TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best British Spirit Types
Often dubbed as the whisky center, Speyside is one of five official Scottish whisky regions. Although it is geographically a part of Highlands, this area is a separate appellation, because of the large concentration of distilleries and the high-quality single malts that come from the area.
Whiskies that are produced in the region are less peaty than other styles, but their character can vary from floral and fruity to rich and spicy. Although they were once similar to the robust styles in the Highlands, most distilleries in the area have shifted their focus on lighter and sweeter styles that display classic flavors of vanilla, apple, honey, oak, and dry fruit.
THE BEST Speyside whisky Spirits
Islay is a Scottish island and one of the officially recognized Scottish whisky regions. There are nine operational distilleries on the island, and most of them produce strong, robust, smoky, and peated whisky, but there are also fruity and smooth examples.
Southern distilleries mostly rely on peat, and their whisky tends to be packed with salinity, while those in the north mostly focus on slightly milder and lighter styles. Regardless of some differences, Islay whisky is complimented as the strongest-flavored variety.
In terms of size, Highland is the largest region designated for the production of Scottish whisky. It covers most of the Scottish mainland, and though it sometimes includes the islands, they are mostly regarded as a separate region. Because of its size and diverse geography, Highland single malts may significantly vary in character.
Single malts from the north tend to be full-bodied, rich, and sweet, while those found in the east and the south will be lighter and more fruity. Styles from the west are typically more powerful, peaty, and smoky. Some of the top producers include Dalmore, Glenmorangie, Aberfeldy, Glen Garioch, Clynelish, Pulteney, and Oban.
Campbeltown is a small whisky region that was once the center of Scottish whisky production. Nowadays, there are only three distilleries left, but Campbeltown remains an important area that produces distinctive and unique styles. Whisky from Campbeltown can slightly vary in character, but they are usually peaty and often robust, with salty, smoky, and fruity nuances that are complemented by hints of vanilla and toffee.
Three distilleries in Campbeltown are Springbank, Glengyle, and Glen Scotia.
Scotch is the renowned whisky variety hailing from Scotland. Although it can be made with the addition of other grains or cereals, the original Scottish whisky has to be made with a base of water and malted barley—barley that has been soaked and allowed to germinate.
The grains are fermented only by using yeast, and no artificial additions can be added, apart from the plain caramel coloring. All Scotch whisky must be aged for a minimum of three years in oak casks, and the age is dictated by the youngest whisky in the blend.
VARIATIONS OF Scotch Whisky
THE BEST Scotch Whisky Spirits
Talisker
Talisker 30 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold 2024, 2023
The Glenrothes
The Glenrothes The 18 Year Old
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold 2024
Dewar's
Dewar's 19 Years Old
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold 2024, 2023
London Dry gin style is a quality designation for a specific gin variety in which all the flavors have to be natural and added through distillation. This gin is also distilled from a neutral base spirit that is enriched with various botanicals.
Juniper berries are indispensable for most London dry examples, while other additions usually include citrus peel, angelica root, and coriander seeds. Most traditional gin varieties falling in this category will have dominant juniper flavor as well as herbaceous and citrus notes, though several modern interpretations step away from the conventional approach.
THE BEST London Dry gin Spirits
Opihr Gin
Opihr Aromatic Bitters Gin
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding 2022
Tanqueray
Tanqueray London Dry Gin
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold 2024, 2023
Gordon's London Dry Gin
Gordon’s Travellers Edition
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold 2021, 2019
Isle of Skye Distillers
Isle of Skye 57° Skye Earth & Sea London Dry Gin
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding 2023
Lowland is a region for Scottish whisky that is located in the south of Scotland. This small region, in terms of the number of distilleries, is mostly associated with triple distillation, though not all distilleries employ it. Traditionally, whisky that is produced in the area will be lighter, softer, smoother, and more elegant, with a floral and fruity character and typical honeysuckle, grass, toffee, ginger, toast, and cinnamon aromas.
Because of their light style and the lack of peaty flavors, these whiskies are often called the Lowland Ladies. They make a perfect aperitif and are excellent entry-level whisky. Best distilleries in the region include Glenkinchie, Auchentoshan, and Bladnoch.
Plymouth gin is made with grain alcohol, soft Dartmoor water, and seven botanicals that include juniper berries, coriander seeds, angelica root, orange and lemon peel, orris, and cardamom. It was created in 1793, and it is still produced in the original copper still that dates from 1855.
Plymouth was the only type of gin with a geographical indication, but since 2015, it is no longer applied. This gin is still only produced in Plymouth, at the namesake distillery, which was formerly known as the Black Friars Distillery. Plymouth gin is full-bodied and smooth, with juniper flavor and aromas that are accompanied by citrusy, earthy, and herbaceous nuances.
Whisky or whiskey is a spirit made from fermented grains, typically corn, rye, wheat, and barley, and is always aged, predominantly in oak barrels. The story of its discovery provokes heated debates, since both Irish and Scots claim whisky as their invention.
Because of the lack of written evidence, it is difficult to state where it first originated, but it is believed that Christian monks introduced distillation to the British Isles and were soon followed by apothecaries. These original varieties did not have much in common with the present-day versions, until the introduction of the crucial element—aging a distillate in oak casks, which resulted in an aromatic and mellow drink with a wide variety of aromas.
VARIATIONS OF Whisky
THE BEST Whisky Spirits
Kilchoman Distillery
Kilchoman Sanaig
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold 2023
Barrell Craft Spirits
Private Release Whiskey Finished in a Pedro Ximenez Sherry Barrel DSX3 American Whiskey
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Chairman's Trophy 2023, 2022
Kavalan
Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold 2023
Arran Whisky
Single Malt Sherry Cask “The Bodega”
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold 2024, 2023
Old Tom is a gin style that evolved in England during the 18th century. It is generally believed that Old Tom was somewhat of a middle style between herbal-packed London Dry gins and malty Dutch jenever, but some believe it was a predecessor that used sweeteners to help mask the harsh flavor of gin.
Despite its immense popularity throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, in the 20th century, it became virtually non-existent until the craft cocktail movement ignited its renewal. The category is diverse, and there are no uniform rules on how it should be made.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best British Spirit Producers
John Dewar & Sons, established in 1846 in Perth, Scotland, by John Dewar, is a prominent name in the Scotch whisky industry. The company expanded rapidly under the leadership of John’s sons, Alexander and Tommy, who successfully promoted the brand worldwide.
In 1998, Dewar & Sons became part of Bacardi and continues to thrive with operations across Scotland. The company owns five distilleries: Aberfeldy, Aultmore, Craigellachie, Macduff, and Royal Brackla, contributing to its rich heritage in whisky production.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2024
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2023
Glengoyne Distillery is a renowned whisky distillery located in the Scottish Highlands, just north of Glasgow, known for its commitment to crafting exceptional single malt Scotch whisky. The distillery, which has been in operation since 1833, produces whiskies that are celebrated for their smoothness, depth, and complexity.
What sets Glengoyne apart is its traditional approach to whisky-making, particularly its focus on slow maturation. The distillery uses copper pot stills to distill its whisky and matures it in oak casks that are carefully chosen to impart unique flavors.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2019
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2024
Glen Moray is a Scottish whisky distillery located in the heart of the Speyside region, renowned for producing exceptional single malt whiskies. Established in 1897, the distillery utilizes traditional distillation methods to craft whiskies with a distinctive, rich, and fruity flavor profile.
Glen Moray is committed to its long heritage and artisanal approach, with its whisky aging in carefully selected casks to develop its unique taste.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2019
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2024
BEST Glen Moray Spirits
Old Pulteney distillery is a malt whisky production and aging facility in the Pulteneytown area of Wick, Caithness, in the Highland area of Scotland. The distillery produces the Old Pulteney single malt whisky at a number of ages and has a visitor centre in Huddart Street.
The distillery was established in 1826 in the name of Sir William Pulteney. The distillery was the most northerly on the Scottish mainland and was quite inaccessible, except by sea.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2023
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2023
BEST Old Pulteney Spirits
The GlenAllachie Distillery, located in Speyside, Scotland, produces single malt Scotch whisky under the guidance of master distiller Billy Walker. Known for its traditional craftsmanship, The GlenAllachie emphasizes long, patient maturation in various cask types to enhance complex flavors.
Each whisky expression, from core collections to limited editions, reflects a commitment to quality and innovation in the Scotch whisky world.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2020
The Scotch Whisky Masters - Gold
2024, 2022
Ardbeg is a renowned Scottish whisky distillery from the island of Islay, celebrated for the intensely smoky and distinctive flavor of its products. Founded in 1815, the distillery is recognized for its unique process of drying barley over a peat fire, which imparts a singular aroma and richness to their whiskies.
With numerous awards and a loyal fan base worldwide, Ardbeg whisky is hailed as one of the most esteemed representations of the Islay style, often described as a true delight for peat lovers.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2024
BEST Ardbeg Spirits
Eden Mill is a Scottish distillery and brewery located in St Andrews, Fife, known for producing premium gins, whiskies, and beers. Established in 2012, it was the first to make spirits in the region in over 150 years. The distillery emphasizes sustainability, utilizing renewable energy sources and collaborating with local companies to repurpose by-products.
Eden Mill's products, such as their coastal gins and distinctive single malt whisky, draw inspiration from the local landscape, incorporating botanicals sourced from around the distillery. In June 2023, they began constructing a new distillery and visitor center on the banks of the River Eden, aiming to become operational later in 2024.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2024
BEST Eden Mill Spirits
Deanston Distillery, nestled on the banks of the River Teith in the Scottish Highlands, is known for producing handcrafted single malt Scotch whisky. Established in a former cotton mill in 1965, Deanston focuses on traditional production methods, including using only Scottish ingredients and natural maturation processes.
Their whiskies are crafted without added coloring or chill filtration, enhancing the authentic flavors.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2021
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2024
Hermitage Cognac specializes in rare, single-estate vintage cognacs, sourced from family-owned cellars. They focus on providing exceptional, unblended spirits, free from additives, which reflects the craftsmanship of the Grande Champagne region. The brand offers age-stated and Paradis Vintage cognacs, ensuring authenticity and exclusivity for collectors.
Hermitage Cognac prides itself on transparency, guaranteeing provenance and quality for every bottle. Their offerings cater to connoisseurs and investors, with a commitment to producing some of the finest cognacs available today.
AWARDS
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2021, 2020, 2019
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2021, 2019
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Cognac Gold Trophy
2021, 2020
BEST Hermitage Cognac Spirits
Glenmorangie is a prestigious Scottish distillery renowned for its high-quality single malt whiskies, located in Tain, in the Highland region of Scotland. Founded in 1843, the distillery uses uniquely tall copper stills, the tallest in Scotland, which contribute to the light, fruity character of their whiskies.
Glenmorangie whiskies often mature in carefully selected oak casks, including those used for special finishing processes, adding complex flavors and aromas to their award-winning products.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2021, 2020, 2019
BEST The Glenmorangie Company Spirits
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