Whiskies with NO Caramel Coloring

Last Updated on: 5th December 2023, 01:28 pm

This post highlights a selection of entry-level Scotch Whiskies free from caramel coloring, which is permitted under the governing regulations but can be frowned upon by traditionalists.

Written by: J Highland

Scotch Whisky Brands and the Use of Caramel Coloring

Brand	Use caramel coloring
Aberfeldy	Yes
Aberlour	Yes
Ardbeg	No
Auchentoshan	Yes
Aultmore	No
Balblair	No
Ballantine’s	Yes
Balvenie	Yes
Benriach	Yes
Bowmore	Yes
Bruichladdich	No
Bunnahabhain	No
Caol Ila	Yes
Cardhu	Yes
Chivas Regal	Yes
Clynelish	Yes
Cragganmore	Yes
Dalmore	Yes
Dalwhinnie	Yes
Dewar’s	Yes
Famous Grouse	Yes
Glenallachie	No
GlenDronach	No
Glenfarclas	No
Glenfiddich	Yes
Glengoyne	No
Glenkinchie	Yes
Glenlivet	Yes
Glenmorangie	Yes
Glenrothes	No
Highland Park	No
Johnnie Walker	Yes
Jura	Yes
Kilchoman	No
Lagavulin	Yes
Laphroaig	Yes
Ledaig	No
Linkwood	Yes
Loch Lomond	No
Macallan	No
Monkey Shoulder	Yes
Oban	Yes
Old Pulteney	Yes
Port Charlotte	No
Singleton	Yes
Springbank	No
Talisker	Yes
Tobermory	No
Tomatin	No

Recommended whiskies free of caramel coloring

These whiskies are free of artificial color and widely available:

1. Macallan 12 Double Cask

• Nose: Sherry, dried fruit, mixed nuts
• Palate: Baking spice, oak, chocolate
• Finish: Oak, dried fruit, oak spice
• Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Macallan is a noteworthy Speyside Whisky that stands out from others in the region by refraining from using caramel coloring.

Taste:

The nose reveals a pleasant sweetness with prominent sherry, dried fruit, and oak notes.

On the palate, the Double Cask showcases a strong oak presence, accompanied by hints of bitter chocolate, sherry, and a touch of citrus.

While there is a gentle warmth, it does not overpower the experience.

The finish is long, with a continued oak influence, rich dried fruit flavors, and subtle spiciness.

Is it good?

The Double Cask offers a rich and balanced flavor profile, with a restrained sweetness and delicate notes of chocolate and spice.

The slight warmth at the end and the noticeable oak presence make for a satisfying dram.

Overall, the Macallan 12 Double Cask is an excellent introduction to sherry cask matured Scotch Whiskies, though the pronounced oaky character may be intense for some drinkers.

2. Highland Park 12

• Nose: Floral, smoke, orange, honey
• Palate: Cereal, orange, green tea, smoke
• Finish: Long, oak, pepper
• Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Highland Park, Macallan, and Glenrothes, all owned by the same parent company, proudly abstain from using colorants in their whiskies.

Taste:

The nose of Highland Park 12 is notable for its floral character, accompanied by hints of citrus and honey. While a smoky note is present on the nose, it is less pronounced in the flavor profile.

On the palate, the whisky feels somewhat thin, lacking in body. However, the mouthfeel is smooth and sweet, with subtle notes of iodine, honey, and a gentle touch of smoke.

The finish is peppery, moderately sweet, and relatively short, with a hint of oak.

Adding a few drops of water to the Highland Park 12 greatly enhances the experience, bringing out a sweeter profile and introducing meaty undertones.

Is it good?

Highland Park 12 occupies a middle ground, offering a balanced whisky that is neither as heavily peated as those from Islay nor as sweet and smooth as those from Speyside.

It is an excellent choice for those seeking an introduction to peaty whiskies before exploring the more robust peat-forward expressions.

3. Ardbeg 10

• Nose: Smoke, ash, coal, caramel
• Palate: Smoke, tobacco, caramel, bacon
• Finish: Long, caramel, smoke
• Alcohol content: 93 proof (46.3% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ardbeg, a whisky cherished by many, goes beyond being free of caramel coloring and remains unfiltered, meeting the preferences of discerning enthusiasts.

Notably, it holds a certification as a vegan-friendly whisky.

Taste:

The nose of Ardbeg 10 is immediately engulfed in a swirling cloud of smoke, ash, and coal, which gradually mellows out to reveal a rich caramel aroma as it develops in the glass.

On the palate, this malt presents a thick and creamy body.

The flavor profile delivers an intense explosion of smoke intertwined with tobacco notes, robust espresso coffee, and a tantalizing hint of meaty bacon.

These elements harmoniously balance against the backdrop of caramel, creating an incredibly satisfying taste.

The finish is long and warming, leaving a lingering presence of smoke, sweet caramel, and a dash of black pepper on the palate.

Is it good?

Ardbeg 10 is a whisky crafted for the true connoisseurs of peat and smoke.

It offers complexity, delectability, smoothness, and a well-rounded character, characterized by a rich interplay of caramel, smoke, minerals, and subtle sweetness.

For enthusiasts seeking an immersive peat experience, Ardbeg 10 is among the finest offerings available.

4. Glengoyne 12

• Nose: Toasted barley, apples, honey
• Palate: Caramel, sherry, oak, vanilla
• Finish: Long, coffee, vanilla, oak
• Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
• How to drink: Neat
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Glengoyne not only refrains from using artificial colors but also takes a unique approach to its barley by air blowing it instead of exposing it to peat smoke.

This makes it an excellent choice for whiskies without the smoky essence.

Taste:

The nose of Glengoyne 12 is rich and inviting, offering delightful aromas of honey, toasted barley, and a subtle hint of fresh apples.

It unveils a creamy texture on the palate, creating a pleasantly thick mouthfeel.

The flavor profile showcases a beautiful interplay of caramel and sherry notes, which take the lead, followed by nuances of toasty oak and smooth vanilla.

A touch of oak spice adds a touch of balance to the overall sweetness.

The finish lingers on the palate with a satisfying length.

It carries a subtle note of espresso coffee, accompanied by the gentle presence of vanilla and oak.

Is it good?

While Glengoyne may not be the most intricate or complex single malt, it delivers a solid, well-rounded experience.

It offers a supremely smooth and sweet profile without any harshness or undesirable bite, making it a highly approachable dram suitable for all levels of whisky enthusiasts.

5. Bruichladdich Classic Laddie

• Nose: Malted barley, floral, lemon zest, salt
• Palate: Lemon, spice, seaweed, iodine
• Finish: Medium, lemon, menthol
• Alcohol content: 96 proof (46% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

The Classic Laddie is an Islay Single Malt that differentiates itself from the region’s renowned peaty whiskies by offering an utterly peat-free profile.

This makes it an excellent choice for those who avoid the strong smoky flavors often associated with Islay whiskies.

Taste:

The nose of The Classic Laddie is light and inviting, initially presenting pleasant aromas of malted barley.

A delicate floral note, hints of lemon zest, and a subtle touch of salt follow this.

On the palate, The Classic Laddie may lack a bit in body, but it still delivers a satisfying experience.

The first sip brings a gentle warmth, but nothing overwhelming.

The flavor profile showcases refreshing notes of lemon and spice and a hint of seaweed and iodine, typical of Islay whiskies.

The finish leaves a lasting impression with a good length on the palate.

It carries a zesty lemon note accompanied by a subtle touch of menthol.

There may be a slight burn as it goes down, adding to the overall intensity.

Is it good?

For those who wish to enhance their tasting experience, adding just a small amount of water can unlock additional flavors of vanilla sweetness and a touch of honey, further enhancing the whisky’s profile.

The Classic Laddie is a commendable single malt that displays its age through a pleasant warmth.

However, it remains highly approachable, making it an attractive option for whisky enthusiasts seeking an unpeated Islay malt with a well-rounded character.

6. Springbank 10

• Nose: Oak, baking spice, ripe fruit, honey, smoke
• Palate: Malt, citrus, berries, brine, marzipan
• Finish: Smoke, toasted barley, caramel
• Alcohol content: 92 proof (46% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Taste:

The flavor profile of Springbank 10 showcases a captivating combination of oak notes, accompanied by delicate hints of baking spice, ripe fruit, honey, and a subtle touch of smoke on the nose.

When sipping this whisky, it greets with a full-bodied and creamy texture that offers a satisfying mouthfeel, enhancing the overall drinking experience.

The taste unfolds with initial malt and citrus flavors and intriguing berries, brine, and marzipan notes.

This complexity and nuance contribute to a well-rounded and multi-layered taste profile.

The finish leaves a lasting impression, characterized by subtle smoky undertones that blend harmoniously with hints of toasted barley and caramel.

This nicely balanced combination results in an enjoyable conclusion to each sip.

Is it good?

In terms of quality, Springbank 10 exhibits a smoothness that sets it apart from bolder Islay whiskies like Laphroaig or Lagavulin, making it an accessible and approachable single malt.

It offers greater complexity and interesting notes than typical Speyside whiskies such as Glenfiddich 12 or Glenlivet 12.

It is important to note that Springbank 10 is slightly pricier than other 10-year-old Scotch whiskies, reflecting this particular expression’s craftsmanship and unique characteristics.

7. Glenallachie 12

• Nose: Banana, almond, oak
• Palate: Banana, caramel, raisins, chocolate
• Finish: Medium, oak, chocolate
• Alcohol content: 92 proof (46% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Glenallachie is a standout in the world of sherried Scotch whiskies, offering impressive qualities that make it a top choice among 12-year-old single malt options.

Taste:

Glenallachie 12 exhibits complexity, full-bodied character, and a remarkably smooth and rich profile while maintaining a higher 92 proof.

The nose reveals pleasing banana, almond, and subtle oak notes, setting the stage for a captivating tasting experience.

On the palate, Glenallachie showcases a creamy and honeyed texture, accompanied by pronounced flavors of banana, caramel, raisins, and chocolate.

The finish is of medium to long duration, delivering a smooth and gentle experience with minimal heat. It leaves behind a pleasing aftertaste of subtle oak spice and chocolate.

Is it good?

The combination of caramel, chocolate, and oak flavors truly shines in Glenallachie, with a moderate spiciness finish.

Adding a few drops of water can enhance the complexity and sweetness of this Scotch, offering an even more rewarding drinking experience.

8. Port Charlotte 10

• Nose: Smoke, brine, ripe fruit, caramel, vanilla
• Palate: Smoke, honey, vanilla, apple, oak
• Finish: Long, black pepper, charcoal, honey
• Alcohol content: 100 proof (50% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Port Charlotte 10 is a non-chill-filtered Scotch that packs a bold punch of smoke, making it a standout choice among 10-year-old whiskies for those who appreciate intense flavors.

Taste:

The nose reveals a fruity aroma accompanied by rich mesquite smoke, brine, caramel, and vanilla notes.

The body of Port Charlotte 10 is dominated by a thick layer of peaty smoke, which gradually gives way to a pleasant sweetness with hints of apple and vanilla.

The finish is long and peaty, with a subtle peppery undertone and lingering sweetness, leaving a lasting impression.

Is it good?

Despite its robust nature, Port Charlotte 10 is surprisingly smooth, even at 100 proof (50% ABV).

It demonstrates exceptional balance, particularly for enthusiasts seeking a powerful dose of peat smoke in their Scotch.

In summary, Port Charlotte 10 is a truly delicious and creamy whisky that combines smoothness with a peaty character, earning it a prominent position in its highly competitive category.

Pairing it with a robust Cuban cigar can further enhance the overall enjoyment of this exceptional whisky.

9. GlenDronach 12

• Nose: Caramel, honey, apple
• Palate: Vanilla, caramel, dried fruit
• Finish: Oak, dried fruit, sherry
• Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
• How to drink: Neat
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Taste:

The GlenDronach 12 offers a rich nose full of toffee, honey, and a subtle hint of apple.

Its creamy texture and thick body provide a luxurious mouthfeel that enhances the tasting experience.

The palate is treated to a symphony of flavors, starting with caramel and vanilla, followed by a note of dried fruits.

The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a gentle impression of oak, dried fruits, and sherry.

Is it good?

GlenDronach is a beautifully crafted whisky among the top 12-year-old single malts.

It offers a nicely balanced flavor profile without harsh or unpleasant notes, offering a satisfying drinking experience.

No additional water or ice is necessary to appreciate this whisky’s glory.

10. Arran 10

• Nose: Green apple, honey, caramel, vanilla
• Palate: Orange, apple, oak, vanilla, caramel
• Finish: Medium, oak spice, caramel
• Alcohol content: 92 proof (46% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Taste:

Arran presents a delicate hint of green apple followed by honey, caramel, and vanilla notes.

The creamy texture of this 10-year-old whisky is a nice surprise.

Flavors of orange, apple, oak vanilla, and caramel dominate the palate, accompanied by a noticeable warmth.

The finish is warm and spicy, leaving a satisfying aftertaste.

Adding a drop of water enhances the caramel flavor and reduces the burn, making the whisky more approachable.

Is it good?

Arran 10 is a personal favorite of mine among Scotch whiskies.

It offers boldness, a full-bodied character, and a pleasant warmth that doesn’t overpower.

While it may not be the most complex whisky, it still delivers a satisfying experience for those who appreciate a robust and flavorful dram.

Thoughts on the use of caramel coloring

The regulations for Scotch Whisky in the United Kingdom permit caramel coloring (E150A), although some purists and traditionalists disapprove of this practice.

The issue of additives is not limited to whisky alone, as other spirits like Tequila are also known to incorporate substances such as artificial sweeteners, which is regarded as an even more undesirable practice.

As a consumer, expecting transparency regarding the bottle’s contents is reasonable.

It would be beneficial if governing bodies mandated distillers to provide a comprehensive list of ingredients.

Does Johnnie Walker use caramel coloring?

Yes, all Johnnie Walker labels, including the Blue Label, utilize caramel coloring as part of their production process.

Does Balvenie color their whisky?

Balvenie releases are artificially colored, and this aspect is often viewed unfavorably within the whisky community.

About caramel coloring

Spirit caramel (E150) is permitted as a coloring agent in Scotch whisky production.

There are various types of E150, denoted as a to d or class I to IV, based on the specific manufacturing process employed.

E150a, also known as plain caramel, is created through the controlled heating of carbohydrates such as glucose syrups, sucrose, and inverted syrups.

This process may involve using acids, alkalis, and salts to facilitate caramelization.

It is important to note that sulfites are not utilized in E150a production.

E150b, called caustic sulfite caramel, allows for including sulfites in its production. E150c, or ammonia caramel, permits the use of ammonium compounds.

E150d, sulfite ammonia caramel, incorporates both sulfites and ammonium compounds.

Typical raw materials for caramel colorings include corn syrups, wheat, glucose syrup, and sucrose.

Additives such as acids, alkalis, and salts can influence the caramel’s resulting color, viscosity, ionic charge, and pH.

Numerous producers offer various spirit caramels, each with distinct characteristics.

It is worth noting that the specific type of caramel used and the inclusion of additives can impact the final product, leading to variations in color and other properties.