Scotch Whisky

Discover Scotch whiskies selected by the chefs and sommeliers of Michelin-starred restaurants — a curated selection made by credible, legitimate professionals so you can find your favourite Scotch.

We guide you towards the most attractive commercial and promotional offers online. You can buy the best Scotch whiskies with complete confidence thanks to a reliable and impartial directory.

Best Scotch whiskies

With Bestwine • Online, the reference guide to the best Scotch whiskies, you can:

Best Scotch whisky brands

Rely on the opinion of chefs, sommeliers and bartenders from Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide to discover the best Scotch whisky brands — a ranking and comparison of the Scotch brands and bottles most highly valued by fine-dining establishments.

Scotch, the whisky of Scotland

To understand the history of Scotch whisky, you must travel back several centuries. The earliest trace of Scottish whisky appears in an official document dated 1494, suggesting the precious eau-de-vie had already been produced on Scottish soil for many years. Scotland, alongside Ireland and its whiskey, is among the birthplaces of whisky. Today the whisky industry directly employs more than 10,000 people in Scotland, and more than 40,000 people in the United Kingdom contribute to the development of Scotch whisky.

Made by distilling a fermented grain mash, which is then worked, distilled and aged, whisky belongs to the eaux-de-vie family. Each Scottish distillery has its own recipe, tools and production methods, often handed down over generations. Every Scotch has its own flavour and terroir. Scotland counts roughly a hundred distilleries across its territory, of varying output.

Although Scotland is the sole producer of Scotch, it is not the main consumer. Scotch whisky travels the world. Among the leading consumer markets you will find the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Singapore, India, Brazil, Taiwan and South Africa. Scotch remains very popular with the Scots themselves and is one of the most consumed alcoholic drinks in Scotland. The most popular Scotch category is the blended style, made by blending malt whiskies with grain whiskies.

To qualify for the "Scotch whisky" designation, a spirit must come from Scottish territory, specifically from one of five regions: Speyside, the Highlands, the Lowlands, the Scottish islands and Campbeltown. The Scotch Whisky Act also requires the spirit to be aged at least three years in Scotland.

The word "scotch" is mainly used by whisky insiders, while casual drinkers prefer "Scottish whisky". On Bestwine • Online, you will only find Scottish whiskies bearing the Scotch designation.

Scotch whiskies selected by Michelin-starred chefs and sommeliers

Around the world, Scotch whisky is served as an aperitif or digestif. The finest Scotch brands and bottles are found on the lists of Michelin-starred restaurants, where chefs and sommeliers build their cellars with experience and exacting standards. Scotch, the emblematic drink of Scotland, counts some of the finest brands and bottles among its productions, and top restaurants ensure they present the very best to their guests.

For an affordable Scotch whisky

Which professionals can credibly select the best Scotch whiskies? Chefs and sommeliers are the most trustworthy guides. Michelin-starred restaurant lists feature the finest Scotch bottles because these establishments serve excellence in food and drink. That is why I created Bestwine • Online: so anyone can find and buy a good bottle of Scotch online, whether they know the category well or not. With Bestwine • Online you can trust high-gastronomy specialists to help you choose an exceptional Scotch. I am an enthusiast myself, though not an expert, and I rely on Bestwine • Online whenever I want to be certain of buying a good bottle. Bestwine • Online is neither a strict ranking nor a comparison; it is a directory of the Scotch brands and bottles featured by the finest addresses in high gastronomy. The list is refreshed daily, and we point you to the most attractive online retailers.

Gwendal, founder of Bestwine • Online and lover of fine Scotch whisky.

An authentic ranking to help you choose a Scotch

Choose the best Scotch whisky for you:

1. Select one or more criteria (name or brand, origin, vintage or age, price…). 2. Rank the Scotch whiskies according to your criteria. 3. Select your Scotch reference. 4. Buy one of the best Scotch whiskies online at the best price. 5. Enjoy one of the finest Scotch whiskies!

How are Scotch whiskies selected on Bestwine • Online? Bestwine • Online catalogues the Scotch whiskies found on the wine lists and in the cellars of the world's most celebrated gourmet restaurants — references praised by the greatest chefs and sommeliers. Only Scotch whiskies available online are shown, so you can buy them easily.

How is the directory updated? The directory of the best Scotch whiskies is refreshed daily with new references from the wine lists made available to us, and we update commercial offers so you can buy quality Scotch at the best price.