In this article, we are going to discuss the 5 highest quality Scotch whisky brands in the world. If you want to check out our detailed analysis of the success of Scotch, the resurgence of Scotch tourism, and the sustainability initiatives in Scotch, head to 20 Highest Quality Scotch Whisky Brands in the World.
5. Ardbeg
Insider Monkey Score: 18
In the last seven years, Ardbeg has been the most awarded smoky single malt Scotch whisky. Called ‘as close to perfection as makes no difference’ by whisky connoisseurs, this Scotch 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 for $8.3 million in 1997.
At around $50 a bottle, the Ardbeg Wee Beastie is one of the Best Scotch Whiskies for the Money.
4. The GlenDronach
Insider Monkey Score: 20
The GlenDronach has been revered in the art of sherry cask maturation since 1826. Each distinctive expression offers the brand’s signature richly-sherried and complex character.
GlenDronach was purchased by Brown-Forman in 2016, along with its acquisition of The BenRiach Distillery Company.
In 2022, the Jack Daniel’s maker announced an over $30.5 million dollar investment in The GlenDronach Distillery to significantly increase production facilities at its homeplace in the Valley of Forgue in Aberdeenshire.
3. The Macallan
Insider Monkey Score: 21
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 Macallan has become a symbol of luxury and exclusivity.
2. Lagavulin
Insider Monkey Score: 22
Intensely flavored, smoky, and rich, Lagavulin has been made on the windswept island of Islay for more than 200 years. The Lagavulin Single Malt has converted untold numbers of people to whisky drinking and remains the firm favorite of countless malt fans worldwide. World-renowned for its smoky, peaty, premium Scotch whiskies, the brand is now owned by Diageo.
Aged in oak casks for at least 16 years, the brand’s flagship expression, Lagavulin 16, has the massive peat-smoke flavor that’s typical of southern Islay, while also offering the richness, dryness, and smoothness that turns it into a truly interesting dram.
1. Laphroaig
Insider Monkey Score: 24
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.
Laphroaig debuted its Elements series in October 2023, a new series that delves into the artistry of production that makes the brand’s whisky so richly flavored and characterful.
Insider Monkey focuses on uncovering the best investment ideas of hedge funds and insiders. Please subscribe to our free daily newsletter to get the latest investment ideas from hedge funds’ investor letters by entering your email address below. You can also take a peek at 20 States with the Cheapest Weed in America and Alcohol Consumption by Country: 25 Countries with the Highest Alcohol Consumption per Capita.
