Whisky conversations have a habit of circling the same excellent bottles. I love a good Arran, Springbank or Kilkerran as much as anyone, but that familiar shortlist can leave some brilliant drams in the shadows. These five bottles have reminded me that the most rewarding whisky hunt often starts away from the usual recommendations.
Tobermory 12 is the bottle I should have bought years ago. Its peated sibling, Ledaig, gets plenty of attention, while this unpeated Isle of Mull single malt quietly delivers oranges, ripe apples, honey and malt biscuits, followed by a creamy, lightly coastal sip.
At 46.3% ABV, with natural colour and no chill filtration, it has the presentation enthusiasts want without demanding an enthusiast’s budget. It is approachable enough for a newcomer, yet there is plenty to find if you are inclined to linger over a glass. Around £40 is fair; on offer, it is an absolute steal.
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READ THE STORYFor something bolder, Ardnamurchan’s 2025 The Midgie, batch 2, is one of my favourite releases from a distillery I already rate highly. Its mix of peated and unpeated spirit, matured largely in bourbon and port casks, brings strawberry jam tarts, caramelised pineapple, salt and a little smoky warmth. The fruitier profile gives it real depth.
Glasgow 1770 Cognac Cask Finish takes a different route: a six-year-old, lightly peated malt bottled at 58% ABV, with a short finish in French cognac casks. It is rich with pears, apple strudel and soft smoke, but lively enough never to feel heavy. Cognac finishes will not suit everyone; this one makes a convincing case for them.
Torabhaig Allt Gleann deserves a place on the shopping list of anyone who likes smoky, maritime whisky. This young Skye distillery is refreshingly open about its production, and the liquid backs that up with lemon, salt, burnt seaweed and a peppery finish. I would look for it around £40 rather than pay substantially more.
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My final choice may raise a few eyebrows: Naked Malt. It is a thin but easy-drinking, sherried blended malt that can cost under £22. Not every recommendation needs to be a challenging single malt. Sometimes the best bottle is the affordable one you can pour for a friend who thinks whisky is not for them.
That is what links these five: each offers a reason to look past the bottles everyone already knows, whether it is character, value or a fresh way into Scotch. Which overlooked whisky should I try next?
To hear my full thoughts and some that just missed out on a place on my list, check out my YouTube video.
