Top 10 Single Malt Whiskies You Need To Try

Finding the perfect single malt whisky can be challenging, especially if you are new to whisky. With so many brands claiming to offer the best single malt, you can easily find yourself unsure where to turn or who to trust. Luckily for you, we are here to help with the definitive top 10 single malt whiskies that are perfect for beginners, seasoned whisky drinkers, and everyone in between! 

1. Glenallachie 12 Year Old Speyside Single Malt 

Kicking off our list is Glenallchie’s 12-year-old Speyside single malt, which is layered, approachable, and layered. Glenallachie has been distilling whisky in Speyside, Scotland's most prolific whisky region, since 1967. Glenallachie is known for its sherry-matured expressions, with a balance of fruit, spice, and oak that delivers a rich mouthfeel. 

2. Balvenie 12 Year Old Single Malt

Balvenie’s 12-year-old single malt is made at one of Scotland's most traditional distilleries. It is the only distillery that grows its own barley, using traditional floor maltings and in-house coopers and coppersmiths to create a unique whisky. You can even taste the expert craftsmanship that has gone into this drink! We recommend this for anyone who enjoys a sweeter whisky, as its second maturation in a fresh sherry cask adds additional sweetness. 

3. Glenlivet 18 Year Old Speyside 

Glenlivet has been creating whisky since 1824, and was the first legal distillery in its region. It is one of Scotland’s most iconic single malt whisky brands, and you can enjoy the best of their single malts with this 18-year-old Speyside. It is a pre-2004 edition that can be tricky to find at times, but you get to enjoy the unique taste and brand style before a modern rebrand changes the packaging. 

4. Aberlour 10 Year Old Single Malt

Abelou is known for its accessible age-stated whiskies, with a reputation for combining classic Speyside flavours with sherry-cask depth to create rich, sherried single malts. Their 10-year single malt embodies this perfectly and makes it the perfect option for anyone looking for a classic Speyside experience with nostalgia, or for new whisky drinkers. 

5. Aberfeldy 18 Year Old Single Malt

Aberfeldy’s 18-year-old single malt is a limited edition release, so it can be challenging to get your hands on it, but if you do, you will get to enjoy an expressive whisky that is perfect for collectors. The honey richness blends with bold wine-cask complexity, adding elegance and depth, making it perfect for anyone with an adventurous palate. 

6. Dalmore 12 Year Old Highland Scotch

Dalmore Distillery has been creating whisky since 1839, and is known for its commitment to tradition and quality. Their 12-year-old bottle is matured in ex-bourbon casks for 9 years before being finished in sherry casks for 3 years, giving it a rich, sweet flavour. This is the perfect whisky for beginners, especially if you have a sweet tooth. 

7. Laphroaig 10 Year Old Islay Single Malt 

Laphroaig is known for its medicinal, peatiest single malts, producing whisky since 815 and receiving a royal warrant from HRH Prince Charles in 1994. Their 10-year-old Islay single malt offers classic distillery flavours, with intense peat smoke setting it apart from others. This is a vintage release, with rare 1990s bottles sought by collectors. 

8. Talisker Storm Single Malt

Next,  we have Talisker, which has been creating whisky on the Isle of Skye in Scotland since 1830. They are the only distillery on this Scottish island, creating powerful, peated single malts with a distinct maritime character that make it worthy of a spot on today’s list. Their no-age-statement whisky has a more intense flavour than their 10-year-old option, matured in American oak casks to help deliver a bold smoke and spice. A creamy sweetness balances the bold flavours, making it a favourite among Island whisky drinkers. 

9. Benriach 16 Year Old Speyside Malt

Benricah is known for combining traditional methods with innovation in its Speyside distillery. They create peated and unpeated whiskies, offering something for everyone. Their 16-year-old Speyside malt is a favourite of ours, with a rich character that emphasises the maritime characteristics of coastal whisky. To achieve this unique taste, it is aged for at least 10 years in American oak casks. The end result is a smooth whisky that is a good choice for beginners or seasoned whisky lovers. 

10. Ardbeg Hypernova Single Malt 

Finally, we have Ardbeg, which has been making single malts since 1815. They are known for creating some of the most intensely smoky, peatiest single malts on Islay. The Hypernova launched exclusively in October 2022 for Ardbeg Committee members and is believed to be the smokiest globally and the most heavily peated. This was a limited release, so finding bottles can be challenging, but if you do, you can expect fantastic notes of aniseed and toasted lavender, sharp peat smoke, bitter almonds, and dark chocolate. 

Find Your New Single Malt Today

Any of these 10 single malts will be a fantastic whisky to sample or add to your collection, offering unique flavours that pay homage to their distillery history and locations. When looking for a new single malt, we recommend checking out The Whisky Club, who offer subscriptions and access to rare and exclusive whiskies that are rich and full of flavour. Check out their best single malt whiskies to find your new bottle today. 

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