The Absolute Best Scotch Whiskies Under $125

The Absolute Best Scotch Whiskies Under $125

As you venture beyond the $100 mark for a bottle of Scotch whisky, you enter into a realm of exceptional quality and distinctiveness. While still a step away from the coveted 20-year-old bracket, whiskies in this price range offer a wealth of remarkable characteristics and flavors. Priced between $100 and $125 per bottle, these expressions represent a significant investment, promising an elevated drinking experience with each sip. From nuanced flavor profiles to impeccable craftsmanship, there's much to admire and appreciate about Scotch whiskies in this premium range.

12. Johnnie Walker Aged 18 Years Blended Scotch Whisky

Formerly known as Johnnie Walker Platinum, this blend retains its distinction as an 18-year-old Scotch whisky. While remnants of the previous branding may still be found on shelves in slower-selling markets, the essence remains unchanged. Comprising 18 whiskies, including both single grain and single malt varieties, each aged a minimum of 18 years, this blend exemplifies complexity and maturity. Among the primary distilleries contributing to its character are Blair Athol, Cardhu, Glen Elgin, and Auchroisk, each lending its unique flavor profile to create a harmonious and sophisticated Scotch whisky experience. Buy it now!

11. Bowmore 15 Year Old

Bowmore 15 Year Old Scotch Whisky offers a delightful blend of flavors, thanks to its maturation process in Bourbon and sherry casks. With its origins dating back to 1779, Bowmore stands as Islay's inaugural distillery, renowned for its meticulously crafted single malt whiskies. The 15 Year Old expression tantalizes the palate with notes of dried fruits, treacle toffee, and indulgent dark chocolate. As part of the Beam Suntory portfolio, Bowmore enjoys a prestigious status among the world's best-selling Scotch whisky brands. Buy it now!

10. Laphroaig Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky Càirdeas Warehouse 1

The 2023 Càirdeas release from Laphroaig pays homage to the Friends of Laphroaig and their steadfast support for the brand. Crafted from Laphroaig's high-phenol peated malt, sourced from the shores of Islay, this whisky embodies the essence of its maritime surroundings. The spirit, distilled at high temperatures, was carefully filled into limited edition single barrel Maker's Mark bourbon barrels, offering a unique maturation journey. These barrels were then aged in the renowned Warehouse 1, nestled alongside the crashing waves of the sea, until reaching optimal maturity. Bottled as-is after vatting, this release captures the authentic character and distinctive flavors of Laphroaig's iconic whisky, a testament to the brand's enduring legacy and the unwavering support of its loyal enthusiasts. Buy it now!

9. Highland Park 15 Years Old Viking Heart Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Highland Park's latest expression is a testament to the expertise of Master Whisky Maker Gordon Motion, who meticulously selected sherry-seasoned American oak barrels of single malt for this release. Following maturation, the whisky is carefully decanted and bottled in a distinctive ceramic bottle crafted by Wade Ceramics, a renowned manufacturer with a legacy dating back to the early 1800s. This collaboration between Highland Park and Wade Ceramics not only honors tradition but also reflects the commitment to quality and craftsmanship that defines both brands. Buy it now!

8. The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak

Crafted as part of Macallan's esteemed Sherry Oak Range, this 18-year-old expression undergoes maturation in meticulously selected sherry seasoned oak casks sourced from Jerez. The result is a whisky characterized by a full-bodied palate boasting mature oak, ginger, and raisin notes, harmonized by its natural light mahogany hue. Renowned for its exceptional quality, Macallan has established itself as a producer of some of the most coveted and opulent whiskies worldwide. Its rare and aged offerings often command staggering prices at auctions, cementing the brand's status as a symbol of luxury and exclusivity in the realm of whisky. Buy it now!

7. Glenmorangie A Tale Of The Forest Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

In a bold departure from tradition, Glenmorangie's Master Distiller, Dr. Bill Lumsden, presents a unique expression crafted through innovative methods. Utilizing an old-school kilning process for barley drying, Dr. Bill infused local botanicals from the Highlands into the kiln. Juniper berries, birch bark, and heather flowers imparted their distinctive flavor notes, enriching the malted barley used for fermentation. The resulting juice was then carefully distilled, aged, and bottled in the Highlands, culminating in a whisky that embodies the essence of its terroir and showcases Dr. Bill's inventive approach to whisky making. Buy it now!

6. Ardbeg Uigeadail

Named after the renowned Ardbeg distillery's water source, this whisky embodies a harmonious blend of sweetness, spice, and profound smokiness. What sets this expression apart is its unique vatting method, which combines the deep, smoky tones from ex-Bourbon American oak with the rich, raisin-like character of ex-sherry Oloroso casks. Revered by whisky connoisseurs as "as close to perfection as makes no difference," Ardbeg has been crafted on the secluded Scottish Isle of Islay for over two centuries. After falling into disrepair and closing its doors in 1996, the distillery experienced a renaissance when it was acquired by The Glenmorangie Company, a part of the LVMH group, for $8.3 million in 1997. Buy it now!

5. Springbank Aged 10 Years Campbeltown Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Representing the gateway to Springbank, renowned as one of the world's premier distilleries, this single malt undergoes a meticulous aging process. It matures in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, with a final blend consisting of a 60/40 split respectively. Accentuated by the iconic Campbeltown spring water, the whisky is bottled in its natural state, preserving its authentic character and showcasing the distillery's commitment to craftsmanship and quality. Buy it now!

4. Kilchoman Machir Bay Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Established in 2005, Kilchoman is a relatively young yet distinct Islay distillery that proudly upholds a family-run tradition. Often referred to as "Islay's Farm Distillery," Kilchoman stands out by utilizing barley cultivated on its own farm, and the malting process takes place on-site. This signature bottling, named after a nearby beach, reflects the essence of Kilchoman's craftsmanship. Predominantly matured in Bourbon casks, with a touch of Sherry to add complexity, this expression embodies the unique character and innovative spirit of Kilchoman as it continues to make its mark in the world of Islay whiskies. Buy it now!

3. GlenDronach Revival 15 Year Old

The GlenDronach's 15-year-old expression exemplifies the distillery's renowned approach to maturation, which centers around the influence of exquisite Spanish Sherry Casks sourced from Andalucía's Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry producers. Over the course of 15 years, this whisky matures in the hallowed confines of The GlenDronach's dunnage warehouses, where it undergoes a transformation, absorbing the rich flavors and complexities imparted by the sherry casks. Following its acquisition by Brown-Forman, the parent company of Jack Daniel's, in 2016 as part of The BenRiach Distillery Company portfolio, The GlenDronach continues to uphold its legacy of crafting exceptional Scotch whiskies revered by enthusiasts worldwide. Buy it now!

2. Talisker 10 Year Old

Renowned for its exceptional quality and distinctive character, Talisker 10 is a distinguished member of Diageo's esteemed Classic Malts series. This outstanding single malt Scotch whisky is aged for a minimum of 10 years in American oak casks, resulting in a whisky of unparalleled excellence. Talisker 10 has garnered numerous accolades, including a gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2017 and the prestigious title of 'Best Islands Single Malt' at the 2017 World Whiskies Awards. Established in 1830, Talisker holds the distinction of being the oldest Single Malt Scotch Whisky distillery situated on the rugged shores of the Isle of Skye. Acquired by the Distillers Company in 1925 and now part of Diageo, Talisker continues to captivate whisky enthusiasts with its maritime-inspired flavors and rich heritage. Buy it now!

1. Loch Lomond 18 Year Old

The Whisky of the Year 2024, as proclaimed by Whisky Exchange, is a distinguished single malt meticulously crafted by Loch Lomond Distillery. Aged for 18 years, this exceptional whisky undergoes maturation in three distinct types of American oak casks, resulting in a rich, full-bodied, and exquisitely fruity character. Bottled at 46% ABV and non-chill filtered, this expression maintains the integrity of its natural flavors, reflecting Loch Lomond's commitment to authenticity and quality. With its perfect representation of the distillery's signature style, this award-winning whisky stands as a testament to Loch Lomond's dedication to excellence in every sip. Buy it now!