What To Look For
Whiskey advent calendars usually have a particular theme, so keep this in mind when looking. You can explore bourbon, scotch, Japanese whisky, or go for one that offers an array of samples from various countries. There are different price points to consider toothe older and more rare the whisky in the calendar, the more expensive it will be. And some come with a few accouterments like a tasting glass and tasting notes.
Best Scotch: The Balvenie Doublewood
Region: Speyside, Scotland| ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Raisin, Vanilla, Spice.
Among an abundance of single malt scotch to choose from, with various regions showcasing different styles and flavors, The Balvenie stands out as one of the best. The distillery was an early adopter of cask finishes with its DoubleWood 12, which is matured in ex-bourbon barrels and finished in sherry casks.
The beauty of this bottle really shines in the notes that explode from the second aging in Oloroso sherry barrels. That rich, round finish gives this scotch a bit more chewiness and lasting linger that I love with every sip. Pamela Wiznitzer, consulting bartender
What Makes A Whiskey Smooth
The term smooth in the alcohol industry has many meanings. From mild, gentle, light to sweet, it can be anything. But our focus here is, what makes it smooth?
Whiskey can be smooth because of its sweet flavour or soft texture. But whether your whiskey is sweet or gentle depends upon the grain chosen for distillation. For example, wheat produces spirits that are soft and sweet.
Another way whiskey can become smooth is by blending. Blending is a process to prepare a well-balanced drink. Some manufacturers add sweeteners, flavouring, and blending agents to smoothen the alcohol and reduce its alcoholic burn.
Some whiskies can be lightly smooth, which can be achieved by distilling to a high proof. A higher proof shall produce a milder whiskey and vice versa.
Last but not least, maturation and filtration also play a vital role in smoothening the drink. Whiskeys that mature in an oak cask are smoother. The longer the whiskey spends in the cask, the softer it becomes.
If you filter whiskey through charcoal, heavier oils, large molecules, and impurities are removed, leaving behind a smoother whiskey.
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Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky
I always have a bottle of Yamazaki 12 in my home bar, says Ben Potts. It is one of those whiskies that changes every time I go back to it. Every smell is something different, every taste is layered and complex. I know there are deeper, bolder, whiskies out there, but Yamazaki 12 does it for me every time. It’s perfect in my opinion.
Top Peanut Butter Whiskey Drinks
What to mix with Skrewball? These peanut butter whiskey drinks are the best ways to highlight its sweet, nutty flavor.
Got a bottle of Skrewball? This unique peanut butter whiskey is syrupy, thick and sweet, with a deliciously nutty finish. Sure, you can drink it as a shot. But what to mix with Skrewball for cocktails? Here are all the top peanut butter whiskey drinkrecipes that make the most of this nutty liquor! Try it in a sweet spin on the Old Fashioned, or balance it out with cranberry juice in a sweet tart Peanut Butter and Jelly.
Many Skrewball drink recipes out there are overly sweet. But we found peanut butter whiskey is better accented with tart, bubbly or bitter flavors to cut the sweetness. So dont go making a Skrewball White Russian or mixing Skrewball and Baileysunless you want schedule an immediate visit to the dentist! The drink recipes below still lean sweet, but the flavor is balanced so theyre deliciously sippable.
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Best Canadian: Lot No 40 Whisky
Region: Canada | ABV: 43% | Tasting Notes: Vanilla, Raisin, Coffee.
When you think of Canadian whisky, the purple velvet-draped Crown Royal might be the first thing that comes to mind. There are some decent expressions to be found from that popular brand, but there is a whole world of lesser-known Canadian whiskies to sip out there. One highly regarded bottle is Lot No. 40, a 100% rye whisky that is distilled at Hiram Walker in Windsor, Ontario. Look for a little bit of spice here, but overall this is a smooth sipper with notes of cocoa and caramel that pop in the palate.
Region: Speyside, Scotland | ABV: Varies by batch | Tasting Notes: Sherry, Spice, Vanilla.
This scotch has something of a cult following, and with good reason: it’s a high-proof, sherry cask single malt that is consistently delicious. This is a rare example of a single expression being recognized and sought after by consumers, while the rest of the brand lineup is mostly , says Vacheresse. Add a bit of water or drink it neathowever you prefer, Aberlour ABunadh does not disappoint. Take your time with this as you sip to unveil layer after layer of flavor.
Best Budget: Crown Royal Advent Calendar
This whisky advent calendar is in our budget category for a reasonit only includes whisky made by Canadian distillery Crown Royal. That doesnt mean its bad, however, as there are plenty of tasty expressions to try from the distillery. This leans heavily on the flavored whiskies, like Peach, Apple, and Vanilla. But Crown Royal Black and the classic Fine De Luxe are included as well, giving you a lovely snapshot into the world of blended Canadian whisky.
The stars of the whisky world are countries like Scotland, Ireland, and the US. But of course, there are excellent whiskies to try from so many other countries, and this calendar offers a great opportunity to travel the whisky world from the comfort of your own home. Try Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky from South Africa, Mars Kasei from Japan, Stauning Rye from Denmark, and Kyrö Malt Rye Whisky from Finland, among many other drams.
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Best Grain Scotch: Compass Box Hedonism
Region: Scotland | ABV: 43% | Tasting Notes: Coconut, Caramel, Toffee, Vanilla
A century ago, many Scottish whiskies were made with grains, including corn and wheat, but declined in popularity as big producers started focusing on single malt whiskies. Maverick whisky maker John Glaser rehabilitated it, searching out old grain barrels and blending them together in making Compass Box Hedonism.
H. Joseph Ehrmann, owner of San Franciscos Elixir Saloon and co-founder of Fresh Victor, calls it a head-turner that can open your eyes to the pleasures of grain whisky. With its coconut and caramel notes, it tastes fun, says Tardie. Glasers doing a wonderful service for blended scotch.
Region: Highlands | ABV: 46% | Tasting Notes: Coffee, Espresso, Raisins, Cinnamon
did something innovative, says Tardie. They toasted the barley so much that they call it a chocolate malt.
Just as in beer making, where a chocolate malt adds mocha flavor to a porter or stout, this Highland scotch is rich in cocoa and espresso notes that only deepen over time. Its made from the distillerys oldest whisky35- to 40-year-old scotch, aged in American white oakwhich gives it a gravitas that Tardie appreciates. As you sip it, and as the alcohol burns off, he says, theres a strong characteristic of dark chocolate and coffee grinds.
Best Under $: Aberfeldy 12 Year Old
Region: Highlands | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Cherry cola, Bittersweet, Tannic, Bright
For a reasonably-priced option, look no further than this whisky from Aberfeldy, a Central Highlands distillery that started operating in 1898. The facility is situated along the Pitilie Burn, a lively stream whose churning, fresh water results in a clean, brisk scotch.
An everyday pour, this whisky offers cherry cola aromas with a mouth-coating, mid-palate sweetness that finishes in bittersweet, woody tannins. Easy to drink neat, on the rocks, with a splash of water, or mixed into warming cocktails, its light enough at 40 percent ABV for a midday tipple, yet flavorful for post-work happy hour.
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Best Islay: Ardbeg An Oa
Wine.com
Region: Islay| ABV: 46.6% | Tasting Notes: Nuts, Stone fruit, Salinity, Smoke
The first addition to Ardbegs foundational range of scotches in a decade, this 2017 introduction is named after the Mull of Oa, a rocky peninsula on the Kilodalton coast where the distillery is located. This affordable bottle is as approachable as Islay whisky gets, thanks to the balance that the former sherry barrels bring to the salty smoke.
Theyre taking a super-peaty whisky and taming it with beautiful wine-cask, says Shanahan. Theres no age on it, but still, its brilliant. Its a great introduction to the islands style.
The Finest Bottles Of Scotland’s Premier Spirit From Blended To Singles Malts
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Chloe Jeong / Liquor
Best Single Estate:Glenmorangie The Cadboll Estate at Drizly
Its honey-blossom nose leads to vanilla and roasted nuts, a delightful herbaceousness, and a hint of orange.
You can have a single malt in America, Japan, Taiwan or elsewhere, but to be scotch, it has to be made in Scotland, says Tommy Tardie, owner of New York’s The Flatiron Room and Fine and Rare. But thats just a starting pointtheres plenty of diversity to the nations signature spirit, including single malts, which are made with malted barley, and blended scotches, whose mash bills include other grains.
The world of scotch is also evolving, with restless distillers nowadays playing around with various categories of the whisky, from heavily-peated smoke bombs to sherry-cask whiskies. Theres been a blurring of the lines in terms of flavor profiles, and theres more experimentation going on, says Pedro Shanahan, spirits guide for Los Angeles bar group Pouring with Heart. Its excitingit makes it more of an adventure for a novice who wants to start exploring scotch. From the Highlands to the isle of Islay, here are the best scotch whiskies to get you started.
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Best Under $: Buffalo Trace Bourbon
drizly
Region: Kentucky | ABV: 45% | Tasting Notes: Vanilla, Anise, Oak.
Buffalo Traces eponymous bourbon really stands out from the pack in terms of flavor and price. If youre looking for a dependable bourbon for less than $50, give this one a try. Its unpretentious and flavorful, with an ABV that makes it stand up to being used in any cocktail. There are so many good bourbons from the distillery that are expensive and hard to find, and thats great for collectors. But for the average drinker, stick with this workhorse that is vibrant and bold.
Region: Kentucky | ABV: 45.2% | Tasting Notes: Honey, Marzipan, Chocolate.
Woodford Reserve launched its Double Oaked expression in 2012. After initial aging, this bourbon is further matured in barrels that are lightly toasted and then heavily charred. This gives the whiskey a full, almost smoky flavor that brings a cocktail to another level. It’s a full-bodied whiskey with loads of vanilla, caramel, fruit and spice notes, all of which are enhanced by their inclusion in the classic Old Fashioned, says Burns. Double Oaked also has a nice rich, creamy mouthfeel that works super well with a muddled sugar cube, well soaked with bitters.
Best Single Estate: Glenmorangie The Cadboll Estate
Courtesy of Reserve Bar
Region: Highlands | ABV: 43% | Tasting Notes: Wild herbs, Honey, Roasted nuts, Floral
The whiskies from Glenmorangie pair so well with food, Tardie remarks, “I’m convinced that the distiller is more of a fan of wine than whisky.
Produced using estate-grown malted barley and matured 15 years in American oak ex-bourbon barrels, this lithe, floral scotch complements a variety of summertime meals. Open the whisky up with some water and try it with marinated grilled chicken, barbecued spare ribs, mint-laced salads or fresh berries for dessert. Its honey-blossom nose leads to vanilla and roasted nuts, a delightful herbaceousness, and a hint of orange.
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Highland Park Ice Edition
Highland Park takes its limited edition releases seriously. All the more reason to grab one of the 3,915 bottles of this Norse legendinspired single malt. Seventeen-years-old and aged primarily in ex-bourbon barrels, the bottle alone makes this the kind of Scotch you keep as a bars centerpiece or give to a friend whos about to get married. But show-stopping appearance aside, make sure you drink it. Ice Edition is a full-bodied experience from nose to finish ending with a pleasant woodiness and mild spice.
Basil Haydens Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Average Price:$45
The Whiskey:
This expression from Jim Beams high-end shingle is a masterful blend. The juice is small-batched from barrels that meet just the right flavor and texture profiles. That mix is then proofed all the way down to 80 proof, creating an incredibly accessible whiskey sip for beginning sippers.
Tasting Notes:
Classic notes of vanilla and caramel lead towards a hint of oak with a touch of dried fruit on the nose. The taste delivers on those promises while adding in layers of brown sugar sweetness and mild pepperiness. Theres a slight return to those dark dried fruits on the fast finish as youre left with the vanilla and oak ringing on your senses.
The Neat Experience:
Beam was wickedly smart in making this a 40 percent ABV sip. There are zero rough edges. Youre left with a well-rounded and classic bourbon experience. Its also much softer than a standard Beam, naturally. That softness goes a long way towards making you want to refill your glass once its emptied.
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The Perfect Gift For The Whiskey Curious To The Connoisseur
Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the bestproducts youcan learn more about ourreview process here.We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.
The holidays are a great time to gift an advent calendar to someone or pick up one for yourself to enjoy. This is particularly true when there is whiskey involved. Luckily there are some great options to check out. There are advent calendars featuring every type of whiskey, from American to Scotch to Irish to the rest of the world, allowing you to sample a small dram each day in December. Here is a list of some of the best options you can find now, from budget to splurge-worthy in every whiskey category.
Best Bourbon: Elijah Craig
Region: Kentucky | ABV: 47% | Tasting Notes: Vanilla, Char, Cinnamon.
Elijah Craig is made by Heaven Hill, a distillery that makes other great bourbons and rye whiskeys as well. The liquid in this bottle is aged between eight and 12 years, and it really has everything you are looking for in an affordable but high-quality bourbon. Strong notes of vanilla and oak, and a higher proof of 94, make this a great sipping whiskey, as well as an excellent cocktail component to consider when making an Old Fashioned or Boulevardier.
Region: Kentucky | ABV: Varies per batch | Tasting Notes: Brown sugar, Cocoa, Baking spices.
Barrel-proof means that the whiskey has not been cut with water to reduce the alcohol content, often down to 40% ABV, before bottling . This is as close to drinking straight from the barrel as most people can get, with an ABV often exceeding 60%. The higher proof offers an unadulterated whiskey drinking experience with an amplified range of flavorsand of course, you can proof it down yourself with some water, if you like. Stagg Jr. is the younger brother to George T. Stagg bourbon, also made by Buffalo Trace, but its easier to obtain and usually just as good. Stagg Jr. is so unfairly under the radar, says Vacheresse. Whiskey drinkers are blown away when they are introduced to a few different batches side by side.
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What Is The Difference Between Bourbon And Whiskey
Bourbon is a style of whiskey that must be produced in the United States. Unlike other whiskeys, bourbon must be made according to specific regulations. These include a mash bill composed of at least 51 percent corn, the strength at which it is distilled and bottled, and aging in new, charred oak barrels.
Teeling Small Batch Irish Whiskey
For those craving a more robust Irish whiskey at a higher proof, Powers John’s Lane is a great choice, says marshall. Aged 12 years mostly in ex-bourbon barrels and oloroso sherry casks. This is one of the first Irish whiskeys I tried that made me stop and take notice. For a more affordable option, a few bartenders pointed us toward Powers gold labelbut the Johns Lane is standout whiskey.
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Best To Drink Straight: Rebel Yell Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
ABV: 40% | Age: 10 years | Volume: 750 milliliters
If you love a good wheat bourbon, Rebel Yell is the bottle for you. The wheat-to-corn ratio adds an enjoyable sweetness and makes this one of the softest, smoothest whiskeys in this price range. That’s an aspect that some people like and others don’t.
Honey is the most notable flavor in this 80-proof sipping whiskey, and that’s precisely what it is. Don’t bother mixing it. Simply drink it straight and add a splash of water if you like. It will get lost in mixed drinks, but it is a fantastic find if you prefer your whiskey straight out of the bottle.
ABV: 35% | Age: No age statement | Volume: 375 milliliters, 750 milliliters
From apple and cinnamon to peanut butter and maple, its not difficult to find a budget-friendly flavored whiskey. Most are marketed at a lower price to draw in consumers, and it often works quite well. Select Club Pecan Praline Whisky may not be the trendiest selection, but it is delicious.
Labeled as ultra-premium, this bottle does cost more than some of its competitors, though its in line with affordable straight whiskeys. The Canadian whisky is well-made and aged in barrels that once housed bourbon. The play of nutty flavors against oak with an ideal amount of sweetness is a joy to drink. Its simply a yummy whiskey that can easily replace dessert.