Discover the Best Scotch Whiskies of 2025

The Beverage Testing Institute (BevTest), a respected group that reviews spirits, has named the best Scotch whiskies of 2025. From rare single malts to bold blended whiskies, this year’s winners stand out for their rich flavor and expert craftsmanship. Whether you’re a whisky lover or just getting started, these award-winning options are worth trying.

Best Blended Scotch Whiskies

Chivas Regal 18-Year-Old

  • Type: Blended Scotch Whisky

  • Alcohol: 40% ABV

  • Bottle Size: 750 ml

This premium blend was created in 1997 by Master Blender Colin Scott. It combines more than 20 single malt and grain whiskies. The main malt used comes from Strathisla, the oldest working distillery in the Highlands.

The whisky is aged for at least 18 years and is known for being smooth and flavorful. It earned 91 points and a gold medal from BevTest.

Tasting Notes

You’ll smell dried fruits like golden raisins and apricots, along with toffee, dark chocolate, orange peel, roasted nuts, and a hint of smoke.
The taste is rich and layered, with honey, chocolate, cooked grains, sweet spices, and oak. It finishes with flavors of cocoa, orange candy, and gentle smoke.

Judges’ Comments

“Aromas of apple pancakes, pear, and toffee. Tastes like fruit leather, cinnamon, and dried herbs. Great for cocktails like a Whisky Sour or Rob Roy.”

Chivas XV (15-Year-Old)

  • Type: Blended Scotch Whisky

  • Alcohol: 40% ABV

  • Bottle Size: 750 ml

  • Price: $49

This blend includes a Highland malt aged in sherry and French cognac barrels, which adds fruity and rich flavors.

Tasting Notes

It smells like dried apricots, toasted oak, candied orange, and creamy toffee. On the tongue, you’ll taste citrus marmalade, ripe fruits, marzipan, and warm spices. The finish is smooth with honey, oak, and a soft cognac-like warmth.

Judges’ Comments

“Aromas of smoked maple and sweet honey. Tastes like salted caramel, peanuts, and buttery bread. A great example of a clean, sweet, and easy Highland blend.”

Fettercairn 28-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

42% ABV, 750 ml – $1,250

This rare Scotch whisky from Fettercairn has been aged for 28 years. It was the highest rated in its category, scoring 96 out of 100 and winning a platinum medal.

The whisky has rich and layered flavors like dried fruits, leather, orange peel, and beeswax. You’ll taste fig, almond candy, tobacco, old oak, and incense. It finishes very smooth and long, with lingering notes of dried fruit, spices, and a hint of smoke.

Experts said it smells like roasted pecan pie, chocolate fudge, fruit chutney, butter cookies, and fruitcake. It tastes full and rich, with a finish that includes toasted granola, crème brûlée, dried fruit, and chai. They called it a luxurious whisky that’s both bold and delicate, with a long and evolving finish.

Fettercairn 24-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

46.5% ABV, 750 ml – $650

From the Highland region, this whisky is aged 24 years in used oak barrels. It scored 95 out of 100 and won a gold medal.

It has smells of toffee, fresh fruit, sandalwood, and ginger. The taste is bold and spicy, with flavors like baked apple, walnut tart, cinnamon, and a touch of earthy smoke. The finish is long, peppery, and fruity with oak flavors.

Judges described the aroma as including roasted nuts, mushroom tart, salted caramel with citrus, and polished wood. The taste is rich and dry but fruity, finishing with spiced fruits, floral honey, wood smoke, and even a touch of root beer. They called it a deep, flavorful whisky perfect for slow sipping or enjoying with a fine cigar.

Glenlivet 14-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

40% ABV, 750 ml – $64

This is a more mature and flavorful version of Glenlivet’s 12-year-old whisky. It’s aged in bourbon and sherry barrels, then finished in cognac casks. It earned a score of 94 out of 100 and received a gold medal.

The whisky has fruity aromas like pear and apricot, with notes of toasted almond, caramel, raisins, honey, orange peel, and chocolate. It’s smooth and creamy to drink, with flavors of fruit, toffee, baked apple, and light oak spices. The finish is sweet and long, with lingering fruit and a touch of mineral taste.

Experts said it smells like sweet butter, nougat, and ripe banana. It tastes like pie crust, chocolate-covered raisins, and vanilla cream. They said it’s a great option for someone new to Scotch whisky.

Glenlivet 12-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (40% ABV, 750 ml) – $47

This is Glenlivet’s main whisky. The distillery started in 1824 and was the first legal one in Speyside, Scotland. This whisky is aged in American oak barrels that were previously used for bourbon. It received a high score of 93 out of 100 and won a gold medal.

It has a fresh smell with hints of citrus flowers, green apple, coconut, and honey. The taste is light and smooth, with flavors of lemon, vanilla ice cream, cooked grains, and orchard fruits, with a touch of spice from the wood. The finish is long and elegant, with fruity and oaky notes that stay on the tongue.

Experts from the BevTest panel said it smells like oats, honey, and banana bread. The taste reminded them of apricots, rich butter, and rooibos tea. They said it’s a great whisky for enjoying fall flavors and spices.

Glenlivet 18-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (43% ABV, 750 ml) – $119

This is a premium whisky, aged in both American bourbon and European sherry oak barrels. These barrels are carefully chosen to create a smooth and balanced drink. It scored 92 points and also won a gold medal.

The smell includes apricot, honeycomb, walnut, and rose petals. It tastes silky and smooth with flavors like stone fruits, milk chocolate, cinnamon, seasoned oak, and sweet orange. The finish is long and rich, with dried fruits and woody spices.

BevTest experts said it has aromas of orchard fruits, clementine, and peach pit. The taste includes brown sugar, black tea, and cinnamon spice. They described it as a bold whisky with a slight dryness, perfect for sipping slowly.

BevTest 2025 Scotch Whisky Awards Summary

The 2025 BevTest results showed another great year for Scotch. From the smooth Glenlivet to the bold flavors of Chivas and rare aged whiskies like Fettercairn, the quality was outstanding. Whether you enjoy blended or single malt whiskies, these top-rated bottles offer great taste and character. Consider adding them to your collection or tasting list—they represent the best of Scotch whisky in 2025.

Published: 24th July 2025

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