Scotch reviews from Reddit
Summary
We analyzed 692 Reddit reviews across 11 subreddits and 81 posts to rank the best Scotch brands recommended by redditors, including communities like r/Scotch, r/whiskey, r/cocktails, r/Buffalo, r/canadawhisky. Top-rated brands include Ardbeg (4.8/5), Laphroaig (4.7/5), Lagavulin (4.8/5).
Stats
Reviews692
Subreddits11
Posts81
Brands42
Products68
692 reviews from
and
By Brand
/By Product
#1
Ardbeg
4.8
(69)
"Ardbeg 10 is incredible."
"Ardbeg 10 was super delicious and complex. Smoky and strong."
"My favorite Ardbeg."
"Ardbeg Uigeadail is under $100 and an excellent example."
"Arbeg, can probably get Uigadael in budget."
"Ardbeg 10 if you want peaty."
"Ardbeg Uigeadail in my opinion."
"I'd recommend trying: Ardbeg uigeadail"
"I'd recommend trying: Ardbeg Wee beastie"
"Ardbeg wee beastie is a banger for $50ish"
#2
Laphroaig
4.7
(61)
"Not gonna find anything peatier than Laphroaig. Smells like the straight Band-aids."
"My scotch of choice is laphroiag 1/4 cask and that’s the cheapest to get it."
"Laphroaig Quarter Cask is a peaty beast."
"I'd recommend trying: Laphroig cask strength"
"1. Laphroaig 10 CS"
"Laphraoig Cairdeas. Last year's was outstanding"
"Laphroaig 10 cask strength is still the value leader in the category"
"The CS version is definitely top class."
"Laph 10CS, Octomore X.1, Ardbeg Corry, Ledaig 18, PC Islay Barley, Staoshia (that’s IB peaty Bunna) and Machir Bay CS should all be on your list."
"I got around to opening my bottles of Laphroaig 10 CS and PC10 this year. Love both but man that Laph is deeeeeelish."
#3
Lagavulin
4.8
(51)
"I've tried Glenlivet 15, Lagavulin 16, and Ardbeg 10. Ardbeg 10 was super delicious and complex."
"Lag 16 at costco."
"Lagavulin is what you are seeking. The peaty odor will fill up the room. Delicious."
"My wife says Lagavulin is like drinking a cigar. Plus, makes you feel like Ron Swanson."
"You're the 3rd person to recommend Lagavulin 16, so that's definitely going on the list."
"If you like iodine, Lagavulin 16 should fit the bill."
"I'd recommend trying: Lagavulin 16"
"I think you can’t go wrong with ... Lagavullin 16"
"3. Lagavulin 8"
"My top 3 islays are lag 16, ardbeg Uigadail, port Charlotte 10"
#4
Bunnahabhain
4.4
(40)
"Peated Bunnahabhains are great too!"
"Happens my rep is here and selling me Bunna 12 right now"
"Bunnahabhain... its a pleaser"
"Bunnahabain 12 Cask Strength"
"Bunnahabhain 12 cask strength 2022."
"Bunnahabhain 12 all day."
"Bunnahabhein 12 or Arran 10. They are excellent."
"I think I've decided on Bunnahabhain 12 as the winner."
"Lots of bourbon folks tend to like the Bunnahabhain 12 year old, which I really recommend."
"Bunnahabhain 25."
#5
Glenmorangie
4.5
(37)
"If you can find it - Glenmorangie Signet Reserve is a class apart."
"With that budget, Glenmorangie Signet."
"I would get the glenmorangie signet."
"It’s a classy bottle in a classy case and tastes delicious."
"Try a Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban."
"It's easy to drink yet original enough for a seasoned amateur."
"Glenmorangie is your friend."
"Glenmorangie Signet. Gorgeous, unique, chocolate, and coffee notes."
"Glenmorangie 18 or 19."
"Glenmorangie 18."
#6
Talisker
4.6
(36)
"Definitely try the Talisker, Ardbeg, Lagavulin and Laphroaig."
"The best stuff I’ve tasted is Talisker 18."
"Talisker Distillers Edition or the Torabhaig Allt Gleann Batch Strength."
"Talisker Distillers Edition, one of the cask strength special editions, or the 18 would be the way to go."
"Ideally, Talisker 18 year, but a Distiller's Edition may also be good."
"Talisker distillers edition."
"I'd go with Talisker Distiller's Edition or Talisker 18."
"Talisker 10. Especially for Penicillins."
"Talisker 10"
"Something inexpensive but still good quality and readily available like Talisker 10, Laphroaig 10 or Bunnahabhain 12."
#7
Monkey Shoulder
3.9
(42)
"I normally use Monkey Shoulder, Dewars, or Cutty for scotch cocktails."
"I like monkey shoulder for Scotch."
"Monkey shoulder is always a good place to start."
"Monkey Shoulder"
"Monkey Should has been popular lately. It is a blend. Any blend is good choice."
"Naked, Monkey Shoulder, jW Black, Dewars"
"Monkey shoulder, or monkey shoulder with a half oz of Laphroaig for cocktails that need a little smoke."
"Monkey Shoulder or JW Black are popular choices and available in most places."
"Monkey Shoulder or Compass Box Artist Blend"
"Monkey Shoulder is a good shout"
#8
Oban
4.3
(21)
"* Oban 14"
"Oban 14 is great."
"Oban 14 for me has a slight edge above Lagavulin 16."
"Oban 14."
"Oban 14."
"Love Oban 14."
"The price you look I would suggest a Lagavulin and an Oban."
"I like Oban 14 a lot for a milder, fruitier scotch."
"I usually go with Oban 14 Scotch for a gift."
"Oban 14 or Little Bay."
#9
Port Charlotte
4.5
(20)
"Port charlotte 10."
"Peat is AMAZING but it is not for everyone."
"If name recognition by the general public is not a factor: 1. Bruichladdich Classic Laddie, Port Charlotte 10"
"The Bruichladdich/Port Charlotte lines would sit nice next to the Springbank lines."
"Port Charlotte."
"PC10 is fantastic!"
"Port Charlotte 10"
"I'm a fan of the Port Charlotte 10. Love the look of the bottle too."
"Port Charlotte (any under $100)"
"PC10 for me, but I respect your choice"
#10
Balvenie
4.3
(20)
"Easy W: Balvenie 14 Carribean Cask"
"Their favorite scotch has consistently been the balvenie 14 Caribbean cask."
"Anything Balvenie, double wood, American toast, Caribbean cask, week of peat, can't go wrong."
"Get him a Balvenie 14 Caribbean Cask."
"Anything Balvenie."
"I've never known anyone who didn't like Balvenie Doublewood."
"Balvenie all the way."
"Balvenie DoubleWood would likely get a favorable response."
"Balvenie double wood is $57 at Total Wine, if that’s not too pricey."
"Why not just get him a great Balvenie?"
#11
Highland Park
4.3
(20)
"Depending on location, Highland Park 12, Lagavulin 16, classic Laddie, talisker 10."
"I really like highland park 18/21. If I would splurge it would be highland park 25."
"Get the oldest Highland Park you can buy with your budget."
"The 12YO is my any time / all the time drinker."
"Wouldn’t buy it for myself, but would happily accept."
"I actually like Highland Park 12 as an inoffensive sipper."
"Perhaps Highland Park?"
"Highland Park."
"Highland park 12 should be right at that price."
"Highland park 12 is an approachable gateway into some peat."
#12
Macallan
4.5
(17)
"Mcallan 25 for sure 😂."
"If you shared a macallan together get him one of those"
"Obviously Macallan is the better gift."
"Easy drinking for everyone involved."
"My daughter got me a Macallan 12."
"Mac 25"
"Close tie between two... Macallan 25."
"Still have about half of it left."
"Or maybe a Macallan 12."
"If you end up getting the Macallan 12, get the sherry cask and NOT the double cask."
#13
Kilchoman
4.3
(17)
"Kilchoman Sanaig is such a gem. Currently I like it a bit better than the PC10"
"Kilchoman Sanaig for the love of sherry and peat😍"
"#1 Kilchoman Sanaig (I just love it)..."
"If you want both sherry and peat, try the Kilchoman Sanaig."
"Kilchoman is a newer but still Islay distillery."
"Easy advice, bunna 12 or Kilchoman machir bay"
"Any Kilchoman in budget."
"Kilchoman, and their Machir Bay retails around $80 in Washington."
"5. Kilchoman Machir Bay"
"Ledaig 10 Caol Ila Ardbeg Ten Kilchoman Machir Bay Lagavulin 8"
#14
Bruichladdich
4.5
(15)
"Pascale’s in Fayetteville has Bruichladdich. That’s my personal favorite out of Islay."
"If name recognition by the general public is not a factor: 1. Bruichladdich Classic Laddie, Port Charlotte 10"
"The Bruichladdich/Port Charlotte lines would sit nice next to the Springbank lines."
"I think stocking the Bruichladdich Classic Laddie and Port Charlotte 10 year would make sense."
"My favorite is probably the Classic Laddie by Bruichladdich."
"I bought the Bruichladdich Classic Laddie."
"Seconding both Classic Laddie and Arran 10!"
"I’d go with Bruichladdich Classic Laddie for a situation like this."
"They do some nice things at Bruichladdich."
"Bruichladdich Laddie is my favorite for with soda."
#15
Johnnie Walker
4.0
(17)
"I recommend you to try Johnnie Walker Green Label if you haven't already."
"JW Black, Monkey Shoulder, Cutty Sark, Ballentine, Dewars"
"Johnnie Walker Black Label is what I use for cocktails, such as Scotch & Soda, Rob Roy or Penicillin."
"I would use JW Black personally, but I’ve heard good things about monkey shoulder as well."
"JW green label, Glenmorangie lasanta, and Campbeltown Loch. All are around $60 and they are all good."
"I'd like to recommend Johnnie Walker Green Label if he hasn't tried it already."
"I have a bottle of Johnnie Walker Black for that reason."
"Not a fan of Monkey Shoulder, I'd go JW Black or Famous Grouse."
"JW black would have the most smokey character of the 3."
"Johnny Walker Black if he's just doing it for himself."
#16
Aberlour
4.5
(14)
"Aberlour abunadh and glenallachie 12"
"Arberlour A'Bunadh hands down."
"Aberlour A'bunadh, depending on the batch."
"Aberlour A'Bunadh."
"Aberlour 12 or A’bunadh would probably be my pick."
"Aberlour abunah."
"Aberlour 'A'Bunadh' is great."
"Aberlour Abunad'h or GlenFarclas 105 are other cask strength picks."
"I like Aberlour 12 or Balvenie Double Wood as good gift."
"Aberlour 12 is a good option."
#17
Glenfarclas
4.4
(14)
"I’ve never had a bad drop from them and they’re excellent value for money."
"Cask strength which has a higher alcohol content something like Glenfarclas 105 Cask Strength which is 60% alcohol"
"The most succulent, smooth, filling and a simply joyful experience."
"Glenfarclas 105."
"Glenfarclas 17 and maybe even 21 can be found in your budget."
"Glenfarclas 105."
"I find Glenfarclas to fall firmly in that quadrant."
"GlenFarclas 105 are other cask strength picks."
"Glenfarclas, Ardbeg or Highland Park."
"Something like balenvenie or glenfarclas is worth considering."
#18
Deanston
4.3
(14)
"If you can find a Deanston Virgin Oak, I'd recommend that."
"Deanston Virgin Oak. Around 28€, delicious and high quality."
"Deanston 18 is my rec."
"I fell in love with was their 18."
"Deanston 12"
"Deanston Virgin Oak."
"Try a Deanston 18 or maybe a Ben Nevis for something outside the mainstream yet quite good."
"If you've been enjoying Glenmorangie and Balvenie, then under £100 I rec Deanston 18."
"I'd go for Deanston 12. Quality and good value."
"I think you'd enjoy deanston 12 or glencadam 12."
#19
Octomore
4.5
(13)
"Octomore 15.3. Amen."
"Octomore 15.3 is splendid"
"Octomore 15.3 but it is expensive."
"Octomore has become my personal favorite. But it is pricey."
"The GOAT of 2024 was Octomore 15.3."
"If you’re willing to try something with a lot of peat, Octomore is one of my top 5 all time whiskies."
"I can sometimes find Octomores in that range in my area."
"Octomore Farm - Any of them"
"Octomore is great but expensive. I'm recommend finding a bar with it and trying a pour before committing to the bottle."
"I'd recommend trying: Octomore"
#20
Glenallachie
4.5
(13)
"Deanston 18, Glenallachie 18, Arran 18."
"Aberlour abunadh and glenallachie 12"
"I just grabbed a bottle of GlenAllachie 15. It's great."
"GlenAllachie 15, it will blow his mind."
"Get a bottle of Glen Allachie and enjoy some street cred points."
"Glen Allachie 15."
"GlenAllachie."
"12 proofs it down but enhances the finish."
"If you like sherry profile, I'd look at some Glenallachie."
"Or if you liked the Laphroaig then Ardbeg Wee Beastie is excellent value."
#21
Arran
4.4
(12)
"Arran 10. All stripes of scotch drinkers appreciate this one."
"Arran 10"
"Excellent half."
"Arran 10 or Quarter Cask"
"I think Arran 10 would be great for an Irish Whiskey drinker."
"Arran 10"
"Arran 10, Glenfiddich 15, and Compass Box Orchard House."
"Arran 10."
"Arran 10
Aberlour abunadh
Balvenie 12
Port charlotte 10
Glenfarclas 15"
"Is in the tropical fruits category."
#22
Glendronach
4.5
(11)
"I only have top 2 since I drink so slowly…redbreast 27 and Glendronach 18."
"Nice sherry finish."
"Laphroiag 25 or Glendronach 18. Hard to choose between the two."
"Such a beautiful long finish!"
"Glendronach 12, tastes like Christmas pudding."
"There’s plenty of other cheaper, decent whiskies on there too."
"If single malts, probably GlenDronach 12."
"Laphroaig 10 and a glendronach 12 would get him a peat and sherry bomb to explore."
"Glendronach 12 or 15."
"I’d start with glendronach 12 for sherry."
#23
Springbank
4.8
(10)
"Or a Springbank, a Hazleburn or a Kilkerran 12 (+)."
"Springbank, Glengoyne or Glendronach."
"If I can only choose one, I would definitely try to get a Springbank."
"Springbank is lovely."
"I am a big fan of the springbank 10."
"The death and co recipe for a rusty nail uses Springbank 10."
"From the bottles I have… no particular order, depends on the mood"
"Springbank 10: Just really good."
"Springbank 10yr (if you can find it under $100)"
"Snap up any indie springbank."
#24
Famous Grouse
3.6
(13)
"I heartily agree with Famous Grouse."
"Famous Grouse or Highland Black from Aldi."
"Famous grouse and monkey shoulder are perfect for this."
"Famous Grouse when it calls for 'blended scotch' should be in your price range."
"I think the 3 best options for scotch from lowest to highest price around $30 would be Famous Grouse."
"Famous Grouse is the best bang 4 the buck."
"Famous Grouse good blended whiskey thats not overly expense."
"Famous Grouse."
"Is there anything cheaper than monkey shoulder worth mixing? Famous Grouse?"
"Famous Grouse for a blended."
#25
Benromach
4.3
(10)
"Benromach is probably another but I think it's about to take off with enthusiasts with bloggers and YouTubers now rating it very highly."
"Benromach."
"Look at least in every corner of the flavour map."
"+1 for the benro. complex enough flavours, reasonably priced and abv that won't make their liver backflip."
"Benromach 10, Glencadam 10, Bladnoch Vinaya."
"For a gentler introduction, maybe something from Benromach."
"Benromach peat smoke and the organic."
"Edradour 12 or Benromach 10 as crowd pleasers."
#26
Auchentoshan
4.5
(8)
"These days I love a good Auchentoshan."
"Auchentoshan Three Wood."
"I'd suggest Auchentoshan, which is a triple-distilled Scotch."
"Auchentoshan is triple distilled like Irish Whiskey is."
"I'd suggest an older bottle of Auchentoshan."
"I would recommend looking for the Three Wood."
"I've made a few converts with Auchentoshan Three Wood."
"There's an Auchentoshan that's finished in bourbon barrels that was delicious."
#27
Glenfiddich
4.0
(7)
"Bourbon is sweet, glenfiddich is sweet and smooth. I would recommend the glenfiddich."
"The Glenfiddich or glenlivet are the 2 big “budget” speysides that are still very good quality."
"Is always good."
"If he is a big Glenfiddich fan, why not look for an independent bottling."
"Glenfiddich is delicious."
"Glenfiddich."
"Glenfiddich, Mccallans, etc…"
#28
Redbreast
4.3
(6)
"Redbreast 12 cask strength... it's not scotch."
"I'm gonna end up buying a redbreast 12."
"The Redbreast 12 or.. the Arran bodega if you don't get scared by the ABV."
"The standard Redbreast 12 should be around $50."
"Maybe go with an Irish Whiskey Red Breast 12. It’s very beginner friendly."
"Redbreast 12 would be a good option."
#29
Glen Garioch
5.0
(5)
"Glen Garioch vintages. Some are really good."
"Glen Garioch. Lots of waxy goodness."
"In terms of standard expressions, certainly Glen Garioch 12. Very tasty stuff, bottled at great drinking strength (48%) and very much flying under the radar."
"Glen Garrioh is amazing."
"Look at least in every corner of the flavour map."
#30
Chivas Regal
4.0
(6)
"I’d second all of those. And I’d throw in Chivas Regal."
"Where'd you get the money for the Chivas Regal."
"Chivas Regal or Dewars."
"Chivas Regal."
"He drinks 'Chivis' (Chivis Regal)."
"Chivas Regal."
#31
Dewar's
3.7
(6)
"Dewars"
"Dewars and JW black are the two I’ve kept at home for cocktails."
"Gallon of dewars."
"Gallon of dewars."
"I tend to use Famous Grouse but as a base spirit, you're fine with most blends, e.g. Dewar's."
"Dewer's is pretty standard for that."
#32
Ledaig
4.2
(5)
"Ledaig 10 is one of my favourites. Ledaig 18 if he’s been really good this year."
"Ledaig 10, Bunnahabhain 12 and Wee beastie."
"Ledaig 10, Tamdhu 12, Bunnahabhain 12, Bruichladdich Classic Laddie."
"Ledaig 10 if it hasn’t been mentioned"
"Ardbeg 10, Laphroaig 10, Ledaig 10 all fit that $50 range."
#33
Kirkland
4.2
(5)
"Kirkland Islay is my staple peated. It’s the best bang for buck out there at $36."
"I like a little Kirkland Isla in my coffee occasionally. It's a good value, and delicious."
"I really enjoy an Improved Whiskey Cocktail made with Kirkland Islay."
"If there's a Costco nearby a good, and cheap bottle to offer comparison to the big brands is the Kirkland Islay Single Malt. Simple, but solid Islay smoke/peat for $36"
"Kirkland Islay if there is a Costco around you that has it."
#34
Black Bottle
4.0
(5)
"For any Canadians here, look for Black Bottle."
"Black Bottle, Antiquary , White Horse."
"Inexpensive quality!"
"Black Bottle!"
"Had a Godfather sour the other day with Black Bottle."
#35
Glenturret
5.0
(4)
"I have has one independent bottling of Glenturret and it was amazing and cheap."
"Has quickly become a favorite bottle of mine."
"I had several Bottles from Glenturret after visiting the distillery last year."
"I just got my first glenturret (the 12) 2 days ago as it happens."
#36
Dalmore
4.5
(4)
"The most expensive Dalmore you can afford."
"Dalmore."
"I'd recommend the Dalmore or Balvenie double wood."
"Dalmore"
#37
Caol Ila
4.5
(4)
"[Caol Ila?]"
"Caol Ila."
"For sherried peat, I like sherried caol Ila or Bunnahabain if you can find them from IBs."
"Ledaig 10 Caol Ila Ardbeg Ten Kilchoman Machir Bay Lagavulin 8"
#38
Compass Box
4.5
(4)
"They offer a quality spirit with beautiful gift quality appearance."
"For me it’s been any compass box in the $250+ range."
"I like compass box for blends."
"You might be able to buy a few bottles from Compass Box."
#39
anCnoc
4.5
(4)
"Ancnoc 24, or the 18, both are excellent and very well within your budget."
"AnCnoc 24."
"Acnoc 24"
#40
Finlaggan
4.3
(4)
"If there's a Trader Joe's near you, Finlaggan is a phenomenal value dram."
"You nailed it with Finlaggan!"
"Finlaggan... it's not mind blowing or anything but it's a great value compared to other Islays."
"Finlaggan here in the states or JW black/double black"
#41
Clynelish
4.3
(4)
"Clynelish 14."
"For non sherried go with clynelish 14."
"I thought was fruity and spicy."
#42
Loch Lomond
4.3
(4)
"Maybe a $30 bottle of Loch Lomond?"
"They have a peated single grain thats gren with black top."
"Loch Lomand."
"Loch Lomond is my absolute favorite for the price."
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