10 Best Single Malt Whiskies Every Whisky Lover Should Try

When it comes to pouring a dram, single malt whisky never gets out of style. This whisky style holds a different kind of emotion,  whether it’s the classic Scotch or exploring Australian craft, single malt  never disappoints. Doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or simply searching for new favourites; finding the right bottle can  feel like striking gold.

When you go buy whisky online nowadays, you can find an incredible variety, featuring the drams from around the world. Whether you’re after smoky Islay classic legends or creative Aussie crafts, the universe of single malt has never been more exciting or easier. At Liquor Loot, we've curated a selection that goes beyond continents, styles, and price points, because great whisky shouldn't be limited by borders or budgets.

This list isn't just a random shelf pull. It's a carefully considered collection that balances heritage with innovation, accessibility with prestige, and classic profiles with bold experimentation. Whether you're shopping for yourself or hunting for the perfect gift, these ten single malts represent the best of what the whisky world has to offer right now.

Types of Single Malt Whiskies

Before we jump into the list, let’s talk about why single malt whisky is such a big deal, and honestly, why it’s so different from bottle to bottle.

Single malt comes from just one distillery, using only malted barley and pot stills. That’s pretty much where the similarities stop. After that, everything starts to change. The flavour? It depends on a ton of things: where it’s made, what kind of barrels they use to age it, if they use peat during malting, even the water running through the place.

Let’s start with peat. Some whiskies, especially from Islay and some Highland spots, use peat smoke when malting the barley. That gives you those smoky, earthy, sometimes even medicinal notes. If there’s no peat, the whisky usually shows off fruit, vanilla, honey, and a sweet, grainy kick.

Barrels matter too. Ex-bourbon casks bring out notes like vanilla, caramel, and coconut. Sherry casks go in a whole other direction, think dried fruit, chocolate, and spice. These days, some distilleries are playing around with rum, port, and wine barrels, so you get all sorts of new flavours showing up.

Then there’s the region. Scotland’s got its big five, Islay, Speyside, Highland, Lowland, and Campbeltown, each with its own style. But you know, places like India, Australia, Japan, and Taiwan are making top-notch single malts too, each putting their own spin on things.

Alright, let’s get to the fun part.

The List: 10 Single Malts You Need to Try

1. Bunnahabhain Aonadh 10 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Region: Islay, Scotland

Style: Unpeated, cask strength, maritime

Islay’s known for its smoky, peaty whiskies, but Bunnahabhain does things differently. The Aonadh, which means “unity” in Gaelic, shows just how good unpeated whisky from this region can be. At cask strength, it’s bold, no doubt, but it keeps everything in balance. You get waves of rich fruit, roasted nuts, sea salt, and this creamy texture that just feels right. It’s Islay, but softer, more refined, still packed with personality.

2. Benromach 21 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Region: Speyside, Scotland

Style: Age-stated, balanced, sherry-led

If you’re looking for a whisky that takes things up a notch, Benromach 21 is the real deal. With more than twenty years in the cask, it’s soaked up layer after layer of flavour, sherry sweetness, dried fruit, dark chocolate, sticky toffee, and just a hint of smoke. It’s classy and complex, the kind of bottle you save for big moments or, honestly, just when you want to spoil yourself.

3. Amrut Spectrum Single Malt Indian Whisky

Region: Bangalore, India

Style: Experimental, bold, fruit-forward

Amrut’s been shaking up the whisky world for a while, and Spectrum is proof they mean business. They age this one in a custom cask made from five types of oak, and the result is wild, tropical fruit, vanilla, toffee, honey, and a warm kick of spice. It’s bold and totally unique. This is the sort of whisky that gets people talking, and it shows that great whisky doesn’t just come from Scotland.

4. Jura 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Region: Jura, Scotland

Style: Balanced, fruity, gently smoky

Jura’s 18-Year-Old comes from a tiny, remote island, but there’s nothing small about its flavour. Think orchard fruits, dark chocolate, coffee, and a gentle, smoky note that stays in the background. It’s smooth, balanced, and easy to enjoy, perfect for when you want something a bit special without going overboard. This one’s a crowd-pleaser, no question.

5. Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Region: Highland, Scotland

Style: Aromatic, heather honey, accessible

Perched high in the Highlands, Dalwhinnie’s distillery brings a bit of mountain magic to this 15 Year Old. It’s gentle and fragrant, with heather honey, crisp apples, a touch of peat smoke, and some vanilla rounding it out. This whisky goes down easy, super approachable for newcomers, but there’s enough going on to keep experienced drinkers happy too. It’s a true all-rounder.

6. Glen Grant 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Region: Speyside, Scotland

Style: Fruity, elegant, sophisticated

Glen Grant never lets you down. The 18 Year Old nails that sweet spot between balance and finesse, think orchard fruit, toffee apple, caramel, a pinch of spice, and just enough oak to keep things interesting. It’s easygoing enough for someone just getting into high-end malts, but there’s plenty here for the die-hards to pick apart. Honestly, it’s a gem.

7. Bladnoch Alinta Peated Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Region: Lowland, Scotland

Style: Peated, innovative, distinctive

Bladnoch sits at the very bottom of Scotland, and yeah, the Lowlands aren’t famous for peat. But the Alinta changes all that. You get gentle smoke, but there’s also citrus, vanilla, and a splash of briny coastal air. It’s not a peat monster like some Islay drams, much more approachable for anyone curious about smoky whisky without wanting to get totally overwhelmed. It’s a smart, creative release from a distillery that’s found its groove again.

8. The Macallan Harmony Collection Smooth Arabica Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Region: Speyside, Scotland

Style: Sherry-led, innovative finish, luxurious

You don’t really need to hype up The Macallan, right? The Harmony Collection Smooth Arabica shows just how creative they can get. It’s the kind of bottle that looks fancy but tastes even better, ideal for gifts or showing off to friends who think they’ve tasted every whisky out there.

9. Chief's Son Cask Expression Single Malt Whisky

Region: Tasmania, Australia

Style: Craft, nuanced, locally proud

Right now, Australian whisky is on fire, and Chief’s Son is one of the standouts from Tasmania. The Cask Expression really highlights the island’s clean water and amazing climate, with flavours like honey, citrus, stone fruit, a touch of oak, and this rich, creamy finish. It’s Aussie craft at its best, a killer gift for anyone who loves supporting local and tasting something world-class. You get to back homegrown talent and enjoy a fantastic whisky at the same time.

10. Limeburners Beer Finish Single Malt Whisky

Region: Western Australia, Australia

Style: Experimental, bold, uniquely Australian

Limeburners isn’t afraid to shake things up, and the Beer Finish proves it. They age their single malt in casks that once held craft beer, so you get this really cool mix of malt sweetness, hoppy bitterness, caramel, and a hint of spice. It’s bold, it’s different, and perfect for folks who want something outside the usual whisky routine. This is the bottle that gets people talking, and probably turns a few beer lovers into whisky fans along the way.

How to Serve and Enjoy Single Malt Whisky

Half the joy of single malt whisky is the ritual. Here’s how to make the most of every glass.

First, glassware actually matters. Grab a tulip-shaped whisky glass (like a Glencairn) to really catch those aromas. Skip the wide tumblers unless you’re throwing in ice.

How to drink it? Start neat, try it just as the distiller wanted. A few drops of water can open things up, especially if it’s cask strength. If you like ice, go for it. Your glass, your rules.

Don’t rush. Smelling the whisky is half the experience. Give it a swirl, take a breath, see what comes out. Then take small sips and let the flavours build.

Try food pairings, too. Smoky, peated whiskies go great with smoked meats or strong cheeses. Lighter, fruitier malts? They’re perfect with dessert or dark chocolate.

Most important: Drink what you actually enjoy. There’s no room for whisky snobbery here.

Buy the Best Single Malt Whisky Online with Liquor Loot

Single malt whisky is its own universe. It’s worth diving into, whether you’re just getting started or you’ve already got a shelf full of bottles. The ten whiskies on this list take you on a global tour, different styles, regions, and price points, each with something unique to offer.

Looking for a smoky Islay classic? Maybe something bold and new from Australia? Or a sherry-heavy Speyside dram? It’s all here. And the best thing? You don’t even have to leave your couch. Order your whisky online and get it delivered right to your door.

At Liquor Loot, we’re all about helping you find bottles you’ll love. Check out our handpicked collection, discover new favourites, and enjoy the ease of getting great whisky delivered anywhere in Australia.

Ready to try something new? Head over to Liquor Loot and find your next dram. Cheers!