Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating your loved one, and of course, you can do that with a candle-lit dinner, a box of chocolates, or a sparkling piece of jewelry. But if the special someone in your life enjoys whisky, here are a few to pour in celebration or to gift on their own.
Valentine’s Day Worthy Whiskies
Compass Box Flaming Heart (2022 Edition) Blended Malt Scotch92 points, 48.9%, $155The label, adorned with an intricate heart, speaks to the occasion. Beyond its façade, this blend of heavily-peated malts and toasted virgin French oak-matured malt whiskies, with flavors of baked lemon, chocolate gananche, peppered steak, and gingerbread is sure to melt a whisky-loving heart.
Gold Spot 9 year old Single Pot Still Irish92 points, 51.4%, $120All that shimmers is gold. But in this case, it goes beyond the label with its fruity-spicy flavor waves of pot still creaminess: vanilla, Brazil nut, hazelnut, cinnamon, and tropical fruit.
Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon88 points, 45%, $35No need to wrap this gift: The roses on the label say it all. There’s something to love inside the bottle, too. This bourbon’s tropical fruit flavors and slick mouthfeel make for a simple and enjoyable pour.
Keeper’s Heart Irish + American87 points, 43%, $32You just might win your special someone’s heart with this whiskey’s sweet flavors of apple-cider doughnuts, vanilla creamer, and honey.
Stranahan’s Diamond Peak American Single Malt86 points, 45%, $80Not quite ready to shower your special someone with diamonds? That’s okay, Diamond Peak can buy you time until you’re sure.
