Our goal was to encompass well-known expressions that some whisky enthusiasts may dismiss for various reasons. This selection includes familiar Scotch varieties you may have heard of but haven’t had the chance to taste, as well as exciting newcomers that could be entirely unfamiliar to you. Tasting Table’s editors have personally tried every whisky on this list, and it takes into account not only taste but also value for money and availability. All of these whiskies should be fairly easy to acquire, so you can see this as a checklist and decide for yourself how highly rated they deserve to be.
- Johnnie Walker Red Label
- Monkey Shoulder
- Talisker Skye
- Lagavulin 8-Year
- Glenfiddich 12-Year
- Bunnahabhain Stiùireadair
- Tomatin 12-Year
- Kilkerran 12-Year
- Dewar’s 12-Year
- Clynelish 14-Year
- Ardbeg Wee Beastie
- Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban 14-Year
- Caol Ila 12-Year
- Laphroaig Quarter Cask
- Loch Lomond 12-Year
Glenfiddich 12-Year
Again, a whisky enthusiast may find it strange that the Glenfiddich 12-year is included in this list due to its popularity. However, it’s that very popularity that many people will overlook this as a fine Scotch. We often see it with the likes of songs and films that when something achieves a certain level of popularity, there will always be people who try to play down its success. If you’re making your way into learning about whisky, don’t let anyone tell you that you should skip this Scotch. It’s a cornerstone and deserves recognition for introducing countless enthusiasts to the pleasures of a single malt.
This is a fruiter whisky than any we’ve looked at so far, and you’ll get pear and apple on the nose, along with some floral notes. The palate is sweet, with the most distinctive taste being honey, which sits on a foundation of malt and oak. It has a well-balanced profile that is approachable for newcomers and satisfying for seasoned whisky drinkers. Even though it may not have the exclusivity of some limited editions or the age statement allure of older whiskies, Glenfiddich 12-year is a whisky that deserves its popularity.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, apple.news, Tasting Table
