Speyside is the heart of Scotch whisky, and these five single malts show why: fruity, honeyed, sherried and smooth, from under £35 to a collector’s release. Whether you’re new to single malt or after something special, there’s a Speyside bottle here for you.
Speyside sits around the River Spey in north-east Scotland and has more distilleries than any other Scotch whisky region. Its whiskies are usually unpeated, so instead of smoke you get fruit, honey, vanilla and, from sherry casks, dried fruit and spice. That makes Speyside the easiest place to start with single malt.
Here are five we think are worth trying, in order of price.
The 5 Speyside single malts at a glance
#
Whisky
Age
ABV
Style
Best for
Price
1
Glenlivet 12 Year Old
12
40%
Fruity, floral
Beginners
Written by
Deepak Bali
I’ve been exploring whisky since 1996, combining nearly three decades of knowledge and firsthand tasting experience. In 1999, my master’s degree work focused on my own whisky website. Every whisky I review is personally tasted, independently assessed and scored out of 100 using a consistent five-stage framework. My judgement is guided by what’s in the glass, never by brand reputation or price.
If you’ve never bought a single malt before, start here. Glenlivet 12 is one of the best-known Speyside whiskies in the world, matured in European and American oak and bottled at 40%.
Nose: banana and pineapple with floral meadow aromas.
Palate: peach and pear sweetness with vanilla and toffee.
Why it’s worth trying: it’s light, fruity and very easy to drink, neat or with a splash of water. It also works well in a highball.
2. Singleton 12 Year Old: the sweet, nutty one
The Singleton 12 comes from Dufftown, a town that calls itself the malt whisky capital of the world. Where Glenlivet is fresh and fruity, the Singleton is warmer and nuttier.
Nose: toasted hazelnuts, baked apple and dates with brown sugar.
Palate: sweet nuts and fruit with brown sugar and a hint of espresso.
Finish: drying and crisp, with sweet nut flavours that linger.
Why it’s worth trying: it’s a great choice if you like dessert flavours. Try it after dinner instead of a liqueur.
3. Aberlour 12 Double Cask: your first sherried malt
Aberlour 12 is matured in two types of cask, traditional oak and sherry butts, then married together. The sherry brings fruit and spice; the oak brings honey and vanilla.
Nose: honey, pear and vanilla toffee.
Palate: orange and red apple with liquorice and almond.
Finish: sweet and mellow, ending with light spice.
Why it’s worth trying: it’s the gentlest way into sherried whisky. If you like it, try an unpeated, sherry-led Islay next. Our Bunnahabhain 12 review explains why it’s a good next step.
4. Cragganmore Distillers Edition: Speyside with a twist
Cragganmore is one of Speyside’s most complex malts, and the Distillers Edition takes it further with a finish in port wine casks. It’s bottled at 40%.
Nose: juicy fruit and sweet malt with a little smoke.
Palate: sweet fruit, malt and oak over gentle smoky notes.
Why it’s worth trying: the port finish and a whisper of smoke make it unusual for Speyside. It’s a good bottle for someone who has tried the classics and wants something different.
5. Macallan Harmony Inspired by Fresh Coconut: the collector’s pick
The final release in Macallan’s Harmony Collection, launched in August 2026. It’s matured in sherry-seasoned American oak and ex-bourbon casks and bottled at 46.3%.
Nose: fresh coconut, citrus and tropical fruit, with vanilla, sweet oak and gentle spice.
Palate: coconut milk, zesty lime and soft sweetness.
Why it’s worth trying: it’s a limited release from Speyside’s most famous name, and a very different Macallan from the usual rich, sherried style. It makes an impressive gift. Read our full Fresh Coconut review.
Bonus pick: Glen Moray Portknockie 14 Year Old
Glen Moray is a Speyside distillery in Elgin, and this 14-year-old bottling is one of the older malts on our shelves.
Scotch whisky made in Speyside, the area around the River Spey in north-east Scotland. It has more distilleries than any other Scotch whisky region.
What does Speyside whisky taste like?
Usually fruity, sweet and smooth, with notes of apple, pear, honey and vanilla. Whiskies aged in sherry casks add dried fruit and spice. Most are unpeated, so there’s little or no smoke.
Is Speyside whisky smoky?
Mostly not. A few, like the Cragganmore Distillers Edition, have a gentle smoky note, but if you want real smoke, look to Islay.
Which Speyside whisky is best for beginners?
Glenlivet 12 or Singleton 12. Both are 40%, smooth and fruity, and under £35.
What’s the difference between Speyside and Highland whisky?
Speyside is officially its own region, inside the wider Highlands. Speyside whiskies tend to be sweeter and fruitier, while Highland whiskies vary much more, from light and floral to rich and lightly smoky.
Please drink responsibly. You must be 18 or over to buy alcohol. Prices checked October 2026.
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