We went beyond simply compiling a list of lesser-known yet delightful whiskies. 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
Monkey Shoulder
There are a few different types of Scotch whisky. However, many just split them into two main types: single malts and blended whisky. Single malts are generally seen as the better of the two for various reasons. One of them is that blended whisky is usually partly made with grain whisky, which is cheaper to produce and, for most Scotch drinkers, not as nice. However, other blended whiskies, such as Monkey Shoulder, only use single malt whisky to create its blends. This leads us to why Monkey Shoulder is often underrated, and that’s because some presume it’s a lower-quality whisky because it is blended.
The reality is that Monkey Shoulder tastes much nicer than many other single malts out there. It has a beautiful mix of vanilla and toffee with subtle spice and floral notes upon nosing. The aroma sets the stage for the smooth whisky with a medley of sweet flavors, a touch of fruitiness, malt, and a spicy warmth. The blend of single malts makes it well-balanced and very easy to drink. The quirky name and iconic bottle can give this Scotch a playful feel, but it’s a seriously good whisky.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, apple.news, Tasting Table
