In every issue of Whisky Advocate, we select three bottles to recommend as collectibles: whiskies that are generally limited releases and show the most potential to gain in value. For Summer 2020, the top choices came from Ireland, Canada, and Scotland.
For all whiskies reviewed in the Summer 2020 issue, check out the full Buying Guide.
Collecting Alert: Grab These Bottles While You Can
Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection Chapter One Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey
94 points, 51.2% ABV, $35,000
Powerfully smoky for 45 years old, with charcoal, burnt turf, smoked venison, dark chocolate, Brazil-nut dark toffee, roasted chestnut, and a hint of smoked haddock. Thick golden syrup, peppery spice, and vanilla caramel; the peat smoke is heavier initially, then fades and darts between other flavors. Toasted oak, dark sugars, cocoa, and smoke finish an incredible sip of Irish whiskey liquid history. (48 bottles)—Jonny McCormick
WhistlePig The Boss Hog VI: The Samurai Scientist Umeshu Barrel-Finished Canadian Rye (Barrel 8)
92 points, 60.3% ABV, $500
Made using ko–ji during fermentation and finished in barrels seasoned with umeshu, a plum liqueur. Earthy and a bit mysterious, with sandalwood incense, cedar smoke, eucalyptus, barrel char, and sweet aromas of vanilla taffy, key lime pie, and lemon oil. There’s a lot of dry oak on the palate, but it’s balanced with chewy herbs, lapsang souchong tea, pistachio, orange peel, milk chocolate, fennel, and peppery spice. The finish is long, spiced, and herbal, with licorice, mint, eucalyptus, and dry oak. —Susannah Skiver Barton
The Last Drop 1977 Single Grain Scotch (distilled at Dumbarton)
91 points, 48.4% ABV, $3,000
Fresh pear, grilled banana, chile oil, cardamom, brown sugar, oak sawdust, vanilla, snuff tobacco, and peppery crackers on the nose. Light vanilla and caramelized brown sugar, then mouth-drawing with apple and lemon peel. A spicy buildup spills into banana peel and banoffee pie; the mouthfeel gains weight over time. Smooth, sweet, caramel finish. (150 bottles) —Jonny McCormick
