BEST Single Malt Whisky 2022

[@rosiereed4034]

I visited most of these distilleries this year and really enjoyed a lot of these whiskies.

[@lamenguk]

I remember you going on your whiskey tour in scotland and chatting to you about it in the office that week. Crazy that you now know so much you were part of the awards!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Oh very true! Yeah that’s when I was just getting into it. When I get into things I do seem to go all in ha! 😂. Merry Christmas Louise!

[@Gwhisky]

Great picks, buddy! Love to see the Licensed Dram mention. Obvs a huge fan of Craigellachie 13 (natural colour, btw). Really cool to see you push your local whiskies as well. Here's hoping the rest of the world gets access to them down the line! Balblair 15 is a bold pick. I'm a fan! Merry Christmas!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks mate! Ah good to hear it’s natural colour. Cheers and Merry Christmas! You have been smashing it this year.

[@JimmyMacTavish]

Great to see the love ❤️ between my two favourite whisky 🥃 channels!

[@kurtludington5986]

Been learning so much following your channel Phil! Appreciate your hard work!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks Kurt! Grateful to have you watching

[@robertarbuckle8493]

I did the Balblair tour thus year and bought the 15... It didn't last long. Will pick up another bottle when I'm up in the region for new yer. Happy new year when it comes Phil...loving the content.

[@lutzstegemann394]

Sehr gut gemachtes Video….Dankeschön

[@adamlynch4122]

Keep making the great videos! Happy new year!

[@AK-jl5xt]

Cheers Phil. Glen Scotia Victoriana for me this year was my favourite.

[@biglong8553]

Always look forward to your new content as a new whisky fan and its so good to have you bring many new distilleries (for me) into the picture to try. Merry Christmas!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

A pleasure! Grateful to have you watching! Merry Christmas 🎄

[@maxcamp9853]

Great Video's Phil! I just joined your chanel but your video's are spot on! I'm relatively new in the world of Whisky but your video's are teaching me a lot. Bought the Balblair 15 yesterday. What a STUNNER! Amazing Whisky! Keep it up!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Amazing, glad you are enjoying it! Thanks Max

[@thewhiskyenthusiast]

Great list Phil! That Balblair 15 is just fantastic and it's nice to see that they're getting some recognition. I appreciate that your list doesn't include any unicorns or very expensive bottles. Way to keep it normal my man. Cheers and a happy new year 🥃

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks man! Yeah I still wanted it to be obtainable, and not all of them are super cheap, but I think they are still good value when you consider the smell and taste. Cheers!

[@michaelbradley8937]

That was a lot of fun to watch, thank you Phil! Balblair 12 and 15 are on my "pick up when possible" list for sure! And I totally agree that many single malts that blend ex-Bourbon with ex-Sherry or other ex-wine casks can achieve a layered/structured complexity that I greatly appreciate. For me this past year there were several excellent whiskies that included old standard-bearers like Bunna 18, Glendronach 18, any Springbank, and the "newer" benchmarks of excellence like Kilkerran 12 and Glen Scotia 15. Several great Signatory bottlings like a vatting of Mortlach 11 YO from 4-5 ex-Bourbon casks that was dedicated to the Texas market. My overall favorite was an 18 YO Edradour ex-Oloroso single cask though - tons of layers and structure that feauture the Edradour signature well-integrated with a nutty and chocolate-covered prunes type of Sherry cask.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks! That’s an excellent line up Michael! I would love any of those. Cheers!

[@Rohit_M]

Great choice in Balblair 15 as your WOTY Phil. After much debate about the rebranding, I decided to pick up Balblair 12 and have 15 on it's way. For me, I got Glen Scotia 15 earlier in the year and once it got past a quarter of the way down and in about 2 months time, it became a gem of a whisky for me. Glen Scotia 15 is my WOTY 2022. *_Happy Holidays and Cheers Phil!_*

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Cheers! Yeah I’m a big fan of the Glen Scotia 15. Thanks!

[@jaime_hi-meh_not_jay-mee7095]

From your list I've only had the Glengoyne CS (B5) and Craigellachie 13. I found the GG a little too harsh, and I like high proof whiskies. I definitely agree with Craigellachie 13. Deserves to be up there. My top 5 are, in no particular order (haven't decided on it yet): Blue Spot, Loch Gorm, Maker's 46 CS, Hepburn's Choice Auchroisk 9 yo ex-Red Wine Cask, and Paul John Classic Select Cask. Happy holidays, Phil!

[@lucianomerini4658]

I've been following your channel fot a while now, and it is just improving every time!! Love it!! I'm just starting my journey on whisky... so this is my first year. Anyway, my whisky of the year would be the Jameson Black Barrel. Cheer and happy new year from Argentina!

[@kellywellington7122]

My favorite this year has been Benromach 15. I just got a Contrasts: Peat Smoke, Sherry Finish and am very impressed in that I think it tastes like the Benro15 on steroids. A big, bold, rock'em and sock'em peated sherried spirit. I like it, but I think I still prefer the more 'cultivated' flavor profile of the OB 15. The second favorite was discovering Port Charlotte 10.

[@WhiskyLock]

Great picks there. Really nice that there's lots of affordable and available choices on your list. Cheers 🥃

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks mate! Yeah I wanted to make sure none of them were super rare or expensive. Cheers!

[@bengreen8970]

My favourite whisky this year was the Bunnahabhain 12 year old cask strength 2021 edition. I have 3 bottles. The 2022 edition is rumoured to be even better

[@stevenjosefsson5749]

I love that list Phil! i've been enjoying myself the Bruichladdich Port Chartlotte and The Classic laddie to be honest, although i need to include The glenmorangie A Tale of forest aswell. just because it's interesting as it is. i feel like all three are on the affordable side of whisky's.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Great picks! Cheers Steven!

[@carchariasspartania3958]

I'll second the Port Charlotte. After my first glass I promptly went back to the store and got another bottle. No sense in waiting around, I knew that one wasn't going to last. :p

[@pizzawarlord9232]

Some nice bottles. I agree with you about Glenlivet. Some fantastic stuff they are putting out

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Yeah the Licensed Dram and Illicit Still have been such amazing value in our market here in NZ. I hope they keep it up!

[@z-bob152]

I had the privilege of traveling to Scotland this fall and tried an array of whiskies straight from the cask! Got my hands on a bottle of Lagavulin Feis Ile cask strength 12 yr. 57.7% abv. Bottle 289/6336. Finished in virgin American oak. Definitely my top pick for 2022.

[@mrjimireece]

Love your videos Phil. I'm not a Scotch Drinker, my best bottle for the year was Balcones Brimstone.

[@atmisozkan]

Hey Phil! Recently found your channel, great work man! I am a newbie in the whisky world but I have been trying many expressions for the past 4 months. My favorite whiskies in 2022 were Oban 14 and Glenfarclas 12 (couldn't cut down to one!). Cheers from Turkey!

[@esmn66]

I agree with you about Glenfarglas 12 it's a great whisky

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Fantastic! Enjoy the whisky journey! It’s a fun thing to explore. Cheers!

[@Dan-hn1lx]

I had to go with Tamdhu Batch Strength it just hits all the right spots for me. I agree with the list except I haven't tried Balblair due to availability but I'm tempted to get the Glengoyne Cask Strength!!

[@KrenarKabashi]

bro, you should post more often, we love youre videos.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thank you! means a lot!

[@seamode383]

Merry Christmas, Phil! Interesting choice; I will definitely have to try it! Mine would be Glen Scotia Victoriana for non-smoky and Port Charlotte 10 for smoky. Cheers!

[@oguzhan0007]

Hey Phil thanks for another great work. For me this year particularly influenced from Port Charlotte and I love the OLC:01 but I think PC 10 is the best value whisky so far. Slàinte

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Fantastic pick! Thanks so much. Sláinte

[@davidowen2834]

Hi Phil, suppose the two bottles I’ve enjoyed most this year are AnConc 18 & Benromach CS 2009/19 batch 1, both are so awesome drams. Good video and a great list, haven’t tried balblair since the vintage’s were dropped. Have a great Xmas Phil and all the best for the coming year , slàinte

[@sidberns1373]

Agree on the benromach peatsmoke my other pick is Ledaig 18.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

So good right! Excellent pick

[@haydenblack4395]

Hi Phil, great video. Found it interesting that you find Glengoyne expensive there. Here in Australia, I actually find it on the cheaper side, usually under $100 for the 12. My whisky of the year has to be the Ledaig 10 though. Spent a lot of time with it this year

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Ah that’s great! The 18 is very expensive here too. Love the Ledaig 10. Thanks Hayden!

[@michaelphillips7596]

Good review have you ever tasted any westward whiskeys from orogon USA ? I think you should

[@callummackinnon1050]

Nice choices Phil, thanks for the amazing videos this year. Hope you have a good Christmas, from Glasgow 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks Callum! Appreciate that. Have a great Christmas too! 🎄🥃

[@94jmbottaro]

This year i've got 2 on my mind that became my new favourites. Port Charlotte 10 and Glenfarclas 15

[@djbeacon6895]

Great selections. Haven't had any Balblair. My favorite this year was the Longrow Red Pinot Noir 15 year. So well balanced with many, many flavors.

[@vossti]

Just been enjoying a glen fiddich 15 perpetual collection vat03 (not solera ) it's interesting coz its 50% abv...im kinda new to the game so so this is my first quality whiskey that's over 40%abv. . Great video and i hope i can get to taste every one of those you featured here ... Please review this glen 15 ive mentioned if you can... Cheers!

[@carlmartinlinder]

I would take your second runner-up Benromach Contrast Sherry Peat Smoke as my whisky of the year. It is really great considering the price. Merry Christmas!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Ah glad you like that bottle too. It’s so good right! Thanks Martin! Merry Christmas

[@jakewodtke]

Phil, do you have a recommendation on how to try a wide variety for your recommended whiskeys without having to purchase a bottle (online subscriptions, etc)? I’m from Colorado in one of the craft beer capitals of the US but have fallen in love with Scotch! It’s become my new hobby and your videos are INSANELY awesome, I’ve now watched them all! I’d greatly appreciate your advice on my inquiry!

[@mingwong8582]

Hey Phil! A quick question. Is non-peated whisky(like Glenlivet12) contains 0 ppm phenols?

[@NickDV007]

Great video Phil. I think mine has to be The Lakes Whiskeymaker's Reserve No.5, followed by and in no particular order, Port Charlotte 10, Kilkerran Heavily Peated Batch 7, Arran Sherry Cask and Filey Bay IPA Finish. Have a great Xmas 🥃🥃

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks Nick! Great picks. Cheers! 🎄 🥃

[@NickDV007]

@@FirstPhilWhisky Thanks Phil 🥃🥃

[@bluesmanen1]

Balblair 15 is geat, on my third litre bottle now, just love it

[@RebMordechaiReviews]

Worthy and independent choice. I'm glad you aren't following the herd. Sometimes the Whisky community we both dwell in can tend to be a bit of an echo chamber. Cheers! Ardnamurchan, Springbank, Bruichladdich.....there are other excellent choices around as you show.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks Reb! Agree, Balblair Got a bit of hate after the rebrand, but the taste is delicious - so at the end of the day that’s what wins over what the community agrees. Cheers Reb!

[@renplastina4808]

Nice job Phil. Balanced and accessible list. Based on some of the comments, the new year is also time to play my age statement is longer than yours...😂

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks Ren!

[@budj13]

I'm still catching up on WOTY videos so sorry I'm a bit late catching yours. This is a very thought-provoking video because you mention some things that are less often on the short list. I will definitely look to pick up the Balblair 15. Skimming through the comments it seems a lot of folks agree. I do feel Glengoyne makes great stuff, but it is a bit expensive. Your content is so fun to watch and so beautifully done.

[@colbs3440]

I'll have to grab a bottle of Balblair 15, sounds great. My WOTY is The Glendronach Cask Strength Batch 11. Delicious stuff. Cheers

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

That new batch sounds amazing, I need to try that. Thanks mate!

[@liamjay6181]

Highland Park 21 & Laphroaig 21

[@gareth630]

Had you going for something from Kilchoman. Not tried you're pick, but I love the 12 yr, will put the 15 on next years list 🙂 Have a great Christmas and a drunk new year, then keep up the great work matey ;-)

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Yeah Kilchoman was up there for sure. But I was reaching for these a little more. Maybe next year! You too Gareth! Cheers!

[@andrew_dudinetz7608]

Can you do a video with Chivas 18 Rare Old. Never see anything on if

[@TheGreenLing]

Quick tip I stumbled into for all my starter whiskey fans. I wanted to get some nice glasses for Christmas, so I shelled out $35 for a nice set. Unfortunately, when I got home one was cracked. Then I stopped and pondered, where else could I get these glasses cheaper. I then had a thought. Someone may drop one off at goodwill not knowing what it is. Sure enough, I found a beautiful whiskey glass for $2 at my local goodwill. TL;DR - If you don't have a good whiskey glass, check your local goodwill you might be able to get one at a steep discount.

[@yiorgosst6898]

Great list 👍 I am yet to try the new Balblair bottling since I was not that keen with the new branding, but seems that is worth trying it. Thanks

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks! I’m a big fan of this 15. Sounds like lots of people liked the old branding, but this whisky holds up very well.

[@yiorgosst6898]

@@FirstPhilWhisky Good to know. I will try it for sure this year 😁

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

My WOTY could easily have been Glen Scotia Victoriana, Craigellachie 13, Port Charlotte 10, Glenmorangie 14 Quinta Ruban, Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength, or Ledaig 18, but I'm giving it to Loch Lomond 12. Their ability to bring to market such a complex, Campbeltown-esque, UFC, 46% Single Malt at such an affordable price needs to be acknowledged in 2022 IMO ✌️

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Very true. The LL12 is a fantastic dram. I've had it a couple times recently up against the Glencadam 10 and I can't decide what I like more. Great picks as always Christopher! Have a great Christmas

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

@@FirstPhilWhisky Thanks Phil, same to you 🖖

[@silverfox108]

The majority of what you were recommending I have not seen in my area of Canada. In reality the scotch products have become to expensive with Canadian taxes added and the quality has gone down. Have recently purchased the Balblair 15 yr from Alberta and am looking forward to trying it in the New year

[@thewhiskyscribe]

I hope we start to see more of those New Zealand whiskies here in Australia.

[@thewhiskyscribe]

Update: my wife surprised me with a Thomson whisky in a blind tasting the other week. I see what you like about it - fantastic dram with beautiful smoke.

[@saltedpete]

Great list Phil, love the videos. I've been hoping to try some New Zealand whisky but the only one that seems to be available in Aus is the Dunedin Double Cask - have you tried it, and what are your thoughts if so?

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks! I haven’t actually. I had the Oamaruvian though and it wasn’t my thing. I hope some other nz whisky reaches your way.

[@maritimeus]

Nice work Phil! Great content and great editing. Merry Christmas. Greetings from Maine, USA.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks! Merry Christmas from here in NZ!

[@thatsme9875]

go for it !!!

[@jackthepickledhound]

Nice to see the quality of domestics. Good list of available Scotch single malts. Except I've never seen much BB. I find the Glengoyne a bit hot, so I dilute with the 43% 12 year old

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Thanks Jack! Yeah the cask strength is certainly hot. Good call

[@jackthepickledhound]

@@FirstPhilWhisky 57% fine Scottish spring water. Merry Christmas

[@rares_21]

Craigellachie 13 is 100% natural color, from official source;)

[@Martinmb4416]

I was given a bottle of The Lakes No 5, a truly extraordinary English whisky... I'd be interested I people's view of this and Cotswold, another English whisky. I love these two, and hope others do too

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Cotswolds is fantastic, I did a review on it. I haven’t had The Lakes yet though. Sounds interesting, I will have to keep an eye out.

[@whiskyforeveryone]

Some delicious whiskies here but none actually from 2022. Would be interesting to hear your thoughts on the new whiskies released this year.

[@VinceW187]

Is it just me or does anybody else struggle with finishing wiskey bottles? I seem to always keep a third to 50% left so I can taste and compare later, fueling my ever growing collection. How to I keep my collection in check and know which bottles to keep and wich to finish?

[@williambyington4864]

I haven't seen The Glenlivet Licenced Dram over here in the States. After the Illegal Still I am really Jonesing for a taste of it.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

I love it!

[@chazchilly9697]

Wow…i literally am floored you picked the Balblair 15 Yr Old….. that bottle is $110 where i live in the states and it was by far the biggest let down of the year for a bottle I purchased locally or otherwise. It was so flat and one dimensional…reminded me of those entry level glenmorangie bottles that sell for 3 bills…i was so disappointed considering the hefty price tag 🤷🏻‍♂️ Happy New Year either way…love the content!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Fascinating! I wonder if there are different batches as mine has multiple dimensions and is very moreish 🤷‍♂️. A shame your bottle wasn’t. Thanks! Happy new year to you too and grateful to have you watching! 🥃

[@jonsnow6741]

out of interest . I aquired a bottle of highland park rare old collection 1967 bottled 1998 40%. Is it real is it worth anything as I can't find it online ?

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

As per their website, "All Craigellachie expressions are non-chill filtered, contain no caramel colouring and are bottled at 46% ABV". Merry Christmas!

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Ah great news!

[@canal-do-guga-namura]

Every time I see a Craigeallachie bottle I cringe at myself.... missed the best deal in history last November... It was both the Balvenie 12 Doublewood (which I was needing a refil for) and the Craigeallachie 17 for less than the price of the Craigeallachie 17 alone. It was still early November and I thought their best Black Friday deal was yet to come... I was wrong. I still kick myself... still no doublewood replacement and had the opportunity to taste the Craigeallachie 17 and it's just superb... kicking myself.

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Dam!

[@rinahugo4586]

Consider listing your choices inall your videos.

[@esmn66]

I love some of the Glenlivits but sorry I think the 12 is awful!! I also think Balblair 12 is better then the 15

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

The licensed dram or the regular 12?

[@esmn66]

@@FirstPhilWhisky I was talking about the Regular Glenlivit 12

[@thewhiskydad89]

When are you adding new videos Cheers John

[@starlord-ke2ix]

You from New Zealand ? U have a Nz accent

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Sure am

[@johannes1892]

You looks like a German Whisky KZbinr with Name,,Whiskybabler "

[@alex18771977]

Teeling single malt, Irish wiskey.

[@ramonfarah5212]

Aultmore 21

[@FirstPhilWhisky]

Yum!

[@tombryan1]

These are all entry level expressions from their respective distilleries. I think the title should read.... Best whisky you've tried in 2022. There are many age statements out there that blow these away.

[@vigneshj3313]

I agree with you. But most KZbin channels are based on personal opinions anyway.

[@brownwaterboys8304]

soy mouth

[@Robbie7441]

Luckily taste is subjective. 👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻

[@jiffjifferson5365]

Lagavulin , yoichi , nikka from the barrel, I'm enjoying them a lot.