In every issue of Whisky Advocate, we identify three whiskies that are generally limited releases and show the most potential to gain value. For Spring 2023, the top choices hail from Scotland, Japan, and Ireland, and have an age statement of at least 30 years old. Check out the Buying Guide for all the whiskies reviewed in the Spring 2023 issue.
Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection 39 year old (Distilled at St. Magdalene) 1982, 95 points, 54.8%, $3,500
Rather stunning, with attractive floral scents and lively notes of pear, beeswax candles, lime zest, lemon meringue pie, honey, vanilla, and baking spices. The palate’s citrus fruitiness drops flavors of candied lemon, tangerine, apricot, melon, vanilla, light caramel, and pineapple cubes on the tongue. The spice notes add considerable depth, while the mouthfeel becomes pleasingly waxier. Gorgeous, well-rounded, taste bud-pleasing whisky. (165 bottles)—Jonny McCormick
Hibiki 30 year old, 95 points, 43%, $5,000
The aromas are a thing of beauty, with notes of oiled wood, neroli, mushroom, sandalwood, mizunara, vanilla extract, honeycomb, florals, caramelized pear, and hazelnut fondant. The palate is supple yet dense, with brown sugar, marron glacé, dried orange disc, pineapple, pepper, and crystalized ginger. The oily mouthfeel adds flavors of chocolate milk, leather, heather honey, and creamed coconut, leaving a long finish of complex wood notes.—Jonny McCormick
Bushmills The Rare Cask 30 year old Madeira Cask, 93 points, 49%, $1,000
After 17 years in a madeira cask, this whisky goes for the base notes, with aromas of peppercorn, nutmeg, coriander seed, chocolate-hazelnut ganache, bramble, dried fig, and mixed peel in syrup. Amazingly thick and chewy, the flavors of dark fruits, cooked apple, caramel, chocolate, and pepper melt into a pool of malty chocolate, praline, fig roll, then concentrated red fruit continues into a lengthy, velvety finish.—Jonny McCormick
