Level up your liquor cabinet with these single malt whiskies for every craving

This single malt Scotch whisky from GlenDronach promises a bold and fruity flavour profile. Matured in a combination of Pedro ximenez and oloroso sherry casks, it offers aromas of mocha, apricot, chocolate and nuts on the nose, followed by flavours of spiced fruitcake, dark cherries and honeyed dried fruit on the palate.

Key features:

• Hints of mocha, apricot, chocolate, nuts, fruitcake, cherries and dried fruit
• Cask strength (58.6% ABV)
• Pedro ximenez and oloroso sherry cask matured
• Bold and fruity flavour profile

Also available at:

• $214 at Barrel & Batch

Boasting over 12,800 five-star reviews on Amazon, the Laphroaig Select single malt Scotch whisky has a complex yet surprisingly sweet taste profile. It balances the signature Laphroaig smokiness with hints of coconut, banana and a touch of sweetness.

“Once you have tried Laphroaig, you will forever change your thought about single-malt whisky,” wrote a five-star reviewer. “This Islay whisky is so smoky, peaty and chewy that it feels like each sip lasts forever.”

Another added: “I love Laphroaig whisky. Great value for money, too. Laphroaig has a distinctive taste compared to the other Islay distilleries – peated, smoky, but with a medicinal tilt (which I absolutely love) that sets it aside from the rest.”

Key features:

• Single malt Scotch whisky from Laphroaig
• Islay region
• Select bottling – gateway to Laphroaig
• Complex and smoky with hints of coconut, banana and sweetness
• Aged in a combination of casks including quarter cask, PX sherry, oloroso sherry, American oak and 10 year old casks

This Land Cask Scotch whisky is known for its smoky and sweet flavour profile. Matured inland for over ten years, it features a combination of sweet and savoury notes, starting with burnt sugar and aniseed, then transitioning to briny olives, citrus and smoked meats.

“Once in a while you find a hidden gem amongst all the choices that satisfies you and makes the art of Scotch drinking that much more enjoyable,” said a reviewer who left five stars. “If you’re needing to read a review in order to make a decision, then feel confident [you will] enjoy the Aerstone Land Cask. You’ll be stocking up next time.”

Key features:

• Single malt Scotch whisky (Lowlands region)
• Aged over 10 years
• Rich and smoky taste
• Sweet and savoury notes (burnt sugar, aniseed, olives, citrus and smoked meats)

Also available at:

• $59 at Liquorland
• $72.75 at Amazon
• $73 at Vintage Cellars

For those who appreciate the finer things in life, the Macallan Double Cask 12-year-old whisky is a must-try. This refined whisky blends the sweetness of American oak with subtle dried fruit aromas typical of Macallan. On the nose, it offers hints of butterscotch and dried fruits. The palate is creamy, featuring notes of honey, marmalade, cinnamon and warm pastries. Its long, slightly dry finish reveals undertones of vanilla bean and sultana.

Key features:

• Classic Macallan single malt with American oak sweetness
• Dried fruit aroma with butterscotch tones
• Creamy palate with honey, marmalade, cinnamon and warm pastries
• Long, slightly dry finish with vanilla bean and sultana undertones

Also available at:

• $140 at Just Wines
• $141.94 (usually $154) at Amazon
• $150 at First Choice Liquor
• $152 at Liquorland

Lagavulin single malt Scotch whisky is a legendary Islay dram, renowned worldwide for its intense smokiness and rich character. Nicknamed the “king of Islay,” this single malt has been crafted since 1816 on the shores of Lagavulin Bay.

One reviewer calls it the “nectar of the Gods,” saying: “I have been drinking Lagavulin 16 year old malt for almost half a century and have tasted just about every malt there is, but have yet to find a superior snifter at any price.”

Key features:

• Islay single malt Scotch whisky
• Intensely smoky with hints of peat, iodine, seaweed and sweetness
• Full-bodied with a dry peaty palate and notes of sea salt and wood
• Long, elegant finish with lingering peat smoke, salt and seaweed

Also available at:

• $186 for members at Vintage Cellars
• $189.99 (usually $205.99) at Amazon
• $225 at Liquorland

With over 11,300 five-star reviews on Amazon, the Glenlivet whisky is a sure-fire hit for both beginners and whisky lovers. This easy-drinking dram has a delightful aroma of fresh flowers and a light, balanced taste with hints of vanilla, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer their whisky without the smoke.

“Really great tasting whiskey,” wrote a five-star reviewer. “Purchased many times before. It is smooth with a wonderful after taste. It’s NOT smoky (thankfully) and well worth the money (especially when it’s on offer!).”

Key features:

• Speyside single malt Scotch whisky
• Floral and delicate aroma
• Light and smooth taste with notes of vanilla
• Perfect for sipping neat or slightly chilled

Available at:

• $80 (usually $90) at First Choice Liquor
• $80 (usually $94) at Liquorland
• $90 at BWS

This 12-year-old whisky from Balvenie is a fantastic choice for both beginners and seasoned drinkers. It’s a multi-award-winning whisky crafted using traditional methods, where the distillery even grows its own barley!

Key features:

• Speyside single malt Scotch whisky
• Aged 12 years
• Double cask matured: American oak ex-bourbon barrels and Spanish oak ex-Oloroso sherry casks
• Warming vanilla spice with fruity and honeyed notes
• Smooth and complex flavour profile

Available at:

• $119.99 (usually $131) at Amazon
• $135 at First Choice Liquor
• $138 at Liquorland