The Whisky Hub > Top 10 Best New Whiskies of 2020
With over 200+ new whiskies released in 2020 - we decided to review which whiskies everyone was drinking, loving and most importantly still available to purchase.
We've created a brand new list, this one looks closely at whiskies that have been released this year, being 2020. Rather than another top 10 list, we've separated these whiskies into categories including price. The other key factor in determining this selection of whiskies is they still have to be available to buy today (at time of publishing this list). There's been some amazing whiskies released this year but many sold out in minutes so we have excluded them from this list for that reason.
We're also huge supporters of the Australian whisky industry, so there's a big focus on Aussie whisky on this list. We highly recommend trying these whiskies if you haven't. There's some real gems here. Support local!
We have also published this years highest rated whisky list. Looking for 2020's top 10 highest rated whiskies - click here.
PS: If you haven't joined as a member yet, it's free to join. Register here: thewhiskylist.com.au/members
Best New Unpeated Scotch Over $100
Glenglassaugh 2009 Single Cask #2213 10 Year Old
Bottled exclusively for The Whisky Show, this is the first 10 year old single malt released by Glenglassaugh in the world, since the distillery reopened - exclusive to Australia.
One of only 441 bottles from a single cask. A few bottles of this amazing dram are still available for sale. Some very unique but highly sought after flavours in this whisky matured in an Aleatico Cask Type.
Nose: Strawberry jam, white chocolate, watermelon, pears, apricots and vanilla.
Palate: Red jelly beans, strawberries, cranberries, raspberries, liquorice root, earthy and mineral.
Find it here!
Best New Peated Scotch Over $100
Lagavulin 12 Special Release 2019
Selected for its high peating level, this unique and small batch of Lagavulin has been matured in traditional refill American oak casks; the result is a perfect expression of distillery character, rounded yet profoundly undimmed by time.
Nose: This whisky is classic Lagavulin - a mild nose with a light prickle. It is clear, fresh top of medical supplies; dentists' mouthwash, carbolic, and medicine cupboards, all atop an ashy based, similar to that of a recently extinguished peated fire. There are savoury notes and a mineral maritime note.
Palate: The palate is a natural strength, unexpectedly sweet and smooth in texture, very smoky from the off. The finish is sweet, warm, long, and delightfully smoky. With water it becomes smoother and sweeter, though the smokiness reasserts itself at the close.
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Best New Unpeated Scotch Under $100
Glen Grant Arboralis
It's always exciting to be apart of a new whisky launch, especially when Australia is the first region in the world to be selected for the launch of this new whisky.
The Whisky List sat down earlier this year with Glen Grant's Master Distiller Dennis Malcolm (via virtual tasting) to chat about their latest new single malt release, The Glen Grant Arboralis, which has been created to celebrate the distillery's 180-year history.
Nose: Floral and fruity with dried raisins, honeysuckle, oaky malt notes and hints of lemon citrus.
Palate: Oak and butterscotch which merge with dried fruits, followed by a touch of light spice. Medium finish with notes of malt, vanilla and pear.
Find it here!
Best New Peated Scotch Under $100
Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5
An untamed young single malt from Ardbeg, Wee Beastie has spent five years in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks before being unleashed.
This unashamedly brash and youthful Ardbeg, tempering the raw character of the new-make spirit with just enough oak influence without losing any punch. We like punch. And bacon. Winning combo. Elemental stuff.
Nose: Fresh, herbal aromas of pear, cracked black pepper, pine needles, vanilla and honey-glazed ham mingle on the nose with aniseed, green apple, leather and coffee.
Palate: The palate offers notes of dark chocolate, hot tar, smoked bacon, aniseed and eucalyptus that liner in the finish.
Find it here!
Best New Bang For Buck
Glenlivet 12 Illicit Still
The Glenlivet 12 Year Old Illicit Still is non-chill filtered and has a higher than average alcohol content of 48% ABV, inspired by the traditional methods of the time. We like the extra omph the higher ABV provides.
The Glenlivet’s iconic fruity and floral style is intensified in the new limited-edition Scotch that is characterised by tropical and sweet notes whilst having an exceptionally long and smooth finish.
Nose: Very warm and fruity. Ripe apples and pears. Floral and fruity, rich, runny honey. Vanilla and mild citrus. With time I also pick up more tropical notes as well as strawberries.
Palate: Rich and full bodied. Again very fruity. Apples and pears. Vanilla and hints of ginger. Medium - long finish.
Find it here!
Best New US Whiskey
Wild Turkey Masters Keep Cornerstone
Have to be honest here, we drank the hell out of this bottle. First thing you notice is the super welcoming nose. The Wild Turkey Cornerstone Rye is the first rye Wild Turkey has released in their wildly successful Master’s Keep series. No age statement but we’ve been told it has spirit aged somewhere between 9 and 11 years in the mix.
Only 15,000 bottles produced globally, already scarce, once they vanish of shelves, Bottled at 54.5% ABV, another surprisingly easy to sip on rye. If you can score a bottle, definitely try and grab two. One of our favourite ryes of 2020.
Nose: Sweet, rustic aroma of green apple, honey, orange ring, lemon zest (gives a great tangy feeling) and oaky pine, leaving a beautiful impression of what’s to come. Trademark notes of leather and pepper also present.
Palate: Balance between dark fruits, apples and spice can only be compared to that feeling of attending an epic rock concert, with an elegant finish.
Find it here!
Best New Tasmanian Under $150
Hobart Whisky Signature
Hobart Whisky Signature is a marriage of small carefully selected American oak ex-bourbon casks.
Hobart Whisky is producing some of our favourite Australian whiskies currently with innovation married with tradition leading to some wonderful unique expressions. This is their core range whisky, released in batches, with slight variation to the ABV expected, usually between 46% and 50% ABV. Great daily Aussie dram.
Nose: Freshly baked apple pie with cinnamon, raisins, sweet crust pastry and vanilla custard.
Palate: Marzipan icing with hints of vanilla bean over malty and clean oak foundations. Fizzy sherbet overtones lend this classic bourbon cask dram a lovely zing and brightness. A couple of drops of water serve to sweeten the sensation and open some subtle floral tones.
Find it here!
Best New Mainland Australian Over $150
Bakery Hill Double Wood Cask Strength
Bakery Hill Distillery initially mature their new make spirit for up to 7 years in American Oak Ex-Bourbon barrels from Jack Daniels, before being transferred to a virgin French Oak ex-wine barrel, shaved back to bare wood, and then given a light toast to highlight the oak itself – rather than any of the previous contents of the barrel. Single barrel maturation to ensure you get every ounce of flavour without blending.
The interplay between both American and French Oak styles ensure a unique richness of flavour alongside fresh vibrancy of the spirit.
If you enjoy a rich multi dimensional whisky which tastes like Christmas in a glass - the Double Wood is the Bakery Hill whisky for you.
This version of our Double Wood is drawn directly from the cask, and delivered at 60% ABV.
Nose: The nose opens with the slightest hint of apricot, coconut and plum, going on to reveal an intermingling of golden syrup and plum pudding warmed by the spicy hint of cloves.
Palate: Subdued, mouth filling with orange marmalade overt ones with the characteristic rich nougat sweetness and well balanced oak. Rounded, well finished and lingering to the very end.
Find it here!
Best New Tasmanian Over $150
Overeem Port Cask For Destination Cellars Five Year Anniversary
To celebrate 5 years of business, Tasmanian based independent retailer Destination Cellars partnered with Overeem Distillery to bottle this exquisite single cask bottling.
From a single cask (#259) bottled at natural cask strength (62.2% ABV), matured for 6 years, in a 100L French Oak heavily charred ex-Port cask, and distilled at Overeem in Brightwater Road, Blackmans Bay (the original distillery site).
Definitely brought back memories for us of the earlier Overeem releases. 700ml bottle too!
Nose: Berries, lollies, candied orange peel, toffee, vanilla and golden syrup.
Palate: Butterscotch, toffee, salted caramel, almonds, dark berry gateau and pantry spice. Viscous, long and balanced finish.
Find it here!
Best New Mainland Australian Under $150
Starward Fortis
Fortis, meaning ‘brave, bold’, is a Single Malt Australian Whisky which champions Starward’s style and celebrates the Australian ingredients and climate.
Starward Fortis (full review here) is matured in 100% American Oak wine barrels, predominately from the Barossa Valley which is famed for its powerful and bold red wines. Bottled at 50% ABV in 700ml bottles.
Nose: Madagascan vanilla pods, rich toasted American oak, blackberry jam, raisins, caramelised fig, over ripe plums.
Palate: Wine casks are hard to get right. This one does it. It’s new world, but doesn’t forsake what whisky really is. It’s easy to drink, but punchy and full flavour. And as an Australian whisky at 50% ABV in a 700ml bottle for around $130, its excellent value.
Find it here!
2020 Best New Whiskies
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