The top whiskies in every region of Scotland have been named.
Scotland’s whiskies are among the most famous and popular in the world. Each area of the country is home to various distilleries that produce malts with their own unique flavours.
Whisky experts at Master of Malt recently shared their “top picks” for the best whiskies around Scotland. The specialists chose their number one malts from the Highland, Lowland, Islay, Speyside, Campbeltown, and Island regions.
Master of Malt’s list includes many of Scotland’s most iconic distilleries. Even if you are not a whisky aficionado, names such as Lagavulin and Glenlivet may sound familiar.
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As well as compiling the experts’ top whisky picks, the Daily Record has also noted how much each one costs. While some are available for as little as £38, others are sold for upwards of £110.
Read on for the experts’ top whisky picks in each region of Scotland. More information can be found on the Master of Malt website.
Dalmore 15 Year Old, Highlands
Master of Malt’s top pick for the Highlands is the Dalmore 15 Year Old, which was first introduced in 2007. Matured in Matusalem, Apostoles and Amoroso Sherry casks, the whisky features notes of chocolate orange, winter spice, and smoky espresso.
A 70cl bottle of Dalmore 15 Year Old can be purchased from Master of Malt for £114.95. Elsewhere, it is available from The Whisky Exchange for £110.
Glen Scotia 14 Year Old – Icons of Campbeltown Release No.2 Whisky, Campbeltown
Coming out on top for the Campbeltown region is the Glen Scotia 14 Year Old – Icons of Campbeltown Release No.2 Whisky, which was finished for six months in ex-barolo red wine casks. The unique whisky, which has notes of candied fruits and berries, features artwork inspired by the tale of Saint Michael heroically slaying a dragon.
Master of Malt stocks the Glen Scotia 14 Year Old – Icons of Campbeltown Release No.2 Whisky, Campbeltown for £92.95. It can also be purchased from Royal Mile Whiskies for £91.95.
Lagavulin 16 Year Old Whisky, Islay
The number one whisky in Islay, according to Master of Malt, is the Lagavulin 16 Year Old, which is considered the distillery’s flagship bottling. Featuring the substantial peat-smoke that southern Islay distilleries are known for, the whisky has tasting notes of sweet spices, creamy vanilla, and figs.
If you are interested in picking up a bottle yourself, Master of Malt sells the whisky for £76.95. Elsewhere, you can buy a bottle from The Whisky Exchange for £81.95.
Tobermory 12 Year Old Whisky, Island
The top Island whisky has been named as the Tobermory 12 Year Old by the experts. Released in early 2019, the 12-year-old single malt includes notes of pear, peach, apple, and orange peel.
A 70cl bottle of the Tobermory 12 Year Old Whisky can be purchased from Master of Malt for £44.99. Meanwhile, it is sold for £38.95 by The Whisky Exchange.
The Glenlivet 15 Year Old French Oak Reserve Whisky, Speyside
Speyside is one of Scotland’s most iconic whisky regions, and coming in at number one is The Glenlivet 15 Year Old French Oak Reserve Whisky. The single malt whisky, which has been matured in French Limousin Oak casks, includes notes of fudge, cinnamon, and cloves.
At the moment, a 70cl bottle of The Glenlivet 15 Year Old French Oak Reserve Whisky is available for £62.99 from Master of Malt. It can also be bought for £64.50 from The Whisky Exchange.
Glenkinchie 12 Year Old Whisky
Finally, coming in at number one for Scotland’s Lowlands region is the Glenkinchie 12 Year Old Whisky. The Glenkinchie Distillery’s flagship expression, which has notes of manuka honey and apple peels, is described as a “brilliant single malt to enjoy as an aperitif on a warm evening”.
The Glenkinchie 12 Year Old Whisky is available to buy from Master of Malt for £43.99. Elsewhere, The Whisky Shop sells the single malt for £58.