Maybe you read our last-minute gift list and thought to yourself, “Isn’t there some way I can spend more money and get something even better?” Yes, in fact, there is a way. These four whiskies certainly cost more than your average dram, but they’re also excellent.
Lagavulin 8 Year Old
Fans of the iconic 16 Year Old won’t want to miss this special edition created in celebration of Lagavulin’s two hundredth anniversary. Lighter than it’s older brother, this young whisky is sweet, smoky, and warming. With a long and mighty finish, make sure it’s the last thing you drink that day.
Islay, Scotland – 48% ABV
LCBO Price: $99.95
Royal Brackla 21 Year Old
For the truly special person (or whisky-writer) on your list, 21 Year Old Royal Brackla is a complex and satisfying dram of chocolate, dried stone fruits, nuts, caramel, and a long, oaky finish.
Nairn, Scotland – 40% ABV
LCBO Price: $349.95
Aberfeldy 21 Year Old
Nothing exceeds like excess. Aberfeldy 21 Year Old is a feast in a bottle. Apricots, pecans, raisins, caramel, toffee, chestnuts . . . you could spend a whole evening picking out different notes.
Aberfeldy, Scotland – 40% ABV
LCBO Price: $194.80
Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select
It’s bad form to play favourites with bourbon, but Woodford Reserve makes it tempting. Triple distilled, expect and extra-smooth and full bodied whiskey with notes of honey, spice, oak, vanilla, butterscotch . . . actually, you can pick out a dozen or so flavours during the hour you spend sippin’ this bourbon. No front porch required.
Louisville, USA – 45.2% ABV
LCBO Price: $99.95
Photo: Vito Amati/Ryan Emberley Photography
