If you’re a fan of nuanced, well-made whiskey, but you don’t drink single malt Scotch whisky, what’s holding you back? Is it the perception that this Scottish-made whisky (it’s spelled without the e Americans are used to) is too fancy or luxurious for you?
Perhaps what’s keeping you from branching out into single malt whisky is that you aren’t entirely sure what it is. While bourbon whisky must be made from at least 51 percent corn, to be called a single malt Scotch whisky, the spirit must be made from 100 percent malted barley (hence the term “single malt”). It also must be distilled at a single distillery, matured, and aged in barrels in Scotland for a minimum of three years, although most are aged much longer.
While many decades-old single malts will set you back the equivalent of car payment, there are countless memorable, complex bottles that aren’t costly—and are perfect for whisky newcomers. Below are some of the best beginner single malt Scotch whiskies. These balanced, memorable whiskies are the perfect starting point on your whisky journey.
Photo by Glenmorangie
Glenmorangie The Original 12
While you can’t go wrong with Glenmorangie’s iconic 10-year-old expression, if you want to get started on the right foot, you’ll purchase a bottle of Glenmorangie The Original 12. This 80-proof whisky was matured for more than a decade in ex-bourbon barrels. The result is a sublime sipping whisky filled with flavors like toasted vanilla beans, candied orange peels, sticky toffee, maple candy, stone fruits, and oak.
Photo by Caol Ila
Caol Ila 12
You’re probably aware that the island of Islay is home to numerous distilleries, most of which craft single malt whiskies featuring peat-smoked barley. Single malts from this sheep-filled island might seem a bit intimidating for a newcomer, but you have to start somewhere. Caol Ila 12 is the perfect starting point. This 86-proof whisky is far less smoky than some of its counterparts. But a gentle hit of smoke swirls throughout, along with notes of orange peels, pipe tobacco, vanilla beans, mint leaves, cracked black pepper, and oak.
Phioto by The Macallan
The Macallan Double Cask 12
There aren’t many distilleries more well-known than The Macallan. This award-winning whisky is matured for twelve years in a combination of American and European sherry-season casks. The result is a balanced, multi-layered whisky with flavors like vanilla beans, candied orange peels, sweet sherry, dark chocolate, oak, and gentle baking spices.
Photo by Ardbeg
Ardbeg An Oa
This popular Islay single malt was named for the nearby Mull of Oa, a rocky peninsula on the island overlooking the ocean. This highly complex whisky is made up of single malts matured in virgin charred oak, Pedro Ximenez sherry, ex-bourbon, and more. All the barrels are married in a vat, creating a genuinely unique, non-chill-filtered 46.6 percent ABV whisky. The result is a memorable dram featuring notes of dark chocolate, candied nuts, black pepper, clove, treacle, cinnamon, toffee, and robust peat smoke.
Photo by The Balvenie
The Balvenie 14 Caribbean Cask
Fans of rum looking to find a gateway into the world of single malt Scotch whisky should look no further than The Balvenie 14 Caribbean Cask. This whisky is first matured in traditional oak barrels before being finished in American oak casks that held a blend of West Indian rums. This timeless 86-proof whisky boasts myriad flavors like sticky toffee pudding, dried fruit, toasted vanilla beans, oaky wood, and gentle spices. The finish is warming, sweet, and lightly spicy.
Photo by The Glenlivet
The Glenlivet 12
This iconic brand makes countless award-winning whiskies and one of the best beginner expressions on the market. The Glenlivet 12 is matured for twelve years in a combination of European and American oak barrels. This gives this sublime whisky hints of orchard fruits, ripe peaches, candied nuts, toasted marshmallows, tropical fruits, and rich oak.
Photo by Cardhu
Cardhu 12
You might not have heard of Cardhu before today, but you won’t forget it after taking a sip. Cardhu is one of the oldest distilleries in Speyside, founded in 1824. Its 12-year-old expression is well-known for its balanced, mellow, easy-drinking flavor profile featuring notes of candied nuts, honey, dried fruits, caramel apple, vanilla, oak, and just a wisp of peat smoke.
Photo by Auchentoshan
Auchentoshan American Oak
If you’re an American whiskey drinker and you’re only going to try one beginner single malts, make it Auchentoshan American Oak. Matured exclusively in ex-bourbon barrels, this no-age-statement single malt is known for its complex flavor palate featuring a symphony of ripe peaches, toasted coconut, candied orange peels, toasted vanilla beans, toffee, oak, and just a hint of wintry spices at the finish.
