7 Whiskies I NEED to Try in 2024 

The Laddie 18 needs time to open up. The tropical fruits get buried behind those farmy hay notes. At least for me, all Laddies need months to open up. Solid 89 90

Roseisle 12: Do yourself a favor and try before you buy. To me it was a nice Speysider but nothing to write home about. It would be worth 40 - 50 Euros to me, but even at that pricepoint I would probably pass. Kilchoman 16: Really excellent, but the price is preposterous. Laddie 18: A good one, but there are other 18's around that are better. Too expensive for what I get out of it, but I could see it being worthwhile for a fan of the brand. With all of those, the way to go is to either get a sample or share a bottle between 4 friends.

I have enjoyed samples of three of these. 1) Kilchoman 16; Nose: caramel with a slightly sour touch, vanilla, leather and tamed smoke, delicious; palate: salty caramel, plenty of smoke (more than in the nose), lemongrass, good wood spice, pepper, but despite 50% not sharp at all; finish: long-lasting smoky and maritime, becoming dry; worth about as much as the old Lagavulin DE until 2021 (with age statement), but not €200+. 2) Bruichladdich 18; Nose: You are almost overwhelmed by an insane peach note. In addition, vanilla, honey sweetness, roasted caramel, something floral, and a subtle woody spice. There is also some cooling menthol from the alcohol, but nothing that stings. That's a really great nose! Palate: More sweet than fruity (although the peach is still there, more in the background), very "soft" mouthfeel, 50% alcohol is hardly noticeable. Unfortunately cannot quite maintain the level of the nose, but still very good. Finish: mineral, fruity, floral - medium length. Overall worth the price, I think. 3) Port Charlotte 18; Nose: sweet-herbal, raisins, plums, earthy, rather subtle smoke, honey, leather, vanilla - wonderfully balanced and multi-layered! Palate: the smoke becomes clearer, but does not overpower the nutty and red-fruity aromas (with a little orange), marshmallow, pleasant tart oak (a little bitter, but not too much for me), a little pepper, salty, gingerbread - the nose is fully confirmed, very complex with ever-changing impressions, really delicious! Finish: spicy and a little ashy, medium to long - good to very good! Overall, this is my favorite of these three whiskies. It is distillery exclusive and sold out for 2024. However, I got confirmation from the distillery that there will be a new batch in early 2025. I will definitely buy this one.

Only way I'm buying that Star Trek whiskey is if Uhura comes with it....

I just recently had the Bruichladdich 18, along with the old 15 and 16. The 18 is great, and was quite a bit better than the 16.. but the old 15 year was the winner by far. What a special bottle that is.

Enjoying the Ardnahoe, waiting for Ardnamurchan the Midge at 48% and a bottle of Glenallachie 11 done in Oloroso cask at 48.2% by Sinatory.

Lovely list. The Torabhaig would be my #1 on your list with Ardnahoe being #2 just because they are owned by Hunter Laing (which I didn’t know, so thanks Geoff!). I think the rest for me is too pricey. According to my spreadsheet, anything over $130 US needs to be 4.0/5 (something like 90/100 or better? Or maybe 88/100? …I don’t think my 5.0 scale maps 1 to 1…). And to my experience… 90 is a hard reach for most bottles. 88 is… doable but still. My list: Craigellachie 23 (because of Whisky Mystery) Ben Nevis (14y or older I.B.) Kavalan Soloist Ki One Korean single malt (I’m half) Mars Distillery (a good Ltd. Ed.) Kilkerran (specifically 16)

Was able to get both the PC18 and Laddie 18. Both are great and well worth $170-$200

Just getting to know the Torabhaig Cnoc na moine, its stewed apples, over-ripe pears, runny honey and a good old dollop of meaty, smoky peatiness. Bit restrained for the first 3 or 4 drams but opening up nicely now…pretty decent IMHO

I just deleted a massive WT response/rant. To summarise. Buy the Torabhaig and Ardnahoe. Good stuff and fairly priced. Don't buy the Roseisle, Scapa, Bruichladdich and Port Charlotte unless you want to be ripped off and taken for a mug. WT😇

Terrific list Geoff! I’m enjoying the Laddie 18!! Cheers!

Try the Big Peat 12! Affordable peat monsters are getting rare and this one should do the trick.

Just got back from Islay. Ardnahoe is great stuff. Tried at the distillery but have not cracked open my bottle. Looking forward to comparing this to PC. The distillery was great as well.

Looking forward to trying the Meikle Tior range. Tried the Sherry one (which was pretty decent) and looking to work my way through the rest.

Bruich 18 lovely dram maybe a touch expensive but it is a 50% ABV. Light, fruity, great mouth feel a bready creamy character. I will buy another when I drink through this one. I’ll likely add the port Charlotte 18, but I don’t think it’s coming to my market.

Bruichladdich 18 is wonderful and well worth the money. I bought a bottle, tried it and already bought a backup.

Wow never heard of that mystery pour! Great list Geoff, I share the NEED! I've tried the Roseisle, Torabhaig and the Bruichladdich and I'm sure you'll enjoy all of them. Just got my hands on the Ardnahoe which I will review soon. Hope you do get to try some of these this year, cheers!

I'm a fan of the Glen Garioch 12yr and am curious about their "Renaissance" line of 15yr-18yr offerings. Price is a bit high for me to chance a bottle I might not like, so I'm wonder if you have any thoughts on the matter. Not many reviews to go by and the ones I have found seem to offer different conclusions so I'm counting on you for a definitive assessment that sets the record straight. Thanks in advance for any pearls of wisdom you choose to cast my way. Cheers!

My list is 1. Friar John Cor by Lindores 2. AnCnoc 125 Anniversary 3. Kilkerran 16 4. Craigellacie Armagnac 13 5. BBR Christmas 2023 Caol Ila 2010 56.1 Abv 6. Lagg. - Anything 7. Wireworks Double oak port. And finally everything on your list Geoff is my added extra for good measure.

Greetings Geoff. I picked up Roseisle at Costco for $89. I’m enjoying it, but wouldn’t have bought it for the $120 you mentioned. I’ve succumbed to that kind of price gouging nonsense for Lagavulin 12 & distillers edition though. A heavy toll for being a fanboy. Cheers.

In Boston area the Craigalachie 17 is $170 & the Brucjladie 18 is $185. I am sticking with the Craigalachie 13

Huge Torabhaig fan, tried everything they’ve put out so far and they’ve been great, the Cnoc Na Moine left me a wee bit underwhelmed though, plenty of flavour and aroma but felt a bit tight, needs more time I think to open up, I’ll go back try it again in a few months and hopefully wee bit of air in the bottle will have helped it on

PC18 is great, fantastic even. Smoother than the PC10 where the PC10 still is a very nice whisky to have on stock. The PC18 is better, but not worth the price difference tbh. But you can't go wrong. Also I'm looking forward to the Octomore 15.3 coming later this year. I'm also very curious to the Ardnahoe

i see i can get 4 minis of glen moray or compass box for 20bucks. i really wish more single malts offered smaller bottlings for us poor folks. but i suppose the target market of people who are poor while also snobby, is very small.

The Torabhaig is fantastic, for it being still high majority of bourbon cask in the mix, the addition of the sherry has taken it to a new level. Great content anyway G-force 🥃

The Port Charlotte 18 is £175 directly from the distillery online. Fathers day soon....🙏🏾😃

Thanks for yet another interesting list, Geoff. In the meantime I'm off to Scotland (incl. Fèis Íle), tough job, but someone has to do it. And yep, can confirm the Ardnahoe inaugural is worth trying. Slàinte mhath

Great list - thanks for the heads-up on some of these.

Loving the Captain’s Table bottle, (but won’t be buying at that price). I do get the appeal though…😉

I did one of the first Reddit reviews on Bruichladdich 18yr ReDefine. Had price comparisons to local selection too. It’s good. It’s good relative to its peers. It’s just the floor for 18yr Scotch has risen pretty high so I have a hard time saying it’s ~$200 good. It’s also very cheesy and butyric so keep that in mind if that’s not your thing. 4 months in and that facet hasn’t changed.

Not a fan of the Laddie, but love the PC10 and the cask series PC. That said, the price in my market for the Kilchoman 16 ($290), Laddie 18 ($175), and PC18 ($200) all seem ridiculous. I’ll look for an opportunity to try them, but very unlikely to buy. If I were to grab any of them it would be PC18, but it seems to already be disappearing. I’d love to try the new Longmorn 18, but that price is also ridiculous. My list would be the Ardnahoe, Hearch, Ballindalloch, Ardnamurchan midgie Torabhaig, and Scapa16. I have recently purchased the first 4. The Torabhaig should be available locally soon.

The problem with Port Charlotte 18 is that it’s a limited edition ( I believe 6000 bottles or so), and it’s already sold out pretty much everywhere. I know it was sold in some states in the US, but it never made it to Oregon. Bruichladdich 18 , on the other hand, is supposed to be a regular release, and it’s easy to find for $179.95 .

The one I'm curious about is the Kingsbarns Doocot (older, final version of the "beta" Dream to Dram). I know you liked the first one - have you tried Doocot yet? Thanks for a great video as always :)

Hi Geoff, that is a very impressive list. I would go for the Roseisle, Scapa, Port Charlotte, Kilchoman. Really curious to try them. The Kilchoman and Scapa to start with. But above all, I would like to try the Oban 18. No luck hunting one down yet. But again a great list. Which I can only approve and support. Already looking out to the tasting videos.

I'd take a Romulan ale over that Captain's Table anytime!

Thanks for the informative list

Tried the Bunna 18 at a pub in Scotland. I’m either a sucker for ambiance or it was a great pour (or both). Either way, will be buying a bottle shortly. I do have the PC18 and when I first opened and nosed it my only thought was “how can I get more of these”. Unfortunately, that was promptly followed by disappointment on the palate. Too much leather, not enough fruit/sweetness. I know I’m the exception, and that’s ok, I’m hoping the bottle opens up as I spent $199USD on it. It’s possible I like the younger peated stuff more.

Scapa has a 12 yrs old, a distillery exclusive. Much better than the standard stuff. With an Abv from 48% i believe.

I bought the Roseisle Weird situation: Yes, I am amazed. I love it. Nutty, fruity, wonderful balance. But ... at this price tag I woudn't accept anything less and I am torn if I should recommend it.

Nice list, I could sign up for any of these. Cheers

Great list. Would love to find either of the top 2 in my market and honestly would be willing to pay.

Was picking up an IB bottle I’d had on order at our local whisky shop and they offered me a taste of the Ardnahoe which had just been released that day. Now whilst I like peated whisky I’m not a heavy peat-head however this was just …. delicious. So it worked out an expensive visit particularly as I later went back and bought yet another bottle to take over to sons in New Zealand. Recommended.

Great topic and video Geoff! I am really excited about the Ardnahoe 5 ( still haven't arrived yet...) and also the Torabhaig 3rd Sherry edition. Curious how they are going to be. And I'm glad you liked that 2nd edition Torabhaig my friend 😉🥃🥃 Also...the start trek themed whisky is brilliant! Dumb but brilliant 😂 Cheers

Hi Geoff, good list video, hope I can lay my hands on that Ardnahoe when it arrives where I am. Been hearing some pretty good things about it. Slàinte Geoff

I agree on the Torabhaig. The Allt Glean and the Cask Strength are amazon. I have the Bruichladdich 18 and it is good. It has an interesting funk to it. I will also buy Ardnahoe when I find it.

I quite liked the roseisle 12yo, although definitely overpriced. Almost $200 where I live. But money aside it’s a solid whisky

I would love to try ardnaho or w.e it's called and Lagg cask strength one. I don't follow new whiskey releases, but thanks god you do 😅

Honestly out of all of the "special releases" that came out the Roseisle is the only one worth its price. Just think of how much you would pay for a Springbank 12 CS. Not equal quality but better than everything else from that year.

Definitely need to get that ardnahoe and ardnamurchan midgie…if you hadn’t had it get the isle of harris release. Really good stuff

This got me thinking about what my list would be, but it is hard to figure it out. I have a tendency to go with whatever I happen to run across that looks interesting and don't have specific goals. However, maybe I can come up with a few general ideas. 1. Local craft whisky - I have a long running goal of checking out every booze production facility in the city where I live and adjacent cities. I haven't been to every distillery yet, so maybe I should try to get to a new one soon. 2. Whisky from Africa - So far, I've had whisky from every inhabited continent except Africa and South America. It would be nice if I could find something from Africa. I suspect that it will be South Africa, which is a producer of single malts. 3. Whisky from South America - See above. I know some bourbon-like whisky is made in Peru. Maybe I can get my hands on a bottle. Also, I have heard that there are single malts made in Brazil. 4. Another Octomore. I bought a bottle of Octomore 14.1 recently, and I love it. I would like to try another version to see what the difference is. For that matter, I wouldn't mind getting my hands on the Port Charlotte 18. I have the 10, and I love it. 5. A whisky with an age statement older than 30 years. Interesting things can happen to spirits when they reach an advanced age, but whisky gets to be unaffordable. Armagnac is a lot more affordable at an advanced age; I have one with an age statement of 47 years. If the opportunity presents itself, I would love to try an ancient whisky. There are some budget options in the Total Wine store brands, but those are unpredictable in terms of quality. However, some get good reviews, so one of those could be worth a try. 6. Bourbon single barrel store picks. Lately, these have been the bright spots in the world of bourbon from the big legacy distillers. I would like to find some from producers that I haven't already encountered. Old Forester is high on my list, but I'll grab anything I see that I don't already have. 7. Whisky made from unusual grains. I have found millet and triticale, and I like both of them. I would like to find others. I have heard that oat whisky exists, and there are probably whiskies from other strange grains being made at obscure craft distilleries.

The Ardnahoe is fantastic

ive tried the Bruch 18.. ok hear me out... i dont like the classic laddie, but if you do, you very may well love the 18. I found it dry, savory but lacking in depth (for me). now having said all that, i am super keen for PC18

First time correctly guessing the Mystery Pour! I had a dram in a bar a while ago go; really liked it.

Hmm, makes me think about my list of whiskies to try. In no particular order. Cotswolds Signature Tamdhu 12 Ledaig Sinclair (Rioja Cask Finish) Ardnamurchan AD/ Craigallichie 13 Speyburn 15 Compass Box Orchard House

The 18yo Bruichladdich is really lovely, rich and sweet, long finish. I do not like the bottle (clearly a first world gripe; so…..I’ve kept its clever/supposedly eco-friendly outer wrap on.) I just opened the PC 18 tonight; it arrived with the B18 couple months ago. Wowza, this a must try/buy if you can still find it. Comes in a trifle hot; prefer it with a wee bit of water. Beg, borrow or steal this expression; I find it sublime.

Great video, didn't know about a couple of them. Especially the Kilchoman and the Port Charlotte are way over priced. The PC goes near €200 and the Kilchoman way over €200,=. I tasted a single bourban cask Kilchoman a year ago and it was utterly amazing. It was unfortunately already sold out, same pricepoint thou. The Ardnahoe is decently priced and gets great reviews would be my pick.

There are some real gems in your list to try in 2024 Geoff. Personally, I would love to try Bruichladdich 18, Ledaig 18, Ardnahoe 5 introductory release based on positive reactions from reviewers and maybe a couple of more this year. Right after your review, I noticed the Captain's Table bottles all but disappeared from shelves. I contacted the Startrek distillery and they told me there are no more being produced for the earthlings and what they are producing is going to a distant planet of Qo'noS in the beta quandrant and that I can go there to get a bottle if I wanted. Damn I missed out!

Geoff. You once told me if you had a free $200 you’d spend it on a Bunna 18. I can choose between these bottles that are @$170-$200 . Bunna 18 Talisker 18 Tamdhu 18 Ancnoc 24 What say you sir? Btw I still have two bottles of the old Scapa 16.

The Bruichladdich 18 is $194 at Total Wine in Minnesota, USA, same with the Port Charlotte 18.

if you get the trek bottle, could at least use it as a decanter for home blends. also not sure about taiwan, but possibly write some of these purchases off your taxes since they're for your youtube "business"

Jeff's getting more and more popular and definitely more professional

Should add some of the Meikle Toir 5yr to your list, fantastic young peated whisky from the Glen Allachie distillery. I have the Turbo and Sherry One, both are great for the price. Also picked up the PC18. I knew going in it was going to be sherried, unlike the PC10, so it was going to be different. So far as my impression its good but I think overpriced for the experience, If I was looking for something similar both in character and quality at a lower price I would probably pick up more Kilchoman Loch Gorm myself. I was able to try a sample of an IB of PC @14 years old, it was priced nearly the same as PC18. It was fantastic, keeping my fingers crossed that there will be more availability over time of left over/older barrels to bring the price down. If you guys see IB of PC pick them up esp if the price is right.

Good choice Geoff ! I try Roseisle 12 and Kilchoman 16 very good whisky , now i'm waiting Ardnahoe 5 yo . I'm going to try Caperdonich 18 ,, Ballechin 11, Kilchoman uniquele and what else can my cough and liver hold )))

Great video. 1) Port Charlotte 18 sounds amazing. I love the 10 and I agree with you about older peat. I hope I can (afford and ) try this someday soon! 2) I'm curious about Torabhaig. Especially in the wake of your pan of Talisker 10. The thing "they say," about Talisker, that I think you (and I, and most) agree with, is that it's unique--there's no obvious substitute for it. Could Torabhaig become that? Giving us a good alternative (and maybe forcing Talisker to up its game?) 3) Why is everyone rating Ardnahoe's inaugural release so highly? It seems strange that their very first attempt, at only five years old, could be outclassing all the classic Islay stalwarts. But that's what reviewer scores are indicating. Is this just overenthusiasm from peat heads? Fanboy respect for the people involved with this new distillery? Or was Ardnahoe able to do something with a brand new distillery to "correct" some "problem" in standard Islay whisky production?

You're back on form! That sudden algorithm-trance was really spooky. And the funniest final reveal ever. Laugh-out loud. Safeguarding your virginity indeed.

I bought the Roseisle 12 because it reduced the number of single malt distilleries I haven't tried from 10 to 9. I like it, but won't be replacing it at the price I paid. Another untried distillery first release I wanted was the Eden Mill, but at almost twice the price of the Roseisle in my market, I let common sense win over the chance to knock another distillery off my list.

Hello Geoff, I had the Torabhaig (...moine) a few Weeks ago side by Side with the CS and the allt Gleann. It was not as good as i expected. It was very spirity and alcoholic sharp without balancing it with Flavour. I loved the All Gleann which i already knew and i stick to it. For me the ....moine 😅isnt worth a buy. I had the same Thoughts on Kilchoman 16. 😑 My last positive Surprise was the Hearach from the Isle of Harris. Deliciously Dirty Style made of partial peated Malt. Young but very good. Greetings from Germany 😎🤘

I'll wait until you try and review them with glowing praise!

Kilchoman Aged 16 Years is £185 Bruichladdidh Aged 18 Years is £150 Port Charlotte Aged 18 Years is £175

I quite liked roseisle 12 not worth it but I don't regret buying it.

I have the Bruichladdich 18. It's good, makes me think "yeah, this is a good scotch", but feels a bit vanilla. Not in terms of tasting notes, but more that there's nothing that feels distinctive or really impressive in a unique way.

Bruichladdich 18 £150 and PC 18 £170 in UK. The latter is sold out. Ouch.

My list of need to try: all the whiskies in the world except the ones in my shelf.

Bruichladdich 18 has my interest? Curious about the price though, and I haven’t seen it anywhere yet in Massachusetts. Yeah, the Oban 18 is nice! Slainte

Yep the Kilchoman 16 is just to expensive. Actualy real sad considering that their core range NAS offerings , especialy Loch G and Sanaig just blew my socks away. Next summer I imagine Kilchoman will realease a small batch of their first possible 20 year during the Feisle islay festival I dont dare to guess the price 🥴

I was just as curious as you with the Roseisle 12 so bought a 20cl bottle. Yeap, it is neither bad nor nothing to write home about. If you can buy a bottle of this size it is a maybe. For a 70cl bottle it is a absolutely no for me. Cheers!!

Port Charlotte 18 is about US$200 in my area.

being poor, i'm just about out of new things to try sub $40. this is what's on my radar though. tyrconnell single malt and jura10. splurge day will be for a shot of highland park cask strength, to take me back when drinking whisky still seemed like whisky. mcleans nose is right at 40, but its a grain blend so get over yourself. theres a variety of cheaper 12 year blends like dewars, buchannans, ballantines, but i've already tried chivas, and it seems like if you've tried one then you've tried them all zzzzzzzzz

But hey, it's Star Trek!

I paid $75 for a Roseisle 12 in Japan and loved it...but if it costs $125?...not sure...

Someone picked Roseisle up for £62 in Heathrow. That is a price that can be considered....

I received the Roseisle 12 as a gift. I really wanted to try it based on the distillery story. Diageo built a mega-distillery which they could use to mimic other single malts for blends. It's the size of 8 traditional distilleries and I've heard it described as the Diageo's death star. That does not sound very appealing but they also wanted to create something specific to this distillery and not just a copy of their other brands. This was Roseisle and I have to say they succeeded. It's very tropical fruity yet also full and buttery with sharp flavors. Kind of a Clynelish flavor profile with a Benromach character. Definitely a FrankenWhisky but a very good one. Eventually I'm going to buy another bottle.

My list would be Buichladdie 18 Craigllachie 13 armaniac Kilkerran 16. If available Lagg ..never tried any of their impression Isle of Skye 18 Deanston 15 tequila cask If possible and if not out of budget Ardbeg Anamorphic

For the price try (if you have not) Glancadam reserve px and the white port

What did Spock see in the toilet bowl. THE CAPTAIN'S LOG.😊

Skip everything else and just splurge to get two bottles of PC18. 😆

The Roseisle tastes a lot like Oban 14

I bought the kilchoman 16 and I really love it. But I really hate the price. It's sad because it looks like they've backed themselves into a corner. If they release an 18 year old how much will that be? That said, it's good. It's really good. And I love kilchoman. I'm amazed at how punchy and strong the peat still is, it hasn't mellowed much in the 16 years. It's got that classic kilchoman grilled lemon kind of flavor. Nice amount of cash flavors, but it's still phenolic and brash. Super coastal. Super good. Super expensive. Idk if I'd recommend buying one, but I'm glad I have mine. And I will probably not buy another.

Review the 16 kilchoman

Ardnahoe what you are talking about...

The Roseisle 12 out of the Diageo Deathstar is an absolute cash grab from Diageo. Its one note and meh. $150 for a 12 year Speyside is insanity, even at the generous ABV .

Wad up, boss G ! . . . it 's spoken "To-ra-vek Not-A-Monk" . . . since u ask. Forgive me. Sorry.

Did you taste the Black bottle alchemy series 1, 2, 3 or 4 ?

Laddie 18 has hit the Australian market at AU$399 (US$265), so a bit steep for my stingy bank account. 😂

Had a tiny taste of Bruichladdich 18, beautiful whisky, I'm afraid I will have to buy a bottle sooner rather than later😬

Which ones in the list for 2024 go best with coke-a-cola?

Seventh!

the fomo is real

Oban 18 is very underwhelming. Very very thin, almost no body.

Dont buy the stupid one.