“Scotland is home to over 120 malt and grain distilleries, making it the greatest concentration of whisky production in the world,” according to the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA). The spirit’s 525-year history comprises an immensely complicated past, and, today, Scotch brands are divided by region, distiller, blend or no blend, and single malt or single grain.

Semantics aside, Scotch is actually an approachable spirit.

VinePair tasted more than 50 Scotch whiskies over three separate sittings to determine the best brands for every budget. From the Highlands to the Islands, and from the light and fruity Lowlands blends to the super-peaty single malts of Speyside, here are 25 of the best Scotch whiskies for every budget.

$25 and Under

3. Johnnie Walker Red Label

Johnnie Walker Red is one of the best Scotch whiskies under $25Pale amber, this Scotch has notes of toasted oak and subtle smoke on the palate, plus a somewhat oily texture and sandalwood finish. Average price: $22.

2. The Famous Grouse Ruby Cask

The Famous Grouse Ruby Cask is one of the best Scotch whiskies under $25This auburn whisky marries sweet tobacco leaf, pear, and orange peel aromas with an earthy, herbal finish that one taster found “very gentle, lingering, and smooth.” The Famous Grouse Bourbon Cask ($25) and The Famous Grouse ($18) are also great values. Average price: $25.

1. Dewar’s Caribbean Smooth 8 Year

Dewar's Caribbean South is one of the best Scotch whiskies under $25Oak and maple syrup comprise the nose of this pale amber Scotch aged a minimum of eight years and finished in rum casks. Tasters enjoyed its light body, minimal burn, and peppery finish. Average price: $22.

$50 and Under

8. Glenfiddich 12 Year

Glenfiddich 12 Year is one of the best Scotch whiskies under $50The botanical nose on this whisky reminded one panelist “almost of gin.” It’s light and spicy, “really drinkable,” with easy-drinking honey and pepper notes. Average price: $42.

7. Old Pulteney 12 Year

Old Pulteney Glenfiddich 12 Year is one of the best Scotch whiskies under $50Brown sugar and Maraschino cherry aromas are followed by warm baking spice flavors and a kick of peppery heat on the finish. Average price: $43.

6. Chivas Regal 13 Year

Chivas Regal 13 Year Glenfiddich 12 Year is one of the best Scotch whiskies under $50A potpourri aroma, “like dried flowers, herbal tea leaves, and dried berries,” is followed by balanced notes of earth, grain, and fruit on the palate. Average price: $36.

5. Dewar’s 12 Year The Ancestor

Dewar's 12 Year is one of the best Scotch whiskies under $50Alluring aromas of honey, birch bark, and “blondie” accompany this amber whisky. Silky on the palate with a hint of smoky toasted finish, tasters found it “oddly refreshing, almost thirst quenching,” with a tannic note on the finish. Average price: $27.

4. anCnoc Highland Single Malt 12 Year

anCnoc 12 year old Glenfiddich 12 Year is one of the best Scotch whiskies under $50This Highland single malt is pale gold and bright and fruity on the palate, with a sweet orange note. One taster enjoyed “burnt butter cookie” on the nose, and a “silky, comforting and fresh finish.” For others, the finish had an acidic citric kick. Average price: $44.

3. Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year

Johnnie Walker Black Label Glenfiddich 12 Year is one of the best Scotch whiskies under $50Fresh and floral, with “green leaves” on the nose, this 12-year-old whisky from Johnnie Walker “segues into a savory note on the nose,” one taster said. It has a creamy texture with charred oak and pronounced vanilla bean on the finish. Average price: $35.

2. Glen Moray Elgin Classic

Glen Moray Speyside Elgin Classic Glenfiddich 12 Year is one of the best Scotch whiskies under $50Tasters found this Speyside single malt “earthy” and “toasted” on the nose, with notes of “dried leaves” and “maple sap.” Savory toasted oak and grain flavors accompany “a nice body,” finishing with a “scorched barrel” note. “It lingers in the best way,” one taster said. Average price: $26.

1. Speyburn Arranta Casks

Speyburn Arranta Casks Glenfiddich 12 Year is one of the best Scotch whiskies under $50This U.S.A. exclusive has “delicious dessert aromas … molasses, honey, maple, brown sugar, pound cake, vanilla, and chocolate,” tasters said. It’s creamy on the palate, then “sneaks up with you with tingling heat” and a spicy finish. “Excellent balance,” one panelist added. Average price: $40.

$50 to $75

8. Buchanan’s Select 15 years

Buchanan's Select is one of the best Scotch whiskies under $75This whisky has an herbal nose, silky texture, and cooling sensation on the palate, “like lemongrass,” one panelist said, adding, “I feel invigorated!” Average price: $52.

7. Speyburn 15 Year

Speyburn 15 Year is one of the best Scotch whiskies under $75This 15-year-old Scotch is golden and a touch oily in texture, with coconut and raisin aromas. Tasters enjoyed its vanilla-extract-like finish. Average price: $66.

6. The Glenlivet 14 Cognac Cask Selection

The Glenlivit 14 Cognac cask is one of the best Scotch whiskies under $75Fruity and zesty, with citric acidity, this Cognac-finished Scotch whisky “has nuances to explore,” one panelist said. All enjoyed its peppery finish. Average price: $64.

5. Glenmorangie ‘The Quinta Ruban’ Port Cask Finish

Glenmorangie 12 Year Quinta Ruban Port Cask is one of the best Scotch whiskies under $75This attractive, “red wine and amber” port-cask-finished Scotch is peaty and full-bodied, with apple and citrus flavors followed by a “hot chile” finish. Average price: $59.

4. Bowmore 12 Year

Bowmore Islay 12 is one of the best Scotch whiskies under $75Peaty and sweet on the nose, “like a bonfire,” or “like chewing on a delicious twig,” according to VinePair’s panelists. Raisiny, fig-like flavors on the finish bring it home. Average price: $50.

3. Glenfiddich Bourbon Barrel Reserve 14 Years

Glenfiddich 14 Bourbon Barrel Reserve is one of the best Scotch whiskies under $75Sweet and warm, with vanilla, chocolate, oak, and “freshly baked bread” aromas, this bourbon-barrel-aged Scotch was a crowd favorite. It has a creamy body and fruity, peppery finish, “like peppercorn and orange peel.” Glenfiddich 14 was also a favorite, with “Lipton-tea-like bitterness and acidity on the finish,” one taster said. Panelists found both whiskies approachable and easy to drink. Average price: $55.

2. The Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year 

The Balvenie Double Wood 12 is one of the best Scotch whiskies under $75Citrus and orange peel are pronounced on the nose of this Scotch, “like an Old Fashioned,” one taster said. It’s bright, acidic, and zesty on the palate, “light and smooth, with a short finish,” said another, adding, “I’m salivating.” Panelists also enjoyed Balvenie 14 Year Caribbean Cask ($72). Average price: $57.

1. The GlenDronach Original 12 Year

GlenDronach 12 Year is one of the best Scotch whiskies under $75Panelists admired this whisky’s dark gold color “with a bit of red in it, almost burgundy,” said one taster. “This one smells nice, like a warm fireplace,” another added, while others likened it to “a crackling fireplace while someone’s baking in the other room.” Rich, fruity layers round out the palate, making it on the sweeter side while still being complex. Average price: $60.

Over $75 to $100

3. Laphroaig Càirdeas Triple Wood Original Cask Strength

Laphroaig Islay Single Malt Cairdeas Triple Wood Original Cask Strength is one of the best Scotch whiskies under $100“This would be better in a cocktail than neat,” one panelist mused, while others noticed cake, leather, and plasticky flavors. Thoughtful, and not for the faint of heart. Average price: $99.

2. Aberfeldy 16 Year 

Aberfeldy 16 Year is one of the best Scotch whiskies under $100Light, approachable, and complex, this single malt finished in Madeira casks has a warm vanilla aroma. “The palate is completely different,” a panelist pointed out, adding, “It delays, then comes in with a little bit of smokiness at the end. Whoa.” One tasters also enjoyed a “cupcake frosting” note. Average price: $94.

1. Glen Moray Speyside Elgin Heritage 18 Year

Glen Moray 18 Year is one of the best Scotch whiskies under $100Bright amber and “almost glistening,” this attractive dram reminded one taster of “a forest on a fall morning at dawn.” Crisp, crunchy leaves, new oak, and “a hint of hot toddy” float from the glass, while the palate is “creamy with a peppery twinge on the tip of the tongue,” one panelist said. “A great fall sipper for those looking to add a bit of quiet spice to their night — or day!,” one taster said. Average price: $94.

$100 – $200

4. Johnnie Walker Blue Label

Johnnie Walker Blue Label is one of the best Scotch whiskies under $200This amber gem has a peaty aroma that reminded one panelist of “maple bacon,” and another of “crackers and brie.” A silky, honey-sweet texture gently ascends to a peppery kick, with tingling spice sticking to the cheeks and lips. “This is one to sit with and savor on a crisp night, hopefully with something to celebrate,” one panelist said. Average price: $185.

3. Glenmorangie 18 Year Extremely Rare

Glenmorangie Extremely Rare 18 Year is one of the best Scotch whiskies under $200A savory umami note caught our panel’s attention, plus honey, syrup, and candied fruit flavors and a bubble gum finish. Average price: $112.

2. GlenDronach Parliament 21 Year

GlenDronach 21 Year is one of the best Scotch whiskies under $200Dark “like a tobacco leaf,” this Scotch has nuanced aromas that excited our panel — brown sugar, molasses, cookie dough, and “almost roasty, like imperial stout,” one panelist said. Others tasted “marzipan” and “vanilla cake with homemade icing.” “It has a noticeable kick to it,” a panelist added. “I keep coming back for another sip,” they concluded. Average price: $178.

1. Aberfeldy 18 Year Double Cask

Aberfeldy 18 Year Double Cask is one of the best Scotch whiskies under $200This double-cask single malt whisky is one of Aberfeldy’s Exceptional Cask Series released in October 2019. It’s finished nine years in an oloroso sherry cask, picking up sweet and spicy notes. “This is as good with dessert as it is for dessert,” one panelist said. A bitter chocolate flavor on the finish ties it up neatly and deliciously. Average price: $200.