Best Single Malt Scotch

When it comes to picking the best of any type of alcohol, there is no definitive answer, since different people and different cultures have vastly different preferences. Picking the best single malt scotch whisky is just another impossible task for this very reason, because there are so many different varieties available in the market. Scotch connoisseurs know which one they prefer more than others, and until you taste all the great brands out there, you will never know for sure.

The first thing that you must do is know the difference between single malt scotch and blended scotch (simply referred to as scotch), since there is a lot of confusion about this differentiation. Blended scotch is distilled with the help of as many as 50 different single malts and grains, but single malt is just the result of the distillation of one type of grain and undergoes only one distillation process. This is another reason why it is so difficult to pick the best single malt scotch because every single geographic region in Scotland has their own unique single malt scotch.

The differences in the various single malt scotches can be felt in the color, the smell, the taste, the aftertaste and the finish of the alcohol. The 5 primary regions of Scottish distillation for the production of Scotch are Lowland, Islay, Highland, Campbeltown and Speyside, and each of these regions have their own sub-regions giving the single malt scotch from each region a unique taste and smell. You must also remember that all single malt scotches are distilled in oak casks for at least 3 years in one single distillery and using one single malted grain type.

What is the Best Single Malt Scotch

For tasting a single malt scotch and appreciating its value, it is recommended that you add just a little bit water before you drink it. This is because the alcohol content is very high, and this can numb your taste buds. Some people also suggest that taking a small sip of strong coffee or small bites of dark chocolate between sips of the single malt scotch will help you appreciate the taste more.

As mentioned above, the vast differences in distilling conditions make it very difficult to name a best single malt scotch. But there are some regions that produce better scotches after all, and here are some of the best ones that you must try out soon.

• Campbeltown Springbank 15
• Highland Ben Nevis 26
• Highland Glenmorangie 10
• Highland Oban 14
• Highland Park 18
• Islay Bowmore 15 Darkest
• Islay Lagavulin 16
• Islay Laphroaig 15
• Lowland Auchentoshan Three Wood
• Speyside Balvenie 12 Doublewood
• Speyside Glenfiddich 15

These are the very best single malt scotch brands that you will find out there, and there is very little chance that you will dislike any of these best scotch brands. However, there will be some brands that you will like and prefer over the others. Here are some more great brands that you should be on the lookout for.

Region	Single Malt Scotch Brand
Highland	Aberfeldy 21 Brora Dalwhinnie Glengoyne Glenturret Old Pulteney 17 Royal Lochnagar 12 The Dalmore
Islay	Ardbeg Bowmore 12 Bruichladdich 15 Bunnahabhain 25 Caol Ila
Isle of Mull	Ledaig 20
Isle of Skye	Talisker
Lowland	Glenkinchie 1987 Inverleven Duncan Taylor
Orkney Islands	Highland Park Scapa 14
Speyside	Aberlour 15 BenRiach 16 Cragganmore 29 Dailuaine Dallas Dhu Duncan Taylor 1969 Glenfarclas 25 Longmorn 15 Mannochmore 1991 The Glenlivet 18 Tomintoul

As you can see, Speyside and Highland single malt scotches are far more in number and even much more popular than the others. There are many sub-divisions in these 2 regions as well, so there are many more brands that you will find there as well, but these are the very best single malt scotch brands that you can taste. The bottling of each of these brands is marvelous as well, and it will leave you very satisfied with your scotch drinking experience.

Needless to say, these scotch whisky brands do not come cheap, and you will have to shell out a fair amount of money to buy them. Finding the best single malt scotch under 50 dollars or even the best single malt scotch under 100 dollars is quite difficult, because you will be compromising on the quality. Be prepared to spend some big bucks to taste the very best single malt scotch though. Cheers.