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If you have high standards when it comes to whisky, you’ll want to know all about the best whisky brands. Whether you're an experienced drinker or just starting your whisky journey, familiarising yourself with these top brands ensures you’re choosing whiskies crafted with quality and care. At Lochs of Whisky, we will guide you through some of the best, such as The Glenlivet, Johnnie Walker, Lagavulin, The Macallan and Glenfiddich. In no particular order, here are our top 10 whisky brands.
The Macallan
The Macallan is a legendary whisky brand that deserves a spot on every whisky lover's list. Known and respected worldwide, The Macallan distillery produces exceptional Speyside single malt Scotch whisky. Many of their bottles are highly collectible and sought after. In fact, the Macallan Valerio Adami 60 Year Old broke records as the most expensive whisky ever sold. In November 2023, it sold for a staggering £2,187,500. With releases that exhibit class and sophistication, The Macallan is a strong contender for the best whisky brand.
Jameson
Jameson is an Irish whiskey that won’t disappoint. Loved for its smoothness, which comes from a triple distillation process, its light character is appealing to both newcomers and experienced whiskey drinkers. Standout editions include Jameson Original, Jameson Black Barrel and Jameson Caskmates. Its history dates back to 1780 and today Jameson is sold in over 130 countries.
Jack Daniel’s
Jack Daniel’s is an American whiskey brand you’ve probably seen behind bars and on shop shelves. Many whisky drinkers’ journeys began with a JD and coke. Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey is distilled and matured back at America's oldest registered distillery, established in 1866. Popular bottles include Jack Daniel’s Honey, Apple, Fire and the single barrel selection. There’s a reason Jack Daniel’s is a household name and is amongst our top 10 whiskey brands.
Glenfiddich
If you're searching for an award-winning whisky brand, look no further than Glenfiddich. It proudly claims to be the world’s most awarded single malt Scotch whisky, with more awards since 2000 than its counterparts. Glenfiddich also claims to be the first single malt whisky, making some bold statements. Regardless, it remains one of Scotland’s most iconic whisky brands. Founded in 1887 by William Grant in the Speyside region, Glenfiddich offers a wide range of aged whiskies, including its signature 12-Year-Old, 18-Year-Old and the rare 21-Year-Old.
Jim Beam
Jim Beam is a renowned American bourbon whiskey brand with a rich history dating back to 1795. Deeply rooted in Kentucky's bourbon heritage, Jim Beam is crafted by the Beam family, who have been making bourbon for seven generations. The brand proudly carries this legacy forward with every bottle. Jim Beam Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is perhaps their most famous and beloved bottle.
Johnnie Walker
Johnnie Walker is a classic Scotch whisky brand, founded in 1820 by a young farmer's son who opened a grocery shop in Kilmarnock. Today, they are one of the world's largest and most famous Scotch whisky producers. Every whisky drinker is familiar with their iconic label bottles. Their core range consists of 7 different coloured labels, from the most popular Red, Black and Blue labels to the admired Green, Double Black and Gold. As some of the most popular whiskies in the world, they cater to both collectors and casual drinkers.
Yamazaki
While Scotland is home to many of the best whisky brands, other distilleries worldwide have also made their mark on the industry. The story of Japanese whisky begins at Yamazaki Distillery, founded in 1923. Japanese whisky was put on the map when its 12-Year-Old single malt was first released back in 1984. Produced by Suntory at Japan's oldest distillery, Yamazaki sits between two mountains, where the water is filtered through granite, becoming soft and clear. This pure water gives Yamazaki whisky a high-quality taste, qualifying it as one of the best whisky brands globally.
Lagavulin
Lagavulin is a name that can’t be left out when discussing the best whisky brands. For whisky drinkers who love peaty, smoky single malts, Lagavulin is a top choice. The distillery is located in the village of Lagavulin on the south coast of Islay, Scotland. Its 16-year-old Scotch won four consecutive double gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition from 2005 to 2008. Lagavulin has converted many to whisky and remains a beloved favourite for malt whisky fans around the world.
The Glenlivet
The Glenlivet distillery, located in Moray, Scotland, is a prominent producer of Speyside single malt Scotch whisky. Founded in 1824, it’s the oldest legal distillery in the Highlands and has been operating almost continuously ever since. They are known for their high-quality and premium releases. Glenlivet whiskies have earned numerous awards at prestigious competitions, including the World Whiskies Awards, solidifying its position as one of the top 10 whisky brands.
The Balvenie
The Balvenie is a Scotch whisky brand with over 130 years of history. Recognised for their exceptional single malts, The Balvenie DoubleWood 12-Year-Old is their most famous bottle. It’s also the only distillery in the Scottish Highlands that still grows and malts a portion of its own barley to create the perfect single malt. This commitment and dedication to traditional whisky-making methods sets The Balvenie apart as one of the best whisky brands.
Best Whisky Brands at Lochs of Whisky
We hope you enjoyed our top 10 picks! Maybe you spotted some of your favourites or perhaps a few surprises. If any caught your eye, you can shop the best whisky brands right here at Lochs of Whisky. For more recommendations and insights, be sure to explore our full whisky selection and feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
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