Whiskey Newb? I've Got the Perfect Scotch for Ya
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Hello, whiskey lovers, and welcome to heaven, where your drink of choice is best served neat or on the rocks with just a few ice cubes. That’s right, we’re talking about scotch, Ron Burgundy’s fave nightcap. Ah, delightful.
Did you know that they (gestures arms towards the sky) are prettttty strict about what they'll consider a scotch? Per Scottish law (like, for real), scotch has to be aged for at least three years. And don't even think about making scotch if it's not in Scotland, because if it's not on Scottish soil, it doesn't count.
These ~production standards~ lead to a smoky, rich, almost harsh sip of alcohol. Some might not be able to handle it, but if you can, it's truly divine. Ahead, we’ve got the 15 best scotch brands for your sipping pleasure.
A sip of this single malt scotch will warm your entire body and fill you with the taste of lemon, honey, and just a bit of smokiness. Drink it ~OTR~ (you can figure it out) or enhance that lemon flavor by mixing up some scotch sours for you and your friends.
Notes of heather honey, dried fruits, winter spices and Seville oranges will be apparent when you're sipping this single-malt scotch. This is the way to go for your every day whisky, but try the brand's 40-year aged scotch if you're celebrating a special occasion.
This 86-proof (!) whisky has a deep smoky flavor that will have you thinking you're inhaling an actual fire (but much more delicious, promise.) Lagavulin is aged in oak casks for 16 years, both important for the aging process and developing its unique earthy flavor.
What better way to celebrate your first sip of alcohol than with a scotch blend that's just as old as you are! This scotch is really aged for 21 years, so it's the perfect drink to celebrate any special occasion. You'll pick up notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice in this blend, which definitely makes it more suitable for those colder months.
You’ll feel hella sophisticated sippin’ on one of Aberfeldy’s single malts. (It makes 12-, 16-, and 21-year-old versions.) With notes of honey, spice, and orange, the brand is ideal for fall, TBH.
One of the most popular scotch brands, The Macallan is beloved by hard-core whiskey drinkers and your local bartender. It makes special editions every year, but its 12-year is ideal for newbs. Sip up, bb.
One of the most popular brands in the world, Glenlivet makes single malt scotch with notes of ginger spice and citrus. It makes dozens of different kinds, but start with the 12-year or the founder’s reserve if you’re feeling chic. Go HAM with one of the limited releases.
Ballin’ on a budget? Ta-da! This light blended scotch offers tastes of oak and creamy vanilla and a crisp, clean finish without breaking the bank.
This easy-to-drink bottle is perf for making cocktails. Invite your crew over and impress them with your mixology game thanks to this crowd-pleasing choice. Plus, it’s beloved in Scotland, where scotch is made (duh), so you know it’s legit.
Chivas Regal makes a few different bottles of scotch, including the 12-year, the Extra, and the Icon, which is next-level fancy. Bring any of these to a party and you’ll be the host’s fave guest, no questions asked.
Trust: This expertly crafted whiskey is worth its hefty price tag. Whether you want to drink it neat or ~on the rocks~, you can’t go wrong with this pick. The notes of dark chocolate, caramel, and honey are To. Die. For.
Splurge-worthy is an understatement when it comes to this cult-favorite whiskey. It’s advertised as “a heavier, creamier single malt than most have ever experienced.” Sign me up. Wanna go wild? Find one of the rare 30-year-old 1970 vintage malts.
Don’t worry about mixing this bb with anything—it’s perf on its own. The smooth blend has a number of unique flavors that culminate in a yummy vanilla-y aftertaste.
This minimalistic bottle will look amaze on your bar cart. Blended from three Speyside single malt whiskeys, Monkey Shoulder has a light, sweet flavor that tastes just as good in a cocktail as it does on its own.
Luxurious, smooth, and smoky, Johnnie Walker never disappoints. Pour any of its bottles over ice and top it with a splash of soda. Enjoy.
Kara Cuzzone is a New York City-based writer, editor, and artist. She has over seven years of experience covering health, wellness, and shopping-related topics for sites including Forbes, Cosmopolitan, Byrdie, Wondermind, and PureWow.
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