Best Overall: The Glendronach Revival
Region: Highlands | ABV: 46% | Tasting Notes: Cedar, Chocolate-covered cherries, Pecans, Honey
With notes of cedar, chocolate-covered cherries, pecans and honey, The GlenDronach Revival 15-year-old scotch evolves in layers and layers of new flavors and keeps on delivering, according to Tardie, following through with its seemingly miles-long finish.
Aged in the Highlands in Pedro Ximénez and oloroso sherry casks, it starts off with a spiced fruit nose that Tardie calls brilliant. Drink it neat with milk chocolate or aged cheeses, or, as he suggests, “drop an ice cube in and let it sit for a few seconds and see what happens.”
Colonel Eh Taylor Straight Rye
Aside from rye, this whiskey also contains malted barley. The aroma is full of dried fruits and black pepper with a touch of fresh dill. With just a small sip, you can get an array of flavors, mainly sweet and savory.
It has a terrific balance of dark spices with subtle caramel overtones. Youll love its pleasing finish with an oaky dryness that stays long enough, full of smoothness.
Read: Recommended Whiskeys On the Rocks
What Is The Smoothest Whiskey
Don’t Miss: What Do You Mix With Reposado Tequila
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
How To Drink Irish Whiskeys Straight
The key to drinking Irish whiskey straight is adding some drops of water. Doing so can release more exciting aromas and flavors, adding a tastier effect.
Also, we recommend starting with a small amount first. Take things easy and savor the flavor profiles of the whiskey. That way, you can appreciate its character more and enjoy the drink as you go forward.
Recommended Reading: What’s Good With Watermelon Vodka
Sit Back Relax And Enjoy One Of These Deliciously Malty Tipples
Are you looking for the best whisky to buy? Or do you want to know more about how to choose the finest whisky for your budget? We’ve got all the information you need to make an informed decision, whatever your preferences.
Whisky has long been a popular tipple in the British Isles and Ireland, with a history dating back to at least the 15th century. Empire and emigration took the spirit worldwide and whisky is now globally popular in three distinct types: peaty, double-distilled Scotch whisky lighter, triple-distilled Irish whiskey and the sweeter bourbon-style whiskies produced in the US.
While the drink fell out of popularity for a short while in the late 20th century, whisky has recently overtaken vodka as the UKs most popular spirit and most local pubs will offer a good selection of malts and blends.
But how do you find the best whisky? Weve sipped our way through a selection to help you find the whisky that will best suit you.
- Best blended whisky | Naked Grouse Scotch
Best Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Experts say a good Bourbon should have smokey flavors with a boldness to it that sets it apart from the rest. And, like all great whiskies, smoothness is desirable. If a bourbon has a high proof, it means that the alcohol content is high. This may be something youd want to consider if you are looking for the best bourbon to drink straight.
You should probably look for bourbons that are over four years old. If the bourbon is younger than that, it has to say so on the bottle, so identifying this should not be hard. The reason for this is because a bourbons age is determined by the youngest component of the blend.
As an older bourbon is associated with better quality , some sneaky distillers were adding drops of the older stuff and selling it as an aged product. In order to stop this, it is now a legal requirement for bourbon makers to put the age on the bottle if its been aged for less than four years.
Read Also: How To Make Coconut Rum Mojito
Best Overall Writers Tears Copper Pot Irish Whiskey
Writers Tears Copper Pot Irish Whiskey is a gold medal winner at the International Spirits Challenge in London.
It is one of the highest-rated Irish whiskeys in Jim Murrays Iconic Whiskey Bible and was featured in Ian Buxtons publication 101 Whiskeys to try before you die.
This whiskey has a pot still base with flashes of apple, hints of vanilla, and honey on the nose. The palate is gently spiced with ginger and butterscotch with notes of toasted oak.
The finish is long and elegant, with subtle milk chocolate and almonds notes.
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.
Also Check: What To Mix With Light Rum
Johnnie Walker Double Black Label
Tasting Notes:
There are subtle hints of smoke, but they are more predominant. It has a very clear blend of honey, tropical fruits, and toffee on the nose. The tongue will have a taste of smokiness along with spices with a long but sweet finish.
Alcohol By Volume: 40%
Average Price: Roughly $42
Johnnie Walker Double Black Label is an upgrade to the well-appreciated Black Label. This whiskey has no age statement released. They also used heavily charred ex-sherry casks to achieve this smooth texture.
Best New: Torabhaig 2017 Legacy Series
Courtesy of Total Wine
Region: Isle of Skye | ABV: 46% | Tasting Notes: Salt, Honey, Smoke, Bitter herbs
Want to get in on the ground floor with a new distillery? Only the second-ever licensed facility on the Isle of Skye, Torabhaig opened in 2017, and its first release, this single malt blended from 100 select barrels, is young but delightful. The heavy peat character is tempered by a brisk sweetness from the pure island spring water used to make it and the Kentucky bourbon barrels used to age it. The honeyed vanilla char of the wood mingles with isle seagrass and iodine for a whisky made for sipping or stirring into drinks.
Also Check: Where To Buy Glenfiddich Whiskey
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon
Sipping Barrel Proof means experiencing bourbon in its purest form. This mouth-filling, deeply satisfying bottle of whiskey is incredibly smooth with an exceptional fruity palate.
Featuring the taste of the cinnamon spice, it will surely delight many drinkers. The finish is nicely layered, showcasing all flavors fading slowly and then lingers as it cools.
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
This is an iconic brand of go-to bourbon for its unique and well-blended flavors of floral, caramel, fruit, and wood notes. Aged in white oak barrels and new bourbon barrels, Woodford Reserve bourbon creates a rich and colorful flavor.
The finish is long and warm, containing 43.2% ABV. You can get this for about $39.
Recommended Reading: Where To Buy Rebel Yell Whiskey
Powers Gold Label Irish Whiskey $29
If youre a fan of Jameson, then you need to try this underrated Irish gem. One of the most popular whiskies in Ireland from one of the countrys oldest distilleries, Powers Gold Label is a blend of triple distilled pot whiskies made from both malted and unmalted barley. Exceptionally smooth and complex, Powers is bright and honeyed, with notes of green apple, pears, cinnamon, white pepper and nutmeg. With a mouth coating, almost creamy finish, drinking this whiskey solo is a delight.
Auchentoshan 21 Year Old
This single malt whisky has been triple-distilled and aged in American and Spanish sherry barrels for over two decades. Its filled with flavors of gooseberry, honey, and creamy vanilla.
Auchentoshans signature smooth, delicate relish is also featured in this spirit. At first sip, you can get the light chocolate and green fruit taste with hints of old oak and sweets. Its finish is long-lasting with a real depth of character.
Also Check: Where Can You Buy Smithworks Vodka
Best Irish: West Cork 8
courtesy of LiquorBarn.com
Region: Ireland | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Dried apples, Honey, Baking spices
While some American consumers regrettably limit their consumption of Irish whiskey to the occasional shot purchased by a casual acquaintance at a sports bar, there’s also a vibrant and growing list of Irish craft whiskies that deserve our attention. West Cork produces a gorgeous single-malt that sees Irish barley and local spring water going into a hand-built copper pot still, with the resulting distillate matured for eight years in first-fill, flame-charred bourbon barrelsleading to far more depth and character than fans of other whiskies may typically associate with the category. The well-balanced palate features pretty notes of dried apple and honey segueing to a baking-spice finish, and all at an approachable 80 proof. You won’t want to shoot this one.
Region: Ontario, Canada | ABV: 43% | Tasting Notes: Vanilla, Raisin, Coffee
Best Whiskey For Cocktails
Whiskey is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from grain mash. Whiskey is typically aged in wooden casks, which can impart additional flavor.
Various grains are used for different kinds of whiskey, including barley, rye, wheat, and maize.
The most common type of whiskey is bourbon, which is made with at least 51% corn. Scotch whisky is made in Scotland with malted barley.
Irish whiskey is made in Ireland with a blend of malted and unmalted cereals. Japanese whisky is made similarly to Scottish whisky.
Whether you prefer drinking whiskey neat or in a cocktail, theres sure to be a drink to suit your taste.
While many different types of whiskeys are available, bourbon is a good option for most cocktails. However, what really counts is that the whiskey adds flavor and complexity to your drink.
If youre looking for something a little bit different, try using rye or scotch in your drinks to add a spicy or smoky kick.
Read Also: How Much Is Vavoom Vodka
We Asked 9 Bartenders: Whats The Best Whiskey For Beginners
When it comes to whiskey, choices abound. Scotch, bourbon, rye, Japanese whisky, and more provide whiskey drinkers a wide array of styles to explore. With options can come uncertainty, though. Maybe you had a bad experience with rye in the past or tasted an expensive bourbon you liked but didnt want to fork over the cash for a bottle. Or perhaps youve stayed away from the category altogether for one reason or another.
The good news is that theres a whiskey to please almost every taste bud, style, and budget. If a glass of whiskey appeals to you but you arent quite sure where to start, it may be time to look to the pros for advice.
We asked nine bartenders to reflect on the whiskeys that they think are great starting points for those who are curious about the category. These are the whiskeys that tell a story, help educate consumers, and appeal to a range of palates. Read on for their picks.
Best Budget The Famous Grouse Smoky Black Scotch
There are a lot of scotch choices out there, but when it comes to using it in cocktails, you want to go with something that wont get lost in the mix.
The Famous Grouse Smoky Black Scotch Whisky has just the right balance of smoke and flavour to give your drink that extra boost.
Its also a great value you can find it for around $30 online or at your local liquor store. And if youre looking for some expert approval, this scotch has earned high marks from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge and Wine Enthusiast Magazine.
So next time youre making a scotch cocktail, reach for the Famous Grouse Smoky Black you wont be disappointed.
You May Like: How Many Calories Are In Belvedere Vodka
How To Drink Your Whiskey
With the myriad of different kinds of whiskey drinks today, its hard to know where to begin. Now that you better understand how whiskey is made and the different types of whiskeys available, itll be easier to choose which taste you prefer when ordering at the bar.
Whiskey is a drink of the people and has a history of being made and enjoyed by the common man. Its no wonder that there are many conflicting traditions about how to drink it.
While there is no one right or wrong way to enjoy a drink, some ways are better than others.
Johnnie Walker Red Label
Tasting Notes:
It has notes of toffee, sour apple, and a touch of spices on the nose. It has a progressing taste of sweet grain, vanilla cream, sour apple, and spice to the palate. It ends with a sweet, short, progressing taste of apple skin tannin and fruit.
Alcohol By Volume: 40%
Average Price: Roughly $22
Johnnie Walker Red is the first blend they introduced to the world, originally called Walkers Old Highland. They produced this bottle as a strong alcohol mix to soda. Johnnie Walker Red remains one of the best-selling whiskeys in the world.
Read Also: What Drink Goes Good With Whiskey
The Best Whiskey For Cocktails
When it comes to whiskey, there are many different types and brands to choose from. When selecting the best whiskey for cocktails, its essential to consider both the whiskeys flavor and the drinks overall desired effect.
In general, the best whiskey for cocktails is relatively light in color and has been aged for at least three years.
This allows the whiskey flavors to mellow and develop, resulting in a more complex and nuanced drink. For example, a bourbon whiskey will add a rich, smoky flavor to your cocktail, while a rye whiskey will provide a more spicy kick.
Cheaper whiskeys are often harsh and lack the depth of flavor that is necessary for a truly great cocktail. So when youre looking to add a little something extra to your next drink, be sure to choose a quality whiskey that will elevate your cocktail to new heights.
Best Whisky To Drink Straight The Scotch Part
When it comes to finding the best whisky to drink straight, the Scottish certainly know a thing or two. Scotch is famous as it can only be distilled in Scotland and can only be aged in oak barrels. You should look out for scotch that is bold and full because it is made from unmalted barley.
Scotch done right is high on several lists of the best whisky to drink straight. Its intense smokiness is really popular. If youre a fan of intense flavors, the perfect Scotch may be your new favorite neat spirit.
Go on a tour around Scotland with Whisky, on this article:
Read Also: Where Can I Buy Empty Whiskey Barrels
Smooth Whiskeys For First
Whiskey doesnt have to be intimidating even if you are a novice to the spirit. And contrary to popular belief its not harsh, complicated or meant to be consumed in a very particular way. Yes, the flavour profiles of different whiskeys indeed can be complex, but its nothing you cant handle, especially if youre picking the right bottle to start with.
Whisky Beginners Dont Fear Heres How To Pick The Best Whiskies To Start
Theres a literal world of whisky out there, but while we know thats cause for celebration it can also be a daunting prospect particularly if youre new to the category. Whats what? Where to start? What to try?
To get you on your way weve put together a guide with the help of Greg Dillon, Editor of the ever-excellent whisky blog GreatDrams and Whisky Wizard at The Dram Team. It details several of the most important styles of world whisky and whos likely to enjoy them, and includes product recommendations for each.
Just want the list? Heres whats on Gregs essential whisky list:
There is also an abridged, embeddable version you can share on your own site if you like. The snippet is available at the end of the page.
Also Check: Where To Buy Slipknot Whiskey
Best Peated Scotch: Bowmore 12 Year Old
Caskers
Region: Islay, Scotland| ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Peat, Chocolate, Cherry
While the Scottish island of Islay is known for producing whiskys featuring heavy smoke flavors . Bowmore is only mildly peated compared to some other Islay bottlingsbut the smoke character is nevertheless distinctly present. That said, the peatiness is balanced out in this 12-year-old whisky by a rich array of fruit and spice flavors, complimented by 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.