When it comes to the best Scotch whisky, no list is complete without consulting the experts—and in 2025, the Beverage Testing Institute (BevTest) has spoken. This year’s top-rated Scotch whiskies include rare single malts, smooth blended expressions, and aged prestige bottlings that showcase the absolute best in flavor, craft, and character.
Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newcomer, these BevTest medalists represent the best Scotch whiskies of 2025—and they're available now on LoveScotch.
Best Blended Scotch Whisky of 2025
Chivas Regal 18-Year-Old Blended Scotch Whisky
Rating: 91 Points – Gold Medal
ABV: 40% | Size: 750 ml
Click here to purchase the Chivas Regal 18-Year-Old Blended Scotch Whisky »
Origin: Crafted in Scotland and aged 18 years, a region celebrated for its rich whisky-making heritage.
Profile:
- Luxurious and refined flavor experience.
- Harmonious fusion of honey, vanilla, and ripe fruit.
- Subtle layers of oak and spice.
- Smooth texture with a lingering, elegant finish.
Aroma (Nose):
- Delicate floral tones.
- Accents of caramel and citrus.
Palate:
- Balanced interplay of sweet and savory.
- Rich depth and complexity in every sip.
Craftsmanship:
- Expertly blended from a selection of fine malt and grain whiskies.
- Exemplifies the artistry of Scotch blending.
Serving Suggestions:
- Best enjoyed neat or on the rocks.
- Ideal for both contemplative sipping and celebratory moments.
Occasion: Adds timeless elegance and premium quality to any gathering.
Ideal for: Rob Roys, Whisky Sours, or sipping neat.
Chivas XV Blended Scotch Whisky
Rating: Gold Medal
ABV: 40% | Size: 750 ml
Click here to purchase the Chivas XV Blended Scotch Whisky »
Origin: Produced in Scotland and aged for a minimum of 15 years, home to a long-standing tradition of world-class whisky craftsmanship.
Flavor Profile:
- Sophisticated and well-balanced.
- Notes of honey, ripe pears, and a hint of vanilla.
- Subtle underlying sweetness with depth and complexity from extended aging.
Aroma (Nose):
- Warm scents of baked apples, cinnamon, and oak.
- Light smoky notes add an extra layer of intrigue.
Mouthfeel & Finish:
- Velvety smooth texture.
- Lingering finish of rich fruity sweetness.
Craftsmanship:
- Blended from select malt and grain whiskies.
- Aged in a mix of oak casks, enhancing complexity and character.
- Created by master blenders renowned for their skillful cask selection.
- ABV: 40% alcohol by volume, in line with traditional Scotch standards.
Serving Suggestions:
- Ideal served neat, on the rocks, or in premium whisky cocktails.
Occasion: A refined choice for those who appreciate elegance, heritage, and craftsmanship.
Described by BevTest as “a standard setter for Highland blended whisky.”
Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky of 2025
Fettercairn 28-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Rating: 96 Points – Platinum Medal
ABV: 42% | Size: 700 ml
Click here to purchase the Fettercairn 28-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky »
Origin: Crafted in the Scottish Highlands and aged for 28 years at the historic Fettercairn Distillery.
Maturation:
Aged exclusively in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels.
A rare, ultra-aged expression representing nearly three decades of craftsmanship.
Heritage:
Holds a special connection to Distillery Manager Stewart Walker, who began his career at Fettercairn when this whisky was first distilled.
Aroma (Nose):
- Bright pineapple and fresh melon up front.
- Rich undertones of treacle, banana, warm ginger, and subtle liquorice.
Palate:
- Textured and layered with citrus peel and cracked black pepper.
- Balanced by toasted walnuts, soft vanilla, and delicate spice.
Finish:
- Long, elegant, and complex.
- Lingering notes of coffee, apricot, and sweet balsamic.
Serving Suggestions:
- Best enjoyed neat or with a few drops of water to unlock its full depth.
Character:
- A refined, age-worthy Highland single malt showcasing balance, complexity, and tradition.
Collector Appeal:
- A rare and limited release, ideal for serious collectors and discerning whisky connoisseurs.
“Decadently rich yet ethereal,” says BevTest. A must-try for anyone chasing the best Scotch whisky of the year.
Fettercairn 24-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Rating: 95 Points – Gold Medal
ABV: 46.5% | Size: 700 ml |
Click here to purchase Fettercairn 24-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky»
Origin: Produced in the foothills of Scotland’s Highland region and aged 24 years, capturing the essence of its natural surroundings.
Craftsmanship:
- Bottled at natural colour and non-chill filtered.
- Honors purity and traditional methods of whisky-making.
Aroma (Nose):
- Tropical fruits with notes of Madagascan vanilla and warm toffee.
- Subtle hints of freshly baked patisserie.
Palate:
- Opens with the sweetness of guava and Alphonso mango.
- Balanced by warm honey and a unique touch of red liquorice.
- Silky texture with evolving complexity in every sip.
Finish:
- Long and elegant with lingering notes of:
- Red berries
- Star anise
- Roasted coffee
- A dusting of nutmeg
Serving Suggestions:
- Best enjoyed neat to fully experience its refined complexity.
Character:
- A luxurious, well-balanced whisky that unfolds gradually with layered depth.
Collector Appeal:
- A rare and distinguished expression, ideal for whisky enthusiasts and collectors seeking Highland elegance and age.
“Superbly rich, deep, and delicious,” notes the BevTest panel.
The Glenlivet 14-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Rating: 94 Points – Gold Medal
ABV: 40% | Size: 750 ml
Click here to purchase The Glenlivet 14-Year-Old single Malt Scotch Whisky »
Origin: Distilled in the Speyside region of Scotland and aged 14 years, known for its elegant and fruity single malts.
Maturation:
- Finished in cognac casks, blending Scottish tradition with French finesse.
- Unique aging process adds layered complexity and distinctive flavor.
Aroma (Nose):
- Caramelized apples
- Vanilla
- Subtle floral undertones
- Infused with the essence of aged cognac
Palate:
- Rich and complex flavor profile.
- Notes of ripe fruits, oak, and warming spices.
- Creates a luxurious and indulgent sipping experience.
Finish:
- Smooth and refined with a balanced character.
- Moderate 40% ABV for a pleasantly mellow close.
Craftsmanship:
- Crafted with care and precision to highlight both whisky and cognac influences.
Ideal For:
- Connoisseurs and enthusiasts who appreciate innovation and elegance in a single malt.
- A distinguished choice for special occasions or refined gifting.
BevTest calls it “a great Single Malt choice for a new Scotch drinker.”
The Glenlivet 12-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Rating: 93 Points – Gold Medal
ABV: 40% | Size: 750 ml
Click here to purchase The Glenlivet 12-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky »
Origin: Crafted in the Speyside region of Scotland, home to some of the world’s finest single malts.
Maturation:
- Undergoes double maturation in American oak and European oak casks.
- This dual-cask process enhances depth, smoothness, and complexity.
Craftsmanship:
- Reflects The Glenlivet’s storied heritage and commitment to quality.
- Uses pure spring water from Josie’s Well, a hallmark of the distillery’s tradition.
Aroma (Nose):
- Orchard fruits, especially ripe pear.
- Subtle floral notes that offer a fresh and inviting bouquet.
Palate:
- Well-balanced and harmonious flavor profile.
- Notes of luscious fruit, toffee, and creamy vanilla.
Finish:
- Smooth and lingering, with a refined and gentle close.
- ABV: Alcohol content balanced to highlight its nuanced flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions:
- Best enjoyed neat or with a splash of water to unlock full complexity.
Ideal For:
- Both new whisky drinkers and seasoned enthusiasts.
A timeless expression of Speyside craftsmanship and double oak aging.
“An excellent example of fall flavors in a single malt.”
The Glenlivet 18-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Rating: 92 Points – Gold Medal
ABV: 43% | Size: 750 ml
Click here to purchase The Glenlivet 18-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky »
Origin: Distilled in Scotland’s Speyside region, known for producing smooth, elegant single malts.
Flavor Profile:
- Rich and complex with a refined character.
- Layers of creamy toffee, ripe fruit, cinnamon, and ginger.
- Ends with a long, satisfying finish.
Aroma (Nose):
- Notes of dried fruit, honey, and oak.
- Warm, inviting, and sophisticated bouquet.
Craftsmanship:
- Made from the finest malted barley and pure spring water from Josie’s Well.
- Aged with care for 18 years to develop depth and complexity.
- ABV: 43% alcohol by volume, slightly higher than standard for added richness.
Serving Suggestions:
- Best enjoyed neat or with a splash of water.
- Also suitable for premium whisky cocktails.
Ideal For:
- Whisky lovers seeking a mature, full-bodied expression.
- Perfect for sipping slowly and appreciating every nuanced layer.
“An intense, lightly tannic single malt for sipping and savoring.”
Why These Bottles Represent the Best Scotch Whisky of 2025
This year’s winners reflect the breadth and brilliance of Scotch whisky in all its forms—from elegant Speyside malts to robust Highland blends. Whether you’re exploring the best blended Scotch whisky for cocktails or searching for a rare single malt Scotch to gift or collect, these award-winning bottles are your guideposts.
Top Picks by Category:
- Best Overall Scotch Whisky: Fettercairn 28-Year-Old
- Best Blended Scotch Whisky: Chivas Regal 18-Year-Old
- Best Scotch Whisky for Beginners: Glenlivet 14-Year-Old
- Best Scotch Whisky Value: Glenlivet 12-Year-Old
Where to Buy the Best Scotch Whisky Online
Ready to add these champions to your cart? At LoveScotch.com, we offer nationwide delivery and a carefully curated selection of the best Scotch whisky brands in the world. Every bottle featured above is available for purchase—so you can enjoy the best of 2025 from the comfort of your home.
Shop the Best Scotch Whisky Now »
Final Thoughts
The results are in: 2025 is a golden year for Scotch. Whether you prefer the smooth complexity of Chivas, the aged mastery of Fettercairn, or the timeless elegance of Glenlivet, these expressions capture what it means to be the best Scotch whisky—refined, balanced, and unforgettable.
Explore. Taste. Collect.
