved the Craigellachie 17yr. Other than that it has been a quieter year for me on the whisky front.

[Gazrob]

I was blown away by the Glenlivet 18. Very well made. No heat. Chocolate, rich, fruity sweetness. Goes down like liquid gold. Blew away every 12 year old I tried this year which was quite a few. Reasonably priced. Gets a 9 out of 10 for me.

[arqueturus]

Most recently Aultimore 12 - what a cracker!

But the Balvanie Doublewood 17 was so good and I say that as not a fan of the 12 either. What a difference 5 years makes.