What Is the Best Scotch Whisky To Try ?

Scotch whiskies are known as some of the best in the world. Its diversity of flavour profiles that vary from region to region. Scotch whisky will always remain a strong favourite for whisky drinkers. But what is the best Scottish whisky?

Whether you're a self-proclaimed Scotch whisky expert or are new to the whisky world, our guide will help you discover the best Scotch whiskies. Hopefully, simplifying your choice will make it easier to find the perfect bottle of scotch for you to enjoy.

The Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Single malt whisky must be made from 100% malted barley, coming from one distillery.  

Glenfiddich 

Glenfiddich is a must try if you're a lover of single-malt Scotch whisky. The distillery is located in a valley where deer often roam, giving the brand its name. Glenfiddich is Gaelic for "Valley of the Deer.”

Glenfiddich 12: Glenfiddich 12 is the world's top-selling single malt. It is known for its fresh, fruity flavours of pear, butterscotch and a hint of oak. It’s long, smooth finish and has won numerous awards for its quality, including gold at the Scotch Whisky Masters in 2013, 2014, 2019 and 2020.

The Glenlivet

The Glenlivet, one of the oldest legal distilleries in Scotland, produces another highly popular single malt. 

The Glenlivet 12: The Glenlivet 12 is a light single malt with flavours of pear, melon, peach and a touch of black pepper. It is aged in both traditional and American oak casks, which gives it a smooth and slight vanilla taste.

Both whiskies are highly regarded for their superior quality and are consistently among the best-selling single malts. Browse our extensive selection of Gelnfiddich and The Glenlivet.

The Best Blended Scotch Whisky

Blended Scotch whisky is a mix of both malt and grain whiskies, usually from different distilleries. 

Johnnie Walker

You can't talk about blended Scotch whisky without talking about Johnnie Walker. Since production started back in 1867, it has become one of the best-selling Scotch whiskeys to date. With its iconic different coloured labels, Jonnie Walker's blended whiskeys are loved and enjoyed worldwide.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label: The best blended Scotch whisky is often considered to be Johnnie Walker Blue Label. Known for its smooth texture and complex flavours, it blends rare and old whiskies. It offers layers of smokiness but also sweetness from dried fruit, vanilla and spice.

Johnnie Walker Black Label: The distinguished Johnnie Walker Black Label is a smooth blend of up to 40 malt and grain whiskies throughout Scotland. Black Label is aged for at least 12 years and provides a deep profile of sweet fruits, vanilla, spice and smokiness.

Both labels showcase Johnnie Walker’s mastery of blending. Browse our selection of premium Jonnie Walker blended whiskies.

The Best Scotch Whisky by Region 

The Best Speyside Scotch Whisky

Speyside has the most distilleries in Scotland, with over 60. Whiskies from here are often known for being fruity and rich, with a hint of smoke. 

Balvenie

Balvenie is a renowned Scotch whisky brand from Speyside. Their distillery is one of the only ones in Scotland to still be producing their own barley.

Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Years Old: Balvenie’s DoubleWood offers depth due to its maturation in two different types of wood: American oak and sherry casks. It’s known for its honey, vanilla and spicy notes with a smooth finish.

Macallan

Macallan is also a well-loved whisky to come from Speyside. The Macallan is famous for breaking auction records. With a 1926 Macallan Fine & Rare 60-Year-Old bottle selling for £1.5 million in 2019, setting the record for the most expensive bottle of whisky ever sold at auction.

Macallan 18: This warm finish Scotch whisky is a great example of a sherry cask Scotch.

It is exceptionally smooth, with notes of vanilla, orange, ginger and wood spice. The Macallan 18-year-old is one of their most popular bottles for collectors.

Browse our fine selection of Balvenie and Macallan brands amongst some of the best Scotch whiskies.

The Best Islay Scotch Whisky

Islay is a region in Scotland that is known for producing whiskies with a peat smoke aroma. Along with this, its location near the ocean creates heavily smoky and savoury scotches.

Lagavulin

Lagavulin is meant to be one of the oldest distilleries in Islay, generating 1.4 million litres of alcohol per year.

Lagavulin 16 Years Old: This Islay classic is recognised for its deep, smoky palette, balanced by rich, dried fruit and vanilla sweetness. It’s aged for a minimum of 16 years in oak and is a favourite among those who enjoy bold and peaty whiskies.

Browse our selection of Lagavulin. 

The Best Highland Scotch Whisky

The Highlands is the largest whisky-producing region in Scotland, accounting for around 25% of Scotland's malt whisky production.

GlenDronach

GlenDronach is one of many whisky brands to come from the Highlands, known for its traditional whisky-making methods and rich, sherried single malts.

GlenDronach 18 Year Old Allardice: Is a bold whisky and is one of the best 18-year-old  sherried whiskies on the market. It is matured in Spanish Oloroso sherry casks, giving it a deep, full-bodied character with layers of dried figs, raisins and subtle oak.

This Highland gem is ideal if you're seeking a bold yet refined whisky. Browse our top selection of GlenDronach. 

Finding Your Perfect Scotch with Lochs of Whisky

Hopefully you have found a Scotch whisky that has caught your interest. With so many diverse options available, the best Scotch whisky is out there for you. From the light and fruity notes of a Speyside whisky or the bold, smoky flavours from Islay. Take your time to explore different regions and don't hesitate to try new ones.

For more insights and recommendations, be sure to check out our full selection of the best Scottish whisky at Lochs of Whisky.