Elijah Craig Small Batch
The blend is a little bit older than a lot of bourbons that folks usually choose for cocktails, and the 101 proof adds great structure and enough heat to support other ingredients, notes Los Angeles bartender Liam Odien. That extra bit of ABV breathes a new life into bourbon cocktails, especially shaken drinks, where the whiskey can sometimes get lost, adds Toronto-based bartender Billy Killin. It is that true, no-nonsense Kentucky drinkin bourbon, says Potts, who loves that it’s just a little spicy without heading to tannic territory. Try it in a Paper Plane, and consider a tasting session to compare the Wild Turkey 101 bourbon and rye side by side, to really learn the difference between the two spirits.
Best Bargain: Old Forester 86 Bourbon
A bartenders best friend, this bourbon is beyond great at its price point. It is proof that with a cool $20, you can come away with something not only great as a base for an Old Fashioned or Boulevardier but that you can also sip on its own without anything close to a grimace. In fact, enjoyed neat, this overachiever shows pleasant notes of rye, candied orange, and caramel. Good bourbon can come under a screw cap.
Editors’ Recommendations
Best Blended Whiskey: Tx Blended Whiskey
Distilling good whiskey takes skill and craftsmanship blending good whiskey takes an artistâs touch. Famous among Irish, Scotch, and Canadian whiskeys, master blenders must transform multiple types of whiskeys of various flavor profiles into one cohesive beverage that drinkers will enjoy. Then, they have to do it again and again to replicate that taste in every subsequent bottle. It is far more difficult than consumers think, so when you get a taste of something like TX Blended Whiskey, there is a chance to respect the artistry.
Produced by Firestone & Robertson Distilling Co. in Fort Worth, Texas, it took two years for the team to come up with the right combination for their 82-proof blend. It is wonderfully complex. The nose is filled with vanilla, oak, and pear, while the palate has a delicious honey, banana, and caramel profile. Itâs smooth but bold and will not get covered up by any mixer, making it an ideal whiskey cocktail foundation.
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Tom Dixon Highball: Best Highball Glass
A sculptural glass transforms the whisky drinking experience into something closer to a work of art, and Tom Dixons Tank Highball Glasses are the perfect example of just that. Each glass is designed from the functional shapes and volumes of scientific glassware, promising a mysterious and indulgent tone topped off with a technically demanding fusion of clear and solid black glass.
Its a premium glass thats both generously proportioned and well-weighted, mouth-blown into a piece of table top architecture. The fusion of colours is accentuated brilliantly with the addition of a whisky-based cocktail. Fill to the brim with your favourite whisky-based concoction to impress your guests.
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.
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Best For Gifting: Iw Harper Kentucky Straight Bourbon 15
Aside from occupying one of the best-looking, most timeless bottles out there , this whiskey is damn good. It marries all the things one loves in a good bourbon, from the thawing spice and toffee elements to subtle fruit notes like raisin. You even detect the benefit of ideal barrel aging, from the toast of the oak to the tremendous balance of diverse aromatics and flavors.
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
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Cutty Sark Prohibition Edition
There just aren’t enough scotchtails out there, opines ms. franky marshall. I love this scotch for the body it brings to stirred drinks. A few bartenders recommended mixing the Artists Blendwhich brings together single malts from the Highlands and Speyside with single grain whiskey from the Lowlandswith Compass Boxs smooth and flavorful Glasgow Blend, too.
How To Drink A Good Quality Whisky
It must be reiterated, however, that there is no right or wrong way to drink a good quality Whisky. You will be the one who will drink it and who will enjoy it, that is what matters, although you can follow some recommendations to make the experience more pleasant.
For a better experience visit our article on how whiskey is served.
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From Bourbons To Ryes To Single Malts Neat Or On The Rocks
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Liquor / Chloe Jeong
Best Sherry Cask Scotch: The GlenDronach Allardice at Drizly
Matured entirely in Spanish Oloroso sherry butts, the 18-year-old whiskey delivers one of the best full-flavored sipping experiences.
Best Canadian:Lot No. 40 Whisky at Drizly
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.
In the big world of whiskeys, there’s a bottle out there for every taste, price point and preference. Nowadays, you can find whiskey made in every corner of Americaindeed, every corner of the worldeach with its own specific character and identity. Whether youre looking for the perfect whiskey to pair with a cocktail, something really smoky and assertive, or a smooth sipper, weve got you covered.
Here are some of the best whiskeys you can get your hands on now.
How To Drink The Best Whiskey
There is something to make something clear, there is no right or wrong way to drink the best whisky. You will be the one who will drink it and who will enjoy it, that is what matters, although you can follow some recommendations to make the experience more pleasant.
For a better experience visit our article on how whiskey is served.
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How Is Whiskey Made
No matter where you are, whiskey is basically a grain-based spirit, most often aged in oak barrels. Ireland is thought to have been home to the first commercial whiskey distillers, since production for social enjoyment began in the 16th century. But both Scotland and Ireland lay claim to the birthplaces of what was called uisge beatha in Scotland and uisce beatha in Ireland the water of life. Local traditions, laws and individual craftsmanship shape the rest of the story. Over time, the basic whiskey recipe of grain and water has evolved in different directions depending on the source ingredients used, distillation methods, types of barrels, the length of aging and the water used in production. In addition, a producers house style will feature flavors and influences specific to that particular distillery, not unlike the influences represented in single-vineyard wines. The result is a world of whiskeys that span the spectrum of flavors.
Most Innovative: Bruichladdich Islay Barley
Region: Islay, Scotland | ABV: 50% | Tasting Notes: Honey, Citrus, Vanilla.
Scotlands Bruichladdich distillery is always experimenting with new innovations. Experiments in the concept of terroir in whisky, aging its annual Octomore series in different barrel types, and often making some of the most heavily peated whisky you can find are just some examples. Their philosophy on whiskey is simple but effective: they care about what they do, and it comes through in their product, says Brendan Bartley, beverage director of Bathtub Gin and The 18th Room. Wiznitzer agrees, noting, This distillery turns out some of the most innovative consumer bottlings in all of Islay. The Islay Barley 2011 release is a true experiment in terroir. Its an unpeated whisky distilled from a mash bill of barley grown on six Islay farms in 2010, highlighting the flavors of stone fruit, green apple and citrus zest that the climate and soil bring to the grain.
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The Perfect Glass Will Elevate Your Drinking Experience
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 Spruce Eats / Chloe Jeong
Fred Noe, Beam Family Seventh Generation Master Distiller, puts it pretty simply: I always say you can drink bourbon any way you want to, and that goes for the glass. There are no set rules, but I like to enjoy mine in a nice rocks glass with a few cubes of ice or with a little water, too.
Mr. Noe is right. The whiskeyspelled “whiskey” when it’s made in America or Ireland and “whisky” when made anywhere elseglass you choose comes down to personal taste. Pouring some fine Scotch or bourbon at the end of the day is a tiny but satisfying ceremony for a whiskey drinker, and the glass should add a touch of joy to the ritual.
Whether you prefer a glass that feels substantial in the hand, one that helps you better enjoy the aromas, or a glass that just looks cool, here are the best whiskey glasses to elevate the drinking experience.
Nikka From The Barrel 514% Abv Blend Japan
At a bottling strength of over 50% ABV, this Japanese number packs a punch however, it rolls with the punches in grand style. Its strength means Nikka believe only master blenders can detect subtle variances within the aroma, but add a touch of water and this drink will come alive.
Available from:
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Makers Mark Bourbon Whisky
If you prefer a nice whiskey cocktail theres no need to splurge on a premium bottle for sipping and discussing. Instead, go for a beloved classic such as Makers Mark Bourbon.
Makers Mark sets itself apart with a recipe that doesnt include rye . Without rye, Makers Maker allows the corn, malted barley and red winter wheat to do the talking. The flavor is less spicy, with more sweetness and citrus.
Although Makers Mark will hold its own simply on the rocks, it really does best in a great cocktail. We like the classics , but also suggest trying lesser known recipes like a Lynchburg Lemonade or Whirl-Y-Gig.
Courtesy Drizly.com
Best Peated Scotch: Bowmore 12 Year Old
Caskers
Region: Islay, Scotland| ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Peat, Chocolate, Cherry.
Bowmore is mildly peated compared to some other Islay whiskies, but the smoke is distinctly present all the same. But in this 12-year-old expression, the peatiness is balanced out by a rich array of fruit and spice flavors, along with notes of honey and vanilla. The distillery is the first recorded to be in operation on Islay, and this long, storied history is present in this approachable yet pleasantly smoky single malt.
Region: Japan | ABV: 43% | Tasting Notes: Green apple, Citrus, Smoke.
Japanese whiskey, particularly from Suntory, can be very costly and hard to get, but this bottle from the Hakushu distillery in the Japanese Alps is phenomenal. It features crisp notes of unripe melon and apple, along with just a hint of smoke. This 12-year-old whiskey makes a delicious highball, although you might want to save this to sip. Lynnette Marrero, bar director for Llama Inn and Llama San NYC, calls it delicious, grassy, a little smokier than other Japanese whiskeys.
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Where Does Whiskey Come From
The worlds first whiskey producers were in Scotland and Ireland, where medieval monks concocted the spirit for medicinal purposes. But whiskeys roots also run deep in this country. From George Washington, who operated what was once the nations largest distillery, to the Tennessee and Kentucky settlers who established local whiskey traditions, whiskey-makers helped shape American history. Canadians built their own whisky history as well, and the Japanese continue to put their Scotch-like stamp on a century of production.
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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Glendronach 12 Year Old
Chosen by Geraldine Murphy, manager at The Pot Still whisky bar in Glasgow: “You can’t beat this wonderful little dram, one of my favourites, it’s a big delicious sherry monster.
“Although proving a little harder to get just now due to stock issues I believe you can still get it from Whisky Exchange/Master of Malt at a good price.”
Trappers Hut Single Cask Malt Whisky
We dont have any tasting notes for Trappers Hut as nobody we know is able to get their hands on a bottle and their website hasnt been updated in over two years, which only adds to the elusiveness of this extremely rare whisky. Trappers Hut is not a distillery per se, but the label given to the single cask releases from Tasmania Distillery, made between 1999 2000, which were bought and aged privately. Each barrel is bottled and released separately, one at a time, and theyre getting very sparse. The short version here is: if you ever see a bottle, buy it, no matter what the cost. Its only going to increase in value, and given its pedigree, can only assume its as delicious as Australian whiskey gets.
Price: Approx. $295
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Paul John Classic Select Cask
After India was introduced to Scotch in the 19th century, they quickly started making their own. Today, India might not be known as a major whisky producer, but they make liquor thats worthy of any connoisseurs bar. One of Indias best whiskys is Paul John, a premium single malt launched in 2008 to compete in the high-end market.
Paul Johns Classic Select Cask is made using exclusively Indian-grown ingredients in Indian-made equipment. The whisky is distilled and aged in the tropical region of Goa, increasing maturation speed. The end result is a strong, rich liquor that packs a punch.
Courtesy Drizly.com
Best Budget: Old Forester 86 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky
While premium whiskey can burn a hole in your wallet, cheap whiskey can char your taste buds and throat. When youâre looking for value whiskeys, itâs important to choose wisely. One sound choice is the flagship bottle from Old Forester Bourbon. While the Kentucky distillery has a portfolio filled with great high-priced bourbons, this 86-proof expression is budget-friendly and reliable.
Not only is this the most popular bottle of Old Forester, but itâs also the oldest. It has not changed since it was introduced in 1870 and even survived Prohibition, which temporarily shut down or completely wiped out many distilleries. It has a classic bourbon character with a big punch that softens into an oaky sweetness and finishes off with a blend of spice and vanilla. Itâs mixable and casual, and simply a nice everyday whiskey.
Bulleit is called “Frontier Whiskey,” and it does have a rustic charm. At 17 percent, the Kentucky distilleryâs bourbon has more rye than most bourbons would dare to include in their mash bill. While thatâs a nice whiskey, when you really want the spice of a straight rye whiskey, Bulleit Rye is the bottle to pick up.
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