Scotland is famous for its whiskies – and for good reason – with the distinctive tipple so iconic that it’s even protected by the law.
But with over 120 active distilleries spread all across Scotland, it can be hard to know which ones are worth the dollar, and which ones you’re better off leaving on the shelf.
We’ve rounded up our ten favourite Scotch whiskies out there right now, for a variety of budgets, to help you celebrate in style.
Whether you’re looking to get a lot for your money, or want something decadent and flashy for a present, our list contains supermarket favourites from £12.99, to premium bottles at near the £100 mark. There’s just one thing they have in common: They’re all from distilleries in Scotland.
There’s even a surprise addition from Aldi, whose bottle beat competitors double it’s price to win big at the Spirits Business Scotch Whisky Masters – the Oscars of the Whisky world.
If you’re here for an Irish whiskey instead, we’ve also got a round up of the 10 best Irish whiskies.
1. The Macallan Single Malt, £53.99
One of the most sought-after whisky brands out there, Macallan has built up perhaps the best reputation for quality malt whisky. But being so great also comes with a rather enlarged price tag, too.
Their 12-year double cask whisky is a great all-rounder, aged in a combination of American oak and ex-sherry casks to create a rich whisky that combines fruity citrus and caramel with spicy ginger and nutmeg.
2. 15 Year Old Speyburn whisky, £53.95
Crafted deep in the heart of Speyside, Speyburn is the only distillery to use the pure, fresh water from the Granty Burn stream, a major tributary of the River Spey.
Since 1897, the stunning natural environment has resulted in an authentic and award-winning Core Collection boasting everything you want from a Single Malt Scotch Whisky. This 15-year old one in particular is rich and full-bodied, this whisky has spent fifteen years maturing in American and Spanish oak casks meaning it has embraced all the natural elements of the Speyside.
Get it from Master of Malt for £53.95
3. That Boutique-y Whisky Company Bunnahabhain 11-Year-Old, £73.95
As well as the incredible bottle, the flavours of this boutique whisky are also pretty impressive.
A single malt Islay Scotch whisky from the Bunnahabhain distillery with notes of red chilli and clove for a warm spice. Dark chocolate and fudge combine with roast chestnuts and a little sea salt, with refined hints of peat smoke nodding to a classic Islay profile.
Get it from Master of Malt for £73.95
4. Highland Park 18 Year Whisky, £94.95
This one is seen as a bit of an ‘industry favourite’, with the Single Island maturing over 18 years to balance out the flavours of ‘fruit notes, marzipan and golden syrup, all wrapped up in swathes of distinctive, subtle floral peat smoke’.
5. Bowmore Darkest 15 Year Whisky, £52.90
This one has been matured in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks, with the final three years in Oloroso sherry casks. This final touch gives is what gives the whisky it’s name, and ‘its warming finish’.
Get it from Master of Malt for £52.90
6. Highland Black Scotch Whisky £12.99
Don’t be put off by Aldi, this Whisky has been awarded a gold medal at the Spirits Business Scotch Whisky Masters , beating bottles double it’s price.
It’s been blended using a range of the finest Speyside and Highland Malt whiskies, together with Grain whisky from Girvan in the Lowlands of Scotland. It’s then matured for a minimum of 8 years, before being selected to create the final award-winning blend.
It’s a great tasting option that won’t break the bank.
7. Ardmore Legacy £29.90
We love the bottle on this one, but there’ so much more to it than just that.
It’s full of interesting flavours, some notes even including cured meat and horseradish smells, and a tastes of menthol, apple and pear. However, the bottle describes itself as having sweet honey, vanilla, and spice flavours.
If you’re looking for something unique, Ardmore is worth a try.
Get it from Master of Malt for £29.90
8. Talisker 10 Year Old £39.45
This Talisker 10 Year Old has a smoky and sweet flavour that will keep you going back for more.
There’s a complex blend of flavours including barley, pepper, sweetness and smoke that delivers a full taste for the price. Pour yourself a dram now!
Get it from The Whisky Exchange for £39.45
9. Glen Garioch 12 Year Old £42.75
This Whisky has been made in a mix of bourbon and sherry casks, and delivers a fruity flavour. There are also notes of mocha, alongside a spicy and smooth well balanced flavour.
It’s a great, not too complicated whisky, which is perfect for every occasion.
Get it from The Whisky Exchange for £42.75
10. Lagavulin 16 Year Old £57.95
The Lagavulin has a complex flavour, with reviews calling it ‘Smokey, smooth and aromatic’. It’s one for existing whisky drinkers over newbies, but it a great treat and an indulgent drink for whisky fans.
Get it from The Whisky Exchange for £57.95
11. Monkey Shoulder £27.45
With vanilla and spicy flavours, Monkey Shoulder delivers a smooth taste. Monkey Shoulder is made using three of Speyside’s finest single malt whiskies, so is perfect for those who love blends.
The whisky gets it name from the old technique of turning the malting barley by hand, leading malt men to develop a strain injury called ‘Monkey Shoulder’.
