This Week's Best Whisky Deals: A Journey Through Scotland

It’s time again for three new whiskies in the Best Whisky Deals of the Week. We’re setting off on a tour of beautiful Scotland, starting in the Lowlands, passing through Speyside, and finishing in the Highlands. Along the way we’ll visit Auchentoshan, move on to Aberlour, and end in Tomatin. All of this week’s deals are no-age-statement bottlings.

This distillery uses triple distillation, resulting in a soft, approachable new make that has been fully matured in ex-American bourbon casks. Its delicate character has even earned it the nickname “breakfast dram.”

This no-age-statement single malt offers sweet aromas of vanilla and coconut. It also shines as the base for a great cocktail.

Among fans of sherry maturation, this classic is indispensable. A’Bunadh means “the origin.” Since 1997, multiple batches have often been released each year.

Like its predecessors, this batch is bottled undiluted at cask strength. Maturation in Spanish Oloroso casks gives batch 74 a deep nose with aromas of spice, praline, and spiced orange. The palate is full of black cherries, ginger, and dark chocolate. A touch of oak emerges in the finish, which is long and well-balanced. Once you’ve tried A’Bunadh, you’ll be eager for the next release. Don’t wait too long—every batch is limited.

In the rugged Highlands, this distillery sits in the village of the same name. Founded in 1897 and later changing hands several times, it’s now owned by a Japanese consortium. In 2015 they began releasing cask strength editions. The whisky in this article is therefore a limited bottling, although the number of bottles is not disclosed.

The name Tomatin comes from Gaelic, referring to the nearby hill of juniper bushes. Independent bottlings are often released under the name “Juniper Hill.” At a robust 57.5%, expect plenty of spice alongside leather, tobacco, and a subtle smokiness.