What is the Best Single Malt Scotch?

Single-malt scotch whisky is made from a mash bill of purely malted barley from only one distillery and aged for a minimum of three years. Only a few distilleries in Scotland bottle single-malt scotch. Most single-malt scotch is used to make blended whisky. Below, you will find information that can help you decide which single-malt scotch to get if you haven’t tried one yet. 

Aberlour A’Bunadh Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The A’Bunadh in Aberlour A’Bunadh Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky means “the original” in Gaelic. The distillery’s founder, who produces it, strongly believes in traditional distillation methods. The old way of distilling this single-malt scotch is what gives it its creamy flavor. It has notes of oak, cocoa, and orange and is only available in limited quantities.

Ardbeg Uigeadail

Ardbeg Uigeadail is a smoky whisky from Islay. Its sweet notes and sweet dried fruit notes are due to the use of sherry casks to age it. 

Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky AnCnoc Cutter

 The name Cutter in AnCnoc Cutter Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky points to this whisky’s smoky nose and flavor. It has a smoky medium-bodied flavor balanced by notes of citrus, ripe peach, spice, and vanilla.

Glenmorangie Signet 

Glenmorangie Signet is made with two different kinds of malted barley. The first kind comes from the Glenmorangie estate, and the second kind is roasted in chocolate. It has a rich, layered taste with notes of dried fruit, candied citrus peel, and chocolate. Given its superb taste, it is surprisingly affordable. 

The Balvenie DoubleWood 12-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Balvenie distillery, founded in 1892, was one of the first distilleries to use wood in the finishing process. The Doublewood 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is aged in ex-bourbon casks and finished in new sherry casks, resulting in many layers of flavors in the whisky. The bourbon barrel gives it its toast, vanilla, caramel, and marshmallow notes. On the other hand, the sherry casks give it its fruity flavors of peach, honey, and prunes. 

Oban

Oban is a distillery found in a growing seaside community in Scotland. It is distinct when compared to the whisky from West Highland. The two differences are that it’s lightly peated and undergoes a long fermentation process. Since it is made beside the sea, it is no surprise that it has a hint of sea salt. Overall, it is a whisky that is creamy and fruity in taste with a hint of smoke. 

Bowmore 25-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Bowmore 25-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky has a lemon flavor with hints of orange, pecan, and hazelnut. Its finish has hints of smoke and chocolate. 

Talisker

Talisker is a classic West Highland whisky. It has a smoky and fruity flavor, with hints of cooked cereal and tangy salt. On the nose, it has a pepper note that is unique to Talisker whisky. 

Bunnahabhain 25-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

On its nose, it has hints of date, toffee, dried fig, and fruitcake. On the palate, it has flavors of flan, almond paste, ginger spice, and chocolate-covered orange peel. 

The Glenlivet Nadurra Peated Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Glenlivet Nadurra Peated Single Malt Scotch Whisky uses the original method of drying the malted barley using peat. It has citrus and vanilla flavors with a hint of smoke. 

What is the best selling single malt scotch?

Glenfiddich

Buoyed by his sheer self-determination, William Grant left his post as manager of a distillery in 1886 to put up Glenfiddich. By the 1960s, Glenfiddich had more than a million cases of whisky sold worldwide. Today, they have age-stated whiskies and a few that are released in limited batches. 

The Glenlivet 

Glenlivet only sold about 700 cases per year in the 1950s. In 2017, they sold almost one million cases for four consecutive years, with forty percent of their sales coming from the United States. 

Macallan

When it comes to rare whiskies, Macallan is considered to be the most luxurious and most prized. If the sales were based solely on price and not quantity, Macallan would be at the top of the list. 

Singleton

Diageo, the company that founded Singleton, wanted to compete with Glenfiddich and The Glenlivet. To do this, he brought under one brand three malt distilleries worldwide: Glen Ord, Dufftown, and Glendullan. 

Glenmorangie

Glenmorangie has been making single-malt scotch whisky since the Victorian era. Today, it is one of the reasons why single malt has become popular. Many of its famous single malt whiskies are light and fruity in flavor. 

Balvenie

David Stewart, MBE, has been at the helm of Balvenie since the 1970s. He was one of the first to explore “finishing” in the whisky-making process. 

Aberlour

James Fleming founded the distillery that makes Aberlour in 1879. It has been in Europe’s top ten best-selling single-malt lists since the 1980s. The way it is aged in ex-sherry casks gave it immense popularity in Europe, especially in France. 

What is the best highland single malt scotch?

Highland Harvest Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Highland Harvest Single Malt Scotch Whisky is light gold in color and offers a unique blend of spicy and herbal flavors in a light to medium body. 

Old Pulteney 15-Year-Old North Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky 

Dark gold in color, Old Pulteney 15-Year-Old North Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky 

has flavors of honey, white peach, golden biscuit, and salted pretzel in a light to medium body. It has a medium-to-long finish with hints of star anise, marmalade, ginger tea, and lemongrass. 

Glencadam The “Rather Delicate” 10-Year Highland Single Malt 

Glencadam is light gold in color. The “Rather Delicate” 10-Year Highland Single Malt is a rich whisky that has fruity flavors. Drinking it will surely give you a warm and cozy feeling. On its nose, it has hints of licorice, tropical fruit, and nut brittle. It finishes off with notes of honey, apricot, and spiced apple chutney. 

Glencadam The “Rather Dignified” 15-Year Highland Single Malt

Glencadam The “Rather Dignified” 15-Year Highland Single Malt is a drink packed with many fruity flavors. It has a medium to full body and a warm, long finish with hints of lemon curd, a clove finish, and tropical tea. 

Highland Harvest Sauternes Barrel-Aged Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Light amber in color, Highland Harvest Sauternes Barrel-Aged Single Malt Scotch Whisky has notes of olives, lavender, lemongrass, dried apples, and sandalwood. It has a medium body and a medium-to-long finish with hints of toasted almonds, gingerbread, and orange marmalade. 

What is the best single malt scotch under 100?

GlenDronach 15 Year The Revival Single Malt Scotch Whisky

GlenDronach 15 Year The Revival Single Malt Scotch Whisky was discontinued due to rising demand because no barrel was available for production. Thankfully, the barrels have caught up, and this single-malt scotch whisky is available again. It is aged in two kinds of sherry casks. It is slightly nutty and has flavors of dried cherries, butterscotch, and candied orange peel. 

Lagavulin 16-Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Lagavulin 16-Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky is Lagavulin’s flagship drink. A peat-smoked whisky, it has a strong flavor with notes of vanilla beans, butterscotch, dried fruits, and candied orange peel. It finished with notes of spices, fruits, and peat smoke. 

Glenfiddich 15-Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Glenfiddich is one of the most famous brands when it comes to single-malt scotch whisky. Its 15-year single-malt Scotch whisky is one rich malt that comes surprisingly cheap at under $100. It has notes of oak, vanilla beans, dried fruit, winter spices, and sherry sweetness. 

The Macallan 12-Year Sherry Oak Single Malt Scotch Whisky

While Macallan is highly known for its ultra-rare and expensive whiskies, it is surprising that its 12-Year Sherry Oak Single Malt Scotch Whisky is affordable. Aged in sherry oaks, this whisky has a sublime flavor with notes of oak, butterscotch, vanilla beans, and sherry sweetness. It is perfect to drink on a cold night. 

Caol Ila 12-Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Caol Ila 12 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky is ideal if you haven’t tried smoky whisky yet. It has the perfect balance between sweetness and smokiness. It has notes of mint, tobacco, dried fruit, and dried orange peel. 

Glenmorangie Nectar D’or Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Aged in ex-bourbon casks and finished in Sauternes wine casks, Glenmorangie Nectar D’or Single Malt Scotch Whisky has flavors of sugar cookies, butterscotch, vanilla beans, and dried cherries. Its finish has a hint of winter spices. 

The Balvenie 14-Year Caribbean Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky

If you ask a bartender or a whiskey lover about their favorite single-malt scotch, chances are they will say it is the Balvenie 14-Year Caribbean Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky. It is finished in casks previously used for Caribbean rum, which lend it its fruity and sweet flavors. 

Ardbeg Uigeadail Single Malt Scotch Whisky

When it comes to peated whisky, Ardbeg is one of the most famous brands. It has a smoky, sweet flavor with hints of vanilla, honey, sherry, and tobacco. 

Aberlour A’bunadh Single Malt Scotch Whisky

If you could only buy one of the best single malt scotch whiskies, Aberlour A’bunadh Single Malt Scotch Whisky should be it. Aged in oloroso sherry casks, it has notes of vanilla beans, fresh ginger, dried fruits, sweet sherry, and candied orange peel with just the right amount of spiciness to hold it all together. It is a strong, high-proof drink that deserves to be in your home bar. 

What is the best affordable single malt scotch?

Glen Moray Classic

Even though it was aged for seven years, Glen Moray Classic is still considered an entry-level scotch. It is perfect for beginners as it has high drinkability with a hint of honey. 

Glen Grant The Major’s Reserve

Glen Grant The Major’s Reserve is perfect for you if you haven’t tried single-malt scotch. It has a smooth and rich taste with a fruity flavor. 

Speyburn Bradan Orach 

Speyburn Bradan Orach is one of the cheapest single-malt Scotch whiskies. It has a sweet pineapple flavor with a smooth finish. 

Glen Moray 10 Year Old 

The complex taste of Glen Moray 10 Year Old comes from its having been aged in Chardonnay casks. 

Ileach Peaty

For those who want to try smoky single-malt scotch whisky, the Ileach Peaty is a perfect choice. 

What is the best glass for single malt scotch?

Any glass labeled “whiskey glass” would be perfect for drinking scotch. Some of the best scotch glasses are listed below. 

Marquis by Waterford Markham Double Old Fashioned (Set of 4)

Waterford’s Marquis line is an affordable crystal glass line. The Markham Double Old Fashioned has a classic design that will look good in your home bar while not breaking the bank. 

Glencairn Whisky Glasses (Set of 2)

Glencairn whisky glasses are the perfect scotch glass because of the tulip design of their mouth, which allows for easy nosing of a scotch. 

Luigi Bormioli Diamante Double Old Fashioned Glasses (Set of 4)

Diamante Double Old Fashioned glasses have just the right amount of pattern to show off the whisky inside. It also features a classic and updated tumbler design. 

Ralph Lauren Stirling Double Old Fashioned Glass (Set of 2)

Ralph Lauren is known for making classic items for the home, and this double old-fashioned glass is a great example. 

Norlan Glass Rauk Heavy Whiskey Tumbler

If you like to drink your scotch with ice or whisky stones, then this Norlan glass would be perfect. It comes in a very classic and elegant design. 

Studio Arhoj Kingyo Glass

If you want a unique and eye-catching glass to drink your scotch from, look no further than Studio Arhoj Kingyo Glass. Its design is based on the colors of the Japanese Kingyo goldfish. 

SGHR Sugahara Nozomi Old Fashioned Glass

The SGHR Sugahara Nozomi Old Fashioned Glass has a remarkable falling design. You will impress your guests when you serve them scotch in this glass. 

Xaquixe Tumbler S (Set of 2)

The Xaquixe Tumbler S is a fun take on the whisky glass with its low height and whimsical design. They are perfect to use during a guy’s night out. 

Zwiesel Glas Tritan Pure Small Whiskey Glass (Set of 6)

Zwiesel Glas The Tritan Pure Small Whiskey Glass is perfect whether you’re having a game night with friends or hosting a dinner party. It has a classic design that can suit any event at home. 

Culver Black and Gold 1970s Glassware (Set of 4)

Rare whiskies are best served in Culver Black and Gold 1970s Glassware. 

Peugeot Whiskey Tasting Set

If you want the full experience of drinking scotch whisky, you can do that with the Peugeot whisky tasting set. It is designed to allow you to taste the hints and subtle flavors of scotch. 

What is the best way to drink single-malt scotch?

Many scotch whisky aficionados will agree that the best way to drink single-malt scotch is to drink it neat. While that is true, adding a few drops of water to your scotch will allow its other flavors to come out. You cannot just use any kind of water. It has to be spring water. It would be safe to add about twenty percent of spring water to your scotch to appreciate the subtle flavors that are in it. Adding mixers is a huge no-no. Mixers like sodas and ginger ales will just make the scotch taste different. 

Which is the best single, double, or triple malt scotch?

The answer lies in the drinker’s taste preferences. Single-malt scotch tends to have a gentle, fruity taste with a dry finish. Double malt has a stronger taste, more flavors, and a lingering finish. 

Conclusion

Single-malt scotch is gaining popularity in the whisky community. It usually has a fruity flavor. If you haven’t tried one, there are affordable options. The best way to drink it is to drink it neat from a whisky glass or with a few drops of water.