Whereas bourbon has loved a billion-dollar increase in latest many years and Eire boasts the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery, neither matches the heritage and standing of Scotch and its homeland of Scotland. The nation is dwelling to 5 distinct whisky areas, produces a number of types of its iconic spirit, and boasts one distillery for each 40,000 inhabitants.
That depth and variety can appear intimidating, nevertheless it additionally ensures there’s a method of whisky to swimsuit each palate, funds, and event — from pleasant Highland single malts to advanced blends and peated Islay smoke bombs.
This listing of the most effective Scotch whiskies to drink proper now encapsulates the entire above and extra. To compile it, VinePair sampled over 100 expressions submitted (with out cost) by manufacturers, importers, distributors, and PR corporations. Every product was tasted non-blind, consistent with VinePair’s tastings coverage, permitting us to maintain value in consideration and compile a roundup that doesn’t simply showcase the very best high quality on supply, however throughout a variety of value factors.
Able to verify them out? Listed below are the 30 greatest Scotch whiskies for 2024.
The Greatest Scotch Whiskies Beneath $50
Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
In comparison with its American counterparts bourbon and rye, Scotch doesn’t boast a ton of traditional cocktails. However drinks just like the Bobby Burns and Penicillin are classics — pre-Prohibition and trendy, respectively — for a motive. When the time calls to combine them up, the depth, roundness, and richness of Monkey Shoulder, to not point out its price ticket, make it a stellar choice.
Common value: $33
Ranking: 89
Maclean’s Nostril Blended Scotch Whisky
One other high-quality blended choice that’s additionally budget-friendly, Maclean’s Nostril pays homage to each an iconic determine in Scotch whisky and a native landmark. Comprised of a mixture of non-chill-filtered malt (70 p.c) and grain (30 p.c) distillates, this Scotch is enticing and approachable, with citrus and honey on the nostril and chocolate and hazelnuts on the palate.
Common value: $37
Ranking: 91
Spearhead Single Grain Scotch Whisky
Sometimes gentle in texture and subtly fruity and spiced in profile, single grain whisky gives an ideal choice for easy summer time drinks. This instance, from Loch Lomond Distillery, dials up the decadence, because of a six-month ending interval in virgin American oak. It’s nonetheless a candidate for highballs nevertheless it’s oaky sweetness and orchard fruit flavors are simply as satisfying sipped over ice.
Common value: $39
Ranking: 90
The Greatest Scotch Whiskies Beneath $75
Glenfiddich 12 Yr Previous Sherry Cask End
Amid a backdrop of ultra-aged releases and ever extra esoteric finishes, 12-year-old expressions stay the usual bearer for single malt Scotch and the age at which the fiercest competitors exists. The most effective bargains in that bunch, this amontillado-cask-finished instance from Glenfiddich delivers a seamless concord of berry fruit notes and sherried oak, with a pleasantly persistent end.
Common value: $50
Ranking: 91
Compass Field Orchard Home Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
Impartial blender and bottler (or “whiskymaker,” to make use of the model’s terminology) Compass Field was based in 2000 and has since grow to be a agency trade favourite. Unsurprisingly, from a launch named “Orchard Home,” this blended malt is fruity, floral, and vivid on the nostril. The palate is equally energetic — gentle and vigorous however on no account missing in taste. That is gorgeous summer time whisky.
Common value: $50
Ranking: 94
Loch Lomond 12 Yr Previous Single Malt Whisky
Non-chill-filtered and bottled at a properly poised 46 p.c ABV, this single malt aged in three completely different types of American oak: bourbon, refill, and re-charred. Its fruit-forward nostril {couples} peach and pear with refined vanilla sweetness, whereas only a trace of smoke emerges on the palate, lingering nicely onto the end.
Common value: $55
Ranking: 92
Coachbuilt Scotch Blended Whisky Mix No. 001
One other independently bottled mix, this launch combines Scotch sourced from all 5 of the nation’s whisky-producing areas: Highlands, Speyside, Lowlands, Campbeltown, and the Isle of Islay. Smoke kicks off the present with aromas of charred marshmallows, whereas gentle stone fruit lingers beneath. The palate is rounded, with a thick dollop of toffee serving a candy and opulent end.
Common value: $60
Ranking: 91
The GlenDronach The Unique 12 Yr
Aged in Pedro Ximénez and oloroso casks, this closely sherried Highland single malt is straight away approachable and alluring. Past the distinguished affect of these casks lies a pleasant undercurrent of blackberries and darkish cherries, with only a trace of tannins coming by means of on the palate.
Common value: $66
Ranking: 92
Meikle Toir ‘The Sherry One’ Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Bottled at 5 years outdated, this peated Speyside single malt was aged in Pedro Ximénez and oloroso casks. Distinguished stone fruit aromas lead the nostril whereas smoke stays an understated afterthought. It’s a very completely different story on the palate, the place candy peat notes take heart stage, and ripe berries and darkish chocolate play a supporting position.
Common value: $73
Ranking: 93
The Balvenie Caribbean Cask Aged 14 Years
Ending spirits in rum casks can typically overpower the bottom distillate, with wealthy molasses notes stealing the present. However that’s not the case with this advantageous 14-year-old single malt. Rum stays a nice seasoning all through, complementing candy malt and tinned peach notes, with dried fruits exhibiting the spirit’s age on the end.
Common value: $75
Ranking: 92
The Greatest Scotch Whiskies Beneath $100
The Glenlivet 14 Yr Cognac Cask Choice Single Malt Scotch Whisky
The affect of the Cognac casks used to complete this expression leap out from the get-go and proceed nicely onto its end. A mixture of raisins, nuts, and candy cake batter recall to mind fruit loaf, whereas refined spice brings complexity to the end.
Common Worth: $77
Ranking: 92
Oban 14 Yr Previous West Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Distilled in a tiny city on Scotland’s west coast, this whisky is notably mighty against this. Its aromas lean into the colourful tropical fruit that usually comes with considerably extra age, whereas the palate is concentrated, nuanced, and oozing with honeyed sweetness.
Common value: $85
Ranking: 93
Deanston 12 Yr Whisky
One other shining instance of 12-year Scotch, this Highland single malt was aged in ex-bourbon casks and bottled at a exact 46.3 p.c ABV. Candy pink berries, vivid stone fruits, and a seasoning of oak outline the nostril. The proof feels on level, bringing a slight spiciness and warmth to the end. That is textbook Scotch, destined to be sipped neat or over a big clear rock of ice.
Common value: $90
Ranking: 94
Lagavulin Offerman Version: Caribbean Rum Cask End Aged 11 Years
The rum casks used to complete this yr’s Offerman Version from Islay icon Lagavulin have a tempering impact on the whisky’s strong peat profile, permitting pink berries and candy vanilla to blossom on the nostril. Rum and smoke are extra prevalent on the palate however the fruity core stays, making this an ideal choice for drinkers who’ve beforehand been intimidated by peat.
Common value: $90
Ranking: 92
Laphroaig 10 Yr Sherry Oak End
One other occasion of ending casks maintaining smoke in verify, $90 is admittedly loads to pay for a 10-year-old Scotch from a significant producer, nevertheless it’s essential to notice that this launch was bottled at a higher-than-average 48 p.c ABV. Whereas Laphroaig might have chosen to proof it down additional to stretch shares and decrease the value, not doing so has resulted in an intensely concentrated whisky, whose fruity, smoky, oaky profile evolves with time in glass.
Common value: $90
Ranking: 93
Nc’nean Natural Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Seldom will we discuss concerning the base substances for Scotch, however a handful of newer distilleries together with Nc’nean (based in 2017) are pushing the natural and sustainable conversations. A non-age-stated launch, this whisky was matured in a mixture of American whiskey, specifically handled pink wine, and oloroso casks. Its atypical profile options youthful, however satisfying, cereal notes blended with wild flowers and delicate fruit.
Common value: $93
Ranking: 92
Isle of Raasay Dùn Cana Single Malt Scotch Whisky
From the tiny Isle of Raasay, dwelling to fewer than 200 individuals, this forward-thinking Scotch blends peated and unpeated spirit; undergoes maturation in rye, Pedro Ximénez, and oloroso casks; and is bottled at a daring 52 p.c ABV. Decadent toffee dominates the nostril, with only a suggestion of smoke and fruit. Complicated wooden notes and texture shine by means of on the palate, organising a prolonged end.
Common value: $96
Ranking: 93
The Greatest Scotch Whiskies Over $100
Jura Aged 18 Years Single Malt
Produced on the Southern Hebridean Isle of Jura, this evenly peated whisky spent 18 years in ex-bourbon casks earlier than an undisclosed ending interval in Premier Grand Cru Classé Bordeaux pink wine barrels. Notes of sandalwood, lavender, and moss mingle with a variety of fruit, spanning from orchard to darkish berries. The general profile is easygoing however nuanced, whereas the value represents nice worth, contemplating the age of this launch.
Common value: $100
Ranking: 92
The Glenturret 12 Yr Single Malt 2023 Launch
Based in 1763, The Glenturret is Scotland’s oldest working distillery. That wealthy heritage is straight away obvious on this Highland single malt, which appears to drink above its age with out feeling drained or over the hill. Raisins, a medley of baking spices, and wealthy Demerara syrup lead the cost, whereas used oak closes the present. This is a superb choice for Cognac drinkers.
Common value: $105
Ranking: 93
The Dalmore 14
A part of The Dalmore’s “Principal Assortment,” this U.S. unique launch was first aged in ex-bourbon barrels earlier than a portion of the batch was completed in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks from heavyweight producer Gonzalez Byass. A mixture of pink berry and stone fruit aromas are adopted by gentle vanilla and savory spices. The palate is properly rounded, organising a baking-spice-rich end.
Common value: $110
Ranking: 94
Aberlour A’bunadh Scotch Whisky
Bottled at a cask-strength 61.2 p.c ABV, this potent dram juxtaposes delicacy and energy. Contemporary flowers and orchard fruit aromas kick issues off earlier than the palate explodes with focus and depth. Every sip tastes like dried stone fruits dipped in honey, with a touch of toasted oak rounding out the expertise. Don’t be afraid to proof this one down!
Common value: $120
Ranking: 93
Highland Park Single Malt Scotch Whisky 15 Yr Previous
A mixture of sherry-seasoned European and American oak casks supplies this 15-year-old launch with a luscious vanilla spine. Charred pineapples and dried heather construct upon that on the nostril, whereas a slight trace of peat barely registers. The depth of all of these notes ramps up on the palate — particularly the smoke, which leans extra woody than earthy.
Common value: $125
Ranking: 94
Tobermory 12 Yr Previous
Tobermory is the one distillery on the Isle of Mull, which is situated off the west coast of Scotland and is the second-largest island of the Inside Hebrides. Undoubtedly the highest finish of the value spectrum for a 12-year-old launch, this whisky justifies its lofty sum with an unbelievable depth and focus of aromas and flavors. Notes of apple and pineapple marry with contemporary flowers, then give solution to candied ginger, wealthy caramel, and crème brûlée. Every sip is vibrant, contemporary, and clear, making this a splendid summer time whisky.
Common value: $127
Ranking: 93
Dewar’s Double Double 21 Yr Previous Mizunara Oak Cask End
This standout bottling from Dewar’s noticed malt and grain whiskies aged individually for 21 years, earlier than grasp blender Stephanie Macleod compiled the mix, returning the spirit to cask to harmonize earlier than a last resting interval in Mizunara oak. The coveted Japanese casks lend their signature sandalwood notice, which pairs fantastically with the spirit’s citrusy, creamy cereal notes. All issues thought of, this gives distinctive worth and a must-try consuming expertise.
Common value: $150
Ranking: 95
GlenAllachie Distillery 13 Yr Madeira Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Following 11 years in American oak barrels, this Speyside single malt spent a two-year ending interval in Madeira casks that beforehand held wine made out of Malvasia grapes, a “richer” type of the fortified wine, in keeping with the distillery. The savoriness of the casks’ earlier occupants runs all through this expressive whisky, which sings with notes of walnuts, apricot stones, vanilla, and pineapple pores and skin.
Common value: $155
Ranking: 93
Bowmore 18 Yr Previous Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
From the oldest licensed distillery on the Isle of Islay, it is a delightfully advanced peated single malt. Bitter cooking apple aromas wrap round a wealthy caramel core, with virtually no presence of smoke on the nostril. Dried flowers linger on the end of the nostril, earlier than peat makes a daring introduction on the palate. If it’s at first surprising (due to the aroma profile) fruit rapidly comes again into play, organising a protracted and balanced end.
Common value: $160
Ranking: 94
Oran Blended Scotch Mix #1
A mix of fifty p.c malt and 50 p.c grain, bottled at 50 p.c ABV, that seemingly easy proposition belies an elaborate mix of 9 whiskies ranging in age from 12 to 34 years outdated. The result’s a fruity and floral dram underpinned by a whisper of smoke. Texturally, it’s gentle and energetic — a pleasant distinction to the spectacular depth of taste in every sip.
Common value: $189
Ranking: 94
The Macallan Concord Amber Meadow
The third launch in The Macallan’s “Concord Assortment” arrives, like its predecessors, with out an age assertion. Produced in collaboration with Stella and Mary McCartney, and bottled at 44.2 p.c ABV, Amber Meadow melds ripe citrus (orange and lemon) and stone fruit aromas with notes of vanilla cake batter, savory tea, and salted almonds. The producer’s signature sherried profile is dialed down right here, however the general high quality and easygoing persona of this whisky will little question please Macallan followers.
Common value: $210
Ranking: 94
Longmorn 18 Yr Previous 2023 Launch
From Speyside, this single malt was bottled at a cask power 57.6 p.c ABV. That proof, coupled with the value, received’t enchantment to each drinker. However ought to your palate (and pockets) cooperate, it is a gorgeous instance of Scotch in its purest kind. The nostril appears to have countless depth, serving up aromas of used oak, dried lavender, darkish berries, and aromatic baking spices. The palate, too, has searing depth, delivering a lot of the identical character because the nostril.
Common value: $280
Ranking: 93
The Glen Grant Aged 21 Years 2022 Launch
Aged in ex-bourbon and oloroso sherry casks, this Speyside single malt was bottled at 46 p.c ABV. That’s just a few proportion factors increased than you’ll usually encounter in bottles of this age, and it helps preserve a wonderful focus of aromas and flavors. Regardless of its 21 years in cask, this whisky is remarkably youthful, with contemporary fruit (pineapple and apricot, predominantly) everywhere in the nostril and palate, complemented by floral tones and candy sips of honey. Completely well worth the splurge for particular events.
Common value: $360
Ranking: 94
FAQ
How is Scotch completely different from whiskey?
Technically talking, all Scotch is whiskey, although producers within the nation and the trade at massive choose to drop the “e” from the phrase, spelling it “whisky” as an alternative.
What are the various kinds of Scotch?
In whole there are 5 completely different Scotch areas: Campbeltown, Highland, Islay, Lowland, and Speyside. Whereas producers in every area share some common similarities in type — virtually all Islay whisky is peated, for instance — so many elements go into Scotch manufacturing that two distillers from the identical area could produce vastly completely different types of whisky.
What’s the correct solution to drink Scotch?
Scotch is a really versatile spirit that may be sipped neat, with just a few drops of water, on the rocks, or combined in cocktails.
VinePair’s Tasting Methodology
All year long, VinePair conducts quite a few tastings for our common Purchase This Booze column and wine and spirits opinions. Our mission is to supply a transparent, dependable supply of data for drinkers, offering an summary relevant to day-to-day shopping for and consuming.
Tastings should not usually carried out blind. In alignment with our opinions mission, we imagine in purposefully tasting all merchandise as our readers usually would, with full information of the producer, the area, and — importantly — the value.
For Purchase This Booze roundups, we usually embrace a most of 1 expression per model, although we do permit a number of merchandise from the identical manufacturing facility (i.e., launched below completely different labels).
For this Scotch roundup, we thought of quite a few various factors earlier than finalizing the listing. Our general intention was to supply a whole overview of the myriad types and expressions of Scotch that outline the world’s most well-known whisky producing nation. Meaning entry-level, “approachable” blends featured alongside intricately completed and limited-edition releases that spirits geeks go to nice lengths to hunt out. We’re assured that each bottle that made this last rating delivers on taste, steadiness, depth, and complexity for every of their respective value factors.
*Picture retrieved from 5ph through inventory.adobe.com
