The Latest Scotch Whiskies At $50 And Over

A new crop of Scotches from the world’s leading players hits the market this spring.

Bruichladdich Octomore 7.4

Rémy Cointreau USA added a new offering to the Bruichladdich Scotch whisky distillery’s Octomore range this spring. The first release from new head distiller Adam Hannett, Octomore 7.4 (around $235 a 750-ml. bottle) is a highly peated whisky made from Scottish barley and has a phenol count of 167 parts per million. A quarter of the 7-year-old whisky was aged in virgin oak casks, with the remainder aged for three years in first-fill Bourbon casks, two years in French virgin oak and two more years in first-fill Bourbon casks. The cask strength 61.2-percent abv whisky is available in limited quantities nationwide. For more information, visit the Octomore website.

The Macallan Edition No. 1

Edrington Americas’ The Macallan Scotch whisky brand has unveiled a new annual limited-edition series based on special oak casks. The first release, The Macallan Edition No. 1 ($90 a 750-ml. bottle), was aged in eight American and European oak casks of varying sizes and styles. The 48-percent abv spirit, which is available nationwide, has soft oak notes and rich, dark spice flavors. For more information, go to the brand’s website.

Glenmorangie Milsean

Moët Hennessy USA expanded its Glenmorangie Private Edition collection in February. Glenmorangie Milsean ($99 a 750-ml. bottle) is a no-age-statement whisky that was matured in ex-Bourbon casks, then finished for a number of years in heavily toasted Portuguese wine casks. The 46-percent-abv entry, which offers a sweeter flavor profile than typical Glenmorangie, is available nationwide in limited quantities. To learn more, visit the brand’s website.

Lagavulin 200th Anniversary Edition 8-Year-Old

Diageo North America kicked off the 200th anniversary celebration of its Lagavulin distillery on Islay with a new release, announced this month and set to launch nationwide this summer. Matured in Bourbon barrels, Lagavulin 200th Anniversary Edition 8-year-old ($64.99 a 750-ml. bottle) aims to be the distillery’s most accessible release. The 48-percent abv whisky—which will be available nationwide for a limited time—has notes of smoke, salt and chocolate on the nose, with sweet, dry smoke on the palate and a long, spicy finish. For more information, visit the brand’s website.