The Whisky Exchange offers global delivery and a range of more than 9,000 whiskies and fine spirits. Its whisky ambassador, Billy Abbott, makes his case for the best whiskies you can enjoy throughout 2023.
January | The Whisky Exchange Christmas Whisky (£84.95)
The festive season may be over, but a bottle of The Whisky Exchange’s rich Christmas Whisky is the gift that keeps giving – until the bottle is empty. Rich and warming, with all the flavors of Christmas. Just the thing to keep you warm as the nights draw in.
February | Compass Box Flaming Heart (£126)
The festive season may be over, but a bottle of The Whisky Exchange’s Christmas Whisky is the gift that keeps giving – until the next holiday comes along. Rich and warming, it’s great for the winter season. Just the thing to keep you warm as the nights get shorter again.
March | Glenkinchie 12-Year-Old (£41.95)
One of the few remaining springtime whiskies out there. It is a lighter and more floral style that has disappeared over the years.
April | Bruichladich Classic Laddie (£45.45)
All the whiskies from Islay, the island of peat, are smoky? Aren’t they? April Fool! This version is a rich and creamy dram, just the thing to turn the tables on those who think they know all about whisky.
May | Strathisla 2000 15-Year-Old (Exclusive to The Whisky Exchange, £135)
May is a month that sits between two stools and deserves a versatile, all-rounder whisky that can fit any mood – it fits the bill perfectly, with light, dark, and spicy notes all backed up by a punchy batch strength that happily takes some water.
June | Caol Ila Moch (£56.95)
Summer is breaking, and it’s time to dare to head outside with a dram. Moch is a lighter take on Islay smoke and works well in a highball by a brave bbq or in a tumbler by a garden heater on its own.
July | Port Askaig 100 Percent Proof (£55.75)
Now is the time for long drinks, and Port Askaig 100 is a punchy, smoky dram that swims very well – summer is all about highballs for me, and this is the king. And if you want something fresh and zingy after dinner, it’s the perfect patio whisky.
August | Lagavulin 8-Year-Old (£59.95)
Blasphemy alert: Lagavulin may be a sacred cow for whisky drinkers, but it tastes great when mixed with Coke. The Lagavulin 8-year-old is the traditional addition, but the eight-year-old does an even better job for me, with a fresh and feisty side that balances the dark sweetness of the mixer.
September | Glenfiddich Orchard Experiment (£42.95)
It might be gone by next September, so stock up now – a classic autumn whisky, layering all the orchard fruit on top of Glenfiddich’s already fruity spirit.
October | Benromach 15-Year-Old (£65.95)
Autumn is upon us; for me, it’s all about bonfire smoke and Benromach 15. Softly smoky with layers of fruit and chocolate, it’s the perfect late autumn/early winter dram.
November | Benriach The Smoky 12-Year-Old (£47.45)
While the islands are the traditional home of smoky drams, Speyside has secretly made them for years. This rich, dark, smoky whisky from Benriach is a classic example of mixing well-rounded regional richness with a hint of peatiness.
December | Caol Isla 2010 (£120)
I like something big to celebrate Christmas, and this exceptional single-cask bottling of heavily sherried Caol Ila fits right in. Chewy, dark, and smoky with savory notes balanced against sticky cherries and fruit cake, it’s just the thing for dark and cold nights.
