With hundreds of incredible whiskies on the market, finding the best Scotch whisky to try next can be a daunting and overwhelming process, whether you’re an experienced whisky drinker or just beginning your journey. But where do you start trying to find the best Scotch whisky?
To help you out, and to save you the search, we’ve put together a collection of ten of the best Scotch whiskies we think you should try this year. From fruit-forward Speyside malts and innovative sherry and wine cask-finished whiskies to smoky Islay malts, we’ve curated a varied collection, all with tasting notes and key flavours.
Let’s dive in.
Best 12-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Macallan 12-Year-Old (Sherry Oak) Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Macallan 12-Year-Old (Sherry Oak) Single Malt Whisky is a timelessly elegant single malt. Matured exclusively in hand-picked sherry-seasoned oak casks from Jerez, Spain, it brims with notes of rich dried stone fruits, fresh orange peel, and vanilla, balanced by woodsmoke and spice before a smooth, warming finish. One for discerning whisky lovers.
Best 15-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Speyburn 15-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Speyburn 15-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is aged in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks. It reveals rich flavours of oranges, honey, and vanilla, balanced with subtle spice and oak notes. The smooth mouthfeel and long, warming finish make it perfect for both seasoned whisky enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Best 18-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Bunnahabhain 18-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Bunnahabhain 18-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a rich, complex Islay dram with a beautifully smooth character. Made from crystal-clear spring water and aged in hand-selected sherry casks, it offers deep notes of dried fruit, toffee, and dark chocolate, complemented by hints of spice and a gentle maritime influence. With its velvety texture and long, warming finish, this whisky is a true indulgence for Scotch whisky lovers.
Best Blended Scotch Whisky
Chivas Regal Mizunara Blended Scotch Whisky
Chivas Regal Mizunara Blended Scotch Whisky is a specially crafted blended Scotch whisky inspired by Japanese tradition. This expertly crafted blend of grain and malt whiskies, partially finished in rare Japanese Mizunara oak casks, delivers smooth sandalwood, delicate fruit, and floral notes. A gentle touch of oak spice enhances the complexity, leading to a refined, lingering finish.
Best Grain Scotch Whisky
InchDairnie RyeLaw 2017 Single Grain Scotch Whisky
InchDairnie RyeLaw 2017 Single Grain Scotch Whisky is a bold and innovative expression, crafted with a high rye content (53%) for a uniquely spicy character. Distilled in Fife, it balances rich notes of peppery spice, sweet vanilla, and toasted oak. This rare, limited-edition release showcases a modern take on traditional Scottish grain whisky, delivering depth and complexity, with a smooth, satisfying finish.
Best Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky
GlenAllachie 10-Year-Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky
GlenAllachie 10-Year-Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a full-bodied, bold whisky with a powerful 58.1% ABV. Aged for ten years in a mix of bourbon, sherry, and virgin oak casks, it delivers a complex array of flavours, from rich dried fruit and honey to dark chocolate and spice before a long finish. The best Scotch whisky for connoisseurs who enjoy cask strength expressions with depth and character.
Best Single Cask Scotch Whisky
Highland Park Esquire Single Cask Scotch Whisky
Highland Park Esquire Single Cask Scotch Whisky is a rare and exclusive single cask release. This exceptional expression balances sweet and smoky notes, with rich layers of dried fruit, honey, warm spices, and a gentle wave of aromatic peat smoke. Bottled at natural cask strength (60.3% ABV), it delivers an intense and full-bodied experience with a complex finish. A true collector’s whisky, perfect for savouring neat.
Best Peated Whisky
Ledaig 12-Year-Old Gordon & McPhail Discovery Single Malt Whisky
Ledaig 12-Year-Old Gordon & MacPhail Discovery Single Malt Whisky is a bold and smoky expression from the Isle of Mull. Aged for 12 years, it offers rich layers of maritime peat, zesty citrus, and warm spice, balanced by hints of vanilla and oak. Bottled as part of the Discovery range, this whisky showcases Ledaig’s signature smoky character with a smooth finish. Perfect for peated whisky lovers seeking depth and complexity.
Best Sherry Cask Finish Scotch Whisky
Aberlour 18-Year-Old Double Sherry Cask Single Malt Whisky
Aberlour 18-Year-Old Double Sherry Cask Single Malt Whisky is a rich and complex Speyside single malt, matured in a combination of Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks. This double sherry maturation imparts deep notes of dried fruits, dark chocolate, and rich caramel, balanced by warming spices of nutmeg and cinnamon and a hint of toasted oak. The palate is velvety smooth and leads to a long, elegant finish.
Best Wine Cask Finish Whisky
Aberfeldy 18-Year-Old Sangiovese Red Wine Cask Scotch Whisky
Aberfeldy 18-Year-Old Sangiovese Red Wine Cask Scotch Whisky is a beautifully balanced Highland single malt finished in first fill ex-Sangiovese Italian red wine casks. This unique maturation imparts notes of ripe cherries, red plums, and hints of candied orange peel, complementing Aberfeldy’s signature honeyed sweetness and smooth, malty character leading to a warm, lingering finish.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this rundown of what we think are some the best scotch whiskies to try in 2025. These ten outstanding Scotch whiskies offer something for every palate.
Ready to explore more? Perhaps take the Still Spirit Find Your Spirit quiz? Answer a few flavour-based questions, and we’ll help you find your new favourite dram based on your budget and level of whisky experience. At Still Spirit we have a wide selection of Scotch whiskies, plus whisky gift sets and glassware.
