Best Scotch Whisky Brands – A Curated Selection for Whisky Enthusiasts
If you’re keen to explore the world of fine Scotch, you’ve come to the right place. This article will guide you through a handpicked selection of some of the finest Scotch whisky brands from the land I proudly call home.
Whether you prefer peated Islay single malt or the gentle sweet tones of a blend, this handy list is a nice inspiration for your next bottle-buy.
Let’s dive in.
The 12 Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky Brands
1. Ardbeg
Located on the southern coast of the Isle of Islay in Scotland, the Ardbeg distillery has a rich history dating back to 1815. Known for its peaty and smoky single malt Scotch whiskies, Ardbeg has gained a cult following among whisky enthusiasts worldwide.
Despite facing closures and financial struggles throughout its history, Ardbeg has persevered, becoming renowned for its bold and complex flavour profiles. The distillery’s commitment to traditional distillation methods, including the use of traditional floor maltings and worm tub condensers, contributes to the distinct character of its whiskies.
Which Bottle Should You Buy?
Ardbeg Uigeadail whisky showcases a deep amber hue, inviting the senses with a rich and complex aroma characterised by notes of peat smoke, dark chocolate, and dried fruit, intertwined with hints of leather and espresso.
On the palate, it delivers a bold and intense flavour profile, with waves of smoky peat, sherry sweetness, and spicy oak, complemented by nuances of toffee, nuts, and citrus zest. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a lingering warmth of smoke and dark fruits, balanced by a subtle sweetness and a touch of sea salt.
2. Balvenie
The Balvenie is a distinguished Scotch whisky brand, renowned for its commitment to traditional craftsmanship and exceptional quality. Founded in 1892 by William Grant in the Speyside region of Scotland, The Balvenie distillery grow their own barley, malt in-house, and employ a dedicated team of coopers.
Which Bottle Should You Buy?
Balvenie 14 year old Caribbean Cask single malt whisky boasts a rich golden hue. Its inviting aroma is infused with tropical fruit notes and creamy toffee, creating a warm, enticing scent. On the palate, it delivers a delightful blend of sweet vanilla, ripe apples, and juicy mangoes, with subtle hints of orange adding depth. The finish is long and smooth, dominated by a lingering vanilla character, making it a well-balanced and mouth-coating whisky experience.
3. Bowmore
Situated on the shores of Loch Indaal on the Isle of Islay, Scotland, the Bowmore distillery boasts a history dating back to 1779, making it one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland.
Known for its distinctive maritime influence, Bowmore whiskies often embody a unique balance of peat smoke, brine, and fruity sweetness, characteristic of Islay malts.
Which Bottle Should You Buy?
Bowmore 15 Year Old single malt whisky presents a deep amber hue, offering a captivating aroma of rich toffee, dark chocolate, and ripe fruits, complemented by subtle hints of peat smoke and sea salt.
On the palate, this whisky unfolds with layers of indulgent sweetness, featuring notes of caramel, dried fruits, and vanilla, interwoven with delicate traces of peat and oak spices. The finish is long and satisfying, with lingering echoes of dark chocolate and brine, leaving a warm and velvety sensation on the palate.
4. Deanston
Located near the town of Doune in the Scottish Highlands, the Deanston distillery was founded in 1965 within a converted cotton mill that dates back to 1785.
The distillery’s unique aspect lies in its use of hydroelectric power generated by the River Teith, which flows directly through the distillery grounds, providing a renewable energy source for production.
Which Bottle Should You Buy?
Deanston 18 Year Old single malt whisky exhibits a rich golden hue, enticing the senses with an aromatic bouquet of honeyed malt, dried fruits, and gentle oak spices, intertwined with hints of vanilla and toffee.
On the palate, this whisky unfolds with layers of complexity, revealing flavours of ripe orchard fruits, caramelised sugar, and nutty undertones, balanced by subtle notes of cinnamon and dark chocolate. The finish is long and lingering, with echoes of sweet honey and oak, leaving a warm and satisfying sensation on the palate.
5. Glenfarclas
Situated in the heart of Speyside, Scotland, the Glanfarclas distillery boasts a rich history dating back to 1836, making it one of the oldest family-owned distilleries in Scotland.
Known for their sherry cask maturation, Glanfarclas single malt whiskies exhibit a distinctive richness and depth of flavour. The distillery’s unique aspect lies in its extensive use of sherry casks sourced directly from Spain, which impart rich fruity and spicy characteristics to the whisky.
Which Bottle Should You Buy?
Glanfarclas 21 Year Old single malt whisky presents a deep amber hue, captivating the senses with a rich and complex aroma of sherry-soaked raisins, dried fruits, and warm spices, intertwined with hints of oak and toffee sweetness.
On the palate, this whisky offers a luxurious and velvety texture, unveiling flavours of dark chocolate, orange peel, and Christmas cake, complemented by layers of cinnamon, nutmeg, and toasted almonds.
The finish is long and satisfying, with lingering notes of dried fruits, oak, and a touch of dark chocolate bitterness, leaving a warm and indulgent sensation on the palate.
6. Glenfiddich
Located in Dufftown, in the heart of Scotland’s Speyside region, the Glenfiddich distillery stands as a pioneer of single malt Scotch whisky production, with a history dating back to 1887.
One of Glenfiddich’s unique aspects is the use of oak casks, including American bourbon barrels and European sherry butts, resulting in a diverse array of flavour profiles.
Glenfiddich’s iconic triangular bottle design and its pioneering role in promoting single malt Scotch whisky globally further distinguish it as a leading name in the industry.
Which Bottle Should You Buy?
Glenfiddich 15 Year Old single malt whisky showcases a rich golden hue, inviting the senses with an aromatic bouquet of honeyed malt, ripe orchard fruits, and subtle floral notes, complemented by hints of oak and baking spices.
On the palate, this whisky delivers a complex and well-balanced flavour profile, featuring layers of sweet toffee, baked apples, and vanilla custard, intertwined with nuances of cinnamon, nutmeg, and toasted oak.
The finish is long and lingering, with echoes of caramelised sugar and oak spices, leaving a warm and satisfying sensation on the palate.
7. The Glenlivet
The Glenlivet distillery, nestled in the secluded and picturesque Livet Valley in the Speyside region of Scotland.
Established in 1824 by George Smith, it holds the prestigious title of being the first legally licensed distillery in the region. Glenlivet’s single malts are celebrated for their smooth and balanced flavour profiles, often featuring hints of honey, vanilla, and ripe fruits.
This iconic distillery’s dedication to quality has earned it a perennial place among the top producers of Scotch whisky globally.
Which Bottle Should You Buy?
The Glenlivet 18-year-old whisky boasts a rich golden amber colour. Its aroma is complex, featuring prominent notes of dates, citrus peels, barley sugars, and subtle hints of toasty cereals, adorned with floral nuances of apple blossom and petals.
On the palate, it delivers a full and rich experience with flavours of tannic oak, Manuka honey, walnut, Cox’s apples, and orange peels, interwoven with herbal undertones of fennel and spearmint. The finish is long and dry, highlighted by a lingering spicy oak note.
8. Glenmorangie
Located in Tain, in the Scottish Highlands, the Glenmorangie distillery boasts a history dating back to 1843, making it one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries.
Known for their “Tall and Elegant” stills, which are among the tallest in Scotland, this allows for a purer, smoother spirit. The distillery’s unique aspect lies in its commitment to oak cask maturation, particularly its use of American white oak barrels, which previously held bourbon, imparting a distinctively smooth and mellow character to its whiskies.
Which Bottle Should You Buy?
Glenmorangie Lasanta 12 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky displays a warm amber hue, inviting the senses with a rich and complex aroma of sherry-soaked fruits, dark chocolate, and warm spices, complemented by hints of orange peel and toasted almonds.
On the palate, this whisky offers a luxurious and velvety texture, unveiling flavours of dried fruits, toffee, and hazelnuts, intertwined with notes of cinnamon, cloves, and dark chocolate.
The finish is long and indulgent, with lingering echoes of sweet sherry, oak, and spices, leaving a warm and satisfying sensation on the palate.
9. Lagavulin
Lagavulin Distillery, located on the picturesque Isle of Islay, is renowned for its rich, peaty whiskies that are cherished by connoisseurs around the globe. Established in 1816, the distillery boasts a history of over 200 years of whisky-making excellence.
Its unique aspect lies in the intensely smoky and complex character of its spirits, achieved through the use of heavily peated barley.
Which Bottle Should You Buy?
The Lagavulin 16 Year Old whisky presents a deep amber colour, reflecting its rich and robust nature. On the nose, it offers an intensely smoky aroma intertwined with hints of iodine, sweet spices, mature sherry, and creamy vanilla.
The flavour profile is exceptionally thick and rich, delivering a massive mouthful of malt and sherry, complemented by fruity sweetness and powerful peat oak notes.
The finish is long and spicy, leaving behind lingering traces of figs, dates, peat smoke, and vanilla, ensuring a memorable and satisfying experience.
10. Laphroaig
Situated on the southern coast of the Isle of Islay in Scotland, the Laphroaig distillery has a storied history dating back to 1815, making it one of the oldest distilleries on the island.
Renowned for its distinctive peaty and smoky single malt Scotch whiskies, Laphroaig stands out for its traditional production methods, including the use of locally sourced peat and traditional floor maltings.
The distillery’s unique aspect lies in its iconic pagoda roof kiln, which dries the malted barley with peat smoke, imparting the characteristic bold and medicinal flavours synonymous with Islay malts.
Which Bottle Should You Buy?
Laphroaig 10 Year Old single malt whisky presents a deep golden hue, enticing the senses with an intense and unmistakable aroma of peat smoke, seaweed, and medicinal iodine, intermingled with hints of vanilla and citrus zest.
On the palate, this whisky delivers a bold and robust flavour profile, characterised by smoky barbecue, brine, and earthy peat, complemented by notes of caramelised sugar and oak spices.
The finish is long and lingering, with echoes of smouldering peat, sea salt, and warming spices, leaving a satisfyingly smoky and briny sensation on the palate.
11. The Macallan
The Macallan Distillery, nestled in the Speyside region of Scotland, holds a prominent place in the world of Scotch whisky. Established in 1824, it has built a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship and quality.
Unique aspects of The Macallan include its commitment to using only the finest oak casks for maturation, which impart distinctive rich flavours and aromas.
Which Bottle Should You Buy?
The Macallan 12 year Double Cask is a single malt whisky which matures in a mix of American and European oak casks. This dual cask maturation creating a harmonious blend of flavours of sherry, fruit and roasted nuts.
Upon pouring, you’ll notice its warm, golden hue, hinting at rich aromas of dried fruits and honey. A sip reveals butterscotch and vanilla, courtesy of the oak casks. The finish is long and satisfying, with hints of spice and chocolate leaving a lasting impression.
12. Talisker
Nestled on the rugged shores of the Isle of Skye in Scotland, the Talisker distillery has been crafting its distinctive single malt Scotch whisky since 1830, making it the oldest (and original) distillery on the island.
Renowned for its maritime influence and robust spicy character, Talisker whiskies reflect the rugged coastal landscape of their surroundings.
The distillery’s unique aspect lies in its use of peat-dried malted barley and its traditional copper pot stills, which contribute to the whisky’s signature smoky and briny flavours.
Which Bottle Should You Buy?
In my opinion, Talisker 10 year old is one of the best single malts for its price. This single malt presents a rich golden hue, enticing the senses with a complex and aromatic bouquet of maritime notes, including sea salt, seaweed, and brine, complemented by hints of peat smoke and dried fruits.
On the palate, this whisky delivers a robust and full-bodied flavour profile, featuring layers of smoky peat, black pepper, and dark chocolate, intertwined with subtle undertones of honey and citrus zest.
The finish is long and lingering, with lingering echoes of smoky peat, oak spices, and maritime brine, leaving a warm and satisfying sensation on the palate.
The 7 Best Blended Scotch Whisky Brands
1. Ballantine’s
Ballantine’s whisky brand, established in 1827 by George Ballantine, has grown into one of the world’s best-selling Scotch whisky brands.
Renowned for its smooth and balanced blends, Ballantine’s offers a range of expressions catering to various tastes and preferences.
The brand’s unique aspect lies in its commitment to blending, combining malt and grain whiskies from different distilleries to create harmonious and consistent flavours.
Which Bottle Should You Buy?
Ballantine’s 12 Year Old blended Scotch whisky presents a warm amber hue, inviting the senses with a rich and complex aroma of honeyed malt, dried fruits, and gentle oak spices, complemented by hints of vanilla and toffee sweetness.
On the palate, this whisky offers a luxurious and velvety texture, unveiling flavours of ripe orchard fruits, caramelised sugar, and toasted almonds, interwoven with delicate notes of cinnamon and nutmeg.
The finish is long and satisfying, with lingering traces of sweet honey, oak, and baking spices, leaving a warm and indulgent sensation on the palate.
2. Chivas Regal
The Strathisla distillery, known as the spiritual home of Chivas Regal, is nestled in the heart of Speyside, Scotland. Established in 1786, it holds the distinction of being one of the oldest continuously operating distilleries in Scotland.
Renowned for its elegant and fruity single malt whisky, Strathisla provides a crucial component in many of Chivas Regal’s blended Scotch whiskies.
Which Bottle Should You Buy?
Chivas Regal 18 Year Old blended Scotch whisky exhibits a deep amber hue, enticing the senses with a complex and inviting aroma of rich toffee, dark chocolate, and ripe fruits, complemented by subtle hints of oak and spice.
On the palate, this whisky offers a luxurious and velvety texture, unveiling flavours of dried fruits, honey, and cinnamon, interwoven with nuances of orange zest and warm baking spices.
The finish is lingering, echoing sweet caramel, oak, and dark chocolate, leaving a warm and satisfying sensation on the palate.
3. Compass Box
Compass Box is a boutique whisky blending company founded by John Glaser in 2000, headquartered in London, England. Renowned for its innovative approach to blending and its commitment to transparency, Compass Box sources high-quality whiskies from various distilleries to create unique and expressive blends.
The brand’s unique aspect lies in its dedication to experimentation and creativity, often pushing the boundaries of traditional whisky blending techniques.
With a range of expressions showcasing different flavour profiles and styles, their widely revered Hedonism edition has garnered a loyal following among whisky enthusiasts.
Which Bottle Should You Buy?
Compass Box Hedonism whisky presents a pale gold hue, enticing the senses with a delicate and enticing aroma of vanilla, caramel, and coconut, accompanied by hints of tropical fruits and floral notes.
On the palate, this whisky delivers a luxurious and creamy texture, revealing flavours of creamy toffee, butterscotch, and ripe bananas, intertwined with nuances of oak and baking spices.
The finish is long and smooth, with lingering echoes of sweet vanilla, toasted coconut, and a subtle warmth, leaving a satisfyingly indulgent sensation on the palate.
4. Dewar’s
The Aberfeldy distillery, located in the picturesque town of Aberfeldy in the Scottish Highlands, was founded by the Dewar family in 1898.
Known as the spiritual home of Dewar’s blended Scotch whisky, Aberfeldy produces a smooth and honeyed single malt whisky that forms the heart of many Dewar’s blends.
The distillery’s unique aspect lies in its use of water sourced from the Pitilie Burn, which flows through deposits of gold, reputedly lending Aberfeldy whiskies a touch of richness and depth.
Which Bottle Should You Buy?
Dewar’s 15 Year Old blended Scotch whisky presents a rich amber hue, enticing the senses with a complex and inviting aroma of honeyed malt, dried fruits, and subtle oak spices, accompanied by hints of vanilla and toffee sweetness.
On the palate, this whisky offers a luxurious and velvety texture, unveiling flavours of ripe orchard fruits, caramelised sugar, and toasted almonds, interwoven with delicate notes of cinnamon and nutmeg.
The finish is satisfying, with lingering echoes of sweet honey, oak, and baking spices, leaving a warm and indulgent sensation on the palate.
5. Johnny Walker
Johnny Walker is a globally recognized Scotch whisky brand that originated in Scotland in 1820. Renowned for its range of blended whiskies, Johnny Walker offers a diverse selection of expressions catering to various tastes and preferences.
With a history spanning over two centuries, Johnny Walker blends, such as the iconic Johnnie Walker Black Label and the luxurious Johnnie Walker Blue Label, exemplify the brand’s tradition of craftsmanship and innovation, making it a cornerstone of the whisky industry worldwide.
Which Bottle Should You Buy?
Positioned as their top-tier blended Scotch, Johnnie Walker Blue Label whisky is characterised by its rich amber hue. It invites the senses with an exquisite aroma of dried fruits, honey, and dark chocolate, complemented by hints of oak and spice.
On the palate, this whisky offers a luxurious and velvety texture, unveiling flavours of sweet toffee, orange peel, and roasted nuts, interwoven with nuances of cinnamon and tobacco.
The finish yields notes of dried fruits, oak, and a touch of smokiness, leaving a warm and satisfying sensation on the palate.
6. Monkey Shoulder
Monkey Shoulder is a blended malt Scotch whisky brand known for its smooth and approachable character, catering to both whisky enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
What sets Monkey Shoulder apart in the whisky market is its unique approach to blending, which involves marrying together single malts from just three different Speyside distilleries.
The brand takes its name from the old term of “monkey shoulder”; an affliction suffered by malt men who developed misshapen shoulders from tirelessly turning malted barley by hand.
With its playful branding, accessible price point, and versatile flavour profile, Monkey Shoulder has garnered a dedicated following, making it a standout choice for those seeking a quality whisky experience without the intimidation factor.
Which Bottle Should You Buy?
Monkey Shoulder Classic Scotch whisky displays a golden amber hue, welcoming the senses with a delightful aroma of vanilla, honey, and ripe orchard fruits, intertwined with hints of baking spices and oak.
On the palate, this whisky offers a smooth and creamy texture, unveiling flavours of butterscotch, caramelised sugar, and soft spices, complemented by notes of citrus zest and toffee sweetness.
The finish provides lingering traces of vanilla, oak, and a subtle warmth, leaving a pleasant and comforting sensation on the palate.
7. That Boutique-y Whisky Company
That Boutique-y Whisky Company is known for its innovative approach to bottling whiskies from around the world, offering unique and limited releases that showcase the diversity of the whisky landscape.
One of their distinctive practices involves teaspooning. This method involves a small amount of whisky from a single distillery being added to the donor cask from another distillery, preventing them being named on the bottle.
This daring and adventurous methodology allows That Boutique-y Whisky Company to create exclusive expressions while respecting distillery agreements.
With their creative and unique bottle-labels and commitment to quality, That Boutique-y Whisky Company continues to surprise and delight whisky enthusiasts with their eclectic range of bottlings.
Which Bottle Should You Buy?
The Speyside Whisky 12 Year Old, with its deep, amber colour, captivates the senses with an aromatic blend of chocolate malt, caramelised nuts, and hints of cinnamon and woody spices.
The palate is a rich tapestry of dried berries and stewed fruits, intertwined with oily malt, chewy spices, and roasted nuts, all underpinned by robust oak and a hint of treacle.
The finish features nutty malt, candied fruits, and spiced cake notes, enhanced by a touch of sherried oak.
FAQs
1. What is the number one selling Scotch?
Johnnie Walker Black Label, with over 18 million bottles sold annually worldwide, is revered for its balanced flavour profile, blending smoky, fruity, and spicy notes. Crafted from whiskies aged at least 12 years, its consistency, quality, and iconic branding make it a top choice for whisky enthusiasts globally. Its iconic striding man logo and rich heritage further contribute to its widespread recognition and enduring appeal among whisky enthusiasts worldwide.
2. What is the most sought after Scotch whisky?
The Macallan Adami 1926 is widely regarded as one of the most sought-after Scotch whiskies globally due to its rarity, exceptional quality, and iconic label designed by renowned artist Peter Blake. With only 24 bottles ever produced, each adorned with Blake’s distinctive artwork, it has become a symbol of luxury and exclusivity among collectors. In recent auctions, bottles of Macallan Adami 1926 have fetched record-breaking prices, with one bottle selling for over $1.5 million, further cementing its status as a prized treasure in the world of whisky connoisseurship.
3. What is the most drank whiskey in Scotland?
Famous Grouse is among the most consumed blended Scotch whiskies in Scotland and globally, with an annual sales volume surpassing 4 million cases. Its popularity stems from its well-balanced flavour profile, offering a harmonious blend of malt and grain whiskies aged in oak casks, delivering a smooth and approachable drinking experience. Renowned for its affordability and versatility, Famous Grouse appeals to a wide range of whisky enthusiasts
4. What is the difference between cheap and expensive Scotch?
Cheap Scotch (especially blends) will typically contain young single malt and grain whiskies which have been aged for just over 3 years. This doesn’t mean young whiskies are poor quality, they can just sometimes lack the complexity and depth of more mature expressions. In some instances, cheap blended Scotch may actually be a better choice than young single malts as the blend may have a better balance of flavours.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your whisky journey, the world of Scotch whisky offers a rich tapestry of flavours and experiences. The brands highlighted in our curated selection represent the pinnacle of craftsmanship and tradition, ensuring a premium experience with every sip. So, pour yourself a dram, savour the unique characteristics of each brand, and embark on a delightful exploration of Scotland’s finest whiskies. Cheers to discovering your new favourite Scotch!
