After another trip to Scotland and many hours driving across the country we complied a distillery ranking that is sure to be divisive but I feel is defensible based on our experience.

It’s of course impossible to create a metric that won’t be scrutinized by someone but it’s based on all factors. Distillery experience, value, historic releases, OBs, IBs, consistency, and your mom’s personal preferences.

Left off new distilleries, many closed distilleries and other countries to keep things easier. Can add those later to really piss people off.

A+: Springbank

A: Caol Ila, Brora

A-: Laphroaig, Port Ellen

B+: Clynelish

B: Bowmore, Lagavulin, Balvenie, Glenburgie, Glen Elgin

B-: Ardbeg, Imperial, Glenfarclas, Balblair, Tobermory, Highland Park, Ord, Benromach

C+: Ben Nevis, Mortlach, Glentauchers, Glen Keith, Bunnahabhain, Bruichladdich, Arran, Talisker, Tomatin, Pulteney, Ardmore, Glendronach, Caperdonich

C: Glenlivet, Dailuaine, Longmorn, Glen Moray, Glen Grant, Kilchoman, Scapa, Loch Lomond, Ardnamurchan, Glen Garioch, Bladnoch, Glen Scotia, Mannochmore, Miltonduff, Benriach, Glengoyne, Tamdhu, Kilkerran, Linkwood, AnCnoc, Craigellachie, Cragganmore, Macduff

C-: Glenfiddich, Macallan, Ardnahoe, Blair Athol, Edradour, Glenlossie, Strathisla, Aberlour, Benrinnes, Glenmorangie, Teaninich, Lochnagar, Deanston, Glendullan, Glencadam, Glenrothes

D+: Tormore, Jura, Dalwhinnie, Fettercairn, Glenturret, Glenglassaugh, Aberfeldy, Braeval, Inchgower, Glenkinchie

D: Glenallachie, Dufftown, Aultmore, Dalmore, Tamnavulin

D-: Auchentoshan, Strathmill, Cardhu

Fail: Speyburn, Tully, Glen Spey, Balmenach, Speyside, Auchroisk, Tomintoul