High spirits: The top whiskies to sample this autumn

It’s official: autumn is here. As the days get shorter and colder, the allure of spending a cosy night in sipping a fine whisky or two is growing (not that we need an excuse). Here is our essential round-up of some of the best new spirits on the market to indulge in a dram or two.

The Glenlivet – Captain’s Reserve

Ideal for more adventurous whisky drinkers, The Glenlivet has pushed boundaries with their new Captain’s Reserve, a single malt Scotch that has been finished in high-quality cognac casks for a distinctive, contemporary taste, fusing the distillery’s trademark Speyside style with a luxurious cognac flavour.

From £45, theglenlivet.com

Diageo – 2018 Special Releases Collection

An eagerly anticipated highlight in the whisky afficionado’s calendar, Diageo’s annual Special Releases Collection consists of 10 rare and old Scotches from iconic, lesser-known or even closed distilleries, each with its own limited-edition bottle. Highlights include the Oban 21 year old, with its impressively complex nose and intensely sweet taste, along with the smooth and perfectly balanced Talisker 8 year old. Extra special is the Carsebridge 48 year old, with the delicate nose of a very old grain, a rich texture and long finish.

Each whisky will only be released in limited quantities, so don’t hang around to get your hands on one.

From £70, diageo.com

Bruichladdich – Port Charlotte 10

As the name suggests, Bruichladdich's Port Charlotte 10 has been a decade in the making, offering a permanent bottling of the distillery’s heavily peated spirit. Made from 100% Scottish barley and matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and second-fill French wine casks, this whisky packs a real punch – one for conisseurs rather than novices.

£50, bruichladdich.com