Scotch is arguably the most iconic among the vast range of different whiskey styles. It tops wish lists for sipping and gifting, partly because of its prestige and hefty price tag, but mostly because the category is deeply nuanced and delicious. Flavors can vary from light, honeyed and fruity to deep, dark and smoky. This diversity—and often high cost—means it’s important to know your stuff before swiping your credit card. Is it suited to your palate? Its recipient’s? Is it worth the investment?
To help you make the most informed decision, we asked the pros for a few pointers and compiled a shortlist of bottle picks, including some value-priced options that won’t break the bank.
But before we dive in, an important note: In America, “whiskey” (with an “e”) refers to the category in general. Whisky (no “e”) is used to refer to Scotch and whiskey from a handful of other regions (like Japan) that prefer that spelling. Now, with that out of the way, here’s everything else you need to know about the best Scotch to drink now.
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Is All Scotch from Scotland?
Short answer: yes. But John Glass, malt master for Isle of Skye Distillers, explains further: “To be classified as Scotch whisky, it must be distilled in Scotland and matured for at least three years, also in Scotland.” These and other rules are set by the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA), a trade organization.
What Makes Scotch Different from Other Types of Whiskey?
Those trade organization rules are the key differentiators between Scotch and whiskeys from other parts of the world. These regulations cover:
Location: It’s made in Scotland—but you already knew that.
The Grains: Most Scotch is made from barley, specifically germinated (malted) barley.
Aging: “Scotch must be aged in oak barrels for a minimum of three years in one of five Scottish distilling regions: Highland, Lowland, Speyside, Campbeltown and Islay,” says James Neil, luxury brand ambassador for Islay distillery Bowmore.
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What Is Scotch Made From?
Scotch is made from grain (again, usually barley), water and yeast. In single-malt Scotch and blended-malt Scotch, malted (germinated or sprouted) barley is the only grain allowed.
That said, grain Scotch is permitted to contain some other cereal grains, like corn or wheat. But many distillers prefer to stick to barley alone. Caramel coloring is also permitted by the SWA.
Beyond that, distillers have found creative ways to add unique flavor to Scotch. Some rely on cask finishes, which is the resting of whiskey in oak casks that previously held other spirits, wine (including fortified wines) or beer as a means of adding flavor. Others char or toast barrels to add or intensify flavor, or turn to peat smoke to add distinctive smoky aromas and flavor.
“Peat is a coal-like substance found in wet climates like Islay and other Scottish regions,” explains Bowmore’s Neil. “Using peat fire to dry the malted grains is a signature practice of many Scotches, but its use is entirely up to the creative and technical eye of the blender.”
Is All Scotch Smoky?
Absolutely not. Some distilleries use peat, others do not. Many bottlings blend liquid from various distilleries, resulting in Scotch that ranges from zero smoke to moderate smoke to full-on, no-holds-barred, over-the-top peat extravaganzas. (See: Port Charlotte, Laphroaig, Ardbeg, Big Peat and more.)
“There is a wide variety of different Scotch whiskies available and a wide range flavor profiles, from very smoky to more light and delicate or rich and fruity,” Glass says.
What Does “Single Malt” Mean?
“Single-malt whisky is made from whisky from one distillery alone,” explains Glass. Further, single malts cannot be mixed with whisky from other distilleries, nor do they include any other grain than malted barley.
In addition to single-malt Scotch (made with malted barley, in Scotland), single-grain Scotch is also a whisky made at a single distillery in Scotland, but includes—contrary what its name suggests—cereal grains such as wheat or corn in addition to barley.
Further, single malts aren’t exclusive to Scotland. They are made elsewhere, too: Case in point, the burgeoning American single-malt category.
What’s the Difference Between Blended and Single-Malt Scotch?
While a single-malt Scotch is a whisky made at a single distillery, blended Scotch can be made with whisky sourced from more than one distillery, blended together. These blends are common in Scotland, often combining liquid from different regions with the goal of creating a consistent spirit with a specific flavor profile.
Blended-malt Scotch is a blend of malt whiskies from different distilleries and is made with malted barley only. By comparison, grain Scotch whisky—distillate made from other grains, such as corn and/or wheat—can be used in blended Scotch whisky (a blend of grain and malt whiskies) and blended-grain Scotch whisky (a blend of single-grain whiskies and no malt whisky that isn’t very common).
Of note, there are far more blended Scotches on the market than single malts, adds Bowmore’s Neil. While this may lead to the misperception that single malts are scarcer—or even superior—that is not necessarily so. Don’t dismiss blends, he says, as many are “skillful and precise.”
What’s the Best Way to Drink Scotch?
Most single-malt Scotches are served neat, on the rocks or with a splash of water. Blended Scotch can be sipped as well, although a number of cocktails call for blended Scotch, such as the Penicillin—made using two types of Scotch, one mellow and one peated—the Rob Roy and the Rusty Nail. Whether you’re looking for a Scocth to drink straight-up or in a mixed drink, we’ve got you covered with our hand-picked selections below.
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Best Single-Malt Scotch Under $100 (and above $50)
Benriach The Twelve Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
What’s in the bottle is a 12-year-old single malt aged in a combination of Sherry, bourbon and Port barrels. Expect a tawny hue and almond and fresh red apple aromas. The palate opens brisk and bold, showing caramel and baked apple flavors. A splash of water brings out mocha tones alongside cinnamon and ginger. Overall, this is a lightly sweet sipper, warming and delicious. 96 Points — K.N.
Best Single-Malt Scotch Under $50
Glen Grant 12 Scotch
This burnished gold whiskey shows apple and pear drizzled with butterscotch on the nose and palate, plus campfire smoke and gingerbread spice on the exceedingly long exit. A splash of water tames the heat and transforms the oak into vanilla and buttery brioche. Best Buy. 97 Points — K.N.
Best Splurge Single-Malt Scotch
The Macallan Double Cask 18 Years Old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Assertive caramel and toffee aromas lead the nose. On the palate, vanilla and creamy caramel are enlivened by a hint of orange peel. Adding water creates an even bigger and richer effect, bringing more caramel center stage, finishing long with a sprinkle of cinnamon and cocoa powder. This easy sipper is a 18-year-old single malt rested in ex-Sherry casks. 95 Points — K.N.
Best Grain Scotch
Compass Box Great King Street Artist’s Blend Scotch
Part of the Great King Street series, this is a sweetie of a blended Scotch. The first feather-light sips open with vanilla custard, orchard fruit and coconut cream, rounding into enticing red fruit on the finish. A splash of water unlocks more red fruit, along with tinges of butterscotch, oak and spice. Best Buy. 97 Points — K.N.
Best Non-Age-Statement Single-Malt Scotch
Old Pulteney Huddart Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Sea air, toasted almond and subtle peat smoke mark the nose of this single malt. The palate opens assertively smoky and savory, mixing bacon and mesquite with almond, honey and spice. This was aged in ex-bourbon casks and finished in casks that previously held peated whisky. 94 Points — K.N.
Best Islay Scotch
Ardbeg Anthology: The Harpy’s Tale
The latest release in the Anthology series is a 13-year-old Islay single malt fully matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and Sauternes casks. The result is a burnished gold hue and aromas of peat smoke and iodine that mingle with almond. The palate opens with chewy almond-nougat notes, plus toothsome vanilla bean. What starts as a modest amount of peat smoke turns to billowing embers with repeated sips: think vanilla-cream pie sitting in a smokehouse. New release August 2023. 93 Points — K.N.
Best Single-Estate Scotch
Glenmorangie The Cadboll Estate 15 Years Old
It would be simplistic to say this single malt Scotch is a dead ringer for a bowl of Honey -Nut Cheerios. So we’ll deconstruct: dried apricot and almond aromas lead into a lively palate showing honey and toasted grain, along with hints of caramelized pineapple and toasted coconut. A splash of water draws out a puff of smoke into the long, rounded finish. Made with barley grown on Glenmorangie’s Cadboll Estate, and zero Cheerios. Third batch of limited-edition Cadboll Estate series. 2023 Edition. 95 Points — K.N.
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