We’ve reached out to beverage directors, restaurateurs, bartenders, and shop owners across the United States to help answer some of the most searched for questions about single malt Scotch whisky. What’s clear in every response we’ve received from these experts is the shared love this centuries-old distilled spirit continues to inspire.
The experts opine on the best single malt Scotch for a range of imbibers and budgets.
Region
Cost
Best Scotch for those New to Scotch:
“For someone who wants to add a bit of sweetness.”
Best Scotch for the Money:
“Right now Dalmore 12, Aberlour 12, Bowmore 12, and Laphroaig 10 are very good value.”
“Lagavulin 16yr, Aberlour 12yr, and Ardbeg 10yr are all very commonly requested scotches and are definitely a bang for your buck!”
Region
Cost
Best Scotch for the Money:
“If you want to get cheaper, you can never go wrong with Ardbeg 10 year for around ~$60 a bottle.”
“Lagavulin 16yr, Aberlour 12yr, and Ardbeg 10yr are all very commonly requested scotches and are definitely a bang for your buck!”
The best places for single malt Scotch across the U.S.
Location
How You Know It's For You
While the single malt list has all of the big name distilleries that one expects to see, thanks to the thoughtfulness of beverage director Kurtis Williams, there's also the option of exploring lesser known gems from independent bottlers and off the beaten path distilleries. Here's proof that some places can be all things to all people.
Focus When Curating List of Scotches?
When curating our list, I like to of course have all the big name players involved, it's comfortable for people. The fun part for me is finding the lesser known single malts out there. I love when someone who drinks a lot of different scotches comes in and I can show them something new and exciting. It's like the first time all over again. I'm also a big fan of private bottlings, it's a great way to experience different age statements and expressions of great single malts at a very fair price.
Most Interesting Scotch on the Shelf?
Right now the most interesting is the smallest 375ml bottle tucked away on the shelf in between all the other towering bottles. Kininvie 23yr! It's a beautiful single malt with a bit of interesting information behind it. Monkey Shoulder is a blended scotch familiar to many. Most know the first two scotches that make the blend, Balvenie and Glenfiddich, but the third comes from Kininvie and their 23 year is great on its own.
Location
How You Know It's For You
Passion for Scottish single malts takes human form in Lucas Frye who, along with co-owner Joe Campana, opened a true gem of a whisky joint. (Go ahead, ask Lucas how he feels about Bruichladdich...).
Focus When Curating List of Scotches?
It’s a hard thing to answer in a brief way. Mainly, we look at the general reaction of the staff when we taste a new product. If it draws a positive response, then we look at carrying it. Quality of product, availability and of course, cost is always a consideration.
Most Interesting Scotch on the Shelf?
Probably an independent bottling of an Ardbeg 19yr. It’s soooooo good. 25 yr Springbank, and 40 yr Glenfarclas would be worth mentioning as well.
Location
How You Know It's For You
Identical twin brothers, Dean and Dale Peterson, set greatness in motion when they decided to open a British-style pub in their hometown. The next generation of Petersons is now in charge and the single malt menu couldn't be in better hands; currently on offer is a variety of options from each Scotch whisky region including a number of not-to-be-missed expressions.
Focus When Curating List of Scotches?
Here at the Bull & Bush Brewery it's all about the uniqueness and quality of the single malts. Plus having collected single malts for so long it's fun to add older bottlings to our list on occasion.
Most Interesting Scotch on the Shelf?
Our most unique bottling is our private barrel of 13 year old Highland Park Cask #1673 that we split with Delilah's in Chicago for our 36th anniversary back in 2007.
