
Scottish whisky fans share their picks for the 'best single malt Scotch'
Scottish whisky fans have shared their picks for "the best single malt". Whiskies from acclaimed distilleries such as Balvenie and Glenfarclas were named.
Scotland's whiskies are enjoyed across the world, with many of the country's distilleries being globally recognised names. When it comes to buying a bottle of whisky, prices can vary hugely and can easily reach thousands of pounds.
On Saturday, June 7, one whisky fan posted on social media asking about the country's top whisky offerings. Writing on the Scotland community on Reddit, they asked: "What is generally considered to be the best single malt Scotch widely available?"
The post has received almost 40 comments since being shared. Scots put forth a range of responses and recommendations.
One of the most popular replies suggests the Balvenie 21 Year Old PortWood Finish Whisky as the country's best, with the user writing: "This is my favourite, a Speyside malt made at the distillery in Dufftown and named for the malts that stands right around the corner.
"I like to think I have an educated palate, but taste is subjective; you've got to drink a lot of malts before you know what you like."
The Balvenie 21 Year Old PortWood Finish Whisky is the flagship single malt from the Balvenie distillery's popular PortWood range. It features nose notes of white peach, honey, and sultanta, as well as tasting notes of cranberries and cooked raspberries.
The whisky is currently available to buy for £219.95 from Master of Malt. It is also in stock for £236 from The Whisky Shop.
Meanwhile, another Scot recommended the Oban 14 Year Old. They wrote: "You want something really nice for under £100? That almost everyone will appreciate?
"I used to buy this quite often a few years back, when it was under £50. Recently the prices have gone crazy, and I've seen it at over £100 in whisky shops."
The Oban 14 Year Old comes from the Oban Distillery, which is among the oldest and smallest in the country. Nose notes include sticking plasters and toffee brittle, while hints of marmalade, toffee apples, and pear cider can be tasted.
At the moment, the Oban 14 Year Old is available to buy for £86.25 from The Whisky Exchange. Elsewhere, the whisky can be bought from Master of Malt for £77.99.
A third suggestion came from one Reddit user who wrote: "I'd look at Glenfarclas 15. You'll get a good bit of change but it punches way above its weight."
The Glenfarclas 15 Year Old Whisky features an abundance of dried fruit notes. It also includes notes of raisins, orange peel, walnuts, and dates.
The Glenfarclas 15 Year Old Whisky is currently in stock at Master of Malt for a price of £72.95. It can also be purchased for £77 from The Whisky Shop.
On the other hand, another Reddit user argued that there is "no such thing" as the single best single malt Scotch.
They stated: "What do you like? Peaty? Light? Rich? Sweet?
"Everyone's tastes are different so what everyone likes is different. Anyone who claims any particular malt is 'the best' is for all intents and purposes talking out of their ***."
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