Discover the Hidden Gems: Underrated Whiskies Worth Exploring!

Discover the Hidden Gems: Underrated Whiskies Worth Exploring!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What Makes a Whiskey Underrated?
3. Longmorn 16: A Hidden Gem
   • The Longmorn Distillery
   • Tasting Notes and Value
   • Pros and Cons
4. Speyburn 15: Flying Under the Radar
   • Speyburn Distillery
   • Tasting Notes and Popularity
   • Pros and Cons
5. Loch Lomond 12: The Unexplored Whiskey
   • The Loch Lomond Distillery
   • Unique Flavor Profile
   • Pros and Cons
6. From the Knockdhu Distillery: An 18-Year-Old Beauty
   • The Knockdhu Distillery
   • Age Statement and Value
   • Pros and Cons
7. The Alluring Altmore 12
   • The Altmore Distillery
   • Flavor Complexity and Presentation
   • Pros and Cons
8. Tormore 16: A Divisive Whiskey
   • The Tormore Distillery
   • Mixed Reviews and Batch Variations
   • Pros and Cons
9. The Future of Tormore
10. Conclusion

Article: The Best Hidden Gem Underrated Single Malt Whiskeys

Whiskey lovers are always on the lookout for hidden Gems — those underrated bottles that offer incredible taste and great value. In this article, we will explore six such hidden gem single malt whiskeys that deserve more recognition. From the lesser-known Longmorn 16 to the divisive Tormore 16, we will take You on a Journey through the world of underrated whiskeys. So grab your favorite Glass and join us as we uncover these hidden treasures.

1. Longmorn 16: A Hidden Gem

The Longmorn Distillery, owned by Pernod Ricard along with iconic brands like Glenlivet and Aberlour, often flies under the radar. While its spirit primarily goes into blends like Chivas Regal, the Longmorn 16 is a hidden gem for whiskey enthusiasts. This 16-year-old single malt scotch whiskey offers complexity, value, and a delightful taste. With its unchill-filtered, 48% ABV, it is a must-try for any whiskey lover. However, despite gaining popularity in some circles, the Longmorn 16 remains underrated to the average person. Its elegant packaging adds to its allure, making it a perfect choice for gifting.

Tasting Notes: The Longmorn 16 displays a perfect balance of fresh fruits, honey, pastries, and a hint of peppery notes. Its complexity and quality make it a favorite choice among whiskey enthusiasts.

Pros and Cons: Pros: Excellent value, unchill-filtered, luxurious packaging. Cons: Limited availability, lesser-known outside whiskey enthusiast circles.

2. Speyburn 15: Flying Under the Radar

Another underrated delight is the Speyburn 15. Owned by Inver House, the distillery shares ownership with renowned brands like Old Pulteney and Balblair. The Speyburn Distillery, situated in a picturesque location, produces a range of whiskies that often go unnoticed. However, the Speyburn 15, highlighted by whisky influencers like Roy from "Aqvavitae," has gained some recognition. Despite this, it remains an underrated choice for whiskey enthusiasts overall. With its 46% ABV, unchill-filtered nature, and natural color, this whiskey offers a Memorable tasting experience.

Tasting Notes: The Speyburn 15 delights with classic Speyside fruity notes, sweet caramel, hazelnuts, and a touch of spice. It has a good balance between fruity and rich flavors.

Pros and Cons: Pros: Beautiful location, unchill-filtered, great value. Cons: Limited availability, still relatively unknown to most whiskey drinkers.

3. Loch Lomond 12: The Unexplored Whiskey

Next on our list is Loch Lomond 12, a whiskey that was nominated for the Online Scotch Whiskey Awards. Despite this recognition, it remains largely unexplored by whiskey enthusiasts. Distilled at the Loch Lomond Distillery, known for its unique craftsmanship, the Loch Lomond 12 offers a captivating flavor profile. With its citrusy and sherbet-like notes, it combines the best characteristics of clean-cut fruitiness and HEAVIER oily notes found in other whiskies from the region. This complexity sets it apart and makes it worth trying.

Tasting Notes: Loch Lomond 12 entices with refreshing lemon flavors, sherbet-like undertones, and other white fruit notes. Its distinctive character and intriguing combination of light and heavier flavors make it a whiskey for those seeking complexity.

Pros and Cons: Pros: Unique flavor profile, non-chill-filtered. Cons: Colored, relatively unknown compared to other whiskies from the region.

4. From the Knockdhu Distillery: An 18-Year-Old Beauty

In a market where older age-statement whiskies often come with hefty price tags, the Knockdhu Distillery offers an 18-year-old gem at an affordable price. While many whiskies with high age statements become increasingly expensive, the Knockdhu 18 remains reasonably priced. Independently bottled, this single malt scotch whiskey offers great value without compromising on quality. With its unchill-filtered nature, natural color, and 46% ABV, it stands out as a fantastic choice for those seeking matured flavors.

Tasting Notes: The Knockdhu 18 delights with fruity and dried fruit notes, a hint of sweetness, and underlying bourbon flavors like brown sugar and maple. It showcases the complexity that comes with extended aging.

Pros and Cons: Pros: Affordable, unchill-filtered, high age statement. Cons: Availability may vary in some markets.

5. The Alluring Altmore 12

The Altmore 12 is a whiskey that often goes unnoticed despite its impressive qualities. If you enjoy the Deanston 12 or the Glen Garioch 10, you will likely appreciate the Altmore 12 as well. With its 46% ABV, unchill-filtered nature, and natural color, Altmore breaks stereotypes associated with dark-colored whiskies. It surprises with its light color and offers a complex yet subtle flavor profile. This light golden whiskey presents lemony notes, white fruits, and multi-layered characteristics that make it intriguing.

Tasting Notes: Altmore 12 presents a delightful combination of lemony and white fruit notes, accompanied by biscuity undertones. It strikes a fine balance between light and complex flavors, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a whiskey with personality.

Pros and Cons: Pros: Unique flavor profile, excellent presentation. Cons: Colored, may not appeal to those seeking bold whiskey flavors.

6. Tormore 16: A Divisive Whiskey

The Tormore 16 is a single malt scotch whiskey that evokes mixed opinions among whiskey enthusiasts. Some find it unbalanced and strange, while others adore it for its unique character. Regardless of where opinions fall, one thing is clear - the Tormore 16 remains underrated. Featuring an unchill-filtered, 48% ABV, and a 16-year age statement, this whiskey is priced attractively. While batches may differ, it offers an interesting flavor profile that combines elements of sherry casks and fruity notes.

Tasting Notes: The Tormore 16 surprises with a crossover between sherry cask influences and tropical orchard fruit flavors. It boasts milk chocolate, orange notes, and a hint of roast chestnuts. However, some may find the finish slightly bitter.

Pros and Cons: Pros: Unique flavor combination, attractive price point. Cons: Batch variations may impact consistency, divisive taste profile.

The Future of Tormore

Exciting developments await Tormore as The Elixir Distillers, the owners of Portnatrume Distillery on the Isle of Islay, acquire the Tormore Distillery. With plans for refurbishment and the establishment of a visitor center, Tormore is set to gain more recognition globally. Whiskey lovers should keep an eye on this underrated gem as it may become a prominent feature on whiskey shelves in the future.

Conclusion

Hidden gem whiskeys offer the thrill of discovering underrated flavors and exceptional value. From the Longmorn 16 to the Tormore 16, these six choice picks deserve the Attention of whiskey lovers worldwide. Whether you prefer fruity, complex, or subtly layered profiles, these whiskeys have something unique to offer. So elevate your whiskey experience and try these underrated single malt treasures that may soon find their place in your collection.

Highlights:

1. Longmorn 16 offers outstanding value and a work of art taste.
2. The Speyburn 15 showcases classic Speyside flavors at an attractive price.
3. Loch Lomond 12 combines light and heavy flavors for a fascinating drinking experience.
4. The Knockdhu 18 presents a matured whiskey without breaking the bank.
5. Altmore 12 surprises with its light color and complex yet subtle flavor profile.
6. The Tormore 16 divides opinions but stands out for its uniqueness and price.

FAQ

Q: Why are these whiskeys underrated? A: These whiskeys are often overlooked or lesser-known to the average whiskey drinker, despite their exceptional taste and value.

Q: Are these whiskeys widely available? A: While availability may vary by region, most of these whiskeys can be found in a well-stocked whiskey store or online.

Q: Are these whiskeys suitable for gifting? A: Yes, several of these whiskeys, such as the Longmorn 16, boast luxurious packaging and make for excellent gifts.

Q: Do these whiskeys have any limitations? A: Some whiskeys may have limited availability or batch variations that can affect consistency.

Q: What makes these whiskeys unique? A: Each whiskey on this list offers its own distinct flavor profile, whether it's the fruity complexity of the Speyburn 15 or the subtle charm of the Altmore 12.

Q: Can these whiskeys be enjoyed neat or in cocktails? A: These whiskeys are designed to be enjoyed neat, allowing their unique flavors to shine. However, they can also be used in various cocktail recipes for those seeking experimentation.