Classic Malts of Scotland: The 13 bottlings at a glance
The Classic Malts of Scotland remain one of the best-known Diageo single malt lineups. This guide explains the 13 bottles, their style differences, and links to our reviews of all 13 core expressions.
The Classic Malts of Scotland (later marketed as the Classic Malts Selection) are a well-known Diageo single malt lineup. For many whisky drinkers, they became an early roadmap for understanding how different Scotch styles can vary across distilleries and regions.
If you are looking for a practical overview of which Classic Malts are in the range, how the Classic Malts regions are commonly framed, and which bottles are worth exploring today, this guide gives you the essentials plus direct links to our reviews and tasting notes for all 13 core bottles.
What are the Classic Malts of Scotland?
The concept emerged in the late 1980s as a way to promote single malt Scotch more broadly and to make style differences easier to understand. Instead of focusing only on brand-level marketing, the lineup presented a curated "set" of malts that highlighted contrasting profiles, from smoky and maritime to floral, fruity, and malty-sweet.
That said, the Classic Malts framework should not be treated as a perfect academic map of Scotch whisky regions. It is most useful as a style-discovery tool and a practical tasting route for drinkers.
From the original 6 to the 13-bottle Classic Malts Selection
The original lineup started with six famous malts: Talisker, Dalwhinnie, Oban, Glenkinchie, Lagavulin, and Cragganmore. The range was later expanded and marketed as the Classic Malts Selection with 13 bottles.
- Original 6: Talisker, Dalwhinnie, Oban, Glenkinchie, Lagavulin, Cragganmore
- Expanded lineup: Caol Ila, Clynelish, Glen Elgin, Knockando, Royal Lochnagar, Cardhu, The Singleton of Dufftown
Classic Malts of Scotland: all 13 bottles at a glance
| Bottling | Region | Typical profile (short) | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caol Ila 12 | Islay | Smoky, maritime, approachable Islay style | 75/100 |
| Cardhu 12 | Speyside | Gentle, sweet, blend-friendly Speyside style | 60/100 |
| Clynelish 14 | Highlands | Fresh/waxy Highland notes with maritime hints | 79/100 |
| Cragganmore 12 | Speyside | Malty, honeyed, classic Speyside structure | 71/100 |
| Dalwhinnie 15 | Highlands | Mild, floral, soft and beginner-friendly | 64/100 |
| Glen Elgin 12 | Speyside | Nutty, sweet, drier finish | 74/100 |
| Glenkinchie 12 | Lowlands | Floral, light, malty-fresh | 71/100 |
| Knockando 12 | Speyside | Light fruit, nutty notes, easy-drinking | 66/100 |
| Lagavulin 16 | Islay | Peaty, salty, complex and intense | 91/100 |
| Oban 14 | Highlands | Maritime, fruity, saline-mineral | 78/100 |
| Royal Lochnagar 12 | Highlands | Gentle, rounded Highland style with mild spice | 70/100 |
| Talisker 10 | Isle of Skye | Maritime, peppery, smoky and salty | 82/100 |
| The Singleton of Dufftown 12 | Speyside | Soft, fruity, accessible | 69/100 |
What the Classic Malts regions show well and where the model is limited
The lineup works very well as a teaching tool for style: Islay is represented by smoky, maritime profiles (Lagavulin, Caol Ila), Talisker shows Skye’s peppery coastal identity, and Speyside appears in several softer or maltier expressions (Cardhu, Cragganmore, Glen Elgin, Knockando, Dufftown).
At the same time, it is not a complete regional map. Campbeltown is missing, coastal Highland styles blur category lines, and some distilleries have stronger distillery character than any broad regional label suggests.
Which Classic Malts are best for different drinkers?
- Beginners avoiding heavy smoke: Glenkinchie 12, Dalwhinnie 15, The Singleton of Dufftown 12
- Comparing classic Speyside styles: Cardhu 12, Cragganmore 12, Glen Elgin 12, Knockando 12
- Coastal / maritime character: Oban 14 and Talisker 10
- Approachable Islay smoke: Caol Ila 12
- Iconic mature Islay profile: Lagavulin 16
- Highland alternatives with personality: Clynelish 14 and Royal Lochnagar 12
Practical tasting order for a Classic Malts flight
For a cleaner comparison, taste by intensity rather than by the marketing region labels: light/floral (Glenkinchie, Dalwhinnie) -> fruity/malty Speyside styles -> maritime/spicy (Oban, Talisker) -> smoky Islay (Caol Ila, Lagavulin). This usually makes the differences easier to spot.
The Classic Malts Selection fully reviewed by us
Talisker 10 Years
Marcel: A true all-rounder with character that’s fun to drink while remaining surprisingly complex. At under 30 euros, it’s an absolute recommendation that enriches any home bar – Talisker 10 is simply a pleasure with a rugged soul and a touch of humor in the finish.
Rating: 83/100
Sascha: The Talisker 10 impresses with its balanced harmony of smoky spice, salty freshness, and a subtle fruity note. Technically precise, with a clear structure and a long-lasting, peppery finish, it offers excellent value for money in the maritime single malt category.
Rating: 81/100
Dalwhinnie 15 Years
Marcel: The Dalwhinnie 15 feels more like an old acquaintance who has lost some of their charm – soft and mild, but unfortunately quite dull as well. It impressed as a first single malt back in the day, but today it simply lacks the excitement and that certain something that makes you want more.
Rating: 62/100
Sascha: The Dalwhinnie 15 presents itself with solid structure, yet without great balance or depth of flavor. The floral notes and fruity acidity are pleasant enough, but they can’t mask the overall simple and slightly bitter finish – for a 15-years Highlander, it remains rather unremarkable.
Rating: 66/100
Oban 14 Years
Marcel: Oban 14 Years is like a leisurely stroll along the coast – not too rough, not too sweet, but just the right amount of maritime charm with a creamy drinkability that keeps inviting you back for another sip. A whisky that proudly claims its place between the Highlands and Islay and simply brings enjoyment.
Rating: 77/100
Sascha: The Oban 14 presents itself as a balanced single malt with a successful interplay of fruity sweetness and salty minerality, structurally well balanced. Despite minor imperfections, the whisky feels solid thanks to its clearly defined aromas and dry finish, showcasing the typical coastal influence in its profile.
Rating: 79/100
Glenkinchie 12 Years
Marcel: A pleasantly light malt that, with its floral freshness and malty sweetness, leaves you wanting more – perfect for relaxed evenings without any fuss. The Glenkinchie 12 is like a friendly companion who charmingly wins over even newcomers without being overbearing.
Rating: 68/100
Sascha: The Glenkinchie 12 impresses with a balanced interplay between malty sweetness and a subtly bitter spiciness typical of a Lowland malt. Its structure remains straightforward, with the short finish and restrained citrus notes making the character feel more light-footed than complex.
Rating: 74/100
Lagavulin 16 Years
Marcel: Lagavulin 16 Year is, for me, a true classic of enjoyment – complex, intense, yet wonderfully balanced. This smoky Islay gem brings joy to the glass every time without overwhelming. The price-to-quality ratio is absolutely spot on, so you can buy with confidence!
Rating: 89/100
Sascha: The Lagavulin 16 Year impresses with an outstanding balance between intense smokiness and complex aromas that unfold in a structured and harmonious way. Despite its depth, it never feels overloaded, making it an archetypal Islay malt with excellent maturity. From a technical standpoint, it sets the benchmark for smoky single malts.
Rating: 93/100
Cragganmore 12 Years
Marcel: The Cragganmore 12 is a charming everyday companion with its sweet, malty profile and subtle smoke that never becomes intrusive. For a whisky mostly used in blends, it surprises with pleasant drinkability and a hint of pear pudding – not spectacular, but likeable. A solid introduction to the world of Speyside that could certainly show a bit more personality.
Rating: 68/100
Sascha: With a balanced interplay of sweet vanilla notes, malty-grainy structure, and a delicate touch of oak, the Cragganmore 12 presents itself as a technically clean Speyside malt. The finish is rather short and lightly woody-spicy, which makes the whisky clearly structured but somewhat unremarkable – ideal for fans of classic, straightforward single malts who aren’t looking for complex dram experiences.
Rating: 74/100
Caol Ila 12 Years
Marcel: Anyone looking for an uncomplicated Islay malt with character will definitely find it here. The Caol Ila 12 Year charmingly plays with smoke and sweetness without overwhelming the palate – a genuine pleasure for any occasion and a welcome invitation into the peaty world of the island.
Rating: 72/100
Sascha: Caol Ila 12 Year impresses with its balanced interplay between smoky and maritime notes, combined with a creamy texture and a clearly defined finish. A technically solid Islay single malt that appeals to both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts, without offering complex depth.
Rating: 78/100
Clynelish 14 Years
Marcel: This Clynelish 14 surprises with an unusual combination of floral freshness and salty sea air – a whisky that promises more adventure than you might expect at first glance. While I miss the classic scent of oak wood, that’s exactly what makes it exciting and lively. A true drinking pleasure for anyone eager to discover something new.
Rating: 78/100
Sascha: The Clynelish 14 presents an interesting balance between floral notes and a surprisingly salty, maritime element that gives the palate complexity and structure. However, the finish feels a bit short and could benefit from more persistence, which slightly detracts from the otherwise precise harmony. Overall, a very solid Highland whisky with a distinctive profile and fine aromatic character.
Rating: 80/100
Glen Elgin 12 Years
Marcel: A wonderfully approachable Speyside whisky that delights with its nutty sweetness and dry finish, offering genuine drinking pleasure. Glen Elgin 12 shows character without any fuss – ideal for those who appreciate uncomplicated enjoyment with a hint of spice.
Rating: 72/100
Sascha: The Glen Elgin 12 presents itself as a balanced single malt with a clear structure between sweet and spicy notes. The combination of malty depth and a dry finish makes it a solid representative of Speyside, though it could benefit from a bit more aromatic complexity.
Rating: 76/100
Knockando 12 Years
Marcel: Light and delicate like a mild summer evening, but a bit too tame for true whisky adventurers. A nice dram for beginners, scoring points with its fruity and nutty character – but those seeking more depth will likely be disappointed.
Rating: 65/100
Sascha: A solid Speyside malt with balanced fruitiness and subtle vanilla notes, though it lacks a distinctive character and greater complexity. For the affordable price, the Knockando 12 Year offers a decent balance but remains somewhat one-dimensional overall.
Rating: 67/100
Royal Lochnagar 12 Years
Marcel: Royal Lochnagar 12 delivers a pleasantly smooth and rounded drinking experience that also appeals to whisky newcomers – a charming Highlander without sharp edges, but with a sweet, lightly smoky character that’s enjoyable without being overwhelming.
Rating: 69/100
Sascha: This 12-years Highland malt impresses with a balanced profile featuring clearly defined licorice and citrus notes, while the subtle smokiness and minimal bitter finish provide a harmonious structure – straightforward yet solid complexity at a medium level.
Rating: 71/100
Cardhu 12 Years
Marcel: For the price, the Cardhu 12 feels somewhat uninspired – the nose promises more than the palate delivers. Instead of an enjoyable dram, you get a confusing mix of flavors that remind you more of a blender than a Speyside. There are far more interesting alternatives out there, even within the standard range.
Rating: 56/100
Sascha: The Cardhu 12 shows classic Speyside notes on the nose, but on the palate it lacks the expected harmony and depth; the flavors come across as unbalanced and somewhat diffuse. For a 12-years standard release, the structure feels rather flat, and the finish disappoints with an unpleasant bitterness. Those who value balance will find better single malts in this price segment.
Rating: 64/100
The Singleton Of Dufftown 12 Years
Marcel: The Singleton Of Dufftown 12 Years is a relaxed companion for summer evenings and beginners who don’t want any fuss. Its subtle sweetness and soft mouthfeel simply invite you to enjoy — an easy sipper that even perks up with a small fruit garnish. Not spectacular, but friendly and straightforward.
Rating: 68/100
Sascha: A solid Speyside whisky with balanced fruitiness and gentle maltiness, though it falls a bit short in complexity and finish length. The Singleton Of Dufftown 12 Years impresses with its clear structure and pleasant balance, but remains a rather light representative of its category without much depth. Recommended for beginners seeking an accessible and harmonious whisky.
Rating: 70/100
Frequently Asked Questions
Which whiskies are in the 13-bottle Classic Malts Selection?
The expanded Classic Malts Selection commonly includes 13 Diageo single malts, including Talisker, Lagavulin, Oban, Glenkinchie, Cragganmore, Caol Ila, Cardhu, and The Singleton of Dufftown.
Are the Classic Malts an official Scotch whisky region classification?
No. The range is best understood as a marketing and education framework that helps compare styles, not as a universally accepted formal regional system.
Which Classic Malt is good for beginners?
Glenkinchie 12, Dalwhinnie 15, and The Singleton of Dufftown 12 are often easy starting points. If you want more coastal character early on, Talisker 10 is a strong next step.
Which Classic Malt best represents smoky Islay whisky?
Lagavulin 16 is the iconic benchmark for many drinkers. Caol Ila 12 is also a strong Islay reference point, often feeling a bit leaner and more approachable.