21 Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky Brands With Region & Flavor

The art of whisky-making was introduced in Scotland by Irish monks who settled in western Scotland on religious missions. The Scots developed taste for the drink and soon became very popular.

The fermented mash of grain was distilled and the end product was a raw and harsh drink, called uisge beatha in Scotland and uisgebaugh in Ireland. Later, the uisge became whisky.

There are 4 main types of scotch whisky. But today will discuss the 21 Best single malt scotch whisky brands.

1. Glenfiddich

“Glenfiddich” a single malt whisky

Glenfiddich is the world’s best-selling single-malt whisky, it is a Speyside single malt Scotch whisky brand produced by William Grant & Sons in the Scottish burgh of Dufftown in Moray.

Glenfiddich is matured in many different casks, such as:

Rum casks: from the Caribbean
Bourbon whiskey barrels: from America
Sherry butts: from Jerez de la Frontera in Spain

The core range of Glenfiddich

Glenfiddich 12-year-old
Glenfiddich 15-year-old
Glenfiddich 18-year-old
Glenfiddich 21-year-old

Flavor: Pear, Vanilla, Spice

Region: Speyside, Scotland

2. Glen Garioch

“Glen Garioch” a single malt scotch whisky

Glen Garioch is one of the oldest operating distilleries in Scotland, ithas been making its mighty malt in the quaint and historic market town of Oldmeldrum, near Aberdeen in North East Scotland, ever since 1797.

Glen Garioch’s non-chill filtered Founder’s Reserve and 12 Years Old are the perfect accompaniment to cheese.

Flavor: Fruity, vanilla
Region: Highland

Also Read: 4 main types of scotch whisky with brands name

3. Highland park

“Highland Park” a single malt scotch whisky

Highland Park is one of the most remote Scotch whisky distilleries in the world. Highland Park was a respectable business, and today it continues to produce outstanding single malt whiskies crafted in the traditional way, twenty years later.

The core range of Highland park

Highland Park 12 years old
Highland Park 18 years old
Highland Park 30 years old

Region: Island

Flavor: creamy Manuka honey and a touch of juicy citrus with cream and a well-balanced sweetness.

4. Bowmore

“Bowmore” a single malt scotch whisky

Bowmore is a distillery that produces Scotch whisky on the Isle of Islay, an island of the Inner Hebrides. It is a single malt scotch whisky brand owned by Morrison Bowmore Distillers Ltd, a holding company owned by Beam Suntory, a subsidiary of Japanese multinational drinks conglomerate Suntory.

Bowmore Distillery sources as much barley as possible from the island of Islay, but there are insufficient quantities produced to satisfy the distillery’s demand, so barley is also imported from the mainland.

The core range of Bowmore

Bowmore 12 years old
Bowmore 15 years old
Bowmore 18 years old
Bowmore 25 years old

Regions: The Isle of Islay, an island of the Inner Hebrides.
Flavor: Bold zesty lemon and smoke with a touch of honey

Also Read: 19 Best whiskey-based cocktails with ingredients

5. Cardhu

“Cardhu” a single malt scotch whisky

Cardhu is a single malt scotch whisky brand, Cardhu is a Speyside distillery near Archiestown, Moray, Scotland. This distillery is established in 1824 by whisky smuggler John Cumming and his wife Helen. The distillery is now run by Diageo and the distillery’s Scotch whisky makes up an important part of the Johnnie Walker blended whiskies.

The core range of Cardhu

Cardhu 12 Year Old
Cardhu 15 Year Old
Cardhu 18 Year Old
Cardhu Gold Reserve
Cardhu Amber Rock

Region: Speyside, Scotland
Flavor: Honeyed flapjacks and home-made caramel squares

6. Knockando

“Knockando” a single malt scotch whisky

Knockando is a single malt scotch whisky distillery which is located in Knockando, Moray, in the Strathspey whisky-producing area of Scotland, built by John Tytler Thomson in 1898 and is named after the village in which it stands. The name derives from Scottish Gaelic Cnoc Cheannachd, meaning “Hill of Commerce”.

The core range of Knockando

Knockando 12 years old
Knockando 15 years old
Knockando 18 years old
Knockando 20 years old

Flavor: Banana chips, honeyed barley, and a few fleeting floral flourishes.

Region: Speyside, Scotland

7. Glen Grant

“Glen Grant” a single malt scotch whisky

Glen Grant is a single malt scotch whisky distillery founded in 1840 by brothers John and James Grant in Rothes, Speyside. Previously owned by Chivas Brothers Ltd, best known for their Chivas Regal blended scotch whisky, Glen Grant was now purchased by the Italian company Campari Group in December 2005. It is the biggest selling single malt Scotch whisky in Italy.

The core range of Glen Grant

Glen Grant 10 years old
Glen Grant 15 years old
Glen Grant 18 years old
Glen Grant 25 years old
Glen Grant 50 years old

Flavor: Apple pie crust, caramel, and vanilla.

Region: Speyside, Scotland

8. Glenmorangie

“Glenmorangie” a single malt scotch whisky

Glenmorangie is a single malt scotch whisky distillery which is owned by The Glenmorangie Company Ltd (a subsidiary of Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy), whose main product is the range of Glenmorangie single malt whisky. Glenmorangie is categorized as a Highland distillery and boasts the tallest stills in Scotland.

The core range of Glen Grant

Glenmorangie The Original 10 years old
Glenmorangie The Lasanta 12 years old
Glenmorangie The Quinta Ruban 14 years old

Region: Highland

Flavors: Citrus, Vanilla, Peach

9. The Balvenie

“The Balvenie” a single malt scotch whisky

The Balvenie is a Single Malt Scotch Whisky distillery in Dufftown, Scotland owned by William Grant & Sons. Balvenie makes whisky in the traditional batch process of the production of single malt.

The use of locally grown barley is preferred, and it is floor-malted where possible. Of the 120+ distilleries in Scotland, Balvenie is one of only seven distilleries with its own malting floor.

The only distillery that still practices all 5 of the Rare Crafts all on-site (growing barley, malting barley, onsite Copper Smith, onsite Cooperage, and The Balvenie Malt Master, David C Stewart).

The Core Range of Balvenie

Balveniedouble wood 12 Year Old
Balvenie caribbean Cask 14 Year Old
Balvenie double wood 17 Years Old
Balvenie port wood 21-Year-Old

Flavors: vanilla, honeyed sweetness, hints of heather, and dry oaky.

Region: Speyside, Scotland

10. Macallan

“Macallan” a single malt scotch whisky

The Macallan distillery is a single malt Scotch whisky distillery in Craigellachie, Moray, Scotland. founded by Alexander Reid, a barley farmer, and teacher who leased eight acres of land from the Earl of Seafield to establish the distillery. The Macallan distillery was founded in 1824 and was one of the first Scottish distilleries to be legally licensed.

The core range of Macallan

Sherry Oak

12 years old (40-43% ABV)
18 years old (43% ABV)
25 years old (43% ABV)
30 years old (43% ABV)
40 years old (44-45% ABV)

Double Cask

Gold (40% ABV)
12 years old (43% ABV)
15 years old (43% ABV)
18 years old (43% ABV)

Triple Cask Matured

12 years old (40-43% ABV)
15 years old (43% ABV)
18 years old (43% ABV)

Flavors: Reminiscent of an amaretto sour and a hint of spiced plums.

Region: Speyside, Scotland

Also Read: A complete guide to vermouth, types, brands, & production

11. Cragganmore

“Cragganmore” a single malt scotch whisky

Cragganmore is a single malt Scotch whisky distillery situated in the village of Ballindalloch in Banffshire, Scotland, founded in 1869 by John Smith on land leased from Sir George Macpherson-Grant.

Cragganmore whisky is unique in having a flat top and being relatively short. The stills’ shape has a definite effect on the taste and aroma (nose) of the whisky.

The core range of Cragganmore

Cragganmore 10 Year Old
Cragganmore 12 Year Old
Cragganmore 20 Year Old

Flavor: A combination of sweet floral fragrances, riverside herbs, and flowers with some honey and vanilla.

Region: Speyside, Scotland

12. Springbank

“Springbank” a single malt whisky

The Springbank is a single malt scotch whisky distillery on the Kintyre Peninsula in western Scotland. Owned by J & A Mitchell & Company, which also owns the Glengyle distillery, the oldest independent bottler, William Cadenheads, and several blended scotch labels. Licensed in 1828.

Springbank is one of the last surviving producers of single malt whiskies in Campbeltown, an area that once had over thirty active distilleries.

The core range of Springbank

Springbank 10-year-old
Springbank 12-year-old (cask strength)
Springbank 15-year-old
Springbank 18-year-old
Springbank 21-year-old

Region: Campbeltown

Flavor: Hints of honeycomb, treacle sponge, and ginger-nut fuse with a fruity.

13. Jura

“Jura” a single malt scotch whisky

Jura distillery is a single malt Scotch whisky distillery on the island of Jura in the Inner Hebrides off the West Coast of Scotland. founded by the Laird of Jura, Archibald Campbell in 1810. The distillery fell into disrepair but was restored in 1884. The distillery is owned by Glasgow founded and based on Whyte and Mackay, which in turn is owned by Philippines-based Emperador Inc.

The core range of Jura

Jura 10 Year Old
Jura Two-One-Two 200613 Year Old
Jura 21-Year-Old Tide
Isle of Jura 1965 26 Year Old Stillman’s Dram
Isle Of Jura 33-Year-Old
Isle of Jura 1966 40 Year Old

Flavor: Honeyed barley and peaches in syrup, with light wafts of fragrant wood smoke.

Region: The island of Jura in the Inner Hebrides off the West Coast of Scotland.

14. Glengoyne

“Glengoyne” a single malt scotch whisky

Glengoyne is a single malt scotch whisky distillery from Dumgoyne, north of Glasgow, Scotland. founded in 1833, built by George Connell. Glengoyne is unique in producing Highland single malt whisky matured in the Lowlands.

Located upon the Highland Line, the division between the Highlands and Lowlands of Scotland, Glengoyne’s stills are in the Highlands while maturing casks of whisky rest across the road in the Lowlands.

The core range of Glengoyne

Glengoyne 10 years old
Glengoyne 12 Years old
Glengoyne15 years old
Glengoyne 18 years old
Glengoyne 21 years old
Glengoyne 25 years old
Glengoyne 30 years old

Flavor: Slightly nutty, with fresh green apples coming through. Clean. Green apples and grass.

Region: Dumgoyne

15. Monkey Shoulder

“Monkey Shoulder’ a single malt scotch whisky

Monkey shoulder is a scotch whisky distillery that produces single malt whiskey. Monkey Shoulder is a mix of three different Speyside single malts and is great with mixers or just on its own. Smooth, sweet, and very easy to drink.

Flavor: Crema Catalana, cocoa, and malt. and vanilla.

Region: Speyside, Scotland

16. Laphroaig

” Laphroaig” a single malt scotch whisky

Laphroaig is one of the most divisive single malt Scotch whiskies, loved by those who enjoy its medicinal, smoky flavor and looked on in amazement by those who don’t. Laphroaig distillery is an Islay single malt Scotch whisky distillery.

It is named after the area of land at the head of Loch Laphroaig on the south coast of the island of Islay. The distillery and brand are owned and operated by Beam Suntory. The Laphroaig distillery was established in 1815 by Donald and Alexander Johnston.

The core range of Glengoyne

Laphroaig 10-year-old
Laphroaig 10-year-old (cask strength)
Laphroaig Lore
Laphroaig Quarter Cask
Laphroaig Cairdeas Quarter Cask
Laphroaig Triple Wood
Laphroaig 15-year-old (re-released 2015)
Laphroaig 18-year-old (discontinued 2015)
Laphroaig 25-year-old
Laphroaig 27-year-old
Laphroaig 30-year-old
Laphroaig 32-year-old
Laphroaig 40-year-old

Flavor: bold, smoky taste, followed by a hint of seaweed and a surprising sweetness.

Region: Islay

17. Talisker

“Talisker” a single malt scotch whiskey

Talisker is a single malt distillery island based in Carbost, Scotland on the Minginish Peninsula on the Isle of Skye. The distillery is operated by Diageo, and Talisker’s 10-year-old whisky has been nominated as part of their Classic Malts series. The brand is considered a premium Single Malt Whisky.

Talisker was founded in 1830 by Hugh and Kenneth MacAskill

The core range of Glengoyne

Talisker 10 Year Old
Talisker Skye
Talisker Storm
Talisker Dark Storm
Talisker 18 Year Old (limited annual run)
Talisker 25 Year Old (limited annual run)
Talisker 30 Year Old (limited annual run)
Talisker Distiller’s edition
Talisker 57° North
Talisker Port Ruighe
Talisker Neist Point
Talisker 8-Year-Old Cask Strength (periodic release).

Flavor: A rich dried-fruit sweetness, clouds of smoke, strong barley-malt flavors.

Region: Island

18. Lagavulin

“Lagavulin” a single malt scotch whiskey

Lagavulin is a single malt whisky distillery in the village of Lagavulin on the south of the island of Islay, Scotland. It distills spirit that is destined to become Islay single malt Scotch whisky. owned by Diageo, a multinational beverage alcohol company headquartered in London. It was previously marketed under the Classic Malts range of single malts, which is now defunct.

The core range of Glengoyne

Lagavulin8-year-old
Lagavulin12-year-old (cask strength)
Lagavulin16-year-old
Lagavulin21-year-old
Lagavulin25-year-old
Lagavulin30-year-old
Lagavulin37-year-old

Region: Islay

Flavor: smoky, peaty, sherry, and vanilla flavor

19. Dalmore

“Dalmore” a single malt scotch whisky

Dalmore is a single malt scotch whisky distillery, built-in 1839 by Alexander Matheson, who immediately leased it to the Sunderland family, who ran it for over thirty years until 1869. The Dalmore is now owned and operated by Whyte & Mackay, which is owned by Philippines-based Emperador Inc. Dalmore might just be the most legendary distillery in the world when it comes to creating stunning whisky with real provenance.

The core range of Dalmore

Dalmore Cigar Malt
Dalmore Port Wood Reserve
Dalmore 12 Year Old
Dalmore 15 Year Old
Dalmore 27 Year Old 1990 (cask 89)
Dalmore 30 Year Old – 2021 Edition
Dalmore 1978 – Sherry Finesse
Dalmore 19 Year Old 1992 (cask 18)

Region: Highland

Flavor: Cinnamon ice cream, roasted almonds, and fresh caramel fudge

20. Deanston

“Deanston” a single malt scotch whisky

About 15% of the whisky produced at Deanston is reserved or bottled as a single malt, with the remainder being reserved for blends. located on the banks of the River Teith, eight miles from the historic town of Stirling, at the gateway to the dramatic Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park.

It is the largest distillery owned by Scotch whisky producer Distell Group Limited, which also owns Bunnahabhain Distillery on the Isle of Islay and Tobermory distillery on the Isle of Mull.

The core range of Dalmore

Deanston 18 Year Old
Deanston 12 Year Old
Deanston Virgin Oak
Deanston 1991 28 Year Old Muscat Finish
Deanston 2002 17-Year-Old Organic PX Finish
Deanston 1999 19 Year Old Sherry Cask Daily Drams
Deanston MillBot.1970s

Flavor: Vanilla, honey, nutmeg, and tobacco,
Region: Highland

21. Ardbeg

“Ardbeg” a single malt scotch whisky

Ardbeg was officially established by the MacDougall family in 1815, the same year as Laphroaig came into official existence a few miles along the road, although it seems that illicit distilling had already been taking place on the site for more than 20 years, with Alexander Stewart having founded a distillery there in 1794.

The distillery is owned by Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy and produces a heavily peated Islay whisky. The distillery uses malted barley sourced from the maltings in Port Ellen.

The core range of Ardbeg

Ardbeg 10 Year Old
Ardbeg Wee Beastie5 Year Old
Ardbeg 1998
Ardbeg 197917 Year Old Cask
Ardbeg 1979
40-Year-Signatory
Ardbeg 197529 Year Old Old & Rare Platinum
Ardbeg 1974 Provenance

Region: Islay

Flavor: vanilla, citrus fruits, caramel, and beach bonfire smoke.

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21 Best single malt scotch whisky brands with region & flavor

1. Glenfiddich

2. Glen Garioch

3. Highland park

4. Bowmore

5. Cardhu

6. Knockando

7. Glen Grant

8. Glenmorangie

9. The Balvenie