Breadcrumbs [Home](/index%2Ephp/) > [7 Reasons To Get Excited About Scotch Whisky In 2025](/index%2Ephp/markdownify/node/3426) ![7 Reasons To Get Excited About Scotch Whisky In 2025](https://media.slman.com/tULfz6abxh1dqecbm8spaUxhdJA=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F02%2Fsl-man-260225-site-assets-a-guide-to-whiskey-hero-thumb.jpg) Image: Edward Howell/Unsplash [Food & Drink](/index%2Ephp/life/food-drink) / 26 February 2025 # 7 Reasons To Get Excited About Scotch Whisky In 2025 Heritage, craftsmanship and provenance – catnip to the gourmets of today and three things Scotch whisky has in abundance. Its best makers are now making the most of those natural advantages and remaking the industry in a new image, while respecting its magnificent traditions of course. Two pros told us what they’re seeing on the front line… Image: Edward Howell/Unsplash All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products. ## The Emergence of Craft Distilleries Since the early 2000s, there has been a growth in independently owned distilleries, reports Scott Fraser, sales manager at [R&B Distillers](https://raasaydistillery.com/) – a family owned distillery on the Isle of Raasay. “We’re seeing more options than ever before,” he confirms. “The rise of craft distilleries has diversified the market, and consumers are more knowledgeable. They want to support local producers. Similar to what’s going on in the restaurant industry, many consumers now want to know exactly where the product comes from, how it’s aged, and even where it’s bottled.” ## The Rise of Young Whisky Scott has noticed that more discerning consumers today are focused on quality and provenance. Their demand for transparency and craftsmanship is driving innovation. “Younger drinkers especially are looking for something authentic,” he explains. Drinks brand consultant and whisky educator James Bunting reckons the acceptance of younger whiskies – those aged for fewer years, usually less than ten – is a result of this. “We’re seeing new distilleries producing young whiskies that are just as interesting and characterful as their older counterparts. There’s also been a shift away from over-reliance on casks to provide flavour. Lots of distilleries don’t want to wait 15-plus years for a cask to work its magic.” ## Different Regions to Watch The Scotch whisky industry at large faces renewed – and healthy – competition from places as far away as Japan, which is finally getting the recognition its makers deserve, and Tasmania, which is now producing exceptional whiskies to rival those from more established regions. Within Scotland, the landscape is changing too. Scott points out that all five of Scotland’s traditional whisky regions have seen new distilleries open in the last 20 years. “The industry is challenging itself to create exciting new products, which is great for consumers,” he says. For example, [Machrihanish ](https://machrihanishdistillery.com/)in Campbeltown is the first farm distillery in the region in over 180 years. “Campbeltown is undergoing a renaissance,” says Scott. “With one distillery under construction and a couple more in the works, it's exciting to see how these will develop alongside the established brands like Glen Scotia and Springbank.” James too has been impressed by Scotland’s response to a bit of overseas competition. “Despite being dominated by 200-year-old distilleries, Scotland is amazingly innovative. The explosion of new distilleries and independent bottlers in the last ten years has contributed to real growth. All of Scotland is producing great whisky but I’m especially excited by the Islands. The Hebrides has some terrific newer distilleries that are working together to build a profile for their style, from the most established like [Torabhaig ](https://torabhaig.com/)and [Raasay](https://raasaydistillery.com/raasay-whisky/) to [North Uist](https://www.northuistdistillery.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoosnaz5F7jPGEIlv9kGhgvPtzNnyGy-x9dsCsR7vFudK5U-vJbp), which started laying down its first casks to produce whisky just a few months ago.” ## Investment Opportunities Bottle investment is a growing pastime, especially since rare whisky was added to the Knight Frank Luxury Investment Index back in 2018. New online marketplace [House of Decant](https://houseofdecant.com/) offers rare and hard-to-find bottles, with an average price of £400 a bottle confirming the growing demand for premium whisky among luxury consumers. Well-established brands have become favourites in the investment world, says Scott. “Whisky has always been collected and traded. Names like Macallan and Springbank have some of the most in-demand bottles on the market. That said, whisky is meant to be enjoyed. So as long as genuine drinkers can still access bottles, there’s room for both drinking and collecting without one monopolising the other.” James echoes this sentiment: “Whisky is produced to be drunk first and foremost, and if we stop drinking, the value of those bottles drops. Whisky writer Dave Broom likens it to Tinkerbell – we have to keep saying we believe in fairies or the fairies vanish. It’s also worth noting that the market has shifted drastically in the last 18 months to two years. The secondary market has slowed, and it's now a long-term play to invest in whisky. And if you want to invest in a cask, proceed with caution. There are some crooks out there, so it’s best to go to a specialist and talk to an expert." ## Good Entry-Level Options If you’re new to whisky, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer variety out there. Scott recommends starting with a bottle like [Glenlivet 12](https://www.waitrosecellar.com/products/the-glenlivet-12-year-old-speyside-single-malt-scotch-whisky-030221). He also suggests experimenting with different flavour profiles to understand the nuances of the spirit. “Trying whiskies like Glenfiddich and Ardbeg will help you appreciate the spectrum of flavours that whisky can offer,” he says. More affordable bottles are a good place to start, confirms James. “There are lots of entry-level bottles to enjoy and it’s worth trying a few. [Glenfiddich 12](https://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/p/2089/glenfiddich-12-year-old),[ Bruichladdich Classic Laddie](https://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/p/21593/bruichladdich-classic-laddie-scottish-barley), [Talisker 10](https://www.waitrosecellar.com/products/talisker-10-year-old-single-malt-scotch-whisky-485090), [Laphroaig 10 ](https://www.waitrosecellar.com/products/laphroaig-10-year-old-islay-single-malt-whisky-062145)– all great whiskies that are very affordable and easy to get hold of.” ## New Names To Know “For single malt, look at [Nc'nean](https://ncnean.com/),” says James. “They're carbon neutral and are setting the standard globally for sustainability in whisky while also producing world-class bottles. The founder, Annabel Thomas, is a true legend. For independent bottlers, the [Thompson Brothers](https://www.thompsonbrosdistillers.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopU3HE9sxuhZC6FzN05YFEkzWCACu7vVVyB4nVPQTdUvUacvNvh) are exceptional. They seem to never miss the mark and every bottle is a knockout. And then [Woven Whisky](https://wovenwhisky.com/) is disrupting the mould for blended whisky – its branding is the best in the game and the whisky inside is always so delicious.” ## Great Places To Drink Whisky The right setting will always enhance your whisky experience. Scott’s favourite bar is [The Malt Room](https://www.themaltroom.co.uk/) in Inverness, while [the Fife Arms](https://thefifearms.com/) in Braemar and [Sligachan ](https://www.sligachan.co.uk/)on the Isle of Skye have impressive whisky collections. In London, James suggests heading to [Dram Bar](https://www.drambar.co.uk/). “Outside of London, I’d recommend [The Hideout](https://hideoutbath.co.uk/) in Bath, [Spirited](https://spiritedbristol.com/) in Bristol, [Grain & Glass](https://grainandglass.co/) in Birmingham, [The Pot Still](https://thepotstill.co.uk/) in Glasgow, and [Bon Accord](https://www.bonaccordpub.com/).” Back on the other side of Hadrian’s Wall, “[Dornoch Castle Hotel](https://dornochcastlehotel.com/) opposite the impressive Dornoch Cathedral has a world-class bar that any whisky lover would adore. But there are more and more great whisky bars opening all the time, so it’s always worth keeping an eye out.” [Skip to the rest of this article](#sidebar-bottom) ## We think you might like [Recipes](/index%2Ephp/life/food-drink/recipes) [## 3 Plates & A Playlist: Auguste’s Mike Bagnall ](/index%2Ephp/life/food-drink/recipes/3-plates-a-playlist-augustes-mike-bagnall) ![3 Plates & A Playlist: Auguste’s Mike Bagnall](https://media.slman.com/JXE2BoLHeqURdsTcFn5meTLf9kU=/600x800/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F07%2Fsl-man-290726-site-assets-auguste-plates-playlists-thumb.jpg) [Food & Drink](/index%2Ephp/life/food-drink) [## 17 Low- & No-Alcohol Drinks That Actually Taste Decent ](/index%2Ephp/life/food-drink/17-low-no-alcohol-drinks-that-actually-taste-decent) ![17 Low- & No-Alcohol Drinks That Actually Taste 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Another Bill £12 ![The Tending Box from Alessi](https://media.slman.com/sz_aFEFuleHYkJXXQ56Lw_4tlhk=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F02%2Falessi-shot-measure.jpg) [#### The Tending Box ](https://uk.alessi.com/products/the-tending-box-quadri-combo-jigger?variant=42845929767043) ##### Alessi £40 ![Experience No.13 Whisky from Woven](https://media.slman.com/KTCSfbNHoe9Q6EqoFV8cw29i0ts=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F02%2Fsl-man-whiskey-guide-woven-whiskey.png) [#### Experience No.13 Whisky](https://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/woven/woven-experience-no-13-whisky/) ##### Woven £63.94 ![Aromatic Bitters from Angostura](https://media.slman.com/d8NI7qAWhxTxbi8lqiuin5BUOeQ=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F02%2Fangostura-bitters-whisky-exchange.jpg) [#### Aromatic Bitters](https://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/p/63468/angostura-bitters) ##### Angostura £13.75 ![Hebridean Single-Malt Scotch Whisky from Isle Of Raasay](https://media.slman.com/CHWdHDgx-EUPe3xbgUIEDZW3Qzw=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F02%2Fsl-man-whiskey-guide-the-raasay-whiskey.png) [#### Hebridean Single-Malt Scotch Whisky](https://selfridges.prf.hn/click/camref:1100loTp9/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.selfridges.com%2FGB%2Fen%2Fproduct%2Fisle-of-raasayisle-of-raasay-hebridean-single-malt-scotch-whisky-700ml_R03854973%2F) ##### Isle Of Raasay £59.99 ![Whiskey Set from The Atlas Works](https://media.slman.com/v-QHAe6yndeFHb_1P36Npbjb3mo=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F02%2Fglasette-the-atlas-works-whiskey-set.png) [#### Whiskey Set](https://www.glassette.com/products/whiskey-set) ##### The Atlas Works £15 ![Cocktail Shaker from Fortnum & Mason](https://media.slman.com/tw9RcxSSLj4GDcNqyXAQMuHSv-g=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F02%2Ffortnums-cocktail-shaker-fortnum.png) [#### Cocktail Shaker](https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=etT1jgERWYw&mid=50008&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fortnumandmason.com%2Ffortnums-cocktail-shaker) ##### Fortnum & Mason £58 ![Morley Marble Coasters from Neptune](https://media.slman.com/1o5q8KA59ZOUzJZ84NHlxmbEOFg=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F02%2Fneptune-morley-marble-coasters-set-of-4.png) [#### Morley Marble Coasters](https://www.neptune.com/collections/place-settings/products/morley-round-marble-coasters-set-of-4?variant=45217420738717) ##### Neptune £25 *(were £50)* ![Stainless Steel Lidded Ice Bucket from John Lewis](https://media.slman.com/xMFDwVm8-oq-apNG5hErHwyc-0I=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F02%2Fjohn-lewis-anyday-ice-bucket.png) [#### Stainless Steel Lidded Ice Bucket](https://john-lewis-and-partners.pxf.io/Vx6koa) ##### John Lewis £20 ![TB/BSW 6 Year Old Whisky from Thompson Bros](https://media.slman.com/CrqJYXFB_Gad3-gbCYLOJpt02w0=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F02%2Fsl-man-whiskey-guide-thompson-bros.png) [#### TB/BSW 6 Year Old Whisky](https://www.thompsonbrosdistillers.com/product/tb-bsw-blended-scotch-whisky-aged-over-6-years-old-70cl-46-abv/) ##### Thompson Bros £31.25 ![Paloma Opera Crystal Glass Tumblers from John Lewis](https://media.slman.com/Er8EgRerfqRerXdAZhT0dBVe-TQ=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F02%2Fjohn-lewis-cut-crystal-whisy-glasses-anyday.png) [#### Paloma Opera Crystal Glass Tumblers](https://john-lewis-and-partners.pxf.io/nX2KDo) ##### John Lewis £10.50 *(were £15)* ![Single Malt Whisky from Nc'nean Organic](https://media.slman.com/cUZgJ_aESN-PdDdeTCjJxaf4HRc=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F02%2Fsl-man-whiskey-guide-the-ncnean-whiskey.png) [#### Single Malt Whisky](https://www.waitrosecellar.com/products/nc-nean-organic-single-malt-whisky-632627) ##### Nc'nean Organic £55 ![Kentucky Straight Bourbon from Buffalo Trace ](https://media.slman.com/3cFWREQ7E92eBnfmWFNoyKjMblc=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F02%2Fsl-man-whiskey-guide-the-buffalo-trace.png) [#### Kentucky Straight Bourbon](https://www.waitrosecellar.com/products/buffalo-trace-kentucky-straight-bourbon-405756) ##### Buffalo Trace £20 *(was £27)* ![Ice Cube Moulds from Final Touch](https://media.slman.com/qW0pZYLWzxjwV02NuuKVv0MPcH8=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F02%2Ffinal-touch-ice-cube-moulds.jpg) [#### Ice Cube Moulds](https://www.hartsofstur.com/final-touch-ice-ball-moulds-2-pack-jerftc1027.html) ##### Final Touch £13 ![2017 Legacy Inaugural Release from Torabhaig](https://media.slman.com/V4XTWByN8tStZDyonsQQSfJNcyE=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F02%2Fsl-man-whiskey-guide-torabhaig-whiskey.png) [#### 2017 Legacy Inaugural Release](https://carnegiewhiskycellars.co.uk/products/torabhaig-2017-legacy-inaugural-release) ##### Torabhaig £125 ![Leather Hip Flask from Aspinal Of London](https://media.slman.com/-a2_WSlIpkvFo00HUKzZY7N7eN8=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F02%2Fdouble-6oz-leather-hip-flask.jpg) [#### Leather Hip Flask](https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=etT1jgERWYw&mid=50405&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.aspinaloflondon.com%2Fproducts%2Fdouble-6oz-leather-hip-flask-in-smooth-cognac-and-espresso-suede) ##### Aspinal Of London £85 ![Cask Whisky Set from LSA](https://media.slman.com/9er_Cs2MkFf_fF0rHeZZAG2grmk=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F02%2Fcask-whisky-set-lsa.png) [#### Cask Whisky Set](https://flannels.prf.hn/click/camref:1011lN6NY/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.flannels.com%2Flsa-cask-whisky-set-739436%23colcode%3D73943669) ##### LSA £105 *(was £150)* ![The Classic Laddie Whisky from Bruichladdich](https://media.slman.com/Zq345PpnXXmPoex-qKA3zsBlwHo=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F02%2Fsl-man-whiskey-guide-bruich-the-classic-laddie-whiskey.png) [#### The Classic Laddie Whisky](https://uk.bruichladdich.com/products/bruichladdich-the-classic-laddie) ##### Bruichladdich £46 ![Pipette Glass Dropper from Urban Bar](https://media.slman.com/mLEFYHaEs-wXuHRhaiUTwOdhZIo=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F02%2Fwhisky-whisky-water-pipette-glass-dropper.png) [#### Pipette Glass Dropper](https://www.urbanbar.com/products/whisky-water-pipette-glass-dropper) ##### Urban Bar £8 ![12 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky from The Glenlivet](https://media.slman.com/-M1s7Q_QRp0jXYOYN23n_J3usCg=/600x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F02%2Fsl-man-whiskey-guide-the-glenlivet-12.png) [#### 12 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky](https://www.waitrosecellar.com/products/the-glenlivet-12-year-old-speyside-single-malt-scotch-whisky-030221) ##### The Glenlivet £32 *(was £45)* All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products. 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