Best Scotch Whisky You Can't Miss In 2023
Written by Emma C | February 2024
Embark on a refined journey into the world of whisky with the best Scotch, where centuries-old craftsmanship meets exquisite flavor.Carefully distilled and aged in the heart of Scotland, these bottles are a testament to the artistry of master distillers and the rich heritage of whisky-making. From peaty and smoky single malts to smooth and nuanced blends, these exceptional Scotch whiskies offer a diverse range of profiles that cater to both the connoisseur and those new to the realm of fine spirits. To help you on this journey, we have tasted through many Scotch expressions and came up with our list of the best Scotch whiskies in 2023 that are available in our online bottle shop.
- Top Single Malt: The Glendronach 15
- Top Blended Malt: Campbeltown Loch Blended Malt
- Best Value: Aberfeldy 12 Year
- Top Islay: Ardberg Uigeadail | Bowmore 15
- Top Highland: Glenmorangie Nectar D’Or | Glengoyne 18
- Top Lowland: Glenkinchie 12 Year Old | Auchentoshan Three Wood
- Top Campbeltown: Glen Scotia 10 Year | Springbank 18
- Top Islands: Arran Sherry Cask Finish ‘The Bodega’ | Old Pulteney Huddart
Top Single Malt
Cadenhead's Loch Lomond 17 Year
We invite you to indulge in on of our favorite club offernings - the distinctive allure of Cadenhead's Loch Lomond 17 Year Single Malt, a robust expression from the renowned Inchfad series. Crafted at Loch Lomond distillery and nurtured in Oloroso sherry casks since 2021, this heavily peated dram unveils a symphony of flavors. Immerse your senses in smoky BBQ notes, complemented by a delicate interplay of cinnamon and pepper, offering a harmonious blend of bold and subtle nuances. Elevate your whisky experience with the rich complexity of this 17-year-aged masterpiece.
Region: Highland | Tasting Notes: BBQ, honey glaze, cinammon sticks | ABV: 46%
Top Blended Malt
Campbeltown Loch Blended Malt
We fell in love with this blend and just had to feature it in our club. Campbeltown Loch Blended Malt is a harmonious fusion of malts from all three illustrious distilleries in the Campbeltown region. Crafted at Springbank Distillery, this blended malt captures the essence of the sea-kissed terroir. The nose welcomes you with a distinct buttery note and a touch of sea salt, leading to a palate adorned with creamy coffee, salted caramel, and hints of peat smoke. The finish unfolds with the gradual crescendo of peat smoke and the emergence of a lingering leathery nuance.
Region: Campeltown | Tasting Notes: Sea salt, salted caramel, smoke | ABV: 46%
Best Value
Aberfeldy 12 Year
This is one of our favorites and best valued Scotches around. Aberfeldy 12 Year is distinguished single malt, nestled in the heart of Highland, Scotland and exudes sophistication with its golden hues and velvety texture. Aged for 12 years in oak casks, this whisky unveils a harmonious fusion of honeyed sweetness, subtle fruity notes, and a hint of spice. Every sip is a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship that defines this smooth and approachable whisky, inviting you to savor the warmth of tradition and the allure of Highland heritage.
Region: Highland | Tasting Notes: Notes: Honey, spiced fruits, creamy vanilla | ABV: 40%
Best for Gift
The Macallan 12 Year Sherry Oak
Whether you are shopping for a special occassion or a last minute gift theThe Macallan Sherry Oak 12 Years Old is a crowd pleaser. Crafted with precision, this single malt whisky unveils a matured character, boasting rich wood spice and decadent dried fruits. Its natural rich gold hue hints at the exceptional craftsmanship, a result of meticulous maturation in sherry seasoned oak casks from Jerez for over a decade. The Macallan 12 Year Sherry Oak is a testament to the artistry and tradition that defines this distinguished Scottish distillery.
Region: Highlands | Tasting Notes: Dried fruit, oak, spice | ABV: 40%
Top Speyside
Craigellachie 13 Year Old
Craigellachie 13 Year Old is one whisky that is a must have in our collections. And should be in yours. It is a whisky that transports you to Bonfire Night with every sip. Immerse yourself in the aromas of toasted marshmallows, fire-roasted pineapples, and baked apples adorned with cloves, reminiscent of a night lit by flickering flames. This robust and muscular Speyside malt defies convention, boasting hoards of exotic fruits in each sip. Matured in a blend of ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry casks, with a finish in first-fill Sherry and Bourbon casks, it's a steadfast dram bottled at 46% ABV.
Region: Speyside | Tasting Notes: Pineapple, baked apples, marshmallows | ABV: 46%
Top Islay
Ardbeg Corryvreckan
Brace your taste buds for one our favorite Islay Scotches. Ardbeg Corryvreckan, named after the treacherous whirlpool north of Islay, captures the daring spirit of those who brave the abyss. This peaty powerhouse delivers swirling aromas and torrents of deep, peppery taste, creating a beautifully balanced dram that mirrors the tumultuous Corryvreckan. Not for the faint-hearted, it was awarded The World’s Best Single Malt in 2010 by the World Whiskies Awards, solidifying its place among the boldest and most revered whiskies of the world. Dive into the depths of flavor and embrace the untamed allure of Ardbeg Corryvreckan.
Region: Islay | Tasting Notes: Pepper, dark druits | ABV: 57.1%
Top Highland
Oban Distiller's Edition
We just love this offering from Oban, one of our favorites distilleries here at Taster's Club. Oban Distiller's Edition Scotch is a testament to refinement, having undergone a second maturation in Montilla Fino sherry casks. This meticulous process imparts opulent notes of butterscotch, toffee, and caramel, elevating the whisky to a new level of indulgence. The sea salt undertones and a smoky-sweet finish add layers of complexity, creating a sensory experience that resonates with the rugged coastal charm of Oban.
Region: Highland | Tasting Notes: Fruit, sea salt, honey | ABV: 43%
Top Lowland
Bladnoch Samsara
This lowland is set to impress. This wondeful Scotch was a previous feature for our club and for good reason. Bladnoch Samsara Scotch, aptly named 'rebirth,' is a sensory journey encapsulating the essence of renewal. This full-bodied expression is a harmonious blend of malts, intricately matured in ex-Bourbon and ex-Californian red wine casks. The result is a fragrant symphony, where the influence of these seasoned barrels intertwines to create a whisky that embodies the spirit of rejuvenation.
Region: Lowland | Tasting Notes: Vanilla, citrus, rich | ABV: 46.7%
Top Cambeltown
Glen Scotia Double Cask
If you have not had the pleasure of trying anything from Campteltwon then we recommend Glen Scotia Double Cask to get started.This bottling offers whisky enthusiasts a captivating initiation into the Glen Scotia lineage. Contrary to conventional wisdom, this expression asserts that at Glen Scotia, character eclipses age. After maturing in first-fill bourbon barrels, the whisky undergoes a transformative finale, spending 12 months in PX sherry casks. The result is a tantalizing blend of toffee, fudge, and a symphony of rich, spicy fruit notes. With distinct Campbeltown characteristics, this whisky promises a delightful journey for those eager to explore the nuanced flavors of Glen Scotia.
Region: Campbeltown | Tasting Notes: Sea spray, spicy fruits, oak | ABV: 46%
Top Island
Talisker 10 Year
It comes to no surprise that this is still one of our favorite drams from the Isly of Skye. Talisker 10 Year Old is an icon within the Talisker family and captures the essence of the Isle of Skye, where it has been crafted by the sea since 1830. The oldest distillery on the Isle of Skye, Talisker 10 offers a powerful maritime experience, with sea-salted aromas, spicy intricacies, a smoky-sweet character, and its distinctive peppery finish. Every sip is a journey to the rugged yet breathtaking landscapes of Skye, showcasing a rich peat-smoke flavor perfected through double distillation and a minimum 10-year maturation in American oak casks. A recipient of numerous accolades, this single malt is a warm welcome from the wild sea itself.
Region: Islands | Tasting Notes: Peat smoke, dried fruits, pepper | ABV: 45.8%
This list of Taster’s Club’s best scotch whisky is a super easy go-to whenever you are in need of a last minute gift or enjoy yourself. Everything is available in our online bottle shop, open 24/7. But, if you’re looking for a more curated experience of handpicked Scotch whisky, try our Scotch clubs. We have two tiers to choose from, and you’ll receive amazing monthly selections from today's award-winning distilleries not found on every liquor store shelf.
Best Scotch Whiskies FAQs
What is the number 1 Scotch?
There are many fantastic Scotches out there, but our favorite is Glendronach Revival Aged 15 Years, which won double gold at the SF Spirit Awards for 2023! It has deep notes of fruit, chocolate, and honey.
What is the most popular Scotch whisky?
Aberfeldy, Dewar’s, and Bowmore are very popular Scotch brands. However, all of these top Scotch whiskies are great for different reasons. For example, Aberfeldy’s single malt is fruit and butterscotch-forward with a lovely vanilla-orange finish. Dewar’s blended Scotch is double-aged and offers notes of honey, toffee, spice, and fruit. Finally, Bowmore’s Islay Scotch is sherry cask-finished with notes of wood, pine oil, toffee, and malt. Whether you love a peated single malt or a unique blend, there’s something for everyone.
Look no further than Taster’s Club for the best Scotch Subscription Club!
We’ll take you on a personalized bourbon journey by curating amazing bottles from award-winning distilleries from Kentucky and beyond, delivering them straight to your door each month.
