Taster's Club Top 10 Scotch Whiskies in 2024
Written by Emma C | April 2024
Scotch whisky is a journey across Scotland, offering a taste map that mirrors the unique flavor profiles of each region where it's crafted. If you are new or looking to explore other regions and styles of Scotch it can be tricky to know where to even start. Do you only like Single Malts? Are you only a fan of Speyside malts? Maybe, you do not even know what that all means?
Don’t scratch your head too much but get ready to take your taste buds on an adventure through Scotland. Taster’s Club internal experts have tasted through the gambit of regions and styles to start off the Spring season right for you. They have compiled a list of the best Scotch whisky bottles for 2024.
Get ready to elevate your Spring with these Scotch recommendations.
Top Single Malt
Highland Park 12 Year
Discover Highland Park 12 Year, our top choice for Scotch enthusiasts. This exquisite whisky offers a perfect blend of sweetness and peatiness, embodying complexity and balance in every sip. Matured in European and American sherry seasoned oak casks, it boasts flavors of sun-kissed Seville oranges, rich fruitcake spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and molten heather honey amidst waves of heathery peat smoke. Whether as a gift or a prized addition to your collection, Highland Park 12 Year promises a delightful and nuanced drinking experience. Pair it with wasabi peas, a sizzling rib-eye steak, or smoked salmon for a truly memorable tasting journey.
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Top Blended Malt
Compass Box Hedonism Blended Grain Scotch
Embark on a voyage of discovery with Compass Box's Hedonism Blended Grain Scotch. This exceptional blend stands out with its purity, sweetness, and captivating textures, showcasing the best of mature Scottish grain whiskies. For those craving uniqueness in Scotch, Hedonism promises a sensory adventure, a testament to craftsmanship and innovation. It's your ticket to a delightful journey, offering surprises at every sip and a sensory experience unlike any other. Explore the depths of flavor and texture with Hedonism, where each pour is a celebration of the artistry and excellence found in fine Scotch whisky.
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Best Value
Johnnie Walker Green Label
Explore the allure of Johnnie Walker Green Label at Taster's Club, revered by whisky experts and mixologists as a hidden gem. Crafted solely from Single Malts across Scotland's regions, each aged at least 15 years, this blend embodies a meticulous process ensuring a harmonious flavor balance. From selecting grains and yeast to distillation techniques and oak cask maturation, every aspect contributes to its rich character. Embrace Johnnie Walker Green Label for an exceptional whisky journey, where quality meets affordability, delivering a rewarding and memorable experience sip after sip.
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Best for Gift
The Macallan 12 Year Sherry Oak
For the perfect gift, look no further than The Macallan Sherry Oak 12 Years Old. Ideal for any occasion, this single malt whisky impresses with its matured character, offering rich wood spice and luscious dried fruits. Its natural golden hue reflects meticulous craftsmanship, developed through over a decade of maturation in sherry seasoned oak casks from Jerez. The Macallan 12 Year Sherry Oak embodies the artistry and tradition of this esteemed Scottish distillery, making it a surefire crowd-pleaser that will delight any whisky enthusiast or connoisseur on your gift list.
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Top Speyside
Craigellachie 13 Year Old
Embark on your Speyside Scotch journey with Craigellachie 13 Year Old, a must-have in any whisky collection. This robust malt captures the essence of Bonfire Night, enveloping you in aromas of toasted marshmallows, fire-roasted pineapples, and spiced baked apples. Defying convention, it boasts a hoard of exotic fruits in every sip. Matured in a blend of ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry casks, with a finish in first-fill Sherry and Bourbon casks, this whisky is bottled at 46% ABV for a bold and muscular flavor profile. Don't miss out on experiencing the flickering flames of flavor with Craigellachie 13 Year Old.
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Top Islay
Ardbeg 10 Year
Begin your Islay whisky collection with the iconic Ardbeg Ten Years Old, globally celebrated as the epitome of peat, smoke, and complexity. Despite its powerful peatiness, this single malt achieves perfect balance by harmonizing the natural sweetness of malt. Embrace the essence of the sea with notes of sea spray and tarry rope, wrapped in an immense smoky intensity that defines Islay whisky. Ardbeg Ten Years Old is not just a whisky; it's a testament to the artistry and tradition of Islay distilling, making it an essential addition to any whisky enthusiast's collection.
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Top Highland
Glenmorangie The Quinta Ruban 14 Year
Embark on a Highland Scotch adventure with Glenmorangie's Quinta Ruban 14 Years Old, crafted by Dr. Bill, our Whisky Creation Director. This single malt is a delightful exploration into the unpredictable, a dark forest of flavors where peppermint breezes and rich chocolate swirls intermingle seamlessly. Distilled in towering stills, it evolves from soft fruitiness to profound complexity over 14 years in bourbon and Portuguese port casks, creating a tapestry of walnut, black pepper, mandarin, marshmallow, dark chocolate, and peppermint flavors. Quinta Ruban is the perfect Highland Scotch to ignite your collection with thrill and flavor.
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Top Lowland
Bladnoch Vinaya
Look no further than Bladnoch's Vinaya to kickstart your Scotch journey. This no-age statement Lowland single malt is a masterful blend of first-fill bourbon and sherry casks, unveiling a symphony of florals, chocolate, and spices that captivate the senses. Delight in the delicate aroma of heather and lemon blossom, with hints of cut grass and dried apple. The palate offers a delectable fusion of pears in chocolate sauce, accentuated by peppery oak and a burst of florals. As you savor every sip, the finish leaves a lingering warmth of black pepper, cinnamon, and cocoa. Vinaya is your gateway to Scotch sophistication.
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Top Cambeltown
Glen Scotia Double Cask
If you're new to Campbeltown whiskies, Glen Scotia Double Cask is an ideal introduction. This expression from Glen Scotia defies age stereotypes, showcasing the distillery's commitment to character over time. Aged initially in first-fill bourbon barrels and finished for 12 months in PX sherry casks, it presents a harmonious fusion of toffee, fudge, and a medley of rich, spicy fruits. This captivating blend of flavors, coupled with distinct Campbeltown traits, promises an enchanting journey for whisky enthusiasts seeking to delve into the nuanced world of Glen Scotia's offerings.
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Top Island
Talisker 10 Year
Talisker 10 Year Old remains a cherished gem from the Isle of Skye, embodying the essence of its rugged coastal home since 1830. As the oldest distillery on the island, Talisker 10 offers a bold maritime experience with sea-salted aromas, spicy depths, a smoky-sweet allure, and its signature peppery finish. Each sip is a voyage to Skye's rugged yet captivating landscapes, showcasing rich peat-smoke flavors refined through double distillation and a decade-long maturation in American oak casks. Adorned with numerous accolades, this single malt stands as a warm embrace from the untamed sea, a testament to Talisker's enduring legacy.
Purchase from Taster's Club Bottle ShopIf you are still uncertain about which Scotch Whisky is right for you and looking for more options? We have many more options available in the Taster's Club Bottle Shop.
Curated Scotch Selections: Join Taster’s Club Today
Discover Scotch whisky with Taster's Club Scotch Club, which offers two exceptional journeys. These journeys feature handpicked bottles from Scotland's premier distilleries, allowing you to explore everything from Speyside's intricate richness to Islay's intense peat, ensuring an unforgettable flavor adventure.
Best Scotch Whiskies FAQs
What is the number 1 Scotch?
There are many fantastic Scotches out there, but our favorite is Highland Park 12 year, for its versatility between smoke, heather and sweet characters. It is a game changer for those looking to get the best around the world Scotch experience.
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.
