While malts get all the attention, grain provides a huge amount of deliciousness for your pound. So from Ireland, England, Japan, South Africa, and Scotland, we’ve rounded up our top 10 grain whiskies.
Yes, we love a single malt here at Master of Malt. The clue is in the name. But we have a soft spot for the unsung hero of the whisky world: grain. Many foolish ignorant people think that grains are just the filler in blends while the real flavour comes from malt. We know that grain whiskies can be as complex and satisfying on their own as any malt whisky. Particularly when aged for a long time.
What is grain whisky?
A grain whisky can be made from anything as long as it’s not 100% malted barley. This might be rye, wheat, maize, or barley, both malted and unmalted. They are usually made in a column rather than double pot-distilled.
Whatever they are made from, flavours tend to be sweet and smooth but definitely not bland. And with the price of high age statement single malts going through the roof, old grains are a way of tasting a bit of history without breaking the bank. Where else could you find 30 year old whisky from a closed distillery for under £300?
So from Scotland to England taking in Japan and Ireland, here are our top ten grain whiskies. Let us know which ones we have missed out.
Compass Box Hedonism 2026, a fine example of a grain whisky
Top 10 Grain Whiskies
Teeling Single Grain Whiskey 70cl
A very canny whisky from perhaps Ireland’s foremost family of whisky, the Teelings. While they have been distilling in Dublin for some time now, this is made from bought-in aged grain whisky which has then been turned into something unique with some time in Californian Cabernet Sauvignon casks.
How does it taste?
Honeyed apple flesh and red grape, sweet and slightly floral with fragrant vanilla and spice, evaporated milk, and brown sugar.
Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky 70cl
This is a release that helped put grain whisky on the map. You can read more about it here. It is made using two Coffey stills at the Miyagikyo distillery, which were imported from Scotland to Japan in 1963. It’s made from 95% maize with 5% malted barley and aged only in American oak casks.
How does it taste?
Bourbon-like vanilla and corn notes with a herbal hint of chamomile. Sweet, fruity flavours of melon, grapefruit, thick syrup and biscuit.
Masthouse Grain Whisky 50cl
This is made from a mash bill consisting of barley, wheat, and rye, all grown on the Isle of Sheppey, which is distilled first in a copper pot still followed by a column at the Copper Rivet Distillery in Kent. It’s then aged in 100% American oak before bottling at 42% ABV. Try it in a Highball.
How does it taste?
Toasted nuts, cinnamon porridge, and light biscuity sweetness with vanilla shortbread, nutty brown bread, banana and earthy spices.
Butterscotch & Vanilla & Toast & a Generation 45 Year Old Whisky 70cl
A 45-year-old beauty where the does all the hard work for us in terms of giving an overview of this whisky’s profile. You just won’t find value like this anywhere else in whisky.
How does it taste?
Well, the clue is in the name, this is thick with rich butterscotch, freshly baked cookies, slightly peppery with a dry hint of toasted cedar.
Compass Box Hedonism 2026 Whisky 70cl
Compass box was founded in 2000 by John Glaser. Probably no company has done more to change people’s perceptions of blended whisky and grain in particular. None other than Karen Gillan graces the 2026 edition’s label. More on that story here. It’s also notable for the addition of an antique sherry butt in the maturation mix.
How does it taste?
Butterscotch, brown sugar, and milk chocolate lead, joined by caramelised apple, nutmeg, and nougat. The antique sherry butt brings a subtle richness and dried fruit depth.
Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky 70cl
South Africa’s first ever single grain whisky, Bain’s Cape Mountain whisky is matured in first fill bourbon casks for an initial three years before spending a further two years in fresh first fill bourbon casks! A long-time favourite of ours here at MoM Towers.
How does it taste?
Grapefruit peels, custard creams and icing sugar. Soon followed by nutmeg and vanilla sugar. Lightness throughout.
Invergordon 13 Year Old 2013 Single Cask (Master of Malt) 70cl Whisky
This was bottled by us, Master of Malt, and is only available from this website. It’s an Invergordon single grain Scotch, filled into refill casks to let all that distillery character develop without distraction. Why not try it in an Old Fashioned with a dash of chocolate bitters?
How does it taste?
Syrupy sweetness, almond sponge, dense vanilla, and buttered brioche. Maple granola and wood polish.
Cameronbridge 16 Year Old 2009 – 100 Proof Grain Edition #3 (Signatory) 70cl Whisky
A 16-year-old release from Signatory’s 100 Proof Grain Collection that highlights the impact of sherry cask finishing on a well-aged grain whisky. It began its journey in a single hogshead before being transferred to first-fill and second-fill oloroso sherry butts. It was bottled at a bold 100 Proof (57.1% ABV) without chill-filtration or added colour. This goes magnificently with pastel de nata as Jess Williamson found out.
How does it taste?
Rich toffee, spiced oak, and chocolate-covered raisins, with underlying vanilla sweetness.
Blended Grain Whisky 30 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 70cl
That Boutique-y Whisky Company have put together something mighty impressive here, a serial award-winning whisky with perfect reviews and a very reasonable price to boot. As always, a fun label too.
How does it taste?
Cinder toffee, buttery shortbread, syrupy flapjack, and red berry sweetness, with citrus oil, polished oak, and orchard blossom in tow.
The Leith Export Co. Table Whisky – Single Grain 70cl
Port of Leith Distillery pulled together this blend of whisky from Edinburgh neighbours North British, comprised of two-thirds virgin oak matured and one-third sherry cask. It’s a great concept (the practical answer to a table wine for whisky drinkers) that’s reasonably priced and ridiculously drinkable.
How does it taste?
Gingerbread, toffee popcorn, red berries, vanilla, oak spice, and pepper.
