If you’re new to the whisky world, you should know one thing: Like any spirits category, the single malt Scotch whisky landscape is dominated by big names. Even if you aren’t an avid whisky drinker, you’ve likely heard of The Macallan, The Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, and maybe even Laphroaig and Ardbeg. But what about lesser-known brands? If you enjoy single malt Scotch whisky, do you ever take a break from sipping drams from the big brands to try one of the underappreciated, underrated brands? Well, if you don’t yet, you absolutely should.
Building on my experience writing about alcohol for over 20 years, I’ve discovered that some of the best drams of single malt Scotch whisky come from unexpected places. When I’ve branched out beyond the household names, I’ve enjoyed some of the best single malts of my career.
Expanding on that, it’s important to note that there are currently around 150 Scotch whisky distilleries. So, if you limit yourself to only household names, you’re going to miss out on some truly exceptional whiskies. Perhaps that overlooked bottle might become your new favorite and find a permanent spot on your home bar. You won’t know until you try it, right?
Experts tell us the most underrated single malt Scotch whiskies
Now that you understand the appeal of trying something you might have otherwise walked right past, it’s time to find some bottles to add to your home bar cart. Fear not, you don’t have to do this alone. We wouldn’t want you to have to wander around your local liquor store, unsure which bottle to buy. Is it the Speyside single malt with the bright, eye-catching label or the understated Islay expression? Lucky for you, we tasked the professionals with pointing you in the right direction.
To help you get started, we asked a handful of well-known bartenders and single malt Scotch whisky experts to tell us the best, most underrated single malts to add to your liquor cabinet. Below, you’ll see examples of underappreciated expressions that are sure to find a permanent spot in your home. Keep scrolling to see all of the single malts you’ll soon be sipping neat while you chat with your friends about the day’s world events. Maybe you’ll be mustachioed, maybe you’ll be wearing a tweed jacket, maybe you’ll just be sporting unseasonable shorts and a tank top while you sip them.
The GlenAllachie 12 Year
“I don’t think people realize how good GlenAllachie 12 actually is for the price. It drinks like a much more expensive bottle. Heavy on dark fruit, chocolate, and spice but it doesn’t have the same name recognition as some of the bigger brands. It’s one I always point people toward when they want to step into Scotch without overpaying.” – Sam Yeakley, Lead Mixologist at The Foundry in Dayton, Ohio
Glen Scotia Double Cask
“One of the most underrated single malts is Glen Scotia. Campbeltown used to be the whisky capital of the world, but today it’s often overshadowed by Speyside and Islay. Glen Scotia quietly produces complex, coastal whiskies with subtle salinity, orchard fruit, and a gentle maritime smoke that doesn’t overpower the palate.” – Heidi Finley, Assistant Food & Beverage Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota
Glenfarclas 12
“While the Glenfarclas 17 Year Single Malt is more sought-after, I personally am a huge fan of the 12 Year. This Speyside single malt still labels itself as a Highland as an ode to how long the distillery has been operational and family-owned – long before the Speyside region was official – and is an amazing example of what a beautifully balanced, affordable single malt can offer. It has a lovely, silky mouthfeel with a good weight to it, and just the right amount of stewed oxidized fruit complemented by kitchen spice and subtle oak.” – Molly Horn, Chief Mixologist & Spirits Educator at Total Wine & More
Ledaig 10 Year Old
“Most people looking for smoke just ask for the big Islay names, but Ledaig 10 is a real sleeper. It’s got this salty, industrial funk that’s way more interesting than the polished malts. It’s unapologetic and a little “dirty” in the best way. From a cocktail perspective, it’s a brickhouse—it has enough legs to stand up in a split-base drink without getting lost, but it’s also just a killer neat pour for the guest who wants something a bit wilder and more intriguing.” – Sarah Foley, Bar Manager at Bar Sur Mer in Seattle
Bottom line
In conclusion, hopefully by now you’ve seen the appeal of purchasing a few bottles of lesser-known or underrated single malt Scotch whisky instead of your usual drams of The Balvenie or Aberfeldy. You’ll build your palate by trying new and different expressions. Who wants to drink the same whisky every time, right? There’s a whole world of underappreciated, lesser-known single malt Scotch whiskies. You’ll be a better, more well-rounded whisky drinker if you broaden your booze horizons.
