Talisker 45-year-old Glacial edge

Far more than the coming together of expert distillation and seasoned barrels, this 2023 release from Talisker is the culmination of the distillery’s unique Xpedition Oak series. Having spent 40 years aging in the traditional method, this single malt Scotch was then finished in American oak Canadian whiskey casks which has been exposed to the sub-zero temperatures and biting winds of the Arctic for 96 hours. This freezing treatment caused the casks to fracture, increasing the surface area of the wood and revealing hidden cracks, thus unearthing new depths within the spirit.

Limited to 2,455 bottles, expect aromas of salt, seaweed and iodine complemented by a palate of dried fruit, vanilla and smoke with a finish of black pepper, chilli and candle wax.

The Huntsman 50 Year Old House of Hazelwood Charles Gordon Collection whisky

A collaboration between Savile Row tailor Huntsman and the House of Hazelwood distillery, created to mark the former’s 175th anniversary, just 75 bottles of this 50-year-old single malt Scotch will be made available. Presented in an engraved wooden box, the main event comes accompanied by two sample bottles and a hip flask bound in a special House of Hazelwood tweed.

The Last Drop 1969 Glenrothes Single Malt Scotch Whisky

When it was founded in 2008, the mission of The Last Drop was simple: find the world’s finest spirits and share them with those who would truly appreciate them. Since then, the brand has created a catalogue of truly exceptional spirits, and aswell as its rums and cognacs, there are some real Scotch whisky gems – many coming from casks that lay forgotten, gently ageing for decades before being uncovered.

Such was the case with this 1969 Glenrothes Single Malt. While the distillery in question is still going strong – and offers a fine 12-year-old for those with shallower pockets – The Last Drop’s bottling comes from a series of three casks dating from 1968, 1669 and 1970, which were discovered a few years ago. The 1969 was the second of the sibling whiskies to be released, with a limited run of just 271 bottles, making its debut in 2019 to rave reviews thanks to its ripe fruit, citrus and vanilla notes.

Springbank Samaroli Magnifico 1995 Single Malt Scotch Whisky

This bottle might not come with the flashy presentation cases of other expressions on this list but, what it lacks in looks, Springbank’s Samaroli Magnifico more than makes up for in history. Brand new to the market, this single-cask whisky was distilled in 1995 and kept at the distillery in Campbeltown until 2022, when it was bottled as a limited run of 267 created expressly for the South Korean market. Just 12 have remained in the UK – a couple of which have made their way into Harvey Nichols’ well-stocked cellars. You’re going to have move fast to get your hands on this extremely rare 27-year-old.

Port Ellen 40-Year-Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The second in Port Ellen’s collectible Untold Stories Series, this single malt is one of the oldest and rarest whiskies to come from the Islay distillery. Port Ellen has been closed since 1983, and although plans are in place to revive it, a basic 12-year-old is not expected until at least 2032. With all the original stills destroyed, this is one of the last chances to own a bottle from the revered distillery’s former incarnation.

Medium peated with a light character and unusual tropical notes, the remnants of this prized whisky come from just nine ‘rogue’ casks that were discovered among four centuries worth of old stock at the defunct distillery. Look out for aromas of grass, burnt orange and roasted coffee with a palate of tobacco, smoke, leather and spice.

Brora 40-Year-Old 200th Anniversary Single Match Scotch Whisky

Distilled on Scotland’s Sutherland coast in 1978, this whisky is the quintessential expression of the unique flavours of the Highlands. Bottled in a limited run of 1,819 in honour of the distillery’s 200th anniversary, the golden hue of this whisky belies its classically smoky flavour, which is enhanced by a palate of figs and rich, ripe fruit. Another distillery that has lain dormant for the last three decades, making this one of the rarest Scotch whiskies on the market, in 2021 Diageo announced plans to bring Brora back to life – but we highly recommend getting your measure of the original before it’s gone.

The Macallan 52-Year-Old 2018 Bottling

Considered by many to be the finest Scotch distillery in history, it isn’t often a bottle of this quality and age from the much-loved Macallan comes to market – and you’ll need accordingly deep pockets if you want to buy it. Aged in first-fill European oak sherry casks and part of an initial run of just 250 pieces, the particular bottle in question comes from a private collection, meaning the seller has just one available. We could tell you what it tastes like, but brave is the owner who dares break the seal on this investment-worthy bottle.

The Dalmore Constellation 1966 Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The star in The Dalmore’s celebrated Constellation Collection – a series of premium vintage whiskies created between 1964 and 1992 – this is a rich and fiery Highland whisky bottled at cask strength to retain its uniqueness and power. Opening on the nose with heady notes of citrus, spice and cocoa, this elegant spirit is fruity on the tongue with hints of mandarin mingling with sweet vanilla, caramel and chocolate. A collector’s edition that tastes as good as it looks.