In this article, we are going to discuss the 10 best-selling Scotch whisky brands in the world. If you want to check out our detailed analysis of the success of the Scotch, the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on the Scotch industry, and the sustainability initiatives in Scotch, head to 30 Best-Selling Scotch Whisky Brands in the World.
10. Chivas Regal
Insider Monkey Score: 13
Considered by many as the first luxury blended whisky, Chivas Regal is one of the most famous Scotch whisky brands in the world, and for good reason. Every sip of the whisky is silky smooth and full of the world-famous Speyside malt flavors, but each blend also has its own unique taste and aroma.
The Scotch whisky arm of Pernod Ricard, Chivas Brothers, saw net sales soar by 25% during the company’s 2022 fiscal year, and the Chivas Regal brand saw global growth of 29% during FY22, as well as a boost of 42% in emerging markets.
9. Glenmorangie
Insider Monkey Score: 14
One of the most popular single malt Scotch brands in Scotland, Glenmorangie has been crafting Highland single malt whisky since 1843. As a company within Moët Hennessy-Louis Vuitton (LVMH), The Glenmorangie Company benefits from the resources and ‘savoir faire’ of the world leader in luxury goods, whilst being entirely independent.
8. Glenfiddich
Insider Monkey Score: 15
In 1963, Glenfiddich became the first to globally market a “straight malt” or single malt. The marketing worked and today Glenfiddich is reportedly the world’s second-best selling single malt. Owned by William Grant & Sons, Glenfiddich had global sales of 1.6 million 9-liter cases last year.
7. Lagavulin
Insider Monkey Score: 16
Lagavulin is said to be one of the oldest distilleries on Islay and is world-renowned for its smoky, peaty whiskies. The Lagavulin Single Malt has converted untold numbers of people to whisky drinking and remains the firm favorite of countless malt fans worldwide. The brand is now owned by Diageo.
6. The Macallan
Insider Monkey Score: 16
The Macallan’s origins can be traced back to 1824 when Alexander Reid established a distillery on the banks of the River Spey in Scotland. Today, the brand is known for producing some of the most sought-after and expensive whiskies in the world. The distillery’s rare and aged expressions can fetch tens of thousands of dollars at auction, and the brand has become a symbol of luxury and exclusivity.
The Macallan ranks among the Top 10 Most Popular Scotch Whiskies in our list.
5. The Glenlivet
Insider Monkey Score: 16
Made in the Scottish Highlands since 1824, The Glenlivet is the world’s best-selling single malt. Malt from Speyside and mineral water from Cairngorms National Park are distilled in traditional lantern-shaped stills and then matured in oak casks, giving The Glenlivet its smooth, rich, and fruity flavor. Part of the Pernod Ricard group since 2001, the brand is defining new ways to enjoy single malt for a new generation.
4. Laphroaig
Insider Monkey Score: 17
Best served neat or poured over ice, the rich flavor of Laphroaig makes it a staple choice, ideal for novices and connoisseurs alike. The Laphroaig distillery and brand are owned and operated by Beam Suntory, the American subsidiary of Japan’s Suntory Holdings
3. Ardbeg
Insider Monkey Score: 18
Called ‘as close to perfection as makes no difference’ by whisky connoisseurs, Ardbeg has been made on the small, remote Scottish Isle of Islay for over 200 years. The distillery fell into disrepair and closed its doors in 1996, but reopened after it was acquired by The Glenmorangie Company, which is part of the LVMH group, for $8.3 million in 1997.
In the last seven years, Ardbeg has been the most awarded smoky single malt Scotch whisky.
2. The Balvenie
Insider Monkey Score: 20
Established in 1892 by William Grant, The Balvenie is a unique range of single malt Scotch whiskies hand-crafted in Speyside using centuries-old skills passed down through generations. Over the last few years, Balvenie has become one of the best-selling single malts and demand is growing.
Today, the distillery is owned by the fifth generation of William Grant’s family, making William Grant & Sons one of the longest single-family ownerships in the world.
1. Johnnie Walker
Insider Monkey Score: 33
With 22.7 million 9-liter cases sold worldwide, Johnnie Walker is the number one Scotch whisky brand in the world. Its prestige status was trumped with the launch of the super swanky Blue Label in the late 1980s, but the iconic Black Label also never lost its cache. Across the world today, a bottle of Johnnie Walker Black Label is a recognised currency and symbol of excellence.
In 2022, Johnnie Walker announced its involvement in a programme to phase out the use of 183 million cardboard gift boxes from Diageo’s premium Scotch portfolio around the world.
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