An A-Z of Scotch Whisky Brands
Scotch whisky is one of the most renowned spirits in the world, with a rich history, distinct regional variations, and a wide range of flavours. With its continual growth in popularity, there are now hundreds of Scotch whisky brands – well known ones alongside hidden gems – sold around the world. Here are some of the best known and some of our favourite small-batch distillers.
A
Aberlour
Founded in 1826, Aberlour is a Speyside distillery that’s well-regarded for its rich, double-cask-matured single malt whiskies. It’s known for a commitment to tradition and quality as well as whiskies with rich flavour and luxurious qualities.
Ardbeg
Ardbeg is an Islay distillery known for its heavily peated whiskies and unique style. After a tumultuous history, it was revived in the 1990s and currently boasts of making the most awarded smoky single malt scotch whisky.
Other whiskies beginning with ‘A’
- Aberfeldy
- Ardmore
- Arran
- As We Get It
- Auchentoshan
B
BenRiach
This small Speyside distillery is known for its versatility and creativity, offering something for every type of whisky drinker. BenRiach whiskies can vary widely, but are generally known for rich, complex flavours, often with notes of fruit, spice, and smoke.
Bowmore
Bowmore, established on Islay in 1779, is one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland. More approachable than some of its other island counterparts, its peat flavouring is subtle and accessible, with fruity and floral nuances adding to the drinking experience.
Other whiskies beginning with ‘B’
- Balblair
- Balvenie
- Benromach
- Bladnoch
- Bruichladdich
- Bunnahabhain
C
Cardhu
Known for their smooth flavours, with notes of honey and fruit, Cardhu are a favourite amongst drinkers who prefer sweeter or lighter Scotch whiskies. The brand also played a significant role in the creation of Johnnie Walker blended Scotch.
Caol Ila
Caol Ila is one of the largest distilleries on the Isle of Islay and is most famous for its peated whiskies, despite also producing unpeated options. Smoky with a hint of citrus or olive, this is a great option if you’re looking for an introduction to Islay whiskies.
Other whiskies beginning with ‘C’
- Clynelish
- Coachbuilt
- Cragganmore
D
The Dalmore
The Dalmore is a brand that’s famous for its association with luxury and opulence. Their whiskies have rich, fruity and spicy flavours, often with notes of chocolate, coffee and orange. The full-bodied and complex flavours are popular amongst those who enjoy a decadent whisky.
Other whiskies beginning with ‘D’
E
Edradour
Edradour, founded in 1825, is one of the smallest distilleries in Scotland. Located in the Highlands, it’s known for its traditional methods and small-scale production. Sample these whiskies for notes of fruitcake and spice.
Other whiskies beginning with ‘E’
- Eden Mill
- Elements of Islay
F
Fettercairn
Established in 1824, Fettercairn is one of Scotland’s oldest licensed distilleries. It’s known for its innovative approach to distillation, including the use of a unique cooling ring around the stills. The resulting whiskies are typically light and fruity, with exotic hints of tropical fruit, vanilla and spice.
Other whiskies beginning with ‘F’
- Famous Grouse
- Finlaggan
- Flaming Feast
- Friar John Cor
G
Glendronach
Located in the Scottish Highlands, Glendronach has been producing sherry-cask-matured whiskies since the early 19th century. They offer some of the best styles of sherried whiskies in Scotland, with notes of dark fruit and chocolate, plus a velvety texture.
Glenfarclas
Glenfarclas, founded in 1836, is one of the few remaining family-owned distilleries in Scotland. It’s known for producing rich, sherried whiskies with a strong emphasis on tradition.
Glenfiddich
One of the most famous single malt Scotch whisky brands in the world, Glenfiddich whiskies are appreciated for their rich, fruity flavours. Thanks to its consistency and quality and popular light flavours, these whiskies are an excellent choice for beginners.
Other whiskies beginning with ‘G’
- The Gaelic Whiskies
- GlenAllachie
- Glengoyne
- Glen Grant
- Glenkinchie
- The Glenlivet
- Glenmorangie
- Glenrothes
H
Highland Park
Highland Park, founded in 1798 on the Orkney Islands, is one of the northernmost distilleries in Scotland. With a Viking heritage, it’s no surprise that it embraces traditional methods. These whiskies often have an undertone of heather and a touch of salt that induces the sea.
Other whiskies beginning with ‘H’
I
Ian Macleod
Reasonably young for a Scotch whisky distillery, founded as it was in 1933, Ian Macleod is family-owned and produces a good range of the spirit. It’s well respected for its commitment to creating something for every preference.
J
Johnnie Walker
With its iconic square bottles, Johnnie Walker is one of the most globally famous brands of Scotch whiskies. Its popular range includes something for every situation, from the everyday drink to those saved for special occasions.
Jura
One of the most remote distilleries in Scotland, Jura produces whiskies on a small scale, inspired by the rugged landscape surrounding it. Complex and balanced profiles are created through light peat smoke, fruit, spike and toffee.
Other whiskies beginning with ‘J’
- James Eadie
- John Crabbie & Co.
- Justerini & Brooks
K
Kingsbarns
Kingsbarns is a very young player in the Scotch whisky game (only founded in 2014), but shouldn’t be dismissed for that. They’re committed to the Lowland whisky tradition, producing light, floral and fruity drinks with a fresh, approachable quality.
Other whiskies beginning with ‘K’
- Kilchoman
- Kilkerran
L
Lagavulin
Lagavulin is an iconic Islay distillery that dates back to 1816. It’s one of the most revered names in the world of peated whisky, producing bold, smoky spirits that are not for the faint-hearted.
Laphroaig
With a reputation for producing some of the most intensely flavoured whiskies in Scotland, Laphroaig’s alcohols are even known for their medicinal effects from the peat smoke, iodine and seaweed.
Other whiskies beginning with ‘L’
M
Macallan
Boasting an exceptional use of sherry-seasoned oak casks, Macallan Scotch whisky is characterised by rich, complex flavours that make use of dried fruits, spice, chocolate and oak flavourings. They’ve got a velvety texture that’s both smooth and luxurious.
Mortlach
For robust, meaty whiskies, Mortlach in Speyside is the place to go. The savoury qualities of their drinks set them apart from other Speyside whiskies, and powerful flavour profiles give them a distinctive character.
Other whiskies beginning with ‘M’
N
Nc’Nean
With a commitment to organic and sustainable practices, this new Scotch whisky maker focuses on modern and innovative flavours. You’ll often catch creamy flavours alongside citrusy notes.
Nomad Outland Whisky
Creating something truly unique, Nomad Outland Whisky is distilled in Scotland but aged in Spain. The blend of cultures makes for a distinctive whisky that has gained international appeal.
North British
As one of the largest grain whisky producers in Scotland, North British whisky typically offers a lighter, sweeter profile with notes of vanilla, toffee, and cereal. It’s a key component in many blended whiskies.
Other whiskies beginning with ‘N’
- Neal’s
- Noble Rebel
- North of Scotland
- North Star Spirits
O
Oban
With a history stretching back to the 1700s, Oban is one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries. Known for its small production size, it takes on the role as a “bridge” between the Highland and Island styles of whisky.
Old Pulteney
Found in the Highland’s coastal town of Wick, the Old Pulteney distillery is also known as the “Maritime Malt” thanks to a strong connection with the sea. As you might expect, their whiskies include notes of salt and seaweed with flavours that are often described as briny and robust.
P
- Peat Chimney
- Port Askaig
R
Royal Brackla
As the first Scotch whisky ever granted a Royal Warrant, you can expect something special from Royal Brackla. Its whiskies are elegant, with a creamy mouthfeel and notes of apple and honey, as well as a touch of spice.
Royal Salute
Created to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, Royal Salute is a luxury blended Scotch whisky maker known for its aged expression. Creations often include a sherried influence and are noted for their exceptional character.
Other whiskies beginning with ‘R’
- Rock Island
- Rosebank
- Royal Lochnagar
S
Scapa
Located in the far north of Scotland, on the Orkney Islands, Scapa is a distillery producing smooth, honeyed whiskies with a light touch of peat. These lighter whiskies are known for their gentle, balanced flavours.
Springbank
One of only a few distilleries now found in the region of Campbeltown, Springbank has a traditional, hands-on approach to whisky making and produces numerous styles under different labels. The unique character and craftsmanship of its whiskies make it well-loved amongst connoisseurs of the spirit.
Other whiskies beginning with ‘S’
- Singleton
- Smokehead
- Speyburn
- Strathisla
T
Talisker
Talisker is the only distillery on the Isle of Skye and its rugged, maritime character reflects the environment of its home. Surrounded by the sea, it’s no surprise that these Scotch whiskies are known for their maritime flavours, but there is also a touch of sweetness and peppery spice.
Other whiskies beginning with ‘T’
- Tamdhu
- Tomatin
- Tomintoul
- Tullibardine
- The Tweeddale
V
Valinch & Mallet
This whisky bottler is known amongst connoisseurs for its attention to detail and exceptional cask selections. They often bottle rare and unique single cask whiskies from various distilleries.
W
Wolfburn
Though only founded in 2013, Wolfburn holds tradition at its heart, creating balanced whiskies with a clean finish. Their flavours are light and fruity, so very accessible.
Y
Ye Whisky of Ye Monks
This uniquely named whisky has been around for many years and the flagship blend combined around 40 different whiskies! It’s designed to be versatile and easy to drink, with a smooth and light flavour.