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Have you ever wondered what most Single Malt whisky enthusiasts enjoy drinking?
In the big world of Single Malt whisky brands, there's a bottle out there for every taste, price point, and preference. Whether you’re looking for the perfect Single Malt whisky to pair with a cocktail, something really smoky and assertive, or a smooth sipper, we’ve got you covered. Here we introduce a list of the 10 most popular Single Malt whiskies that you’ll want to add to your shopping list as soon as possible.
Top 10 Most Popular Single Malt Whiskies 2023
#1. Lagavulin 16 Year
4.7 78 ratings
74
4
Category:
Whiskey, Single Malt Whiskey
Country:
Islay, Scotland
Tasting Notes:
N/A
Food Pairing:
N/A
ABV:
43%
Discover the distinct flavors of the islands of Scotland with a swill of Lagavulin 16 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Our 86 proof whisky has the intense, full-bodied flavor reminiscent of a driftwood fire at dusk. The taste of dry peat smoke with strong maritime notes results in a complex dram that is complemented by a long, elegant finish. Distilled in Lagavulin, Scotland on the coast of Islay, centuries of local distilling excellence has earned our whisky the Double Gold Medal at the 2017 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Our aging process in oak casks gives our whisky the extraordinary and classic smoky flavor that demands to be served in a traditional whisky glass, neat or with a little water. Carrying on a 200-year-old tradition of distilling excellence, the Lagavulin distillery is said to be one of the oldest distilleries on Islay. Founded in 1816 by farmer John Johnston and later led by Peter Mackies in 1887, the name Lagavulin was to become the last word on the delicacy of Islay malts. Miles and miles of peat bog in the west of the island provide the raw material which imbues the barley with our iconic smoky flavor, and the rich peaty water that runs from the Solan Lochs into the distillery makes the flavors so unique. It takes time, but patience is our finest virtue and rushing good whisky is just not how we take care of things in Islay. Please drink responsibly.
$104.99
#2. Lagavulin 8 Year
4.7 19 ratings
18
1
Category:
Whiskey, Single Malt Whiskey
Country:
Islay, Scotland
Tasting Notes:
N/A
(Video) Top 10 Single Malt Scotch in 2022 from WhiskyJasonFood Pairing:
N/A
ABV:
48%
Discover the distinct flavors of the islands of Scotland with a swill of Lagavulin 8 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Our limited edition 96 proof whisky has the intense, full-bodied flavor of charred, minty dark chocolate. The lingering tastes flow into a clean, long finish. Distilled in Lagavulin, Scotland on the coast of Islay, centuries of local distilling tradition are what make our malts so unique. Our aging process in oak casks gives our whisky the extraordinary and classic smoky flavor that demand to be served in a whisky nosing glass, neat or with a little water.Carrying on a 200-year-old tradition of distilling excellence, the Lagavulin distillery is said to be one of the oldest distilleries on Islay. Founded in 1816 by farmer John Johnston and later led by Peter Mackies in 1887, the name Lagavulin was to become the last word on the delicacy of Islay malts. Miles and miles of peat bog in the west of the island provide the raw material which imbues the barley with our iconic smoky flavor, and the rich peaty water that runs from the Solan Lochs into the distillery makes the flavors so unique. It takes time, but patience is our finest virtue and rushing good whisky is just not how we take care of things in Islay. Please drink responsibly.
$65.99
#3. Talisker 10 Year
4.7 17 ratings
16
1
Category:
Whiskey, Single Malt Whiskey
Country:
Scotland
Tasting Notes:
N/A
Food Pairing:
N/A
ABV:
45.8%
A classic Island dram from the Isle of Skye. Always highly rated, this was an Editor's Choice at Whisky Magazine. Lots of spice and fresh, tangy peatWinner of Double Gold at the 2017 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
$74.95
#4. Talisker Storm
5.0 10 ratings
10
Category:
Whiskey, Single Malt Whiskey
Country:
Islands, Isle of Skye, Scotland
Tasting Notes:
N/A
Food Pairing:
N/A
(Video) BEST Single Malt Whisky 2022ABV:
45.8%
Experience the tale told by the tides with a swig of Talisker Storm Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Our 91.6 proof whisky starts out with a mellow yet rich sweet, malty taste ending in an explosion of spice. Distilled by the sea on the shores of the Isle of Skye in Scotland, centuries of local distilling tradition and the rugged environment are what makes our award-winning malt so exquisite. Intense and powerful, the flavour comes from the peat burned during the malting process and the rich vanilla imbued by the aging process. With a lasting smooth aftertaste, savour this spirit's sweet and spicy flavours served neat, or draw them out with a little water.Sitting amongst the Inner Hebridean Scottish Isles, Skye is rugged, windswept and a place of extremes. Our whisky captures the spirit of its island home perfectly. In 1825, Hugh MacAskill of Eigg acquired the Talisker House and along with his brother built what was to become one of the world’s most popular distilleries on the shore of Loch Harport. Now it is one of the oldest single malt Scotch whiskies made by the sea. Through fire, war and financial crises, this northern outpost has remained strong: producing consistently fine whiskies which, once tried, are rarely forgotten. Please drink responsibly.
$62.99
#5. Dalwhinnie 15 Year
4.5 11 ratings
10
1
Category:
Whiskey, Single Malt Whiskey
Country:
Highlands, Scotland
Tasting Notes:
N/A
Food Pairing:
N/A
ABV:
43%
Savor the timeless taste of Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky. The smooth flavors of heather-honey, vanilla and citrus fruit flow into a lingering and surprisingly intense finish. A 2017 Gold Medal Winner at The San Francisco World Spirits Competition, our 86 proof whisky finds new depths when paired with crème brûlée or bread and butter pudding. The clean, deep flavors of this aged whisky call for a neat serve, with a splash of chilled water.Made in the highest and coldest working distillery in Scotland, with water from a loch at 2,000 feet, Dalwhinnie whisky thrives on extreme conditions – creating a liquid as sweet and accessible as its highland home is remote. Please drink responsibly.
$77.65
#6. Dalwhinnie Game of Thrones House Stark Winter’s Frost Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
4.4 9 ratings
8
1
Category:
Whiskey, Single Malt Whiskey
Country:
Scotland
Tasting Notes:
N/A
Food Pairing:
N/A
ABV:
(Video) TOP 100 Best Scotch Whisky – World Whiskies Awards 202243%
House Stark’s resiliency, strength and ability to thrive under the most intense situations are greatly shaped by Winterfell’s frigid temperatures. Dalwhinnie, known for being one of the highest distilleries in all of Scotland is cold and remote much like The North where House Stark calls home, making the two an iconic pairing. Extreme conditions are responsible for shaping the signature Dalwhinnie Winter’s Frost honeyed sweetness and spicy warmth. Naturally, it’s best served chilled or over ice. Tastes of honey and fresh fig develop on the palate followed by a delicious maltiness and rich fruit cake. These iconic whiskies serve as must-have collectibles for Game of Thrones and whisky adorers. Please drink responsibly.
$49.99
#7. Westward American Single Malt Whisky
5.0 6 ratings
6
Category:
Whiskey, Single Malt Whiskey
Country:
Oregon, United States
Tasting Notes:
N/A
Food Pairing:
N/A
ABV:
N/A
Westward is a whiskey of Northwest provenance. We are a whiskey of the elements, inspired by the American Northwest, and by our unique culture, climate, and natural ingredients. The abundance of the Northwest gives us both the best raw materials and the most talented craftspeople, and our band of maverick experts harnesses the power of both.
$78.99
#8. The Singleton of Glendullan Single Malt 12 Year
3.3 9 ratings
6
3
Category:
Whiskey, Single Malt Whiskey
Country:
Scotland, Speyside
Tasting Notes:
N/A
Food Pairing:
N/A
ABV:
40%
The Singleton 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is just the right balance of rich complexity and flavor. With a fresh, light and clean nose, our whisky ranges from fruity to creamy with a touch of sweet honey. Matured for 12 years in American and European oak casks for a balanced liquid, our combination of citrus and vanilla rounds off the initially spicy edges, making this single malt pleasantly soft to the taste. Delicious however you choose to drink it, our 80 proof whisky is best enjoyed in the company of friends and in mixed drinks. Simply serve with sweet vermouth and a few dashes of bitters in a chilled glass for a refreshing tasting Rob Roy cocktail. The Singleton family is built on the foundations of traditional distilling and heritage but at the same time is also vibrant and contemporary. Introduced to the USA in 2006, The Singleton name has only grown since its spirited start in life and has pushed through many trials and tribulations, including temporarily shutting down during the Second World War. Though we may be strong-willed, we know there is no single way to enjoy our whisky–just your way–and we will drink to that. Please drink responsibly.
$39.89
#9. Oban 18 Year
4.1 6 ratings
5
1
Category:
Whiskey, Single Malt Whiskey
Country:
Highlands, Scotland
Tasting Notes:
N/A
Food Pairing:
N/A
ABV:
43%
A deep gold color. On the nose perfumed tones, sweet, with a whiff of smoke. On the palate medium smooth body showing round, warming, malty flavors, with delicate peaty undertones. The finish is long, fruity and smooth.
$149.99
#10. The Singleton of Glendullan Game of Thrones House Tully Select Single Malt Scotch Whisky
5.0 4 ratings
4
Category:
Whiskey, Single Malt Whiskey
Country:
Scotland
Tasting Notes:
N/A
Food Pairing:
N/A
ABV:
40%
House Tully, located at Riverrun, rules as the lord of The River lands. The power of water flows through both House Tully and The Singleton of Glendullan Select as it is made on the banks of the River Fiddich in the wooded hills of Dufftown. Here they harnessed the water that flowed through the land utilizing a water wheel to power the entire distillery. Best served with a splash of water, this Scotch has notes of orange and clove that open on the nose but on the palate there’s red berry compote and vanilla cheesecake with a pronounced cereal spice finish. These iconic whiskies serve as must-have collectibles for Game of Thrones and whisky adorers. Please drink responsibly.(Please note that boxes might not be available)
$39.99
FAQs
Which is the best new whisky 2023? ›
After much deliberation the votes were cast and the winner was clear: the Whisky of the Year is Ledaig 18 Year Old.
What is the number 1 whiskey in the world? ›The Glenmorangie Signet is considered the best whisky in the world, thanks to its use of high roast chocolate malt barley with a blend of Glenmorangie's rarest whiskies matured in bespoke casks.
Which whisky is worth collecting? ›Bowmore 'Black Bowmore' The Last Cask 50-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky ($133,118) Old Rip Van Winkle 25-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey ($55,165) Karuizawa Ruby Geisha 38-Year-Old Single Malt Japanese Whisky ($47,904) Murray McDavid Mission Macallan 36-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky ($3,192)
What are the top 5 whiskeys in America? ›- Evan Williams Bourbon Whiskey. ...
- Wild Turkey Bourbon Whiskey. ...
- Maker's Mark Bourbon Whisky. ...
- Jameson Irish Whiskey. ...
- Jim Beam Bourbon Whiskey. ...
- Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey. ...
- Fireball Cinnamon Whisky. ...
- Crown Royal Canadian Whisky.
1. Singleton 12 Years Old. There are two types of Singleton 12 Years Old, the one made from Dufftown and another one made from Glendullan.
What is the most popular whisky in Scotland? ›These are the go-tos: (1) The Famous Grouse, aka The Low Flying Bird It's the top selling blend in Scotland. (2) Dewar's, aka The Drinking Man's Scotch Best seller in the U.S., top five in the world. (3) Bell's, aka Afore Ye Go Top mover in the U.K. overall.
What is the most popular Scotch in America? ›Leading brands of Scotch whisky in the U.S. based on volume sales 2021. In 2021, Johnnie Walker Black was the leading Scotch whisky brand in the United States with about 1.14 million 9-liter cases sold. The third most popular Scotch whisky brand was Johnnie Walker Red, also supplied by Diageo.
What is the world's best selling whisky? ›In 2021, some 30.1 million 9 liter cases of McDowell's No. 1 whiskey were sold worldwide. Imperial Blue was number two that year, selling about 24.1 million cases. Johnnie Walker and Jack Daniel's stood in fifth and sixth place, respectively.
What's the top shelf whiskey? ›- The Macallan Double Cask 15 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky. ...
- Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 15-Year Old Bourbon Whiskey. ...
- Sazerac 18 Year Old Rye Whiskey. ...
- Yamazaki 12-Year Single Malt Whisky. ...
- Highland Park 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky. ...
- Blanton's Single Barrel.
- Johnnie Walker Blue Label Blended Scotch Whisky. ...
- Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. ...
- Colonel E.H. ...
- The Hakushu 12-Year Single Malt Whisky. ...
- Laphroaig Quarter Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky. ...
- High West Campfire Whiskey. ...
- Bulleit Bourbon 10-Year.
What is a high priced whiskey? ›
The 1961 Bowmore 50 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whiskey increased by about 48%, from $68,675 in 2020 to $101,634 in 2022. The 1940 Macallan Lalique 72 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whiskey appreciated by about 40% in value from $111,285 in 2021 to $156,518 in 2022.
How long is whiskey good for unopened? ›Some alcohol, like wine, gets better in the bottle over time, but this isn't true for all types of booze, including whiskey. Unopened whiskey can last indefinitely, but a bottle that has been opened will eventually expire due to oxidation.
How long can you keep whiskey in a barrel? ›How long will my barrel last? If you look after your barrel, it could last for 8 to 10 years. Never let your barrel dry out, and follow our Oak Barrel Care Guide for full details.
How much is a 50 year old bottle of whiskey worth? ›Only an infinitesimal number of special barrels have gone the distance of 50 years, and their rarity and longevity always command top dollar. Current offerings of 50 year old scotch, like Dalmore, can cost as much as $60,000 a bottle, making others, like Benromach, look like a veritable bargain at $14,500.
What is the #1 whiskey in the US? ›2022's TOP 10 BEST SELLING AMERICAN WHISKEY BRANDS
Maker's Mark returns to the number one spot for the first time since 2019, beating Bulleit by the narrowest of margins.
- Jack Daniels (12.3 million cases)
- Jim Beam (10.7 million cases)
- Evan Williams (3 million cases)
- Maker's Mark (2.4 million cases)
- Jack Daniel's Tennessee Honey (2 million cases)
- Seagram's 7 (1.9 million cases)
- Bulleit (1.8 million cases)
Glenmorangie
For over three decades, Glenmorangie's Original 10 Year has been the most popular single malt in all of Scotland (where they know a thing or two about whisky).
Hailing from Colorado and using local barley, Stranahan's single malt is aged in new American oak barrels—just like bourbon, but with a slightly lighter char.
Is Irish or Scottish whiskey better? ›But the biggest difference between Scotch whisky and Irish whiskey is the distillation process. While both spirits are distilled liquors, Scotch is distilled twice to Irish whiskey's thrice. This extra distillation gives Irish whiskey a smoother finish and some say make it the best in the world.
Who drinks the most Scotch in the world? ›United States. The United States remains the biggest Scotch whisky-consuming country by value. In 2022, sales of the alcohol type in the country were to the tune of GBP 1,053 million (around Rs 10,585 crores). The rise in value was 33 percent year on year from GBP 790 million (around Rs 7,941.7 crores) in 2021.
What is the most popular bourbon in America? ›
- (1) Bulleit Bourbon.
- (2) Maker's Mark Bourbon Whisky.
- (3) Jim Beam Bourbon Whiskey.
- (4) Basil Hayden's Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
- (5) Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
- (6) Knob Creek Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
- (7) Buffalo Trace Bourbon.
- Ardbeg Uigeadail. Deep smoky notes with luscious, raisin-y tones. ...
- Lagavulin, 16 year old. ...
- Glenmorangie, The Accord (Bourbon and Sherry Finish) ...
- Naked Grouse.
Buffalo Trace claims to be the oldest continuously-operating distillery in the USA, though the name has changed over the years. Maker's Mark has the oldest bourbon distillery in the world, while Jack Daniel's is the oldest registered distillery in America.
What is the smoothest easiest to drink whiskey? ›Irish Whiskey
It has a very smooth finish and is often enjoyed neat.
- Irish – Jameson Caskmates.
- Canadian – Dillon's Rye.
- Islay – Laphroaig 10.
- Speyside – Craigellachie 13.
- Lowlands – Ailsa Bay.
- Indian – Paul John Peated.
- Blended Scotch – Chivas Regal 12.
- Japanese – Hibiki 12.
Drink Irish Whiskey Neat
Beyond learning the theory, tasting neat remains the best (and most enjoyable) method for understanding Irish whiskey.
Flavor: Scotch tastes smoother than whiskey. This is a result of the way the distillery malts the grains. Grains: Whiskey is a distilled alcoholic beverage derived from barley, wheat, grain, or corn.
What whiskey to try in Scotland? ›- 1/35. Bowmore 15 Year Old. Age: 15 years. ABV: 43% Region: Islay. ...
- 2/35. Old Pulteney Coastal Series Pineau des Charentes. ABV: 46% Region: Highlands. Appearance: Golden sands. ...
- 3/35. Port Ellen 39 Year Old. Age: 39 years. ABV: 50.9% Region: Islay. ...
- 4/35. The Glenlivet 33 Year Old. Age: 33 years. ABV: 48.8% Region: Speyside.
The Macallan is the most consistent producer of superb single malts in a region famous for them. Speyside in the Highlands of Scotland is remarkably prolific when it comes to world-class whisky brands. However, it was Macallan that promoted the single-malt ethos long before it was fashionable to do so.
What is the best way to store whiskey? ›- Store bottles of whiskey upright and monitor the condition of the cork. ...
- Keep it dark. ...
- Keep the collection consistently cool, but not too cold. ...
- Maintain consistent temperature and humidity. ...
- Protect the bottle and label condition. ...
- Prepare them to be transported.
Which country makes the best whiskey? ›
World whiskies. Scotland is the biggest producer of whisky in the world, and has been for at least 100 years. But while Scotland is synonymous with whisky, it isn't the only country to produce it. Others, such as the USA, Ireland and Japan, also have long, proud traditions of whisky-making.
What is the whiskey of the year? ›Whiskey of the Year 2022: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (C922)
What's considered top shelf whisky? ›What Is A Top-Shelf Whiskey Brand? Generally, a top-shelf whiskey brand is a brand that produces whiskey from high-quality ingredients and is usually rare and expensive. The terminology top-shelf is often used because bar owners display the bottles on the top-shelf behind the bartender.
What is the best year for whiskey? ›Bourbon and rum: Best aged 5–12 years
That means the distillate extracts flavors from the wood relatively quickly, so Bourbon matures faster than most other barrel-aged spirits. “The majority of barrels peak in the 5–10-year range,” says Elliott.
Johnnie Walker Double Black
Johnnie Walker is the go-to brand for some of the best whiskies in India.
World Whisky Day – May 20, 2023.
What is the most sold whisky? ›Jack Daniel's was the leading brand of whiskey in the on-trade channel in the United Kingdom in 2021. Sales of the brand reached 107.8 million GBP in that year. Famous Grouse was the next best selling brand with sales of 40.3 million pounds.
What is the new release whisky 2023? ›The 2023 Càirdeas release from Laphroaig will be a mix of White Port and Madeira casks. Available only to the Friends of Laphroaig, this is the first of its kind to be released by the new master distiller Barry MacAffer.
Does unopened whiskey get better with age? ›Some alcohol, like wine, gets better in the bottle over time, but this isn't true for all types of booze, including whiskey. Unopened whiskey can last indefinitely, but a bottle that has been opened will eventually expire due to oxidation.
How long can you keep an unopened bottle of whiskey? ›An unopened bottle of whiskey will last indefinitely if stored in proper condition. After opening a bottle of whiskey, you have as long as two years or as few as six months or less to drink it before it goes bad.
What alcohol is best for aging? ›
Spirits that have prominently rich, spicy characteristics (like bourbon, Scotch, and rum) are better served by decades in a barrel, as those notes become more pronounced. Lighter (let's say "younger at heart") spirits like tequila and gin don't gain as much by aging.
Can you drink 50 year old whisky? ›Drinking a whisky that was opened years ago will not make you unwell. It is down to what your taste preference is more than anything else. If a whisky noticeably no longer tastes as good as it once did, then it's probably time to dispose of the bottle.
What are the top 5 whiskey brands? ›- Best Bourbon: Knob Creek 12 Year Old Bourbon.
- Best Rye: Frey Ranch Straight Rye Whiskey.
- Best Single Malt Scotch: The Glen Grant 15 Year Old.
- Best Blended Scotch: Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky.
- Best Irish Whiskey: Green Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey.