10 Best Scotch Whiskies in the UK

The world’s most awarded single malt Scotch whisky, Glenfiddich 12 year old is a prime example of what Speyside whisky has to offer. Using highland spring water, Glenfiddich is matured in a combination of American bourbon and Spanish sherry oak casks for fine texture and balance.

One for old time Scotch fans and beginners alike, Glenfiddich 12 has a distinctly mellow, fruity flavour profile best described as biting into a warm cinnamon baked pear. Yum! 

How could any top 10 Scotch whisky list not include Johnnie Walker? If you're already a Black Label devotee, we strongly suggest treating your taste buds (or someone you really like) with JW’s Blue Label blend.

An exceptionally rare mix of matured malt and grain scotch whiskies, only 1 in every 10,000 casks makes the cut! It's an artisanal fusion of candied rose petals and zesty orange with luxurious base notes of hazelnut, sherry and dark chocolate. This is one best reserved for whisky connoisseurs, served neat, alternating with sips of iced water. 

One of the world’s most richly flavoured whiskies, Laphroaig Quarter Cask is a full-bodied malt Scotch. By finishing the still-maturing spirit in a smaller sized quarter cask, the whisky receives increased contact with the wood of the oak barrels. This process creates a velvety softness that takes the edge off its strong peated flavour.

Laphroaig uses traditional malting floors and dying, and infuses its own malt over old peat-fired kilns. The result? A wild and untamed whisky imbued with nuances of hickory and bonfire smoke. 

Hedonism is an innovative new instalment in the world of whisky-making. Compass Box’s craftsman-like scotch is produced by expertly blending together between 8 and 15 different grain whiskies. From the casks selected, the majority have been matured over 20 years and all are aged in first-fill American oak.

You may be wondering what kind of flavour this technique produces, and the answer is, surprisingly sweet! Expect to taste flavours of vanilla, coconut, toffee and black cherry with a creamy milk chocolate finish.

An intensely smoky, peaty single malt that's certainly not for beginners or the faint-hearted! Revered across the whisky world as the ultimate Islay malt, Ardbeg is full of character and complexity.

It may be one of the peatiest and smokiest out there but its surprisingly balanced with sweetness. The nose has initial aromas of Christmas cake and violets with hints of earthy cedar and pine. Chocolate raisin and treacle toffee notes rise up through the smoke to its delicious end.

This gorgeous 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky by Arran is presented with real integrity by this new, upcoming distillery. Distilled and matured in Lockranza it is non-chill-filtered and delightfully balanced, and perfect for both newbies and connoisseurs alike.

On the nose, there is an initial rush of sweetness, which gives way to oak, honey and butterscotch tones. A touch of cinnamon adds a spicy, malty edge to the soft texture on the palate, and the finish is clean, fresh with a hint of creaminess.

10 year old is the flagship single malt whisky from the Glenmorangie distillery. A Scottish bestseller, it’s considered a classic go-to by many a whisky enthusiast, and it comes at a very reasonable price. 

Matured in American white oak casks, it has a thick, creamy malted taste undercut by flavours of peach, lemon and vanilla. An approachable drink, we suggest a dram of Glenmorangie 10-year-old as an alternative to sherry as your aperitif of choice.

Hailing from a small village in the heart of the Scottish highlands, Dalwhinnie prides itself in producing whiskies with a welcoming gentle spirit. Dalwhinnie 15 Years Old is no exception and is our top pick for an after-dinner whisky. 

Although not generally suited to everyday drinking, it is the perfect accompaniment for dessert – it's incredibly smooth and creamy with notes of honey, spices and heather, and we recommend pairing it with crème brûlée or bread and butter pudding.

Talisker 10 Year Old is a smoky maritime malt from the Isle of Skye. It’s a rugged and salty peated whisky rounded out with tasting undertones of sweet dried fruit, apple peel and spicy black pepper.

It's produced in the oldest distillery on the coast of the Isle of Skye, where water is drawn from underground springs to bring briny flavours into the mix. It won't appeal to everyone, but if you’re feeling run down, add a drop of Talisker to your hot toddy to clear a runny nose and feel instantly warmed. 

It’s claimed that John Haig, the founder of the Cameronbridge distillery in 1824, pioneered the art of producing grain whisky. Whether this legend is true or not, his legacy has certainly lived on in the form of Haig Club’s Clubman Single Grain Scotch Whisky.

The stylish signature blue bottle lets you know this is part of a new modern era of Scotch whisky. Sweet, with hints of vanilla and smooth with a clean finish, try a single Clubman with cola and ice. The reason this is a whisky best suited to mixed drinks, though, is because it's somewhat lacking in depth and complexity.