In praise of the core range: Don’t overlook these wonder whiskies
In an age of sky-high prices and new limited editions every five minutes, it’s time to go back to basics. Here are five core expression releases from hero single malt Scotch distilleries that always deliver.
As previously discussed on The Share, we live in the age of unlimited limited-edition whiskies. Some are genuinely exciting. Innovative expressions and small-batch bottlings, these releases will always thrill and delight. But others… Let's just say, a sense of fatigue can build from the sheer volume. Sometimes less is more.
And often, as a result, outstanding core range whiskies don’t garner the excitement that they should. These icons showcase the very best of single malt Scotch, year after year. As part of a distillery’s core range, they are available on an ongoing basis, and can represent astounding value. And while they’re often considered everyday drams, top core range whiskies very much still feel special.
So here are my current top-five core range single malt Scotch whiskies that offer not just bang for buck, but an amazing tasting experience, too. Let’s hear it for these often unsung heroes of whisky!
The Glendronach 12 Year Old, £40-50
If you like your whisky robust, bold and sherry-forward, The Glendronach 12 needs to be on your radar. A Highland single malt it’s overflowing with unctuous dates, liquorice, and syrup notes, backed by boiled sweets, gingerbread and milk chocolate. The subject of a rebrand this month and the star of a new campaign shot by photographer Rankin, perhaps Glendronach 12 is about to receive the attention it deserves.
Glenmorangie The Original 12 Year Old, around £40
Technically this is a brand new entrant to the core range hall of fame, but its heritage has earned it a spot. Earlier in July, Highland distillery Glenmorangie reorganised its portfolio by shifting the classic 10-year-old Original bourbon cask expression to a 12yo age statement. Having tasted both side-by-side, it’s every bit as juicy and mouthwatering, but with the orange-driven, fruity-floral intensity amped up. Delicious.
Laphroaig 10 Year Old, £30-40
Peated fans will be well acquainted with this extraordinary release, described as the ‘original’ Laphroaig bottling. Partially made using barley floor-malted on-site at the distillery, the bourbon matured banger packs in all the medicinal smoky phenols you’d expect, but with pear, citrus and spice, too. Last year, the 10yo received a packaging revamp to its bottle and carton, saving 1,184.74 tons of greenhouse gases per year
Lagavulin 16 Year Old, around £70
Sticking with Islay for a moment, and enter Lagavulin 16. Located just along the road from Laphroaig, it offers what feels like a different take on the island’s peat altogether. This time to me it’s a woodier peat with more salt and much less of a TCP hit. Aged for 16 years, there’s an elegance to its power, too. Obviously it’s a delight sipped neat, but give it a go with cola for a Smokey Cokey. Add a spoonful of ice cream for even more decadence with a Smokey Cokey Floaty…
Glenglassaugh Sandend, around £50
Launched as part of a brand revamp in June 2023, Sandend has put coastal distillery Glenglassaugh front and centre for many whisky fans. Made using bourbon, sherry and manzanilla casks, it’s got loads of milk chocolate, tropical fruit and caramel notes, all in a velvety texture. It’s a real personal favourite for me – a sumptuous, summery, easygoing dram. Plus, Whisky Advocate named it as its 2023 Whisky of the Year!
Disclosure: I recently partnered with Glenmorangie on Instagram for the launch of the 12yo Original expression, but this hasn’t influenced my decision to include the bottling in this piece.
