Last week, we dived into the world of whisky stats (if you missed it, you can catch up here). This week, let’s talk about the distilleries themselves. With over 150 distilleries in Scotland alone, how do you know which to buy?
The whisky world is a blend of household names like Glenfiddich, Glenlivet, and Glenmorangie and a host of lesser-known gems such as Kilchoman, Raasay, and others.
Which is better—sticking to the well-known brands or venturing into the world of independantly owned and up-and-coming distilleries? Let’s break it down.
The Bigger Brands
Big-name distilleries come with a wealth of tradition and experience. They’ve been perfecting their craft for decades (sometimes centuries!), and their whisky reflects that rich history. If you think about it there is a reason that these brands became so famous in the first place, the whisky they made was excellent. These whiskies are also consistently good, delivering classic flavors that have stood the test of time. I’ve never had a bad bottle of Glenmorangie or Glenfiddich, and there’s comfort in knowing exactly what you’re getting. Plus, their gentler profiles and lower ABV make them approachable for people just getting into whisky.
However, these brands often play it safe. Their core releases are rarely adventurous, and when they do produce something special, it’s usually overpriced. Most of their bottles are watered down to 43% ABV, chill filtered, and filled with caramel coloring—all compromises made to appeal to a broader audience. They’re also not always transparent about these practices, leaving experienced whisky lovers craving something more honest and exciting.
The Newcomers
Up-and-coming or independantly owned distilleries bring a fresh sense of excitement and innovation to the whisky world. Unlike the big brands, they’re often less focused on mass-market appeal and more dedicated to what’s inside the bottle. This allows them to push boundaries—experimenting with cask types and exploring bold new techniques to create something truly special. Many of these distilleries are refreshingly transparent about their processes, offering whiskies with impressive stats—higher ABV, natural color, and no chill filtering—at prices that often undercut the big brands' “special releases.”
But going for these lesser-known whiskies can be a bit of a gamble. Without the reputation of established brands, there’s always the risk of picking something you don’t like. These whiskies can also be inconsistent from year to year as distilleries refine their methods. Higher ABV and bold flavors might make them less approachable for beginners, and their whiskies are often younger, which sometimes means less complexity.
So, Which Should You Choose?
There’s no right or wrong answer here. Well-known brands provide consistency, tradition, and a dependable experience—perfect for when you want something familiar or are introducing someone new to whisky. On the other hand, up-and-coming distilleries offer adventure, transparency, and the potential to find something truly unique, but they come with a bit more risk.
At the end of the day, it’s about what you value most in a bottle. Why not have the best of both worlds? Keep your Glenlivet for those casual evenings and your Arran for when you’re feeling adventurous. Whatever you choose, the important part is enjoying the journey one dram at a time.
try some of our more well known brands below
Or take a chance on something a little more exciting
Thank you Colin, an excellent article. Personally i find that big brands are safe brands and agree with you on that score. I also find that the more popular big brands tend to become "status" to many who as you say feel safe with them. You have kindled an adventerous spirit in me, and i will be on the lookout for some lesser known brands in the future...