Sometimes there is nothing more enjoyable than searching through unknown bottles in a specialist store to uncover hidden gems and new favorites. Equally, sometimes it’s nice to have something suggested to us, especially when it’s from someone who knows what they’re talking about.

There are not many whisky experts who fulfill the “know what they’re talking about” criteria more completely than Alan G Wolstenholme, Honorary Professor at Heriot Watt University’s International Centre for Brewing and Distilling, Master of the Quaich and Chairman of the Scottish Whisky Awards. So when I met him recently I took the liberty of asking him to share his favorites across several categories.

Wolstenholme more than delivered, with a handful of suggestions for seven different categories. The selection from to his most overlooked, to sherry selections, peated picks and a classic blend and more, is the checklist of dreams for whisky fans.

“Being a judge in the Scottish Whisky Awards gives one the opportunity to experience some remarkable drams,” explained Wolstenholme to me over an email covering his suggested whiskies. “One of these was Ardbeg Uigeadail at 54.2%! Complex and honeyed, without the peat being overpowering.”

If you’re not ready to dive right into the dominant peat side of whisky that Ardbeg tends to be known for then there are still options.

“Peated whiskies are a bit of a “Marmite” offering, producing strong opinions amongst consumers,” he explains—if you’re not familiar with Marmite, it’s a prominent yeast extract brand in the UK whose name has become synonymous with something that divides opinions. The trick with peat, he explains, is to find the balance that works for you.

“I very much like a tasting where one compares and contrasts the differences amongst Islay’s peated contenders (eg Laphroaig, Lagavulin, Bowmore etc.) and also the slightly subtler offerings of Talisker (Skye) and Highland Park (Orkney).”

Sherried Scotch Whiskies That Aren’t Macallan

“When I started in the industry in the 70s, it used to be said that every Speyside Distillery Manager’s second favourite dram was Macallan. Unfortunately, it has now been elevated into the super-premium luxury category, beyond the pockets of many mortals,” Wolstenholme explained.

Of course, while Macallan may have built its reputation on exceptional sherried whiskies, there are plenty of other fantastic offerings from Speyside and beyond. Many can be purchased for less that the Macallan equivalents, giving even more scope for exploration and expanding your at home bar selection.

Wolstenholme gives honorary mentions to Tamdhu, Glendronach and the award winning Glenallachie. But finally turns to Islay for an (unpeated) sherry cask offering.

“Again, thanks to the Scottish Whisky Awards, I came across an outstanding contender from an unexpected quarter in the form of an unpeated Islay,” Wolstenholme adds. “Namely Bunnahabhain 21 Year Old at 53.6%. Complex, sweet and powerful!”

Blended Scotch Whiskies Not To Be Overlooked

For many scotch whisky fans who consider themselves connoisseurs, blended whiskies can sometimes be dismissed as boring, but this is really not the case.

Quite apart from the fact that Johnnie Walker Black Label is often the go-to comfort dram for many whisky experts, the scotch whisky industry is built on its Master Blenders abilities to craft the perfect whisky whether that be “vatting” a single malt or blending single malt and grain whiskies.

“Dewars Double Double 32 Year Old blend recently won “World’s Best Whisky” in the International Whisky Competition,” Wolstenholme clarifies. That blended whisky was up against both Scottish malts and whiskies from around the world and yet it was a blend that came out on top.

“I would also like to mention some new kids on the block who are reinventing blends with creative whiskies that often feature total transparency as to the individual components: Turntable Spirits,” Wolstenholme adds.

Turntable Spirits are a relatively young independent blending house based in Glasgow. Exports are limited at the moment but, if you can’t get hold of any where you’re based, Compass Box is a similar forward thinking blender more readily available outside the UK.

If that’s not enough of a place to start then he also adds an honorary mention for Monkey Shoulder. “Partly because of its creativity in encouraging use in cocktails. But also because it reputedly contains a healthy proportion of Kininvie, a distillery I helped commission back in the early 90s!”

The Best Cheap Scotch Whiskies?

If you’re looking for something cost effective for your next bottle then Wolstenholme’s suggestion is to stick with the classics.

“I would argue that all the standard proprietary blends and many of the supermarket ones offer incredible value for money, when you consider the costs and losses of holding stocks for a minimum of 3 years. You will be unlucky to come across a bad one.”

If you want to go in search of something specific then he suggests picking up a bottle of White Horse or one of Wm. Grant’s blended offerings. “I like the peaty note in White Horse (traditionally Lagavulin, but now probably Caol Ila) and know WM. Grant’s is packed with great malts.”

Expensive Scotch Whiskies Worth The Spend

“I tend to regard any whisky described as luxury as out of my league and worry more has been spent on the packaging than the contents,” explained Wolstenholme.

Fortunately, for whisky drinkers with similar concerns of packaging form over whisky quality, he has a few suggestions.

“Amongst the ‘dear for a reason but worth it’ I would include any of the products from the wonderful time capsule that is Springbank Distillery,” he adds. “Start with the Springbank 15, but also consider its triple distilled but punchy stablemate Hazelburn 15, or the peated Longrow.”

For an honorable mention he turns to a much newer distillery: “Amongst the recent wave of new distillers, I think the Arbikie Rye stands out and is well worth trying if you come across it.”

Overlooked Whiskies To Track Down

“The vast majority of both malts (+140 distilleries) and hundreds of blends are effectively overlooked as any retail outlet will only stock a couple of dozen” explained Wolstenholme.

Even if you head to a specialist retailer you’re still looking at a fraction of the offerings of distilleries, blenders and independent bottlings that are available. So where do you start in search of hidden gems?

“I would recommend seeking out malts such as Glen Scotia, Deanston, Longmorn and Inchgower. All under appreciated to the point of invisibility!” While for independent bottlers he suggests beginning with North Star Spirits for some of their single cask “gems.”

The Most Underrated Scotch?

Finally, if you're after something that even expert whisky drinkers might have passed over, there are a couple of routes to try.

First of all looking for distilleries that have unusual, non-standard or traditional production methods or elements. If you’re after pushing the boundaries of your palate and drinking experience this can be a great place to start.

“I confess to a partiality to whiskies which retain the outdated technology of worm tubs for condensing spirit vapour. Only about seven remain, and of those I would recommend one of Craigellachie’s offerings. The limited copper interactions produce beefy spirits.”

The second route—beyond the suggestions in the Overlooked section—is exploring the numerous distilleries whose spirit primarily goes into blends. Diageo alone owns some 31 distilleries in Scotland, most producing whiskies for their world renowned blends, but which are also excellent in their own right.

“I would mention that epitome of Speyside, Cragganmore. Had it not been owned by a company (Diageo) with such a wealth of options, I think it would have been promoted more. Delicate but tasty!”

So there you have it, an array of scotch whisky suggestions for your next purchase so you too can drink whisky like a whisky award judge! How many have you heard of, and tried?