17 Luxury Single Malt Scotch Whiskies You Need To Try

Inspired by Shakespeare’s Macbeth, we're enamoured with everything about this exclusive release from The Whisky Exchange.

From the beautiful illustrations by Sir Quentin Blake, to the very concept of each expression in the range representing a different character within the famous Scottish play — we're calling it our must-buy malt of the year.

The liquid itself is also a delight, with notes of cinnamon-spiked apple pie, vanilla ice-cream, berries and grippy tannins coming from the ex-red wine casks.

We think it will go down a treat if you're looking for a gift, and we'll be patiently waiting for Act Two to drop in 2024...

Sweet apple, vanilla, buttery caramel and orange zest — nope, we’re not describing last night’s tarte tatin, but this extremely well-priced whisky. Easy drinking and enjoyable, whether on its own or in a cocktail.

Best saved for the winter months, this smoky 10-year-old whisky from the Diageo portfolio feels like warming up around a bonfire. The alcohol is pretty punchy, with a slightly bitter finish, however you’ll also find ripe pear and apple peel notes too.

Opening up with bright lemon zest, this powerful peat-filled whisky is typical of southern Islay. It’s incredibly well-balanced though, with complex layers of hickory smokiness, rich, dried fruit and a slightly medicinal note that leads to a satisfyingly savoury, salty finish.

As juicy and spicy as a Christmas cake, you can tell that this delectable dram has been aged in sherry casks. It’s incredibly smooth, with notes of dried fruit including sultana and anise. Expect some surprise saltiness, smoke and a sprinkling of jalapeno spice.

Aged in first-fill bourbon casks for at least 12 years, you’ll find vanilla, toffee and treacle delights aplenty in this limited edition, single barrel dram. But the flavour adventure doesn’t stop there, slowly building to a hint of peat and tropical fruit. Dangerously drinkable.

If you're partial to a digestive biscuit with your cup of tea, we think we’ve found your dream dram. This caramel-coloured 16-year-old has spent time in both sherry and bourbon casks, which brings with it a beautiful nutty, sweet malty flavour.

Stick with it and you’ll be rewarded with buttery toffee, stone fruit and more biscuit on the finish. The surprising touch of bitterness at the end can easily be removed with a drop of water, or try in cocktails.

Tamdhu ages its whisky exclusively in sherry casks, which impart strong fruit-forward notes. Here, you’ll detect orange, apricot, fig, prune, a little port and some sweet spice. Silky smooth, there’s hardly any heat from the alcohol, making this an excellent option if you’re new to Scotch and still exploring.

Made from Scottish-grown barley and matured in American oak, this unpeated single malt perfumes the nose with honey and orchard fruit. With an ABV of 50%, it’s pretty fiery, so we’d recommend a drop of water to bring out the malty, barley sugar sweetness and caramelised apple notes.

So you’ve signed up to an organic veg box and only use pesticide-free beauty products, now it’s time to overhaul your spirits cupboard.

Certified organic, made using renewable energy, and bottled in a recyclable vessel, Nc’nean’s golden caramel nectar has a pretty heather honey nose, and moreish toffee butter finish. For something a little different, try it with a soda top and sprig of mint.

Distilled in 2012 and bottled in 2021, this unique tipple is made from 100% organic barley. It's matured in virgin American oak casks, meaning you can expect a sweet, caramel-like flavour that pairs beautifully with chocolate. Incredibly smooth and mellow, it’s brimming with candied red fruit, strong port and a touch of spice.

This is Balblair’s entry-level expression, and with change from £50, it’s a great place to start. You should pick up delicate notes of vanilla, red apple and pear on the nose, with a hint of almonds and spice on the palate. Like a warm slice of apple in a glass, we’d eschew dessert for this sweet and fruity dram (just add a splash of water).

Named after a nearby whirlpool, Ardbeg’s Corryvreckan swirls together rich, peaty tobacco with a medicinal herbaceous quality. There’s plenty going on, with sweet spice, citrus peel and some testers even detecting a caramelised tomato quality.

It’s certainly exciting, but as you can probably tell from the super-high ABV, the alcohol is pretty punchy on the finish.

With 18 years in sherry casks under its belt, this is a pretty special Speyside. During that time it has picked up layer upon layer of rich flavours, not least buttery caramel, vanilla, raisins and orange zest. Complex and well-rounded, sherry fans will love it.

If you like the thought of a smoky whisky, but would rather just a touch of tobacco over a raging bonfire, this is the one for you. Vanilla toffee, juicy peach and a touch of pineapple add sweetness and complexity, keeping each sip intense and interesting.

Aged in a combination of American oak and ex-sherry casks, this indulgent 12-year-old whisky combines notes of festive dried fruit with orange peel, and aromatic butterscotch. Deliciously buttery and super smooth, it’s quite the crowd-pleaser.

Branch out from their beloved Scottish single malt and instead try them with this Japanese blend from the country’s second largest distiller, Nikka.

Smooth and complex, you can expect notes of caramel, vanilla and coconut, with just a touch of well-integrated oak. A chic ice bucket and tongs mean this gift won’t be forgotten in a hurry.

It’s always wise to have a stash of pre-batched cocktails on hand, and we think NIO (which stands for ‘Needs Ice Only’) has nailed it with this bourbon-based trio. The letterbox gift contains enough for two whisky sours, Manhattans and Old Fashioned cocktails. Cheers!