Scotland is home to some of the world’s best single malt whiskies. From smoky Islay drams to honeyed Highland pours, each offers a distinct taste of tradition.
At The Whiskey Wash, we reviewed these bottles in 2025, priced between $35 and $110, all of which impressed our resident whisky tasters with their profile, depth, and complexity. But how do they stack up against each other? Let’s take a look at how these single malt scotch whiskies place in our rankings.
#6: Highland Park 12 Year Old
Highland Park 12 Year Old is an icon from the brand. Based on the Orkney Islands, the distillery has produced whisky since the 1790s.
Matured in first-fill sherry casks, this 12 Year Old whisky balances smoke, sweetness, and spice.
Reviewer Charles Steele called it “subtle but oh-so clean” and “a perfect intro Scotch,” giving it a 9/10. The palate layers gentle peat smoke with honey, melon, and sea salt, finishing with a light cigar note. At around $60-$70 in the U.S. and around £38-£50 in the UK, it is a great value entry to Highland Park.
#5: Compass Box The Peat Monster
Compass Box The Peat Monster is a blended malt built around Caol Ila and Laphroaig, with a touch of Highland malt finished in French oak. Bottled at 46% ABV, it shows the blending artistry Compass Box is known for.
Our reviewer, Jeff Whisky, awarded it 9/10 and praised its “welcoming, well-balanced peated handshake” with tropical fruit, creamy texture, and coastal smoke. The nose bursts with peaches and bonfire smoke, while the finish lingers with sweet and savory layers. At $55-$65 in the U.S., and £45-£55 in the UK, it is one of the most approachable peated malts available.
#4: Deanston 14 Year Old
Deanston 14 Year Old is an organic Highland single malt matured in virgin oak.
Reviewer The Whisky Mechanic gave it 9/10, noting an “incredibly morish and a truly engaging dram.” Expect mulled pear cider, pannacotta, and cedar smoke on the nose, followed by citrus, baked apples, and candied peels on the palate. At $90-$100, it delivers Highland character with a bold oak influence.
#3: Aberfeldy 12 Year Old
Aberfeldy 12 Year Old has been part of the Dewar’s family since 1898. Known as the “Golden Dram,” it leans on fruit, spice, and honeyed sweetness rather than heavy smoke.
Reviewer John Dover scored it 9/10, calling it “a smooth sipper with enough character to bring you back, dram after dram.” Look for dried apricot, apple, and citrus with oak, salinity, and baking spices. At $35-$50 in the U.S. and £40-£50 in the UK, it is an excellent value Highland malt for everyday drinking.
#2: Spencer Collings 50th Anniversary Caol Ila 2012
Spencer Collings 50th Anniversary Caol Ila is a single cask release marking Mike Collings’ 50 years in whisky. Matured in a custom Marsala cask of American ex-bourbon and French oak, it was bottled at 57.3% cask strength with only 261 bottles.
Reviewer Ed Leigh called it “delicious, bold, and complex,” scoring it a 9/10. Expect smoky barbecue, coastal minerality, and marsala-driven sweetness with honey and berry fruit. At around £85 ($115), it is a striking example of Caol Ila in independent hands.
#1: Kilchoman Port Cask 2024 Edition
Kilchoman Port Cask 2024 Edition is a limited release matured entirely in ruby port hogsheads. Bottled at 50% ABV, it layers Kilchoman’s peat with rich fruit from the port.
Reviewer Mark Bostock scored it 10/10, calling it “one of the best port cask matured whiskies I’ve sampled.” Expect jammy strawberry and raspberry, smoked ham, and cigar tobacco with lingering bonfire smoke. At around £80-£90 in the UK, and around $110 in the U.S., it is one of Kilchoman’s standout releases.
Read the full article at The Best Single Malt Scotch Whiskies Ranked By The Whiskey Wash
