The World's Best Scotch Whisky, According To The Beverage Testing Inst

Forbes

5 days ago

Fettercairn 28-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky Photo, J Micallef
Discover the best Scotch whiskies of 2025, as recognized by the Beverage Testing Institute (BevTest), one of the industry's most respected spirit competitions. From ultra-aged single malts to award-winning blends, this year's medalists showcase the depth, complexity, and craftsmanship that define world-class Scotch whisky. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a curious newcomer, these top-rated Scotch whiskies are must-tries for anyone seeking the finest expressions in the category.
Chivas Regal 18 YO is a luxury blended Scotch whisky crafted by Master Blender Colin Scott in 1997. It contains over 20 single malt and grain whiskies. The core malt is from Strathisla, the oldest operating distillery in the Highlands.
Aged for a minimum of 18 years, this expression is designed to offer both depth and elegance, embodying the smooth and flavorful house style for which Chivas is known. The whisky scored 91 points and received a gold medal.
The whisky features aromas of dried fruit, especially golden raisins and apricots, followed by toffee/butterscotch, dark chocolate, hints of orange zest, wood spices, seasoned oak, roasted nuts, and a touch of cold smoke.
It's exceptionally smooth and layered on the palate, showcasing honey, cooked cereal, milk chocolate, ripe stone fruit, sweet spices, and seasoned oak. The finish is long, with lingering notes of cocoa, candied orange, wood spices, and oak, accompanied by a subtle hint of cold smoke.
The BevTest Judging Panel described the whisky as expressing aromas of 'apple pancakes, pear, and toffee. The palate features aromas of fruit leather, cinnamon, and dried herbs. A clean and straightforward Blended Scotch for a Whisky Sour, Hot Toddy, or killer Rob Roy.' Chivas XV, Blended Scotch Whisky, 40% ABV, 750 ml. $49
This premium 15-year blend combines famous Chivas malt with a sherry cask-aged Highland malt, aged in Grande Champagne cognac barrels, which adds richness and fruit intensity to the resulting whisky.
The whisky features aromas of dried apricot, toasted oak, candied orange peel, and creamy toffee. It's smooth and flavorful on the palate, showcasing flavors of citrus marmalade, ripe stone fruits, marzipan, and assorted wood spices. The finish is long and elegant, with lingering notes of honey, oak spice, and a hint of cognac warmth.
The BevTest Judging Panel described the whisky as expressing aromas of 'smoked maple, and spiced honey. The palate features flavors of salted caramels, boiled peanuts, and buttered soda bread. A standard setter for a Highland Blended Whisky—clean, malty, sweet, and easy.'
A glass of whisky and dried barley ears on malted barley grains getty Single Malt Scotch Whisky Fettercairn 28-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 42% ABV, 750 ml. $1,250
A rare ultra-aged expression from the Fettercairn distillery, showcasing decades of oak maturation. This Scotch whisky was the highest rated, scoring 96/100 points and winning a platinum medal.
The whiskey features complex layers of dried fruits, polished leather, orange zest, and beeswax. The palate is rich and robust, showcasing flavors of dried fig, almond praline, dried tobacco leaf, old oak, and incense. The finish is exceptionally long and smooth, with lingering notes of dried fruit, wood spices, and a whisper of smoke.
The BevTest Judging Panel described the whisky as expressing aromas of 'roasted pecan pie, chocolate nut fudge, sour cherry-peach chutney, butter cookie, and fruitcake with a satiny, bright, fruity full body and a warming, complex, very long finish evoking elements of toasted granola, crème brûlée, peach-pear tart, honeyed dried fruits, and chai. An outstanding Single Malt Scotch that is decadently rich yet ethereal at the same time, with a lengthy finish that continues to evolve and fascinate.' Fettercairn 24-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 46.5% ABV, 750 ml. $650
This Highland distillery, founded in 1824 near the Cairn o' Mount pass, is known for its tall stills. The 24-year-old is matured in refill oak casks. The whisky earned a gold medal with a score of 95/100 points.
The whisky features aromas of toffee, orchard fruit, sandalwood, and ginger. It's bold and spicy on the palate, showcasing flavors of baked apple, walnut tart, cinnamon, and a subtle, earthy peat underpinning. The finish is long and peppery with lingering fruity and seasoned oak notes.
The BevTest Judging Panel described the whisky as exhibiting aromas of 'brown butter roasted nuts, mushroom tartlet, fleur de sel, salted caramel with citrus zest, and leather and polished wood with a velvety, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-full body and a warming, elegant, endless finish evoking touches of spiced dried fruits and nuts, floral honeyed toasted grains, hint of wood smoke, and sarsaparilla float. A superbly rich, deep, and delicious umami-laden Single Malt that is tailor-made for contemplative sipping and a fine cigar.' Glenlivet 14-Year-Old, Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 40% ABV, 750 ml. $64
A slightly older, more complex version of the 12 YO Glenlivet. It's matured in a combination of ex-bourbon American oak and European oak Sherry casks and finished in ex-Cognac casks. The whisky scored 94/100 points and was awarded a gold medal.
The whisky features aromas of orchard and stone fruit, particularly ripe pear and apricot, along with toasted almond, caramel, golden raisins, honey, candied orange zest, and hints of chocolate. It's smooth and creamy on the palate, showcasing flavors of orchard fruit, toffee, baked apple, and delicate oak spices. The finish is long and sweet with lingering fruit notes and a faint minerality.
The BevTest Judging Panel described the whisky as showcasing aromas of 'sweet butter, nougat, and ripe banana. The palate features flavors of pie dough, chocolate-coated raisins, and vanilla cream. Delicious stone fruit flavor makes this a great Single Malt choice for a new Scotch drinker.' Glenlivet 12-Year-Old, Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 40% ABV, 750 ml. $47
The flagship expression of The Glenlivet, founded in 1824 and the first legal distillery in Speyside. It's aged exclusively in American oak ex-bourbon casks. The whisky scored 93/100 points and was awarded a gold medal.
The whisky features aromas of citrus blossom, green apple, coconut, and honey. It's light and crisp on the palate, showcasing flavors of lemon, vanilla ice cream, cooked cereal, orchard fruit, and hints of wood spices. The finish is long and elegant with lingering notes of fruit and seasoned oak.
The BevTest Judging Panel described the whisky as exhibiting aromas of 'oats, heather honey, and banana nut bread. The palate features flavors of apricots, compound butter, and rooibos. An excellent example of fall flavors and spices in a Single Malt Scotch.' Glenlivet 18-Year-Old, Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 43% ABV, 750 ml. $119
A prestige single malt matured in a mix of American ex-bourbon and European ex-Sherry oak casks, selected for balance and smoothness. The whisky scored 92 points and won a gold medal.
The whisky features aromas of apricot, honeycomb, walnut, and rose petals. The palate is smooth and silky, showcasing flavors of orchard and stone fruits, milk chocolate, cinnamon, seasoned oak, and candied orange. The finish is long and rich, with lingering notes of dried fruit and wood spices.
The BevTest Judging Panel described the whisky as expressing aromas of 'orchard fruits, clementine, and peach pit. The palate features flavors of brown sugar, black tea, and cinnamon spice. An intense, lightly tannic single malt for sipping and savoring.'
The 2025 BevTest results highlight another golden year for Scotch whisky, from the elegance of Glenlivet to the rich intensity of Chivas and the rare, aged brilliance of Fettercairn. Whether your preference is for the smoothness of blended whisky or the depth and intensity of single malt, these award-winning whiskies deliver exceptional quality and character. Add these celebrated bottles to your collection or tasting list—they represent the pinnacle of Scotch whisky excellence in 2025. More From Forbes Forbes The Top Single Malt Scotch Whisky, According To The International Wine And Spirit Competition By Joseph V Micallef Forbes Best Ultra-Aged Scotch Whisky, According To The San Francisco World Spirits Competition By Joseph V Micallef Forbes The World's Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky, According To The London Spirits Competition By Joseph V Micallef