Best Scotch: Our Top Picks

Best Scotch: Our Top Picks

Scotch Whisky is among the most favored liquors. Often considered a gentleman's drink, Scotch Whisky is the go-to liquor for those who understand that excellence is never rushed, it is only savored, one sip at a time. Scotch isn’t just any drink–it’s a true classic that adds depth and character to any occasion

In this Flaviar best liquors article, we'll present you the top Scotch Whisky choices brought together following numerous taste tests and careful consideration of your reviews. Read on to discover the best Scotch you can buy online.

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The Top 10 Scotch Whiskies Best Scotch Bottles

Below are our picks for the best Scotch, from Lagavulin 16 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky to the Dalmore 12 Year Old. We've also included enough variety of Scotch whiskies to ensure you'll find at least a few options that appeal to your preferences.



· 750ml · 43% ABV

About Lagavulin 16 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Lagavulin 16 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a top-tier Single Malt Scotch when you're craving a seriously good dram. Whether you enjoy it neat or with a splash of water or ice to open up the flavors, this one delivers every time. 

The magic comes from its 16 years of aging, which lets it soak up that perfect smokiness from the barrels. Plus, the distilling process is done slow and steady–just what you'd expect from a distillery that's been crafting some of the finest single malts since 1816.

View more about Lagavulin 16 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky >>
Regular
$98.99
Flaviar black
$94.04 (−5%)
Lagavulin 16 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky Tasting Notes

Appearance / Color

Deep amber/light brown color.

Nose / Aroma

One of the more intense noses, with a lot of peat smoke that's followed by hints of fruit, sherry, and vanilla.

Flavor / Taste / Palate

A rich and dry flavor that's filled with the sweetness of sherry that pairs well with its smoky undertones; barley-malt flavors and hints of pepper are also present.

Finish

Very long finish that's warm and peppery with hints of vanilla and spice.



· 750ml · 40% ABV

About The Macallan 12 Year Old Double Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky

When old world spice meets new world sweetness–founded in 1824 by Alexander Reid, The Macallan was among Scotland's earliest licensed distillers.

Today, it ranks among the world's best Single Malt Whisky producers. The Macallan's unique spirit is defined by the Six Pillars, guaranteeing extraordinary quality and distinct character in every pour.

View more about The Macallan 12 Year Old Double Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky >>
$96.99
The Macallan 12 Year Old Double Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky Tasting Notes

Appearance / Color

Mahogany.

Nose / Aroma

Ginger and dried cherries with vanilla and caramel.

Flavor / Taste / Palate

Lightly sweet and thick with oak spice, orange marmalade, brittle toffee, and citrus.

Finish

Smooth with more dried fruits and vanilla.



· 750ml · 40% ABV

About The Singleton of Glendullan 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

A beautifully balanced Speysider, The Singleton of Glendullan 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky kicks off with smooth vanilla and dried fruit, setting the stage for a dry palate of oak and cinnamon. 

It then evolves into fresh apple and caramelized pear, adding a burst of juiciness. Enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or in your favorite cocktail.

View more about The Singleton of Glendullan 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky >>
$34.99
The Singleton of Glendullan 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky Tasting Notes

Appearance / Color

Dark straw.

Nose / Aroma

Soft vanilla, sawdust, dried fruit, and mixed nuts aromas.

Flavor / Taste / Palate

Dry with oak and cinnamon that soon develop into fresh apple and caramelized pear to bring the perfect amount of juiciness.

Finish

Smooth and long.



· 750ml · 40% ABV

About Glenfiddich 15 Year Old Solera Reserve Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Glenfiddich 15 Year Old Solera Reserva blends tradition with a one-of-a-kind aging process, using the Solera method where whiskey never fully leaves the casks, so it’s always a little bit older than you think. It’s aged for 15 years, but that depth of flavor goes far beyond its age.

From the moment you sniff it, Glenfiddich 15 Year Old welcomes you with vanilla, honey, heather, and dark berries. The decadent, rich texture makes every sip feel luxurious, with sherry oak and cinnamon spice wrapping around your taste buds. 

It’s a bit pricier than others, but that unique aging method makes it worth every penny if you’re after a premium sipping whiskey.

View more about Glenfiddich 15 Year Old Solera Reserve Single Malt Scotch Whisky >>
Regular
$73.99
Flaviar black
$70.29 (−5%)
Glenfiddich 15 Year Old Solera Reserve Single Malt Scotch Whisky Tasting Notes

Appearance / Color

An elegant rose gold color.

Nose / Aroma

Vanilla, honey, and heather with a kick of dark berries.

Flavor / Taste / Palate

An exceptionally full-bodied mouthfeel with strong notes of sherry oak and cinnamon.

Finish

A rich, sweet finish with a lasting warmth.


5.

· 750ml · 40% ABV

About The Dalmore 12 Year Old

Dalmore 12 Year Old is a luxurious, bold whisky with a fascinating history. Founded in 1839 by Alexander Matheson, Dalmore’s distinctive twelve-pointed stag logo hails from a legendary moment in Scottish history when Clan Mackenzie saved Scottish King Alexander the Third. 

The whisky itself is a carefully crafted blend of ex-Bourbon casks, and the magic happens when half of it spends an extra three years in Matusalem Oloroso casks, some of the finest sherry casks available. This special touch gives Dalmore 12 its rich, complex flavors–think dark fruits, chocolate, and a warm, spiced finish. If you're looking for the best Single Malt Scotch, Dalmore 12 is a true indulgence.

View more about The Dalmore 12 Year Old >>
$67.99
The Dalmore 12 Year Old Tasting Notes

Appearance / Color

Deep amber with rich golden hues.

Nose / Aroma

Warm, inviting aromas of dried fruit, chocolate, and a hint of spices with a touch of sherry sweetness.

Flavor / Taste / Palate

A smooth, full-bodied flavor profile with notes of orange, honey, and rich dark chocolate, balanced by a subtle spiciness from the oak.

Finish

A long, velvety finish with lingering sweetness and a gentle, warming spice.



· 750ml · 43% ABV

About Highland Park 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

* The Bottle displayed is the updated Highland Park packaging; stock may vary across retailers, however, all bottles carry the same liquid. Highland Park Viking Pride 18 Year Old has just been named #1 Scotch of the Century in 2024 by Robb Report, adding to its impressive accolades, including...

View more about Highland Park 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky >>
$189.99
Highland Park 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky Tasting Notes
Appearance / Color

Nose / Aroma / Smell

Flavor / Taste / Palate

Finish



· 750ml · 40% ABV

About The Macallan 12 Year Old Sherry Oak Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Macallan Sherry Oak 12 Years Old is the youngest in their core collection–an iconic expression that defines the category. Aged for a full twelve years in sherry-seasoned oak casks, this Single Malt delivers indulgent dried fruits, warming ginger, and rich oak spice in every sip. 

It's not just a whisky; it's an experience. Perfect for newcomers to the wonderful world of "the Single Malt" or seasoned enthusiasts looking for their next favorite dram.

View more about The Macallan 12 Year Old Sherry Oak Single Malt Scotch Whisky >>
$95.99
The Macallan 12 Year Old Sherry Oak Single Malt Scotch Whisky Tasting Notes

Appearance / Color

Mahogany.

Nose / Aroma

Ginger and dried cherries with vanilla and toasted wood.

Flavor / Taste / Palate

Rich, smooth, and sweet with notes of toffee, fig, and spice.

Finish

More toffee and molasses.



· 750ml · 40% ABV

About The Glenlivet 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Glenlivet 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is the classic that started it all. It paved the way for the signature Speyside style with its smooth, balanced flavor profile that has set the bar for generations. With every sip, it delivers the perfect mix of sweet fruit, floral notes, and subtle oak. This whisky doesn’t just follow trends, it sets them. 

Whether you’re new to Scotch or a long-time enthusiast, The Glenlivet 12 is a must-have for any collection.

View more about The Glenlivet 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky >>
Regular
$63.99
Flaviar black
$60.79 (−5%)
The Glenlivet 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky Tasting Notes

Appearance / Color

Bright and lively gold.

Nose / Aroma

Fruity, sweet vanilla, honey, pineapple, pressed apples, cinnamon, nutmeg.

Flavor / Taste / Palate

Apple, fruity trifle, creamy citrus, pineapple, very well balanced.

Finish

Long, delicious.



· 750ml · 43% ABV

About The Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Balvenie stands out as one of the few distilleries in Scotland that grows its own barley, uses traditional floor maltings, and even keeps a team of coopers on-site to maintain its copper stills. Among their best creations is the Balvenie 12 Year Old Doublewood. 

First launched in 1993 by the legendary David Stewart, this whisky turned heads with its groundbreaking “doublewood” process–a game-changer Stewart crafted back in 1982. Expect a smooth, rich flavor with layers of honey, dried fruit, and a touch of spice. 

View more about The Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky >>
$66.99
The Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky Tasting Notes

Appearance / Color

Orange.

Nose / Aroma

Sweet with notes of fruit and Oloroso sherry, honey, and vanilla.

Flavor / Taste / Palate

Mellow with nutty sweetness, spicy cinnamon and a layer of sherry.

Finish

Long and warm.



· 750ml · 43% ABV

About Highland Park 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

* The Bottle displayed is the updated Highland Park packaging; stock may vary across retailers, however, all bottles carry the same liquid. – Double Gold Medal winner, Highland Park 12 Year Old received a score of 98! A spectacular representation of the soul of Highland Park Single Malt. ...

View more about Highland Park 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky >>
$58.99
Highland Park 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky Tasting Notes
Appearance / Color

Nose / Aroma / Smell

Flavor / Taste / Palate

Finish

How to Choose the Best Scotch?

Since Scotch whisky comes in numerous flavor profiles, finding the best Scotch can be quite difficult, especially considering the number of choices out there. While many consider older, more expensive Scotch to be the best, younger, well-crafted Scotch can also be equally enjoyable. 

It comes down to finding a bottle that matches your preferences in terms of flavor, proof, and aging. You'll have an easier time choosing the best Scotch once you have your expectations in line. You can also rely on our guides, like this one or our guide to the best Single Malt Scotch options, to narrow down your choices for you.

Best Scotch for Cocktails

Scotch isn't the best choice for cocktails. Any Scotch whisky enthusiast will say that it is a Scotch wasted if mixed with anything. The expert craftsmanship, aging, and the ingredients that go into crafting Scotch whisky call for you to enjoy it straight. 

If you want to pair it with something, however, chocolate, fruits, and cheese are excellent choices for accompanying Scotch Whisky.

Best Scotch for Drinking Straight

Since you should enjoy Scotch whisky straight, you'll find many options that are just right for sipping neat. As with other liquors, look for Scotch with alcohol content that matches your preferences. 

From there, you can dive deeper into flavors, like choosing Scotch with rich caramel undertones, a hint of smokiness, complex flavors of dried fruit and spice, or other taste profiles that lure you into taking another sip.

How Much Does Scotch Cost?

A quality Scotch requires high-quality ingredients and expert craftsmanship. These drive its price higher compared to many other liquors, but a fine Scotch is still accessible at a fairly affordable price for what you get. 

On average, you can buy Scotch for $35 to $200 for a 750mL bottle, with the ones listed in our article selling for about $60 a bottle. At bars and restaurants, expect to pay anywhere between $15 and $40 per serving of Scotch.

If you're on a stricter budget but still want to try a premium whisky, check out our list of the best Scotch under $50 for some fantastic options that won’t break the bank.