(Region: N/A , Style: Blended whisky/sherry bomb, Price: £30)
As chosen by leading whisky expert Charles MacLean: "I wasn't surprised when Lidl's range won all of their awards, they really are excellent drams that are incredibly reasonably priced.
"The Glen Alba has a rich aroma, dry overall, with a trace of white pepper: fruitcake moistened with rum and decorated with glacé angelica, with white coffee on the side. It really is remarkably good."
(Region: Islay, Style: Smokey big hitter, Price: approx. £40)
As chosen by whisky blogger Scotch Trooper (@scotch_trooper): "A smokey and sweet dram that will surely beg for your attention.
"Exactly what you would expect from a Laphroaig."
(Region: Speyside, Style: all rounder, Price: approx: £35)
Picture: Whisky Exchange
Chosen by Blair Bowman, whisky writer and founder of World Whisky Day: "Well if I had to choose only one single malt to drink until the day I die I think I'd go for Benromach 10 year old.
"It tastes exactly how you think a whisky should taste, totally balanced sweet and fruit flavours. At 43% Abv it gives it that extra bit of oomph and a juicy and chewy mouth feel. Delicious!"
(Region: Highland, Style: light and sweet, Price: approx £35)
Picture: Whisky Exchange
Chosen by Jason Thomson, blogger at the Edinburgh Whisky Blog: "Even though Tomatin used to be one of the largest distilleries in Scotland, it still flies under the radar of many a whisky drinker.
"That looks to be changing though as their upgraded packaging and fresh, light spirit begin to win fans around the world."
(Region: Highland, Style: rich and fruity with hints of smoke, Price: approx £110)
Picture: Whisky Exchange
Chosen by Anne-Sophie Bigot, international whisky blogger at thewhiskylady.net: "My 'best whisky' would be Highland Park 18, its quality/price ratio is unbeatable, it is widely available and easy to find, and I can enjoy it whatever the occasion.
"Mostly though, I've chosen it because it is the dram that made me realise I wanted to be part of this industry years ago.
"The mouthfeel is pure velvet, the smokiness is subtle, the fruity notes aren't overwhelming - this is simply a fantastic whisky."
(Region: Islay, Style: sweet and smoky, Price: approx. £55)
Picture: Ardbeg.com
Chosen by Becky Paskin, editor at Scotchwhisky.com: "People have been scared away from whiskies without age statements lately, but this lightly smoky expression from Islay’s Ardbeg distillery, which is bursting with rich fruitcake and spices, is one of the best value single malts you can buy."
(Region: Highland, Style: coastal and sweet, Price: £499)
Chosen by Mark Connelly, co-founder of Glasgow's Whisky Festival: "Old Pulteney is rich without being too off-putting for some, like the Islay whiskies, and it is consistent and affordable.
"It has a lovely sweetness delightfully balanced by salty, coastal notes - it should be a staple of every home whisky bar."
(Region: Highland, Style: Rich and fruity, Price: approx. £48.45)
Chosen by Geraldine Murphy, manager at The Pot Still whisky bar in Glasgow: "You can't beat this wonderful little dram, one of my favourites, it's a big delicious sherry monster.
"Although proving a little harder to get just now due to stock issues I believe you can still get it from Whisky Exchange/Master of Malt at a good price."
(Region: Lowland, Style: light and sweet, Price: approx. £64 )
Picture: Whisky Exchange
Chosen by Craig Johnstone (@whiskycraig), distiller at Lark Distillery, Tasmania: "Lowland malts are often overlooked, yet this Amontillado Sherry Cask finished Glenkinchie has a great mouthfeel, with notes of rich dark fruits, biscuit sweetness and an unmistakable Lowland subtlety and complexity. It'll make you rethink this region."
And our own (bonus) choice:
(Region: Campbeltown, Style: rich, fruity and briny, Price: approx: £189)
Picture: Whisky Exchange
Chosen by Sean Murphy of the Scotsman Food and Drink: "A malt from the only distillery doing everything themselves, hiring local people and promoting a community first attitude in an industry often criticised for its corporate approach.
"On top of all this, it is absolutely delicious capturing sweetness, saltiness, oak and peat. Springbank is the epitome a whisky with a sense of people and place."
