World’s Most Popular Scotch Whisky Brands Of 2021
In the words of Ron Burgundy, “I love scotch. I love scotch. Scotchy, scotch, scotch.” In moderation, of course. My interest in whisky (or ‘whiskey,’ depending on where it’s from)…
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Jeff J Mitchell/Getty ImagesIn the words of Ron Burgundy, "I love scotch. I love scotch. Scotchy, scotch, scotch." In moderation, of course. My interest in whisky (or 'whiskey,' depending on where it's from) began with bourbon. Then I found rye and Irish whiskey. But once a friend introduced me to single malt scotch, the others went by the wayside.
I'm fascinated by the way whisky is made and how the environment surrounding the distilleries can affect the flavor. For example, you can actually taste the sea in Scotch whiskies made in places like Islay. Laphroaig is a great example of that, although it's not for everyone. I like it a lot but my wife finds the aroma overpowering. I have to enjoy it outside or when Sara is not at home. To describe Laphroaig's flavor profile as complex is an understatement.
Other favorites in my liquor cabinet include Cardhu, The Balvenie, Glenmorangie, Auchentoshan, Talisker, and Oban. There are certainly plenty of far more accessible brands of Scotch whisky, both single malt and blends. VinePair compiled the top 20 brands for 2021, based on sales figures from The Spirits Business. You'll see some familiar names on the list, along with some new ones that you may want to explore.
20 Most Popular Scotch Whisky Brands in the World 2021
- Johnnie Walker (14.1 million cases)
- Ballantine’s (7)
- Grant’s (3.6)
- William Lawson’s (3.3)
- Chivas Regal (3.2)
- Black & White (2.9)
- William Peel (2.8)
- Label 5 (2.6)
- Dewar’s (2.6)
- J&B (2.3)
- White Horse (2.1)
- Bell’s (2.1)
- Passport (1.8)
- Sir Edward’s (1.8)
- Buchanan’s (1.5)
- Teacher’s Highland Cream (1.4)
- 100 Pipers (1.3)
- Clan Campbell (1.3)
- Glenfiddich (1.2)
- The Glenlivet (1.2)
