10 Year Old Whisky

Ten years is where most distilleries put their flagship: old enough for the cask to have done its work, young enough to keep the distillery's own character up front. It is also the age that gives the best value in single malt.

From Islay, Laphroaig 10 and Ardbeg 10 are the two big smoky names, with Port Charlotte 10 at 50% for heavier peat and Laphroaig 10 Sherry Oak for a sweeter finish. Talisker 10 at 45.8% sits between the two styles. Jura 10, Glenfarclas 10, Glen Grant 10 and Aerstone Land Cask are the gentler, unpeated side; Clynelish 10 from the 2023 Special Releases is the collector's bottle at 57.5%.

Beyond Scotland there is Kirker & Greer 10 Year Old Irish whiskey in standard and cask strength, Eagle Rare 10 and Bulleit 10 bourbon from Kentucky, and WhistlePig 10 rye. All are 70cl.