14 best single malt Scotch whiskies to collect or gift in 2025

Score: 89/100

Our winning whisky packs a punch well above its price tag. It opens with deep caramel notes before building into a crescendo of warm spices (think: cinnamon, cloves and a hint of fireside smoke) before moving to a moreish malty finish.

Inspired by the best sherry-making bodegas of Spain and Portugal, the 15-year-old whisky is left to mellow and intensify in a solera vat, resulting in a rich, rounded mouthfeel worth savouring straight-up. No self-confessed whisky connoisseur should be without a bottle on their drinks trolley.

Score: 82/100

Hailing from the Highlands, it’s cinnamon spice, apple and pear that perfume the glass of our runner-up whisky, moving to more malty flavours on the palate.

Although a little fiery on the finish, sweet vanilla and honey notes mean this would make a delicious whisky sour.

Score: 81/100

Peaty, without overpowering, this whisky offers up hearty bonfire smoke, sweet paprika and lapsang souchong tea, alongside honey and caramelised citrus zest.

The beautiful balance of sweet and savoury makes this a great option for those looking to embark on a taste tour of peated whiskies.

Score: 81/100

While it’s unlikely the doctor will prescribe this for your ailments, there’s an unmistakable medicinal quality about this 10-year-old single malt, which many consider the definitive Islay peated single malt in the market.

An earthy, rich, cigar-smoke flavour accompanies it, with faint vanilla, caramel and fruit cake adding a fiery kick at the end. Die-hard peated whisky fans will love it.

Score: 81/100

Having recently replaced Jura Journey, this entry-level expression is a sweet-tasting whisky with crowd-pleasing notes of coffee, toffee and dried figs.

Well-balanced and smooth, there’s just a hint of smoke to keep each sip interesting — try it on its own or in cocktails.

Score: 79/100

Named after distillery founder George Smith, Glenlivet’s Founder’s Reserve is a super-smooth whisky with a fruity edge — think apricot, apple and banana pick and mix (yes, really!).

Malty, buttery toffee and rich vanilla notes leave you with the silkiest finish.

Score: 78/100

If an old fashioned is your cocktail of choice, we’ve found the perfect whisky base. Highland Park’s 12-year-old has had a little makeover, but the liquid remains the same — that is, peachy and malty with a delicious thwack of orange zest.

The honeyed finish and warming kick is crying out for this classic cocktail.

Score: 77/100

Rich and smoky, with a gentle seaspray aroma, if you can nab this 10-year-old while on special offer, it’s a total bargain.

Aerstone makes two types of whisky, the smooth “Sea Cask” and this “Land Cask”, which matures further inland. The ashy tobacco quality split our testers, but peaty whisky fans should love it.

Score: 76/100

In celebration of The Macallan’s 200th anniversary, the single malt Scotch whisky brand has collaborated with three-time Michelin star and twice-awarded best restaurant in the world, Spanish restaurant El Celler de Can Roca to launch a new permanent dining concept, TimeSpirit.

Reservations are now open, but if you're not able to visit in person, a bottle of this 12-year-old whisky should offer some consolation. It's had time in both American oak and ex-sherry casks, resulting in a super smooth fireside sipper, with notes of sweet butterscotch, festive spice and citrus zest.

Score: 74/100

Approachable, but flavourful, this golden-hued dram makes us want to curl up beside a fire in a well-worn wingback chair. Aged in ex-Bourbon barrels, you’ll find aromas of juicy peach and a touch of orange, alongside leather and tobacco.

To sip, there’s orange, chocolate, stone fruit and a finish of vanilla. Our panel found this easy to drink, especially with a splash of water.

Score: 74/100

This is one whisky that really benefits from a drop of water. What starts out as a pretty fiery, peppery dram without water, suddenly turns into a delicious drop, displaying lots of dried fruit, a touch of honey and delicate rhubarb and custard.

So, if you’re happy to add a splash of H2O, you’ll pick up quite the bargain.

Score: 74/100

This Scotch has aromas of toffee and hints of cinnamon, along with a woody smokiness reminiscent of a bonfire that’s also echoed on the palate.

With savoury peat flavours and a fiery heat, it’s warming but less sweet than other whiskies. It would make a great choice for an old fashioned or rusty nail cocktail.

Score: 71/100

With all its charred woody notes, hints of fruit and sometimes complex coffee or chocolate character, whisky makes an excellent match for some of your favourite dishes.

Evocative of a rain-lashed day by the sea, our panel loved the wet stone, saline smokiness and samphire notes of this 12-year-old dram, balanced with some green fruits and a mouthwatering spicy finish. Try pairing with fresh oysters.

Score: 71/100

If you’ve shied away from Scotch in the past, feeling slightly intimidated, fear not. Swerving the bold, smoky notes of some other tipples on our list, this approachable whisky leads with caramel and vanilla, with a hint of menthol freshness. Light and herbaceous, there’s only a little smoke.