When it comes to spirits, Scotch whisky might not come to mind as the most versatile option for gifting. It’s a spirit that’s often (and incorrectly) perceived as being exclusively suited for hardcore smoke lovers, or one that has to be expensive to be of high quality. Neither of these is true: This spirit offers great drinkability and versatility in flavor profile due to both regional terroir and producers that range from generations-old to more experimental. From bold, sherry-cask aged expressions with intense caramel and dried fruit notes to examples with a crisp and citrus-forward profile, there’s a Scotch to fit nearly any palate. Even better: There are great options available at all price points. While there are many splurge-worthy and limited-edition finds on shelves, there are also some incredible budget-friendly bottles and versatile expressions that will shine on any bar cart.
To help you wade through the sea of options, we put together a list of the top bottles for everyone on your list from whisky beginners to cocktail lovers. Here are the seven best Scotches to gift this year.
Best Budget Scotch: Isle of Skye 12 Year Old Best Splurge Scotch: Glengoyne 21 Year Old Highland Single Malt Best Scotch For Beginners: Deanston Virgin Oak Single Malt Whisky Best Scotch for Geeks: Glenglassaugh Sandend Highland Single Malt Best Scotch for Cocktail Lovers: Maclean’s Nose Blended Scotch Whisky Best Scotch to Impress: The Dalmore 18 Year 2023 Edition Best Limited-Edition Scotch: The GlenDronach Cask Strength Batch 12
