There are few spirits better suited for the chilling weather of the winter holidays than Scotch whisky, which has been a cornerstone of celebrations, both personal and professional, and holidays for decades. From Scotland’s highest lauded distilleries to some under-the-radar gems, we’ve got everything you need to stock your bar and gift during the holiday season.
Old Pulteney
Hailing from the Islands region, Old Pulteney has rapidly burst onto the scene with a wide portfolio of single malt bottlings that deliver, both in quality and affordability.
Old Pulteney’s stars are easily their 15 and 18 year expressions, packed with tons of coastal flavor, at a price that the major houses of Scotland can’t reach in their wildest dreams. Freshly baked pastries, honey, sweet cream, and salted caramel exude from the enviable 18 year single malt, while the 15 year brings many of the same flavors but knocks a few dollars off the price tag.
Fans of whiskey that are looking to dabble in Scotch whisky will pick up their first bottle of Old Pulteney 12 Year and understand why it’s one of our top Whiskey Raiders suggestions for bottles to have on any bar.
The Glen Grant 15 Year
The Glen Grant has long been a notable component for blending Scotch’s biggest blends, but in recent years, bottlings featuring just Glen Grant distillate have also come forth. Straight from the distillery itself, Glen Grant’s 15 Year Single Malt carries a lighter, sweeter profile that fans of Glenlivet and Glenfiddich will know and love.
Bringing a bit more complexity along to the celebration, Glen Grant bundles a touch more oak, sweet caramels, and balancing spice, making it the perfect upgrade for Scotch fans, young and old. While it may not be the most inexpensive Scotch on this list, it’s priced well enough that nobody will raise a cry if some Glen Grant makes its way into a Penicillin cocktail or Hot Toddy as well!
The Macallan Classic Cut
The Macallan is rightfully one of the most storied Scotch whisky brands. From its place in restaurants, lounges, and business halls worldwide to its appearances alongside James Bond 007, there’s no lack of provenance and history behind one of Scotland’s best-known brands.
Incorporating a range of casks from American Oak to exotic Spanish Sherry, Macallan is known for its sweet, approachable character and complexity. Macallan’s Classic Cut is a newer face to the brand’s portfolio and brings some additional sherry character and a bump in proof. Perfect for a neat pour, with the spine and flavor to hold up to ice, there’s no better “one size fits all” Scotch than Macallan Classic Cut this winter.
The Glenlivet 18 Year Old
The Glenlivet remains one of Speyside’s most famous names when it comes to Scotch whisky. Nestled in the North East region of Scotland, Glenlivet has nearly unparalleled access to the clean, crisp waters of the River Spey.
Glenlivet’s 18 Year Old expression is a notable embodiment of the great pursuit of whisky — the crossroads of quality, affordability, and obtainability. This single malt manages to nail all three and makes for a lovely vanilla-filled, apple and pear laced, sweet and buttery pour that’s easy to drink no matter the occasion.
The GlenDronach Allardice 18-Year-Old
Returning to sherried drams and whisky with old, old bones, The GlenDronach is one of the best sherried whisky producers around.
Aged for 18 years and full of sherried delight, this producer’s Allardice bottling is one of the rarest gems of the Scotch world, delivering a full sherried aged release for just under $300. Fans of deeper, darker notes in their whisky, such as raisin, fig, currant, tobacco, and rich, sweet oak, will find comfort and delight in the deep, brooding complexity of The GlenDronach. Notable bonus: it also pairs perfectly with a cigar or tobacco pipe.
Mortlach 16 Year Old
One of the hidden giants of Scotland, Mortlach has recently undertaken a whole new direction by making their whiskies available to the public under their own brand. Previously only obtainable in most circumstances by lurking in shops and among brokers for single casks through independent labels, Mortlach’s rebirth couldn’t come at a more opportune time.
It’s hard to find a 16 year Scotch on the market for just over $100, but Mortlach has made the dream a reality, presenting their sweet, savory, and tannin-backed flavor to the world of whisky. Their 16 Year expression is a hidden great among the bottles on my shelf here at Whiskey Raiders, and I fear it will only be a short while before the entire world knows of Mortlach’s greatness, making it harder to find for those of us who knew where to find it all along.
In Closing
When it’s all said and done, there is no shortage of wonderful whisky straight from Scotland to share this holiday season. From the tangled waves of Old Pulteney’s island home to the historical halls of The Macallan, grab a bottle to share in your celebrations with others and perhaps one for yourself as well for a quiet, fireside evening in.
Looking for even more incredible Scotch gifts? Shop our entire Scotch Whisky Collection here!
