5 Best Scotch Whiskies for Beginners
So, you’re interested in trying scotch whisky but don’t know where to start. That’s plenty understandable, and from a distance, scotch whisky can appear intimidating. But don’t let that dissuade you from something wonderful.
We’ve curated a list of the best scotch whiskies (that are relatively affordable!) for those interested in exploring the category.
Once you give scotch whisky a whirl, it’s easy to fall in love with it. Scotch encourages us to slow down. It’s a spirit that’s meant to be sipped and savored over the course of an evening, and in the hectic pace of our busy and stressful world that’s really important.
There’s such a vast amount of diversity within the category that there truly is a scotch whisky for every drinker. The following five scotches are a great introduction to the category.
5 Best Scotch Whiskies for Beginners
Best Blended: Compass Box Artist Blend
Drink If: Bourbon Is Your Jam
Buy It Now | Read Our Review
Compass Box’s calling card is blended whisky. The brand dates back to 2000 and was founded by John Glasser. His mission was “to make the world of Scotch whisky a more interesting place,” and with his blended whiskies? We’d say he accomplished what he set out to do.
Compass Box Artist Blend is a liquid celebration of Edinburgh that was inspired by century-old recipes. One of the coolest things about the brand is its devotion to transparency, and you can find the recipe and ratios of whiskies in the blend here.
This blended whisky is made up of scotch from The Cameronbridge Distillery, a Highland malt blend, a whisky from The Linkwood Distillery, a whisky from The Clynelish Distillery, The Balmenach Distillery and a whisky from the Linkwood Distillery. The majority of the whiskies used in Great King Street Artist’s Blend were aged in bourbon barrels, yielding a creaminess to this whiskey.
As far as drams go, this 43%-ABV blended scotch is a light, floral and fruity one that’s plenty sessionable. With a citrus- and vanilla-driven nose, coupled with stone fruit on the palate and vanilla, Compass Box’s Artist Blend is a great entry-level blended scotch that bourbon lovers will really like due to its creamy, fruity vanilla style. This whisky hosts a gentle finish and can be purchased within the $30-$50 price range.
Best Peated: Laphroaig Quarter Cask
Drink If: You Take Your Coffee Black
Buy It Now | Read Our Review
Laphroaig is known for its smoky peated scotch. A favorite dram of the monarch King Charles, bottles of Laphroaig can often fetch price tags that would suit a royal budget. Yet, this Islay scotch producer’s more affordable Quarter Cask is fairly priced, and you can often find it anywhere from $60 to $100. Laphroaig’s Quarter Cask is a great whisky for those looking to try a benchmark peated scotch.
Peat is polarizing, there’s no doubt about it. This scotch whisky pulls no punches, and at first whiff, you’ll get that charred, ashy, earthy, funky peaty smell right off the bat. On the palate, there’s plenty of smoke, vanilla, lemon curd, and a bit of char. The peat does offer up a synthetic aroma from nose to finish, but it is well-integrated with citrus and vanilla bean.
A tough, peaty monster with an ABV of 48%, this scotch is no shrinking violet! If you’re into astringent flavors — like black coffee — and are partial to mezcal or sotol, consider Laphroaig Quarter Cask.
Best Sherried: GlenDronach 12
Drink If: You’re a Wino Through and Through
Buy It Now | Read Our Review
The GlenDronach is nestled within the Scottish Highlands, and it specializes in opulent, sherry-matured scotches. The GlenDronach 12 is rich, slightly vinous dram with plenty of cinnamon. The GlenDronach 12 hosts an ABV of 43%.
At 12 years of age, this offering drinks even older. With a nose that bursts forth with honey and vanilla, interlaced with all that wine-like red fruit character from the sherry, GlenDronach 12 is the perfect scotch if you’re a fan of red wines. The palate has plenty of spice, and the sherry of course lingers all the way to the finish with a touch of sweetness.
Yet, perhaps one of the most attractive things about this offering, which was tended to by none other than scotch whisky legend Dr. Rachel Barrie, is that it can be purchased for anywhere from $60 to $100. Barrie is considered a master of scotch whisky in her own right, and she earned the prestigious title of Keeper of the Quaich in 2020, scotch whisky’s highest honor. If your beverage of choice is a glass of red wine, The GlenDronach 12 is the perfect scotch whisky.
Best Maritime: Lagavulin Offerman Edition
Drink If: You’re a Fan of Raw Oysters
Buy It Now | Read Our Review
Fans of briny oysters, salt and vinegar potato chips, and all things oceanic will fall hard for Lagavulin’s Offerman Edition. This Islay scotch is part of a collaboration between the brand and “Parks and Recreation” actor, Nick Offerman. Lagavulin Offerman Edition launched in 2022 and hosts a suggested retail price of $79.99.
This scotch whisky spent 11 years aging in American and European oak casks that were shaved, and then heavily charred. The aroma of char immediately leaps out of the glass, and it is interlaced with slate, zesty citrus, peat and salinity. On the palate, expect a crisp scotch whisky with vanilla intermingled with brine, barbecue and lemon. This whisky finishes cleanly, making it the quintessential oyster shooter pairing.
An extremely gentle Lagavulin that clocks in at 46% ABV, this is suitable for fans of Irish whiskey and bourbon.
Best Value: The Deacon
Drink If: You’re Looking for a Fuss- Fuss-free pairing With Dessert
Buy It Now | Read Our Review
The Deacon is a blend of Islay and traditional mainland Scotland single malt whiskies, and you can pick up a bottle for around $35-$40, making it a killer value. Though we don’t know exactly where the whiskies are sourced from, we can surmise they were from some whiskies under the Pernod Ricard portfolio.
With a nose that’s light and oh-so-sweet, there are plenty of malt aromas, apple and pie crust on this 40%-ABV whisky. The palate channels apple pie dreams with sweat cream and a touch of tropical fruit. This whisky possesses a beautiful finish, with pie crust, honey, lemon curd and candied ginger.
An incredibly friendly, approachable whisky with an even friendlier price point.
Follow The Daily Pour:
