Rare Spirits

When it comes to whiskies, the limited editions offer interesting alternatives to the usual choices, providing variation to keep things fresh yet familiar

- Jamie Tan

Unlike wines, whiskies are less concerned with the issue of vintage. You can reasonably expect to have access to a bottle of Ardbeg 10 whether today or five years from now, since a steady supply is bottled every year. Besides, distillation and maturation are more important than the year the grain was harvested. For whiskies, the uncertainty lies in limited editions that were either distilled in limited quantities or inherently rare due to their age, since the most well-laid plans must still concede some influence to chance and serendipity. After all, one can never be sure what the future – or the barrel – holds, especially when that first dram is still decades away. So the next time you’re enjoying a limited-edition whisky, pause and reflect on just how precious it is.

Royal Salute – Time Series 52 Year Old Single Cask Finish