The Best 12 Year Scotch: Picked by Taster’s Club Experts

Written by Taster's Club Internal Team | Updated November 2025

1. The Macallan 12 Year Old Sherry Oak

The Macallan Sherry Oak 12 Year Old is ranked at the top of this list for good reason. The distillery’s focus on using the best Oloroso sherry-seasoned oak casks sets it apart from other top scotch picks. This clear dedication provides an unparalleled depth. This deeply meticulous process from small-batch production is how that amazing natural color is created, for an epic sipping experience.

Tasting Notes: On the nose, it opens beautifully with vanilla, ginger, dried fruits, with a hint of sherry sweetness. On the palate, you’ll find smooth notes of spice, cloves, and a touch of orange. The finish is long and full for your discovery.

Region: Speyside, Scotland | ABV: 40.0% | 750ml

2. Highland Park 12 Year Old

Highland Park 12 Year Old is an incredible scotch under $100 and represents one of Scotland's most balanced and approachable single malts. The distillery maintains the traditional floor malting techniques and locally sourced peat. From there, the combination of American oak sherry-seasoned barrels and European oak creates deep complexities that are highly sought after.

Tasting Notes: The nose reveals gentle honey sweetness balanced with light peat smoke and dried fruits. On the palate, expect creamy vanilla, orange peel, and subtle spice with a hint of sea salt. The finish delivers a warming spice and lingering smoke.

Region: Highlands, Scotland | ABV: 43.0% | 750ml

3. The Glenlivet 12 Year Old

This Speyside single malt is often credited with defining the elegant, refined character that Speyside whiskies are known for worldwide. The 12-year bottle is matured in a combination of American oak and European oak casks. This creates a perfectly balanced introduction to single malt scotch that has remained largely unchanged for decades.

Tasting Notes: The nose presents fresh pineapple, honey, and floral notes with a hint of almond. On the palate, discover honey sweetness, citrus zest, and hazelnuts. The finish is clean and crisp with fruit and subtle oak influences.

Region: Speyside, Scotland | ABV: 40.0% | 750ml

4. Aberfeldy 12 Year Old Scotch

Aberfeldy Distillery was established in 1898 and its location was chosen for its access to pure Highland spring water and quality local ingredients. The 12-year single malt showcases the distillery's signature honeyed character. This is achieved through careful fermentation and distillation processes. The best part, these processes have have remained largely unchanged since it’s inception.

Tasting Notes: On the nose, you can expect a deep honey that dominates, with subtle hints of vanilla and citrus. The palate goes on to present creamy honey, fresh fruit, and hints of black pepper. The finish is smooth and lasting.

Region: Highlands, Scotland | ABV: 40.0% | 750ml

5. Glenmorangie The Original 12 Years Old

Glenmorangie The Original is a true testament to the distillery's pioneering ways. It’s crafted in Scotland's tallest stills which allows only the lightest and purest vapors to ascend. From there, it’s aged for ten years in first and second-fill American white oak casks. The master distillers then select a portion of this scotch and ages it for an additional two years in different casks to create their various batches. The Original is a timeliness classic, perfect for those looking to get into 12 year scotch.

Tasting Notes: On the nose, you'll find inviting citrus and ripening peaches. From the palette, you’ll find lovely vanilla with a burst of floral fruitiness. The finish is clean and satisfying.

Region: Highland, Scotland | ABV: 43.0% | 750ml

6. Glenkinchie 12 Year

Glenkinchie 12 Year has a long history that dates back to 1825. Its located amongst farmland and water sources that are known for their ideal whisky production properties. From there, this 12 year scotch uniquely is distilled in massive copper pot stills. Its then matured in a mix of refill bourbon casks. It’s the perfect introduction to aged scotch.

Tasting Notes: You’ll find a light nose with hints of fresh-cut grass, citrus, and a touch of barley. The palate goes on to provide beautifully creamy notes of lemon cheesecake, freesia, and a subtle nuttiness. The finish is crisp and clean.

Region: Lowland, Scotland | ABV: 43.0% | 750ml

7. Chivas Regal 12 Year Old

Chivas Regal 12 Year Old is an amazing mix of various malt and grain whiskies. It’s main base is the Strathisla single malt, which makes it an easily approachable aged whisky. The Chivas Brothers were pioneers in the art of blending in the 19th century and this development is a global icon that deserves a spot on any shelf. It’s approachable, yet has depth from the blending that enthusiast can enjoy, too.

Tasting Notes: The nose is aromatic with wild herbs, heather, honey, and orchard fruits. On the palette, you’ll find creamy and full notes of honey, ripe pears, vanilla, and hazelnut. It concludes with a rich and lingering finish.

Region: Scotland | ABV: 40.0% | 750ml

8. Old Pulteney 12 Year Scotch

Old Pulteney 12 Year Scotch is made from a distillery from 1826 with strong maritime influence that creates its unique character, that’s sought-after. On top of that, the unique and distinctive still design creates a distinctive profile. Then, this 12 year old scotch is aged exclusively in air-dried ex-bourbon casks.

Tasting Notes: You’ll find that the nose has a medium intensity of briny sea air. The palate goes on to present dry and smooth notes of honey, cream, and a slight saltiness. It has a long and complex finish that’s ready to explore.

Region: Highland, Scotland | ABV: 40.0% | 750ml

9. The Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year

The Balvenie DoubleWood 12 is another premium scotch choice that won’t break the bank. This bottle spends its first 12 years maturing in traditional American oak whisky barrels before being transferred to European oak sherry casks for additional months of finishing. This dual maturation process builds depth and showcases how different wood types add unique characteristics to the final whisky. Excellent for connoisseurs.

Tasting Notes: The nose is inviting with notes of dried fruits, vanilla, and sweet sherry. The velvety palate features honey, orange peel, and warm spice balanced by subtle oak notes. The long and satisfying finish is warming.

Region: Speyside, Scotland | ABV: 40.0% | 750ml

10. The Bowmore 12 Year Old Sherry Oak Cask

Bowmore 12 Year Old Sherry Oak Cask perfectly balances the characteristic peat smoke and coastal complexities that this scotch is known for. As Islay's oldest distillery, founded in 1779, Bowmore has had centuries to perfect its craft. The whisky is matured in the famous No. 1 Vaults, one of the world's oldest scotch maturation warehouses that sits below sea level. This completely unique environment helps shape a whisky that any enthusiast will be enveloped by.

Tasting Notes: On the nose, you'll find notes of subtle lemon, honey, with a delightful peaty smokiness. The palate goes on to present warm dark chocolate and peat smoke. It finishes with a long.

Region: Islay, Scotland | ABV: 40.0% | 700ml