I guess most of you will have caught on that the single malt whisky prices in the secondary market (auctions and resellers) have plummeted over the past few years. But with the data gathered by DramX we now have the cold facts available. Whisky at auction is now worth what it was in 2016. Prices peaked in 2022 and have fallen 21% overall since then. At the same time more whisky is selling than ever at auction: 616,496 lots last year against 78,160 in 2014. All in all DramX have gather data on 4.8 million lots across 30 auction sites, between 2014 and today.

Let’s look at some of the stats.

According to the data gathered by DramX we reached the peak in 2022. Six years of increased value eaten up in three years of sharp decline.

The number of lots sold at whisky auction increases year over year and is up dramatically since 2014. But then again the average price per lot sold is down significantly since 2022.

It is quite interesting to see that many of the more obvious “investment” type whisky expressions have had the biggest drop in valuation, while more popular drams that are actually enjoyed by whisky fans around the world have remained at a more stable valuation.

I am, as you will know by now, a big fan of Japanese single malt whisky. As such I cannot say I am saddened by the fact that Japanese whisky has seen the biggest drop in valuation in the secondary market. At the same time more Japanese whisky is being sold at auction than ever. Hopefully this means that more and more whisky lovers will get to purchase and enjoy Japanese whisky.

I’ll leave you with this final statistic. Most of the bottles sold at auction sold for under 95 GBP!

All in all it would seem that the secondary market for single malt whisky is not really in a crisis. More whisky than ever is sold at auction, and the prices are becoming more reasonable. To me that seems to indicate a working market, and a market that should please you, the whisky lovers out there, who actually open the bottles you buy, and enjoy the drams in good company.

Sláinte!
- Thomas

PS! DramX can be accessed for free, but with limitations - of course. If you want to try out one of the paid subscription tiers (which start at GBP 6 per month) you can sign up with the discount code whiskysaga before September 30 to get the first month for free. If you do, then please let me know what you think.

The very first batch of the modern day Jack Daniel’s 10 YO was released in 2021, followed by batch 2 and 3 in 2023 and 2024. These three first batches were limited to the US market. In 2025 we got this Batch 4 for the US and select international markets, and in 2026 a larger Batch 5 reaching further international markets. An interesting fact that in 2021 it had been around 120 years since last the Jack Daniel Distillery offered a whiskey labeled at ten years of age or greater!

The Jack Daniel’s 10 YO Batch 4 is available in Norway at NOK 1990 (20866501).

Nose: Toasted oak, ripe banana and earthy vanilla. Baked apples covered in honey and rich caramel add a warm sweetness. With time, floral notes and white pepper emerge.

Taste: Full bodied. Dark, sweet and somewhat spicy, with toasted oak, ripe banana and dark caramel. White pepper, pencil shavings and dark chocolate add structure and depth.

Finish: Medium long and still somewhat spicy. Earthy, rich fruitiness mingles with toasted oak and now overripe bananas. Honey and dark chocolate provide sweetness before it turns darker and drier towards the end.

Comment: Dark fruit with toasted oak. 

Score 87/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas

So, this is the new Glenglassaugh 15 YO core range single malt whisky. Matured entirely in ex-Pedro Ximénez (30 puncheons) and ex-red wine casks (7 casks). All 1st fill casks! This certainly has my interest piqued! I would say it is quite ballsy, on paper, to go all in on a cask combination like this. Let’s put it to the test, shall we.

The Glenglassaugh 15 YO is available in the UK at around GBP 77.

it noses with sultanas, raisins, salted caramel, and bright Spanish orange. The palate is rounded and luxurious, with treacle and caramelised dates meeting fresh papaya, as chocolate and tobacco underneath. The finish takes its time, with cinnamon and nutmeg, coastal notes and light nuttiness.

Nose: Rich and decadent, in a good way. Dried fruits and assorted red berries make it juicy and fresh. Seville oranges form the next wave, closely followed by earthy vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and chocolate. Then come sea salt and seaweed, transporting me back to the beach at Sandend.

Taste: Full bodied. Dark and comforting in character. Somewhat dry with mild spiciness, yet still rich in fruitiness. Creamy vanilla and honey mingle with returning cinnamon, nutmeg and dried fruits. The maritime touch from the nose persists throughout.

Finish: Medium to long. Earthy, malty, spicy and fruity. A surprisingly complex dram, with chocolate, espresso martini and toasted oak adding further layers, while the maritime character remains in the background.

Comment: Decadent richness with maritime complexity. 

Score 89/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas

Here’s the latest release from Feddie Ocean Distillery, Norway. This is also their very first single cask release. Distilled 2020-12-04, matured in a single 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel (cask #176), and bottled May 2026. Limited to 260 bottles.

The Feddie Single Cask #176 is available to buy in Norway at NOK 1500 (20752401).

Nose: Malt, milk chocolate, sun-warmed oak and white pepper. Ripe apples, with a distant whiff of rowan berries in the background. With time it turns creamier, fruitier and simply softer. Unsalted peanuts and memories of a 3 Musketeers chocolate bar complete the picture.

Taste: Full bodied and well balanced, with orchard fruits, creamy maltiness and soft spices. Ripe red apples and white pepper are followed by dried ginger, pencil shavings and sun-warmed oak.

Finish: Medium long, tending towards dry but still quite fruity. More oaky spices add structure, before rich caramel, nougat and unsalted peanuts round it all off.

Comment: Balanced fruit with nutty richness. 

Score 88/100

This is Nordic whisky review #511 here on Whisky Saga. See them all here.

Sláinte!
-Thomas

Initially matured for almost four years in refill ex-bourbon casks, then received a second maturation for over two years in ex-Rioja Pinot Noir wine casks. On the back label they have printed “Batch No. 2” which is a bit strange, as this is not batch number 2. I am pretty sure they released Longrow 100 Proof in 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2025. Might be more releases as well. What do you think is up with the batch numbering here?

The Longrow 100° Proof (2026 Edition) will be available in Norway later this week at NOK 1159 (20899401).

Nose: Dark and floral, with a slightly green character and notes of milk chocolate. Not as smoky and peaty as expected. With time, creamy vanilla and mild spices emerge.

Taste: Full bodied. Rich wood smoke alongside red wine notes, dirt cellar, cigar box and orchard fruits. Earthy, dark and robust.

Finish: Medium to short. Even earthier and spicier now, with the peat smoke moving front and centre. A hint of mint adds freshness at the very end.

Comment: Dark, earthy and unexpectedly restrained.

Score 87/100

Sláinte!
- Thomas

Wow! What a unique product. The Bivrost Arctic Barley Harvest 2019 is made with 100% Heder barley grown north of the Arctic Circle at Heimdal farm in Alta. The barley was floor malted at Bonsak Malt in Trøndelag, Norway. The whisky was made using kveik yeast from Tormodgarden. This release is limited to 292 bottles (50 cl).

The Bivrost Arctic Barley Harvest 2019 will be released in Norway this week at NOK 2502 (20886902).

Nose: Fresh, with mild spices up front. A fleeting whiff of something reminiscent of aquavit appears, but quickly dissipates. Orchard fruits and creamy malt follow, growing richer over time and developing a lovely malty and fruity complexity.

Taste: Very full-bodied and full of life. Big and bold without becoming overwhelming. Super fruity and malty, with the mildest spiciness in the background: white pepper, nutmeg, and cinnamon.

Finish: Medium to long finish. Creamy and rich throughout, ending on a delicious caramel milkshake note.

Comment: Bold malt wrapped in creamy fruit.

Score 90/100

This is Nordic whisky review #510 here on Whisky Saga. See them all here.

Sláinte!
- Thomas

The composition here is the same as previous batches;: 90% ex-bourbon and 10 % ex-Oloroso sherry casks. The peat level is 45 ppm.

The Kilkerran Heavily Peated Batch 14 will be available to buy in Norway later this week at NOK 1099 (20899201).

Nose: Wood smoke and leather, with mustard seeds and tomato vine adding a distinctly green edge. Overall, darker in character than Batch 13.

Taste: Full bodied and considerably more perfumed than Batch 13. Tropical fruits add a sweeter, brighter dimension.

Finish: Medium long and dryish. Very green and perfumed throughout, with citrus bringing a fresh twist towards the end.

Comment: Dark, green and distinctly perfumed.

Score 86/100

Sláinte!
- Thomas

The composition here is the same as previous batches; 90% ex-bourbon and 10 % ex-Oloroso sherry casks. The peat level is 45 ppm.

The Kilkerran Heavily Peated Batch 13 will be available to buy in Norway later this week at NOK 1099 (20898901).

Nose: Structured and rich, with wood smoke, mustard seeds, and citrus. With time, a distinct minerality emerges.

Taste: Full-bodied. Chili and pepper provide plenty of spice, balanced by dark chocolate and a rich smokiness.

Finish: Medium-long and dryish. Hints of green notes mingle with citrus and fruit, before honey brings a softer sweetness towards the end.

Comment: Structured smoke with vibrant spice.

Score 88/100

Sláinte!
- Thomas

This batch of the Springbank 12 YO Cask Strength was bottled 2026-01-26.

The Springbank 12 YO Cask Strength Batch #29, goes on sale in Norway next week at NOK 1299 (20899001).

Nose: A little sharper and greener in character than batch #28, with some wood smoke up front. Caramel and gentle fruitiness emerge underneath.

Taste: Full bodied, but softer and creamier now. Rich dried fruits and vanilla dominate, with considerably less spiciness.

Finish: Medium to long. Mild caramel sweetness carries it gently towards a lovely, soft landing.

Comment: Soft, creamy and nicely balanced.

Score 88/100

Sláinte!
- Thomas, 56.6 %

This batch of the Springbank 12 YO Cask Strength was bottled 2026-01-26.

The Springbank 12 YO Cask Strength Batch #29, goes on sale in Norway next week at NOK 1299 (20899001).

Nose: A little sharper and greener in character than batch #28, with some wood smoke up front. Caramel and gentle fruitiness emerge underneath.

Taste: Full bodied, but softer and creamier now. Rich dried fruits and vanilla dominate, with considerably less spiciness.

Finish: Medium to long. Mild caramel sweetness carries it gently towards a lovely, soft landing.

Comment: Soft, creamy and nicely balanced.

Score 88/100

Sláinte!
- Thomas

This batch of the Springbank 12 YO Cask Strength was bottled 2025-09-03.

The Springbank 12 YO Cask Strength Batch #28, goes on sale in Norway next week at NOK 1299 (20899301).

Nose: Green in character, with medium smokiness. Wood smoke mingles with vanilla and malt, giving a relatively soft opening.

Taste: Full bodied. Full-on peat and smoke, backed by pepper and chilli. A hint of perfume and herbs adds a somewhat unusual edge for a Springbank, while the green notes from the nose persist.

Finish: Medium long and noticeably drier now. Coal, soot and wood smoke dominate, joined by sugar cubes and a softly herbal note.

Comment: Green, smoky and boldly spicy.

Score 87/100

Sláinte!
- Thomas

This Highland Park from SIgnatory Vintage was distilled 2011, and bottled 2026-01-19. Finished in 1st fill ex-Oloroso sherry butts.

The Orkney (HP) 2011 100 Proof Edition #71 (Signatory Vintage) will be available in Norway next week, at NOK 1035 (20889901).

Nose: Soft smokiness with coal, toasted oak, honey and dried fruits. With time, unmistakable hints of heather emerge, joined by a gentle nuttiness.

Taste: Full bodied, spicy and lively. Fizzy and vibrant, with rich red berry jam and caramel adding depth and sweetness. Hints of peat smoke linger underneath.

Finish: Medium to long. The sweetness turns lighter towards the end, fruity and mild. The nuttiness from the nose returns, accompanied by delicate floral honey and milk chocolate.

Comment: Vibrant sweetness with gentle smoke.

Score 88/100

Sláinte!
- Thomas

This batch #8 of the Edradour 12 YO Cask Strength was distilled in 2013, and bottled 2026-03-07. Matured in 1st and 2nd fill ex-Oloroso sherry butts (cask #553, 554, 701, 703-709).

The Edradour 12 YO Cask Strength Batch #8 will be available in Norway starting next week, at NOK 1260 (20890001).

Nose: Dried fruits, dark fruitiness and deep sweetness. Cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom provide plenty of spice. With time, earthy vanilla and chocolate add further richness.

Taste: Full bodied. Dates and raisins dominate, wrapped in a dark, heavy sweetness. Red berry jam adds a juicy richness, while the spices from the nose make a welcome return.

Finish: Medium long. Lovely sweetness, although quite heavy, with dried fruits, Christmas cake and toasted oak. Then comes the honey, lots of honey! The spices remain throughout.

Comment: A true sherry bomb.

Score 88/100

Sláinte!
- Thomas

This is an independent bottling of Glen Garioch Distillery courtesy of Thompson Bros. Distilled 1998-10-13, then full maturation in a single 1st fill ex-Fino sherry butt (the back label says “1st fill sherry butt”), and finally bottled in November 2025. Limited to 597 bottles.

The Glen Garioch 1998 (Thompson Bros) will go on sale in Norway next week at NOK 2355 (20886801).

Nose: Orchard fruits with some initial funkiness. Dry and oaky in character, with a touch of astringency. With time it turns sweeter, revealing vanilla and tropical fruits.

Taste: Full bodied, dryish and spicy. Vibrant and interesting, with a distinct minerality. A little high-strung, keeping the palate alert throughout.

Finish: Long. The spiciness persists, remaining borderline sharp and acidic throughout. Citrus and nuts emerge towards the end.

Comment: Vibrant, edgy and slightly high-strung.

Score 86/100

Sláinte!
- Thomas

This old single grain whisky has been matured in a refill cask. That’s all I know.

The Invergordon 34 YO (Thompson Bros) will be available in Norway next week at NOK 1399 (20886601).

Nose: A candy shop with dark undertones. The lights have been turned off, and the clown in the corner is about to wake up. He is holding a bouquet of flowers and a box of chocolate confectionery. Sweet, floral and just a little unsettling.

Taste: Medium bodied. Back in the candy store, with vanilla and fruity hard candy. Tropical fruits emerge next, with honeydew melon in particular standing out.

Finish: Long, but a little shy, perhaps even timid. Light tropical fruits and vanilla linger gently.

Comment: Sweet, playful and slightly sinister.

Score 86/100

Sláinte!
- Thomas

This whisky has been matured in a combination of1st fill ex-Oloroso sherry hogsheads and refill hogsheads. Distilled 2011 and bottled 2026-01-16.

The Linkwood 2011 14 YO 100 Proof Edition #72 (Signatory Vintage) will be available to buy in Norway next week at NOK 1035 (20890101).

Nose: Dried fruits and ripe apples, followed by cigar box and leather. Then follows a juicier fruitiness and caramel notes, with rich malt and pencil shavings developing over time.

Taste: Full bodied. Strawberries and vanilla mingle with leather and rich malt, backed by white pepper and ginger.

Finish: Medium to long finish. The spices initially build before relenting, leaving behind a delightful creamy fruitiness. Dried apricot and melon linger, with a final whiff of cinnamon and nutmeg.

Comment: Rich fruit with elegant spice.

Score 89/100

Sláinte!
- Thomas

This is a heavily peated whisky from Edradour Distillery. They have been producing a limited amount of peated whisky since 2003, with the first release of the Ballechin 10 YO in 2014. This whisky is peated to 50 ppm (highland peat), and matured in a combination of “predominantly ex-bourbon casks, with a generous top dressing of ex-Oloroso sherry casks”.D

The Ballechin 10 YO will be available to buy in Norway starting next week, at NOK 920 (20890201).

Nose: Very rich, with sweet and savory wood smoke. A delightful first sniff. Creamy vanilla follows, joined by soft earthy notes.

Taste: Full-bodied and rather green in character. Green woods on fire, with mellow spices weaving through the smoke.

Finish: Medium long. Caramel and vanilla bring creamy sweetness, like a milkshake with soot stirred through it.

Comment: Creamy sweetness meets green smoke.

Score 86/100

Sláinte!
- Thomas

The Willett Family Estate Bottled Single Barrel Bourbon - Barrel No. 1551 will be available to buy in Norway next week at NOK 1979 (18566501).

Nose: Caramel, leather and deep sweetness. With time, the caramel grows richer, joined by soft vanilla.

Taste: Full bodied and quite dark in character, a brooding whisky. Wood polish and oak dominate, accompanied by a noticeable astringency.

Finish: Medium to long. Still quite floral, with the floral character gradually becoming more perfumed towards the end.

Comment: Dark, brooding and oak-driven.

Score 87/100

Sláinte!
- Thomas

The Willett Family Estate Bottled Single Barrel Bourbon - Barrel No. 2889 will go on sale in Norway next week at NOK 1497 (18566601).

Nose: Caramel, leather and sun-warmed oak. With time, a gentle earthiness emerges underneath.

Taste: Full bodied, with caramel, leather and wood polish. Somewhat floral, with medium sweetness and a solid oaky foundation.

Finish: Medium to long. More floral notes emerge now, although never becoming perfumed. Caramel sweetness gradually takes over as everything mellows out, before a perfect soft landing on fluffy clouds of caramel.

Comment: Warm, mellow and beautifully comforting.

Score 89/100

Sláinte!
- Thomas

Last time I reviewed a Laphroaig 15 YO, was back in 2015, when I reviewed their 15 YO 200th Anniversary bottling at 43 % ABV (see review). This modern Laphroaig 15 YO has been matured in “ex-American oak casks”, which I take as “code” for refill ex-bourbon casks. On Whisky Base it says “1st and 2nd fill ex-bourbon barrels”. Check out the official product page, then try it yourself and make up your own mind.

The Laphroaig 15 YO will be available in Norway next week at NOK 1300 (20883701), and is available from the distillery at € 63.

Nose: Ooh, classic Laphroaig. Iodine, peaty smoke and fruitiness, with a rich and full nose that plays the whole register. With time, creamy vanilla and caramel emerge, alongside a hint of citrus.

Taste: Full bodied, creamy and quite peaty. Soot and ashes join the mix, along with "dirty sugar cubes" and a pinch of salt. Dryish in character, with iodine making its presence felt. Well hidden, but certainly not gone, are ripe orchard fruits underneath it all.

Finish: Medium to long. Smoky, medicinal and briny throughout. Rather straightforward and "simple", but in a beautiful way. Quite dry and slightly peppery towards the end, with a final twist of grapefruit.

Comment: Classic Laphroaig, beautifully uncomplicated. 

Score 87/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas

Finally the Nikka Miyagikyo is also back! Remember when it, and all other age statement whiskies from Nikka, disappeared overnight back in 2015? Well, the wait is over!

The Nikka Miyagikyo 10 YO goes on sale in Norway in a few days at NOK 1893 (20885901).

Nose: Vibrant, with low-key spices and gentle fruitiness. Orchard fruits and hints of citrus mingle with a mild maltiness.

Taste: Full bodied and creamy. Hints of white pepper give way to waves of light fruitiness and deep sweetness. A touch of mint adds freshness, followed by soft honey.

Finish: Long, creamy and rich. Caramel sauce and sweet dessert notes mingle with almond milk. Very delicate and rather lovely.

Comment: Creamy sweetness with delicate elegance.

Score 88/100

Sláinte!
- Thomas