The Top 10 Scotch Whisky Brands

Scotch whisky is regarded as one of the finest distilled spirits in the world. In this article, we explore the top 10 Scotch whisky brands that have shaped the industry, including Johnnie Walker, The Macallan, Glenfiddich and Chivas Regal.

Johnnie Walker

Johnnie Walker Scotch Whisky has been a staple in bars and homes around the world for over 200 years. Founded in 1820 in Kilmarnock, Scotland, by grocer John Walker, this iconic brand of Scotch whisky has grown into a global icon. Known for its range of distinctive labels, including red and blue labels, Johnnie Walker offers something for every palate and occasion.

Johnnie Walker is a great Scotch for beginners because it's affordable, easy to find and approachable. It has a smooth flavour that isn’t too overwhelming, which is why it’s an easy choice for top 10 Scotch whisky brands.

Lagavulin

Lagavulin Scotch Whisky is a highly regarded name in the world of peated whisky. Founded in 1816 on the shores of Islay, this brand of Scotch whisky is renowned for its rich, peaty character. 

Lagavulin has earned a loyal following among whisky enthusiasts. Their range includes the 8-Year-Old and the consistently impressive 12-Year-Old cask strength releases. Lagavulin is a great choice for those looking to explore the smoky side of Scotch.

Laphroaig

Laphroaig is one of the most well-known brands of Scotch whisky from Islay, renowned for its intensely peated character with coastal notes. Its bold taste can divide opinion, but their range has earned praise for its depth, value and consistency. Laphroaig is a standout brand of Scotch whisky delivering quality and punch at an accessible price point.

The Glenlivet

The Glenlivet, founded in 1824 by George Smith in the Highlands of Scotland, is one of the oldest and best Scotch whisky brands. As the first legal distillery in the Glenlivet region, it has a rich heritage. Today, Glenlivet remains a cornerstone of the Scotch whisky industry, offering a range of exceptional single malts, including the highly regarded 18-year-old bottle.

The Dalmore

The Dalmore is a prestigious Scotch whisky brand with over 180 years of history. Established in 1839 in the Northern Highlands, this brand of Scotch whisky is carefully crafted with a unique ageing process. They are matured in American bourbon casks and Oloroso sherry casks from Spain. Its 12-point stag emblem on every bottle is derived from a centuries-old Scottish legend, reflecting the brand's regal heritage.

Chivas Regal

Chivas Regal, founded in 1909, is one of the top-selling brands of Scotch whisky globally. What’s interesting is that, unlike most brands that start with younger age variants, Chivas Regal went in reverse. After launching the 25-year-old in 1909, their next whisky was the 12-year-old, which debuted in 1938. Chivas Regal offers a wide range of expressions, including the 12-year-old and the luxurious 25-year-old Chivas Regal.

Glenfiddich

Glenfiddich is a Highland favourite, renowned for its quality single malts. Founded in 1886 by William Grant, Glenfiddich takes its name from the Gaelic term for "Valley of the Deer", which is why the brand’s emblem features a stag. 

Known for its signature triangle-shaped bottle, introduced in the 1950s, Glenfiddich remains one of the best Scotch whisky brands in the world. The brand now operates in 180 countries and accounts for 35% of single malt sales globally.

Talisker

For those seeking a Scotch whisky that embodies its maritime roots, Talisker is an essential name among the best Scotch whisky brands. Established in 1830, Talisker’s unique character comes from its location on the Isle of Skye, where the sea and its surroundings directly influence the flavour profile.

Talisker is categorised as a medium-peated malt. It sits in that nice territory of having a reasonable amount of smoke to it, but it allows lots of other flavours to shine and be easily identifiable. Talisker is a little softer than Islay whiskies, offering a light, gentle smoke.

The Macallan

With such a strong history, The Macallan has earned its place among the top 10 Scotch whisky brands. Founded in 1824, The Macallan is renowned for its exceptional quality, particularly its use of Golden Promise barley and hand-selected oak casks. 

The Macallan’s legacy includes record-breaking auction sales, with a bottle of The Macallan 1926 60-Year-Old selling for £2.1 million in 2023. 

Grant's

Grant’s, produced by William Grant & Sons since 1887, is a brand of Scotch whisky with a rich family heritage. The company also produces other prestigious labels such as Glenfiddich and The Balvenie. Grant’s is unique for its balanced approach to blending, combining grain whisky with malt whisky. As one of the world's third highest selling Scotch whiskies, Grant’s deserves its place among the top Scotch whisky brands.

Brands of Scotch Whisky at Lochs of Whisky

At Lochs of Whisky, we take pride in offering an exceptional selection of Scotch whisky brands from renowned distilleries across Scotland. Whether you're searching for the smoky complexity of Islay whiskies or the elegance of Speyside malts, we have something for every whisky enthusiast.

Explore our collection of Scotch whisky today and contact us for more recommendations. Learn more about whisky brands in our guide to the top 10 best whisky brands.