The Best Single-Malt Whiskeys of 2023

Finished in PX sherry and Cognac casks, this single malt has a deep amber hue and toffee and red fruit aromas. The complex palate opens with dried cherry and oak. A splash of water unlocks chestnut, lemon cream and vanilla, teased by fleeting hints of peach, Muscat grape and violets. A puff of campfire smoke gathers on the exhale, along with drying hints of leather and black pepper. Part of the Sample Room Collection. 98 Points  — Kara Newman 

A rich and inviting sip, from start to finish. Caramel, cocoa and oak aromas lead to deeper toffee and fresh-roasted coffee bean flavors. The long, lush finish shows orange marmalade, almond butter and crushed hazelnut. 97 Points  — K.N.

This single malt was finished in Bordeaux casks, yielding an amber hue and rich toffee and oak aromas. The big, bold palate suggests caramel, sticky toffee pudding, dried dates and roasted nuts, finishing long with hints of allspice and peat smoke. A splash of water brings out milk-chocolate tones. Consider as a dessert pairing. 96 Points  — K.N.

Fresh apple and vanilla-bean aromas entice. The bold palate unfurls a light layer of peat smoke wrapped around a caramel core tinged with butterscotch, toffee and roasted nuts. Cinnamon and clove warm the finish, accompanied by a subtle violet exhale. 96 Points  — K.N.

It would be simplistic to say this single malt Scotch is a dead ringer for a bowl of Honey -Nut Cheerios. So we’ll deconstruct: dried apricot and almond aromas lead into a lively palate showing honey and toasted grain, along with hints of caramelized pineapple and toasted coconut. A splash of water draws out a puff of smoke into the long, rounded finish. Made with barley grown on Glenmorangie’s Cadboll Estate, and zero Cheerios. Third batch of limited-edition Cadboll Estate series. 2023 Edition. 95 Points  — K.N.

Almond and vanilla aromas entwine with a floral whiff. The palate opens with concentrated caramel and finishes buttery and rich, with hints of dried fig, cinnamon and clove. Finished in PX sherry casks. 96 Points  — K.N.

This is a non-age-statement single malt aged in casks that previously held Pineau des Charentes, a fortified wine from France’s Cognac region. The result is a complex, pleasing whisky layered with delicate peach, apple and marzipan tones, finishing with a floral hint and a waft of smoke. Part of the limited-edition Coastal Series. 95 Points  — K.N.

Rich, nutty tones make it clear this is an oloroso sherry-finished bottling. The first sips open with concentrated butterscotch and oak, followed by mouthwatering roasted pecan, salted caramel and finally hints of smoke and black-pepper tingle. Ginger sparks enliven the finish. 95 Points  — K.N.

In this super-peated single malt from the iconic Bruichladdich distillery, look for a golden hue and mild vanilla and spearmint aromas. The palate opens with mouthwatering butterscotch and menthol, finishing long with a smoked maple-sugar effect, which ever so slowly tapers off. 95 Points  — K.N.

Expect a burnished gold hue and fresh apple scent. The palate opens distinctly sweet, with salted caramel, rum raisin and baked-apple tones, but finishes gently with ginger spice and vanilla. Best Buy. 94 Points  — K.N.

This is a non-age-statement single malt finished in oloroso and PX sherry casks. Look for a honey hue and baked-pear aromas, plus a faint smoky whiff. The palate unfurls a modest amount of smoke around a core of baked pear, vanilla and candied ginger, leading into a long, nuanced finish perfumed with white flowers and sandalwood incense. 94 Points  — K.N.

Aged a minimum of three years in ex-Sherry casks, this dessert-worthy whiskey offers fruitcake-like aromas. The palate opens with honey and golden raisin, while adding water softens the flavors to honey-drizzled apricot and grilled pineapple. It finishes long and rounded, with cinnamon glow. 95 Points  — K.N.

This pleasing, complex sipper has a honey hue and aromas that suggest red fruit and oak. The bold palate opens with sandalwood, incense and candied ginger, rounding into an elongated finish that echoes red fruit and warming baking spice, plus a fleeting floral hint on the exhale. 94 Points  — K.N.