Scotch whiskey is a type of whiskey that is exclusively made in Scotland. It is one of the most popular alcoholic beverages in the world and is known for its distinct flavor and aroma. Scotch whiskey is made from malted barley, water, and yeast, and is aged in oak barrels for a minimum of three years. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the world of Scotch whiskey and explore the best Scotch whiskey available on the market.
What is Scotch Whiskey?
Scotch whiskey, also known as just “Scotch,” is a type of whiskey that is exclusively made in Scotland. The term “whiskey” comes from the Gaelic word “uisge beatha,” which means “water of life.” Scotch whiskey is made from malted barley, water, and yeast, and is aged in oak barrels for a minimum of three years.
History of Scotch Whiskey
Scotch whiskey has a long and rich history that dates back to the 15th century. The first written record of whiskey production in Scotland dates back to 1494, when Friar John Cor of Lindores Abbey was granted permission to produce whiskey for the King of Scotland. Over the centuries, Scotch whiskey became more and more popular, and by the 19th century, it was being exported all over the world.
How is Scotch Whiskey Made?
Scotch whiskey is made from malted barley, water, and yeast. The process begins with malting, where barley is steeped in water until it begins to sprout. The sprouted barley is then dried in a kiln, which stops the germination process and imparts a smoky flavor to the grain.
The dried barley is then ground into a fine powder called “grist” and mixed with hot water to create a mash. Yeast is then added to the mash, and the mixture is left to ferment for several days. The resulting liquid is then distilled twice in copper stills to produce a clear, high-proof spirit.
The spirit is then aged in oak barrels for a minimum of three years. During the aging process, the whiskey takes on the flavor and aroma of the oak barrels, which can impart notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice.
Types of Scotch Whiskey
There are three main types of Scotch whiskey: single malt Scotch whiskey, blended malt Scotch whiskey, and blended Scotch whiskey.
Single Malt Scotch Whiskey
Single malt Scotch whiskey is made from 100% malted barley and is produced by a single distillery. It is aged in oak barrels for a minimum of three years and is known for its complex flavor and aroma.
Blended Malt Scotch Whiskey
Blended Scotch whiskey is made by blending together two or more single malt Scotch whiskies with grain whiskey. It is the most common type of Scotch whiskey and is known for its smoothness and consistency.
What Makes a Scotch Whiskey Best?
The taste of Scotch whiskey can vary greatly depending on several factors, such as the type of grain used, the type of barrel used for aging, and the length of time the whiskey is aged. However, there are several key characteristics that are common among the best Scotch whiskey brands:
Complex Flavor Profile: The best Scotch whiskey should have a complex flavor profile with a balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy notes.
Smoothness: A good Scotch whiskey should be smooth on the palate, with a pleasant mouthfeel and no harshness or bitterness.
Aroma: The aroma of a good Scotch whiskey should be inviting and should give a hint of what to expect from the flavor.
Age: While not always an indicator of quality, the best Scotch whiskey brands are usually aged for a minimum of 12 years, which allows the flavors to develop and mature.
Top 10 Best Scotch Whiskey Brands
The Macallan
This Speyside distillery is known for its rich, complex flavor profile and is one of the most popular Scotch whiskey brands in the world.
Macallan 12 Year Old Sherry Oak Cask Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
The Macallan Sherry Oak 12 Years Old is an iconic single malt Scotch whisky born of The Macallan’s unrivalled commitment to the mastery of wood and spirit. Twelve years maturation in Oloroso Sherry-seasoned oak casks delivers a beautifully aged and exquisitely complex single malt, with notes of dried fruits and rich vanilla complemented by hints of warm oak spice.
Macallan The Harmony Collection – 2022 Intense Arabica Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
The second edition in our limited annual release series, this special single malt exudes flavours of sweet oak, tiramisu and dark chocolate, and provides a delightful whisky and coffee pairing experience.
Macallan 18 Year Old Double Cask Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
The Macallan Double Cask 18 Years Old, a perfectly balanced single malt whisky matured for 18 years in both American and European sherry seasoned oak casks. Sherry seasoned American oak adds delicate vanilla to the subtle spice of European oak, delivering a whisky with a sweeter, warmer taste and character.
Macallan 15 Year Old Double Cask Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
The first ever Double Cask 15 Year Old is the perfect marriage of classic Macallan style and unmistakable sweetness of American Oak aged in hand crafted Sherry Seasoned European and American Oak. The oak casks make the greatest contribution to quality, natural color, & flavor.
Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak Cask Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
A meticulous distilling process and insistence on only the finest ingredients ensure that every sip of The Macallan Sherry Oak 18 Years Old exhibits unparalleled depth and complexity. Decadent with aromas of ginger, and cinnamon, flavors of clove, orange, and mature oak, and a warm, lingering finish.
Lagavulin
This Islay distillery is known for its smoky, peaty flavor and is a favorite among whiskey enthusiasts.
Lagavulin Distiller’s Edition Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Full, rich body. Sweet and luscious on the palate, with clear, grassy malt and peat flavors. Finishes incredibly long, with fruit, peat, and pepper notes and an appetizing sweetness.
Lagavulin 11 Year Old Offerman Edition 2022 Release Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
A popular new release in recent years is back in 2022 with a new iteration: Lagavulin Offerman Edition: Charred Oak Cask Aged 11 Years. This continues the collaboration between the Islay distillery and actor Nick Offerman, best known for his role as Ron Swanson on NBC’s Parks & Recreation. Once again, the bottle bears his likeness. On the nose is peat, the company reports, plus chocolate with some red berry notes and bit of creaminess. The palate brings more of the brand’s trademark peatiness, along with wood, spice, cocoa and sweet berry notes.
Lagavulin 8 Year Old Valinch & Mallet Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky
malty and floral initially, it then opens to a iodine marine peatiness with some white pepper and herbal notes in the end. Palate: spicy, white pepper, yellow fruits and then peaty and marine, with a saltiness emerging right after. Earthy and floral notes then. Finish: long, earthy and peaty with a some maltiness emerging counterbalancing the peat.
Lagavulin 16 Year Old Islay Single Malt Whisky
A gorgeous amber color. Aromas are smoky and consist of some spring flower. On the palate sweet, and finishes darkly with smoky pears.
Laphroaig
Another Islay distillery, Laphroaig is known for its bold, smoky flavor and is a favorite among those who prefer a more intense taste.
Laphroaig Quarter Cask Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Because the second maturation takes place in smaller, quarter-sized casks, the spirit has more contact with wood. This lends hints of coconut, banana and vanilla to the instantly recognizable Laphroaig flavor of smoky peat complemented by a surprising sweetness. It should be enjoyed alone, over ice or with a splash of water to fully pay tribute to the unique flavor.
Laphroaig 10 Year Old Batch 015 Original Cask Strength Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Laphroaig whisky is matured in seasoned oak barrels, which are charred before filling to impart a slight sweet vanilla nuttiness. Laphroaig 10 year Cask Strength is barrier-filtered, only just, to remove the small char particles. this is the natural condition of a peated whisky of such uncompromising purity. Adding a little water releases a rich aroma of peat smoke with some sweetness and strong hints of the sea. Emphatic, full bodied and utterly unforgettable – we like to think it’s the purists’ choice.
Laphroaig 10 Year Old Sherry Oak Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Aged for ten years and finished in sherry casks, this unique Laphroaig expression combines the unforgettable flavor of our classic 10 year old whisky with the sweetness and complexity of Oloroso. Notes of Manuka honey, grilled bacon and maple syrup meet the classic peat smoke and seaweed that Laphroaig is famous for.
2013 Laphroaig 9 Year Old Single Malts Of Scotland Single Hogshead Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Earthy and sweet. Pine resin is joined by sticky BBQ sauce. Sea spray and cooling mint leaves cut through the richness. Palate: Complex. Embers from a BBQ fire are layered with robust, tarry notes. Licorice and dark chocolate provide a luscious, earthy combination with the comforting flavors of black tea, lemon, and honey. Finish: Fire dissipates to leave white pepper and a depth of flavor from umami and eucalyptus.
Laphroaig 32 year old Islay Single Malt Whisky
Islay distillery Laphroaig has served up a rare and exclusive experience with this 32 year old single malt scotch whisky. It is rounded and smooth owing to having been aged in ex-Oloroso casks. Seamless from mouth to nose: the beach fire with dry wood and dry branches still patters. A fine, but nevertheless intense peat smoke note lays on the tongue, mixes with cocoa and coffee beans. Vanilla pods and cherries lend sweetness. Salt, some (cayenne) pepper and rosemary give seasoning. Now also phenolic, medically. Menthol makes for a cool breeze after a while.
Glenlivet
This Speyside distillery is known for its smooth, fruity flavor and is one of the most popular single malt Scotch whiskey brands.
Glenlivet 14 Year Old Cognac Cask Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
The Glenlivet 14YO is no ordinary single malt. Aged for 14 years, this groundbreaking whisky is matured in bourbon and sherry casks before being finished in the highest quality ex-cognac casks for at least 6 months. This finish brings a uniquely rich and intense flavor to the iconic fruity and floral style of The Glenlivet. Taste: Succulent flavors of mandarins in syrup, ripe poached pears and chocolate-dipped raisins.
Glenlivet Scotch 21 Year Old Archive Single Malt Whisky
Amber color with sparkling copper shades. An opulent, mature nose with a sherry influence. An intricate array of wood and fruit: Christmas cake, sultanas, maraschino cherry. Water enlightens the fruity bouquet and brings out vanilla and lighter notes of ripe peaches. Pear and marzipan pie. Luscious barley sugar aromas. This full-bodied whisky is unctuous and mouth coating, almost syrupy. Oak holds the reins back, releasing a drying spiciness of cinnamon, ginger, walnut and dark chocolate. The finish is everlasting and warming with lingering presence of toasted hazelnuts and a full layer of liquorice.
Talisker
This Island distillery is known for its salty, spicy flavor and is a favorite among those who prefer a more robust taste.
Talisker Distiller’s Edition Isle of Skye Single Malt Scotch Whisky
A great whisky with a nose having balanced peat smoke and sea salt. Wonderful palate with dried fruits, incredible smokiness and peppers. Just a pleasure to have! This special distiller’s edition is aged for ten years as well, and finished in Amoroso sherry casks.
Highland Park
This Island distillery is known for its complex, balanced flavor and is one of the oldest Scotch whiskey distilleries in Scotland.
Ardbeg
This Islay distillery is known for its intense, smoky flavor and is a favorite among those who enjoy a more robust taste.
Balvenie
This Speyside distillery is known for its sweet, honeyed flavor and is a favorite among those who prefer a more subtle taste.
Springbank
This Campbeltown distillery is known for its rich, full-bodied flavor and is one of the few distilleries that still does everything by hand.
Bowmore
This Islay distillery is known for its smoky, peaty flavor and is one of the oldest Scotch whiskey distilleries in Scotland.
How to Drink Scotch Whiskey?
Drinking Scotch whiskey is a personal preference, but there are a few general tips that can help you enjoy the drink to the fullest:
Choose the right glass: A tulip-shaped glass is ideal for enjoying Scotch whiskey, as it allows you to fully appreciate the aroma and flavor.
Add water: Adding a few drops of water to your Scotch whiskey can help to open up the flavors and aromas, but be careful not to dilute the drink too much.
Sip slowly: Take small sips and savor the flavor of the whiskey, allowing it to linger on your palate.
Serve at the right temperature: Scotch whiskey should be served at room temperature or slightly chilled, as serving it too cold can dull the flavors.
Conclusion
Scotch whiskey is a complex and fascinating beverage with a rich history and tradition. From the peaty, smoky flavors of Islay to the fruity and floral notes of Speyside, there is a Scotch whiskey out there to suit every taste.
When looking for the best Scotch whiskey, it’s important to consider the complex flavor profile, smoothness, aroma, and age of the whiskey. With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start, but by exploring some of the top Scotch whiskey brands, you can begin to discover your personal favorites.
Remember to savor your Scotch whiskey slowly and appreciate its unique flavor and aroma. Whether you prefer your Scotch whiskey neat or with a few drops of water, there is no right or wrong way to enjoy this beloved spirit.