Risen’s Top Whiskies

Taste is subjective, and it would be a fool’s errand to suggest that one could rank the whiskies in this book with anything approaching objectivity. Still, some whiskies are better than others, and a few truly stand out. Below are my favorites, listed in alphabetical order and broken down into seven somewhat overlapping categories (and the pages where they appear in the guide).

Top Overall Whiskies

Balvenie Aged 30 Years

Craigellachie Aged 23 Years

Glengoyne Aged 25 Years

Glenmorangie Signet

Springbank Aged 18 Years

Top Value Whiskies

Aberfeldy 12 Years in Oak

Deanston Virgin Oak

Finlaggan Old Reserve

Glen Moray Sherry Cask Finish

Speyburn Aged 15 Years

Top Peated Whiskies

Bruichladdich Octomore 7.4

Lagavulin Aged 16 Years

Laphroaig Aged 25 Years

Port Askaig 110 Proof

Talisker Aged 25 Years

Top Gift Whiskies

Aberlour A’bunadh

Dalmore Aged 15 Years

The Macallan 12 Years Old

Oban Aged 14 Years

Talisker Storm

Top Introductory Scotches

Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Years Old

Caol Ila Aged 12 Years

Clynelish Aged 14 Years

GlenDronach Allardice

Glengoyne Aged 10 Years

Top Scotch for Scotch Lovers

Clynelish Aged 14 Years

Longmorn Aged 16 Years

Longrow Aged 18 Years

Muirhead’s Silver Seal

Oban Aged 18 Years

Top Prestige Whiskies

Balvenie Aged 30 Years

Benromach 36 Years Old

Glenmorangie Signet

The Macallan Rare Cask

Mortlach 25 Years Old