Many things can be attributed to the explosion of interest in Single Malt Scotch in the last ten to fifteen years. One of the key drivers of this popularity was the brilliant marketing idea behind United Distillers 1988 release of the Classic Malts selection. Made up of six different whiskies covering all the regions of Scotland (minus Campbeltown) the Classic Malts gave many novice whisky drinkers a roadmap to explore the vastly different flavor profiles of Single Malt Scotch. United Distillers now owned by world powerhouse Diageo made the leap into Single Malt Scotch simple and orderly. Light to robust is an easy concept for the novice to grasp and as your experience grows you slowly move up the flavor profile that's at the heart of the collection's concept. A great marketing idea and campaign can only get you so far. As a friend of mine likes to say "if it's good juice, its good juice" and the answer to that question is a resounding yes. Several of the "core" six are regarded not only as "good juice" but as some of the best whiskies in the world.

I've always had a soft spot in my heart for the Classic Malts since they played such a critical role in introducing me to the wonders of Single Malt Scotch. My first love was Craggenmore, and it's a whisky I still recommend to new whisky drinkers. The depth of Oban and the gentleness of Glenkinchie and Dalwhinnie still satisfy to this day. The collection is rounded out by one of the great ten-year-old Scotch's in Talisker and in my opinion the best whisky in the world; Lagavulin 16.

However, the craze that the Classic Malts helped create also threatens the ranges popularity. All these whiskies can stand on their own but many whisky freaks see the range as a tad stall that lacks the constant innovation that's become commonplace in the industry today. Diageo has answered this by developing great Distiller Editions of the core six and by releasing bottlings from many of the other distilleries they own. For me though, the Classic Malts hold a special place in my heart (or liver) and I still find myself being drawn to the core six on a regular basis. So here's to the first six steps of what has proven to be a collective leap into a great journey.

Glenkinchie 12 year old
An enjoyable easy drinking lowland expression from one of the three remaining Lowland distilleries. A fresh floral nose with light hints of vanilla and caramel. Originally bottled at ten years old the newer twelve year old has slightly more depth. The mouth feel is smooth and light with no smoke to speak of. Touches of lemon and a hint of spice round off a nice body. The finish is short and you get a little more spice and vanilla. Very enjoyable, representing the Lowland Region well.

Dalwhinnie 15 year old
A light and fragrant dram. You would never know that it's distilled in one of the harshest places in Scotland. A great summer scotch that is smooth and sweet. Has a fresh and vibrant nose and a smooth silky body. The finish has a nice little bite and the dram has a nice warming glow. Fresh and vibrant, light and easy.

Cragganmore 12 year old
A special whisky that's well balanced and enjoyable and represents the Speyside region well. Delicate, yet complex, a great dram for the beginner. This is the malt that introduced me to Single Malt Scotch. A fresh and fragrant nose with hints of floral and grass, a light body and medium smooth finish made this dram on of my early favorites. Enough depth to bring me back time and again. Truly a classic malt.

Oban 14 year old
Oban is one of my favorite distilleries and it produces a deep beautiful malt. The 14 year old expression is my favorite from all of the various aged whiskies I've been fortunate enough to try from this distillery. The distillery is incredibly small and demand for this spirit has driven up its price, but its well worth it. Well rounded and has something of everyone. A masterpiece that you will appreciate more and more over time.

Talisker 10 year old
Although only aged 10 years, this is truly one of the most exceptional drams on the market. You can always pick up the Talisker influence in the Johnny Walker Blends with its peat and peppery notes. A powerful dram that gets better and better after each sip. A must in any single malt collection. Simply brilliant!

Lagavulin 16 year old
The standard by which other Islay's are judged. An intense dram full of peat and smoke. A powerhouse that needs to be sipped slowly and enjoyed on cold nights around the fire. Lagavulin 16 has the best finish in the business, long and dry. My favorite whisky, period!