Released in 2020 at the distillery's now-standard 46.3%, this Ledaig began life in ex-bourbon casks before a finishing period in Rioja wine barriques, which have added some fresh berry notes to the Ledaig spirit's trademark salty, smoky, rubbery flavours. Attributes Distillery On the nose: Fruit tarts with a pleasant, worty sweetness. Maybe it’s because I knew that it was finished in Rioja casks, but there were definite cherry and plum aromas with a feinty-leathery underbelly you’d expect from a Gran Reserva. The smoke and spice – which are hard to get hold of – are subdued under the weight of the fruit. The Service has been prepared by us solely for information purposes to Members and the Service is based on information we consider reliable and we obtain the contents of the Service from a number of different third party sources (including Contributions), but we do not endorse, support, represent, warrant or guarantee the completeness, truthfulness, accuracy, or reliability of the Services and any information therein.

If you’ve never heard of Ben Nevis, you’re not alone because this brand flies under the radar with some of the best Scotch we’ve ever tasted. Our expert Emma Cookson thinks you’ll love this brand because it’s rare, full of untapped flavours, and comes in at a fair price point. The definitive dram for all palates, special enough for a seasoned drinker while approachable for your beginners. This single malt is matured in sherry seasoned oak casks from Jerez for rich notes of dried fruit and candied citrus with a splash of oak. If we decide not to exercise or enforce any right or provision of these Terms, such decision shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision.Ledaig is really becoming so popular that soon we won't be able to call it a cult malt whisky anymore. Tobermory distillery's peated Island single malt whisky is developing a legion of enthusiastic zealots. A traditional Speyside taste that suits every palate, if anything it’s a little ‘basic’ for your aficionados. The 25 year old is next-level. While it might be the most familiar name, the unique distillery is actually one of the world’s best. Previously, the distillery mainly produced whisky for blends, however, in recent years, Glenallachie has undergone some serious changes, introducing several fruity, single-malt expressions like the 12-year we’ve selected here. Very few people can claim to have spent literally their whole life in the whisky industry, but John L S Grant of Glenfarclas comes very close. Born in 1951, he spent his childhood at Glenfarclas House, where he still lives to this day. Following his school years at Gordonstoun, he joined the Bank of Scotland for three years then worked for Wm Teachers Ltd for a further three years. In 1974, John joined the family business – an astonishing 47 years ago. In the early days, John learned the ropes across the business and then focussed his energy on introducing Glenfarclas to international markets, at a time when the sale of single malt was practised by only a small number of brands. He was officially named managing director in 1979, 114 years after his great-great-grandfather first bought Glenfarclas as part of Rechlerich farm. Over the next decades, alongside his father as chairman, John oversaw massive changes to the business – they went from a farming family with a distillery that sold mostly whisky for blending to the producers of a world-renowned single malt. Big smoke. This non-chill filtered dram is raw and punchy for the palates that demand a proper spanking. If that doesn’t sound like your idea of fun, we’d look at a sherry cask.

Tobermory Distillery isn’t the most popular name on the tip of everyone’s tongue, but no list of the best Scotch whiskies is complete without it. Whisky expert Emma Cookson says the Ledaig Sinclair Series (pronounced le-chay-g) is one of her favourites. Whiskybase B.V. is the Dutch private limited liability company, having its statutory seat in Rotterdam, The Netherlands and its office at Zwaanshals 530, 3035 KS Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Whiskybase B.V. is registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce under no. 52072819.

View our other ranges

Christopher Coates, Editor of Whisky Magazine, said: “This year’s results are a testament to the great work that’s been done by Scotch whisky makers over the past year. It’s truly delightful to see the Scottish industry growing at a rapid pace and drinkers’ interest in Scotch whisky increasing exponentially. I’m certain this positive trend will continue and that competition in our Icons of Whisky categories will remain fierce for decades to come.” Despite a colourful history marked by closures, financial troubles and even a change of name, today Tobermory is a thriving, expressive and unique distillery, true to its idyllic location on the Hebridean island of Mull. Anita Ujszaszi, awards director, said: "The quantity and quality of Scotch whiskies entered into this year's World Whiskies Awards was outstanding. It proves that the industry has not just overcome the challenges of the past two years, it is thriving in spite of them, with producers demonstrating a remarkable level of innovation and excellence. We must extend a huge thank you to all the producers that entered the World Whiskies Awards this year, and to our panel of expert judges." If any provision of these Terms is held invalid, the remainder of the Terms shall continue in full force and effect. When you’re searching for the best Scotch whisky you need to balance your flavour palate, price point, and availability to find that perfect dram. Thankfully, our team of editors and drinks expert Christopher Osburn are here to help you by personally testing multiple expressions before compiling a list of their favourites below. As the premier whisky publication in Australia, with more than 10 years of experience covering the industry, it’s safe to say we know a thing or two about whisky. If you’re looking to dip your toe into the world of Scotch for the first time and want to buy a top-quality dram this article is for you. Best Scotch Whisky at a Glance