When we picture Scotch whisky, we imagine someone sitting in their study on an enormous leather armchair reading from the first edition of a Charles Dickens book. Or maybe a Robert Louis Stevenson book. Whatever, the point is that Scotch whispers “class.”
But this peaty spirit can really be for anyone who happens to like a smokier finish to a sweet one. (For that, we recommend bourbon.)
To rank the best Scotch brands and bottles, we spoke with Kim Ohanneson, President of Women Who Whiskey Los Angeles, founder of Ardent Spirits L.A., and curator of Highlands & Islands Distillery Tours. We also chatted with the expert team over at Frootbat, an online whiskey, wine, and liquor marketplace that specializes in rare and vintage bottles.
These spirit experts showed us to the best of the best. For the worst, we headed to where else: Reddit.
From Glenfiddich to Glenlivet, we’ve ranked some of the best and worst bottles of Scotch. Of course, we imagine you’ll have something to say about this in the comments.
What Is Scotch Whisky?
First off, you may notice that we spell Scotch whisky without an “e” before the “y.” Before you go sending us emails about typos, Scotch whisky is always spelled without the “e.” If there’s an “e” in your whiskey, you’re not drinking Scotch.
Now that our spelling lesson is over, let’s get into the fun part: drinking! When you drink scotch, the first thing you’ll likely notice is that it’s smokier than other whiskeys, such as bourbon, which is usually sweeter. So, how does scotch get its smoky flavor? No, no one burned the scotch. It’s supposed to be that way. (That said, not all Scotches are smoky.)
How is Scotch Made?
The taste comes from the malting process, not to be confused with malted milk balls because, as we said, you won’t find sweetness here. Scotch is made from malted barley that’s exposed to and absorbs smoke.
The distillation process for Scotch typically occurs in copper pot stills. It’s then aged in oak casks. While bourbon is aged in new bourbon barrels, this is usually aged in used oak barrels.
For a liquor to be Scotch it must be:
- Produced in Scotland.
- Aged in Scotland for at least three years in oak barrels not larger than 700 liters.
- Be made of only water and malted barley. The inclusion of cereal grains are optional.
- Contain no additives other than water and caramel coloring.
- Retain the characteristics of its raw materials and production, and maturation methods (in other words, smell and taste like whisky).
- Distilled at no more than 94.8% ABV.
- Bottled at at least 80 proof (or 40% ABV).
Types of Scotch
There are two main types of Scotch: single malt and single grain. You’d probably think, “Oh, single grain. That means there’s one grain.” Yes, that’s logical, but wrong. Single malt Scotch is made from whiskies produced at a single distillery using pot stills and only water and barley. Single grain Scotch may contain other whole grains from malted or unmalted cereals such as wheat or rye. They’re also made in column stills.
You may also come across blended Scotch whisky. Officially, that means that it’s a combination of at least one single malt Scotch whiskies and at least one single grain Scotches. Before 2009, however, this could mean it was just a blend of different whiskies. So, if you find a you’ve got an older bottle in your cabinet.
16 Scotch Brands Ranked From Worst to Best
16. Passport Scotch
Scotch enthusiasts have a lot to say about Passport Scotch, and let’s just say it’s not complimentary. As one Reddit review says about this “alcohol-flavored water” with the scent of “lemon-lime Pinesol,” the finish of this blended whisky is best compared to “bile coming back up after you puke.” Mmmm.
Available on Drizly
15. Clan MacGregor Blended Scotch
Have you ever worked up a sweat at the gym and thought, “I should really bottle this!” Well, according to one Reddit reviewer, Clan MacGregor has already done it for you.
Available on Drizly
14. Dewar’s White Label Blended Scotch Whisky
Dewar’s is a popular choice for people who want to drink and also don’t want to break the bank. But there are more budget-friendly options that don’t taste like, as one Reddit reviewer put it, “regret.” And if the taste doesn’t turn you off, the “disinfectant” smell might. Unless, of course, you love the smell of your freshly cleaned bathroom.
Available on Drizly
13. McClelland’s Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
If you believe the Internet, when you drink this Scotch, you’ll be asking, “Who aged Scotch alongside my old sweat socks?” According to this Reddit reviewer, there’s a lasting vanilla sweetness, but the flavor mostly disappears as soon as you taste it.
Available on Drizly
12. Bowmore 12-Year-Old Single Malt Single Malt Scotch
According to the expert whisky connoisseurs over at Frootbat, this medium-peated Islay Scotch is heavy on the smoke, as well as the scent and taste of a coastal sea spray. You’ll also find hints of citrus and vanilla. We’ll be packing this one for our next tropical vacation.
Available on Frootbat
11. Highland Park 18-Year-Old Viking Pride Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Drink like a Viking with Highland Park’s Viking Pride. Well, actually, Vikings drank beer and mead, but semantics. According to Ohanneson, this Scotch features hints of honey and fruit in the nose and the taste of bittersweet coffee, caramel, and cherry. With a lastingly sweet finish, it’s a delight to the senses.
Available at Total Wine
10. Glenmorangie The Nectar D’Òr Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Nectar D’Òr basically means “golden nectar.” And this Scotch is indeed filled with riches. At least it us until we fish our gold ring back out.
But the Highland Scotch also got a citrus scent alongside notes of ginger and vanilla, Ohanneson says this tastes like a scrumptious lemon tart with surprise notes of white chocolate and oak and the end.
Available at Total Wine
9. Glenfiddich 15-Year-Old Solera Reserve Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Have you ever eaten or drunk something that just tastes like Christmas? Thankfully, the Solera Reserve from Glenfiddich doesn’t remind Ohanneson of the dreaded fruit cake. But with the scent of baking spices and the taste of a cinnamon apple pie topped with berries, this Scotch is making us hungry.
Available on Drizly
8. Lagavulin 16-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch
Sugar, spice, and everything nice is at the center of Lagavulin’s 16-Year Single Malt. According to the Frootbat team, “mountains of smoke and spice” are inside this single malt. We’re ready to begin training, like, yesterday.
Available on Frootbat
7. Johnnie Walker Blue Label Blended Scotch Whisky
The Blue Label from Johnnie Walker is perfect for those looking for a little less smoke and a little more sweetness. This Scotch will draw you in with notes of apricot, vanilla, and honey. But after the first sip, you’ll find cinnamon and pepper hiding under the surface. It’s subtly spicy, like your quiet friend’s hot takes.
Available on Frootbat
6. The Balvenie Triple Cask 12-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch
You know what’s nutty? This whisky! Or at least the aroma is. Balvenie Triple Cask starts out sweet and turns bitter, “almost going from hot chocolate to a strong dark chocolate,” according to the Frootbat team. Or from adolescence to your 30s.
Available on Frootbat
5. Laphroaig Quarter Cask Islay Single Malt Scotch
Ever wanted to escape society and live on a deserted island? Well, you probably can’t, but this will make you feel like you’re already there. According to Ohanneson, it tastes like coconut and sarsaparilla with a spicy kick and a lingering sea spray finish.
Available on Drizly
4. The Macallan Sherry Oak 18-Year-Old Scotch
The Macallan ages their Sherry Oak Scotch exclusively in sherry oak casks. So, it’s no wonder why the Frootbat team says this whisky is “swimming in sherry.” In addition to sherry, you’ll also find notes of spiced fruit and oak. And us in our bikini.
Available on Frootbat
3. Glenlivet 18-Year-Old Scotch
If the Glenfiddich Solera Reserve is Christmas, then the Glenlivet 18-Year-Old is Thanksgiving. Ohanneson says this single-malt Scotch has the nose of a “soft orchard bouquet” with the taste of baking spices, honey, and tropical fruit. Take a sip every time your uncle tries to goad you into a political argument.
Available on Drizly
2. Glenfarclas 17-Year-Old Highland Single Malt Scotch
According to Ohanneson, the Glenfarclas 17-Year Old is reminiscent of “Christmas gingerbread with vanilla icing enjoyed in an old library.” Specifically the one in Beauty and the Beast.
Available on Drizly
1. Springbank 15-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch
This full-bodied Scotch will keep you toasty on cold winter nights. According to the Frootbat team, the Springbank 15-Year-Old is fruit-forward with a dash of cinnamon and oak, giving it a rich and warm flavor. If you need us, we’ll be bundled up on the couch, hibernating with a glass of this for the next four months.
Available on Frootbat
She's also a published short story author who has appeared in anthologies like A Murder of Storytellers and the Abstract Elephant. Jacqueline challenges herself to learn one new skill per year, so you can often find her struggling to master crocheting, knitting, and embroidery when she's not writing.
Connect with her on her website or LinkedIn.
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Great article!
“Blended malt scotch whisky” is just as the name suggests. It’s a blend of single malt scotch whiskies. It has NO grain whisky. “Blended scotch whisky” is what I believe you meant to write, which is a blend of single malt and grain whiskies.
I want this article in Morgan Freeman voice. On a rainy Sunday afternoon after stew beef meal.
List shall be opened by Red Johny Walker. Next 10 places also…
Old smuggler was left out. Highest selling scotch in the world.
I am surprised Glenifidich 18 -single malt was not listed
You omitted the number one seller inn Scotland: Famous Grousse.