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Whisky • 17 min • 02.10.2023
12 Best Single Malt Whiskies for Your Taste and Budget
The term "single malt" refers to the whisky that comes from a single distillery and is made only with malted barley. It is typically aged for at least three years in oak casks, which gives it a distinct flavour and aroma. When it comes to single malt whiskey taste, these whiskies can have fruity, spicy, smoky, nutty, or floral flavours, depending on factors such as the type of barley used, the cask used for ageing, and the length of ageing.
In Singapore, single malt whisky is popular due to its rich and complex flavours, which appeal to the sophisticated palates of many Singaporeans. The country's warm climate makes it an ideal location for whisky ageing, as it accelerates the maturation process and enhances the flavours of the whisky.
With so many different single malt whiskies available on the market, it can be challenging to define what is the best single malt whiskey and to choose which bottle to buy. Whether you are a whisky connoisseur or a novice, this list will help you discover some of the best single malt whisky brands that the world has to offer. From the smokey and peaty whiskies of Islay to the rich and fruity whiskies of Speyside, there is something for everyone here.
A Quick Look at Our Top 12
- Glenfiddich 18 Year—Best for serving your party guests
- Talisker 10 Year—Best for entry-level peat lovers
- Ardbeg Corryvreckan—Best for enthusiasts looking to level up their game
- Lagavulin 12 Year 2021 Special Release—Best for a unique salty sweetness
- Laphroaig 10 Year—Best for whisky novices and smokey flavour
- Bowmore 18 Year—Best value for money
- Aberlour 14 Year Double Cask—Smoothest and simplest taste
- Balblair 18 Year—Fruitiest taste
- Balvenie 14 Year Week of Peat—Best for flavour complexity
- Macallan 15 Year Double Cask—Best medium-bodied whisky
- Glenmorangie Signet—Best for a chocolate taste
- Glendronach Allardice 18 Year—Best full-bodied whisky that tastes of sherry
1. Glenfiddich 18 Year
- ABV: 40%
- Cask: American oak and Spanish oak
Glenfiddich 18 Year is a single malt Scotch whisky produced by the Glenfiddich Distillery in Scotland. It is aged for 18 years in oak casks, resulting in a rich and complex flavour profile. The whisky is known for its notes of honey, vanilla, and dried fruit, as well as its smooth and mellow finish. It has won several awards for its quality and taste, making it a popular choice among whisky enthusiasts.
Its 18-year ageing process gives it a depth of flavour that is sure to impress even the most discerning whisky connoisseurs. Overall, Glenfiddich 18 Year is a well-rounded and versatile whisky that is perfect for sharing with friends and family at a whisky-tasting party.
Experience and Flavours
- Nose: Complex notes of honey, vanilla, and fruit, with hints of oak spices
- Palate: Smooth and buttery texture, layered with complex flavours of honey and dark chocolate, with a subtle smokiness and a hint of oak
- Finish: Long and warming, with a lingering sweetness and a touch of spice
Learn more: Our Glenfiddich 18 year review
2. Talisker 10 Year
Talisker 10 Year Single Malt
- ABV: 45.8%
- Cask: American oak
Talisker 10 Year is a single malt Scotch whisky produced by the Talisker Distillery on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. It is aged for a minimum of 10 years in American oak casks, which gives it a distinctive smoky and peaty flavour profile.
Talisker 10 Year has a complex flavour profile, with notes of smoke, salt, pepper, and a hint of sweetness. It has a medium to full body and a long, warming finish. This whisky is often considered a classic example of a smoky and peaty Scotch whisky and is highly regarded by whisky enthusiasts.
Experience and Flavours
- Nose: Complex aroma with notes of peat smoke, sea salt, and a hint of sweetness from the honey
- Palate: Smokey peat notes are well-balanced by sweet barley and a touch of vanilla. There is also a distinct peppery spice that lingers
- Finish: Long and smokey sea salt lingers
Learn more: Our Talisker 10 year review
3. Ardbeg Corryvreckan
- ABV: 57.1%
- Cask: Ex-bourbon casks and new French oak
Ardbeg Corryvreckan is a single malt Scotch whisky produced by the Ardbeg Distillery on the Isle of Islay in Scotland. It is named after the Corryvreckan whirlpool, which is located near the distillery and is one of the largest whirlpools in the world.
This whisky is aged in a combination of French oak casks and American oak casks, which gives it a unique flavour profile. It has a strong peat-smoke aroma, with notes of dark chocolate, espresso, and black pepper. On the palate, it has a rich and complex flavour, with notes of brine, seaweed, and a hint of sweetness.
Ardbeg Corryvreckan is a full-bodied and intense whisky with a long and warming finish. It is highly regarded by whisky enthusiasts for its bold and complex flavour profile and has won several awards for its quality.
Experience and Flavours
- Nose: Smokey and peaty, peppery with notes of dark cherries and a hint of vanilla
- Palate: Aggressive, smokey, ashy, and a punch with spices (let it breathe for 10 minutes for a milder expression)
- Finish: Long finishing that lingers with a gentle smokiness and a hint of sea salt and smokey sea salt lingers
4. Lagavulin 12 Year 2021 Special Release
- ABV: 56.5%
- Cask: Refill American oak
Lagavulin 12 Year 2021 Special Release is a limited edition whisky, and it is considered one of the best single malt Scotch whisky produced by the Lagavulin Distillery on the Isle of Islay in Scotland. It is aged for 12 years in American oak casks, which gives it a complex and rich flavour profile.
This whisky has a strong peat smoke aroma, with notes of brine, seaweed, and a hint of citrus. On the palate, it has a bold and intense flavour, with notes of smoke, iodine, and black pepper. It has a full-bodied and oily texture, with a long and warming finish.
The Lagavulin 12 Year is highly regarded by whisky enthusiasts for its bold and complex flavour profile and is considered one of the best whiskies produced by the Lagavulin Distillery. As a limited edition release, it is highly sought-after by collectors and fans of the distillery.
Experience and Flavours
- Nose: Well-blended peat and honey pairs with a hint of vanilla
- Palate: Buttery sensation well-blended with peatiness and accompanied by notes of dried fruits, oak, and a subtle sweetness
- Finish: Long warming, with lingering notes of smokey-sweet spices sea salt lingers
5. Laphroaig 10 Year
- ABV: 40%
- Cask: Ex-bourbon
Laphroaig 10 Year is a single malt Scotch whisky produced by the Laphroaig Distillery on the Isle of Islay in Scotland. It is aged for a minimum of 10 years in American oak casks, which gives it a distinctive smoky and peaty flavour profile.
This whisky has a strong peat smoke aroma, with notes of seaweed, iodine, and a hint of sweetness. On the palate, it has a bold and intense flavour, with notes of smoke, tar, and brine. It has a full-bodied and oily texture, with a long and warming finish.
Laphroaig 10 Year is highly regarded by whisky enthusiasts for its bold and complex flavour profile and is considered one of the quintessential Islay whiskies. It has won several awards for its quality, including the Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Despite its strong flavour profile, it has a loyal following among whisky drinkers who appreciate its unique character and depth of flavour.
Experience and Flavours
- Nose: Peaty and smokey, with notes of seaweed, iodine, and a hint of sweet vanilla
- Palate: Strong peat smoke character, as well as hints of salt, brine, and a subtle sweetness
- Finish: Bold and buttery, with a long, warming, and smokey finish that lingers sea salt lingers
6. Bowmore 18 Year
- ABV: 43%
- Cask: Bourbon barrels and oloroso sherry casks
Bowmore 18 Year is a single malt Scotch whisky produced by the Bowmore Distillery on the Isle of Islay in Scotland. It is aged for a minimum of 18 years in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, which gives it a complex and balanced flavour profile.
This whisky has a smoky aroma, with notes of dark chocolate, espresso, and a hint of fruitiness. On the palate, it has a rich and full-bodied flavour, with notes of smoke, peat, and dried fruit. It has a long, warming finish with a touch of sweetness.
Bowmore 18 Year is highly regarded by whisky enthusiasts for its complexity and balance of flavours. It has won several awards for its quality, including the Gold Medal at the International Wine & Spirit Competition. It is often considered one of the best whiskies produced by the Bowmore Distillery and is highly sought-after by collectors and fans of the distillery.
Experience and Flavours
- Nose: Complex with a good balance between peaty tobacco and dark fruits
- Palate: Bold and rich, with flavours of dark chocolate, toffee, vanilla, and a subtle smokiness—a significant difference compared with the Nose
- Finish: Smooth, buttery, and velvety texture, with a long, warm finish that lingers with light smokiness and sea salt
7. Aberlour 14 Year Double Cask
- ABV: 40%
- Cask: Oloroso sherry and first-fill American oak
Aberlour 14 Year Double Cask is a single malt Scotch whisky produced by the Aberlour Distillery in Speyside, Scotland. It is aged for a minimum of 14 years in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, which gives it a unique and complex flavour profile.
This whisky has a sweet and fruity aroma, with notes of apple, pear, and vanilla. On the palate, it has a rich and full-bodied flavour, with notes of honey, toffee, and a hint of spice. It has a long and warming finish with a touch of oak.
Aberlour 14 Year is highly regarded by whisky enthusiasts for its balance of flavours and complexity. It has won several awards for its quality, including the Gold Medal at the International Wine & Spirit Competition. It is often considered the best smooth single malt whiskey produced by the Aberlour Distillery and is highly recommended for those who enjoy a sweet and fruity whisky with a touch of spice.
Experience and Flavours
- Nose: Overripe fruit aromas, with notes of raisins, figs, and dates, as well as a hint of vanilla and spice
- Palate: Caramel, toffee, and honey, along with a subtle smokiness and a touch of oak
- Finish: Long and warming, with a lingering sweetness and a gentle spice and sea salt
8. Balblair 18 Year
- ABV: 46%
- Cask: Ex-bourbon and first-fill Spanish oak
Balblair 18 Year is a single malt Scotch whisky produced by the Balblair Distillery in the Highlands region of Scotland. It is aged for a minimum of 18 years in American oak casks, which gives it a complex and rich flavour profile.
This whisky has a sweet and fruity aroma, with notes of honey, vanilla, and citrus. On the palate, it has a rich and full-bodied flavour, with notes of toffee, chocolate, and a hint of spice. It has a long and warming finish with a touch of oak. Balblair 18 Year is highly regarded by whisky enthusiasts for its balance of flavours and complexity.
Experience and Flavours
- Nose: Dried fruits, citrus, honey, and vanilla, with a subtle hint of smokiness
- Palate: Rich with flavours of dark chocolate, raisins, and a warming spiciness
- Finish: Buttery, velvety mouth feel, with a long and complex finish that evolves on every sip you take
9. Balvenie 14 Year Week of Peat
- ABV: 48.3%
- Cask: Ex-bourbon, virgin charred American oak, and ex-rum European oak
Balvenie 14 Year Week of Peat is a single malt Scotch whisky produced by the Balvenie Distillery in Speyside, Scotland. It is aged for a minimum of 14 years in American oak casks and finished in ex-Islay casks, which gives it a unique and complex flavour profile.
This whisky has a smoky and peaty aroma, with notes of honey, vanilla, and citrus. On the palate, it has a rich and full-bodied flavour, with notes of smoke, peat, and a hint of sweetness. It has a long and warming finish with a touch of oak.
Balvenie 14 Year is highly recommended for those who enjoy smoky and peaty whisky with a touch of sweetness.
Experience and Flavours
- Nose: Mild peat with a nice balance of honey and vanilla
- Palate: Mild peat, vanilla, honey, and dried fruit, with a hint of spice
- Finish: Long smokey finish with a touch of sweetness
10. Macallan 15 Double Cask
- ABV: 43%
- Cask: Ex-bourbon and ex-Oloroso sherry
Macallan 15 Double Cask is a single malt Scotch whisky aged for 15 years in American and European oak sherry casks. It has a rich, fruity aroma with notes of dried fruit, vanilla and spice. On the palate, it is full-bodied with flavours of toffee, chocolate, and a hint of orange. It has a long, warming finish with a touch of oak. Highly regarded for its balance of flavours and complexity, it has won several awards, including the Gold Medal at the International Wine & Spirit Competition.
Macallan 15 is recommended for those who enjoy a rich and fruity whisky with a touch of spice.
Experience and Flavours
- Nose: Sweet aroma of honey, vanilla, caramel, and citrus fruits
- Palate: Smooth, dried fruits, toffee, cinnamon, and a hint of oak spice
- Finish: Long and warm with a slight smokey note
11. Glenmorangie Signet
- ABV: 46%
- Cask: American virgin oak
Glenmorangie Signet is a single malt Scotch whisky produced by the Glenmorangie Distillery in Scotland. It is a non-age statement whisky made from a blend of whiskies aged up to 40 years old. It has a rich and complex flavour profile with notes of chocolate, coffee, and spice. It is highly regarded by whisky enthusiasts and perfect for those who appreciate a rich and complex flavour profile with notes of chocolate, coffee, and spice.
Experience and Flavours
- Nose: Complex aroma of dark chocolate, espresso, and toasted nuts, with hints of orange peel and cinnamon
- Palate: Rich, with flavours of dark chocolate, nut, and ginseng root
- Finish: Tannic and lingers with ginseng root in a good way
12. Glendronach Allardice 18 Year
- ABV: 46%
- Cask: Spanish Oloroso sherry
This single malt Scotch whisky is produced by the Glendronach Distillery in Scotland. It is aged for a minimum of 18 years in a combination of Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks, which gives it a rich and complex flavour profile with notes of dried fruit, toffee, and spice.
It is best for those who appreciate a rich and complex flavour profile with notes of dried fruit, toffee, and spice. Glendronach Allardice 18 Year is a premium whisky that is highly regarded and has won several awards, making it a great choice for whisky lovers who enjoy sipping on a high-quality single malt Scotch whisky.
Experience and Flavours
- Nose: Fruit basket with dried fruit, raisins, and figs, with hints of vanilla and oak
- Palate: Sherry forward with a rich sweetness from dried fruits and honey, balanced by a slight bitterness. There is also a subtle spiciness, with notes of cinnamon and nutmeg
- Finish: Long and smooth, with a lingering sweetness and a hint of smokiness
Final Thoughts
I hope the journey through our top 12 best single malt whiskey brands helps you decide which one is best suitable for your palate and pocket. There is no right answer when it comes to picking the best single malt whisky as that all depends on your personal taste and preferences, but, hopefully, this list should make it a little easier to decide.
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