Old Elk Straight Bourbon
Old Elks Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey is one of the top 10 smoothest whiskeys available. It is made using the Slow Cut process, which results in a fuller, deeper, and smoother spirit.
This expression has won numerous awards with the most notable being a Gold Medal at the New York International Spirits Competition. Tasting notes reveal oak, toffee, vanilla ice cream, caramel, and floral notes on the nose, with cream, toffee, vanilla, toasted almonds, and clove on the palate. The finish is smooth and slightly warming with caramel and milk chocolate notes.
This whiskey is bottled at 92 proof. Find it for$55 at ReserveBar.
The Tyroconnell 15 Year Old Madeira Cask Finish
This single malt, 15 Year Old whiskey is one thats truly unique and special. Aged in traditional ex-bourbon barrels and finished in Portugal Madeira Casks gives it an added depth of flavour. The caramel-colored brew is produced in traditional pot stills and double distilled. Because its finished in fortified wine barrels, it gives it a complex and unique flavor notes.
On the palate, you get a sweetness from the Madeira casks which is followed by a release of vanilla notes and stone fruit with a splash of spice at the end.
Laphroaig 10 Year Old
This smooth whisky from Laphroaig Distillery possesses the flavors of peat smoke and salt. The smoky aroma gives this drink a unique feel with hints of seaweed and sweetness. Youll be surprised with its sweetness and its long and lingering finish.
Aged in ex-Bourbon barrels, it features a distinctive taste, which you can enjoy neat or with ice. This is a staple choice if youre new to Scottish whisky. The rich flavor and character of this drink make it an ideal choice for both novices and seasoned fans.
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Powers Gold Label Irish Whiskey
This whiskey is an excellent Irish whisky, a complete blend of pot whiskies that have been distilled thrice made from barley .
The drink is exceptionally complex, yet easy on the tongue. Its colour is like bright honey with hints of cinnamon, pears, apple, nutmeg, and white pepper.
It has a creamy finish, and when you drink this whisky straight you will be delighted to find the many flavors exploding at a time.
Aberlour Abundah Batch #70
The 2022 award-winning Whisky is a handmade creamier single malt scotch from start to finish. With aromas of mixed spices, the Speyside, full-bodied whisky is sure to give that absolute treat that you deserve. Aberlour ABundah Batch #70 came first in the 2022 International Whisky Competition and will definitely make more waves with its rich and exotic taste. If you want to taste the best, start from the top.
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Auchentoshan Three Wood Single Malt Scotch: Best Single
Price: £38 |
An exceptionally smooth-drinking triple-distilled Lowland Scotch, Auchentoshan Three Wood is matured in bourbon, Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez casks to bring a mellow, fruity flavour thats worth savouring. Rich and very slightly sweet, with no peaty smoke, this is possibly the nearest fine whisky comes to the taste of Christmas pudding in a bottle. If more astringent malts have left you thinking you dont like Scotch whisky, give this one a try before you give up.
Key specs Alcohol content: 43% Bottle size: 70cl Country of origin: Scotland
What Is The Smoothest Whiskey To Drink Straight
- Next Luxury / Food and Travel by Jared McMahon
Whiskey drinking is an art, a delightful art that you can learn. We purposefully dedicated this article: How to Drink Whiskey Like A Man: Bourbon Guide to teach men the art of drinking whiskey like a real man.
Even without our guide, you can still enjoy the smooth, delicious taste of good whiskey. Good whiskey should be sipped it matters not if you are drinking alone or with a company, drinking hardcore, or on the rocks. You will enjoy the balance of various aromas and flavors.
Whiskey is of the most versatile spirits with different brands from different cities, countries, and continents, with each bottle having its unique profile and character. So, you will find Scottish, Japanese and American whiskey on this list. Note that only Americans and the Irish spell Whiskey with the e, other countries spell it as whiskey.
There is something for the big spenders and great pocket-friendly options. Limited release and more matured bottles are usually pretty expensive and hard to come by. However, they are not necessarily the best, and some people prefer a younger bottle, especially if the age difference is small. If you are interested in classy, expensive drinks, then check out our top 7 brands of cognac.
Of all the smooth whiskey types out there, here are five great options.
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How To Drink Whiskey Correctly
Matured whiskey has an alcohol content of 60-65%, usually cut to about 40% before bottling. The undiluted whiskey is called cask-strength. Always drink and water when drinking whiskey with an alcohol content of more than 50%.
Unless you are drinking whiskey the right way, it is pretty hard to assess the taste accurately. You can explore a new whiskey with the following tips:
Step 1: Pour One
Pour a small quantity into a Glencairn whiskey glass. These glasses are designed to trap the aroma and make the aroma concentrated.
Step 2: Swirl It
You aim to gently swirl the whiskey around so that it smears the glass on the side. Observe the color of the whiskey as it moves.
Step 3: Dilute It
Diluting the whiskey with water is necessary to reduce the alcohol concentration. You also need this to enjoy the real aroma and flavor of the whiskey, not the alcohol. If you do not have much experience with whiskey, this is a step you shouldnt skip as it brings out the taste.
If you are lucky enough to be drinking a very old whiskey, diluting it is not essential. The alcohol content will be down as the barrels time would have given it a rich flavor.
Step 4: Let It Chill Out
This is a step you shouldnt skip if you added water. Ideally, you should let it sit for about ten minutes. The idea is to allow the water to interact with the whiskey, which will enrich the flavor.
Step 5: Sniff It
Step 6: Drink It!
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Bourbon Whiskey Wild Turkey 101
If theres one kind of whiskey that beginners will love, its bourbon whiskey. The unique sweetness of bourbon thats brought about by the corn mashes its made up of makes for a great first experience at whiskey.
Thats why for the most part, any batch of Bourbon whiskey will do if youre introducing someone to whiskey, though there are some that are better than others for this.
One good example of a starter Bourbon would be Wild Turkey 101. Wild Turkey 101 only comes in at a somewhat mild 50.5 ABV, and like other whiskeys, youll taste a lot of toffee and vanilla in every shot, combined with the already sweet undertones that Bourbon is prized for.
This is definitely a whiskey that any beginner should try out at least once.
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Best Single Barrel: Caribou Crossing Single Barrel Canadian Whisky
Courtesy of Drizly
Caribou Crossing is a Sazerac brand that was the first Canadian single barrel whisky. While others may have grabbed onto the trend, it remains a favorite and is certainly a top-shelf Canadian whisky that every aficionado should know. The whisky used for this blend is the cream of the crop from the Old Montreal Distillery and is bottled in Kentucky at Buffalo Trace. The whisky inside is as beautiful as the vessel it comes in. It’s richly complex and ultra-smooth, with toffee sweetness fading into a creamy oak finish that has a hint of pepper.
This single barrel whisky is definitely at the high end of the Canadian whisky market. Its excellent straight and will shine in very simple cocktails. Save it for special occasions and savor its smoothness with every sip.
Lot 40 is an interesting whisky. Distilled entirely from rye in a copper pot still, the bottles available today are a throwback to an 18th-century Ontario whisky and a time when rye whisky was Canadas specialty. The modern brand originally launched in the 1990s and was discontinued in the 2000s, but has since been brought back to life. Todays version is produced at the Hiram Walker Distillery in Windsor, Ontario and continues the small-batch tradition.
Best For Irish Coffee: Kilbeggan Single Grain Irish Whiskey
Courtesy of Flaviar
ABV: 43% | Age: NAS | Volume: 750 ml
In a catchy phrase that explained how to make the iconic cocktail, the bartender who created the Irish coffee called for WhiskeySmooth as the Wit of the Land. Kilbeggan Single Grain definitely fits the bill. Youd almost swear it was made for mixed drinks, and it comes at a guilt-free price.
Single grain means that the whiskey was produced in one location using malted barley and at least one other grain. In this case, its corn, which adds a wonderful sweetness that plays remarkably well off the flavors of bourbon barrel aging. Hints of nutmeg, butter, and vanilla accent the oaky palate. The 86-proof whiskeys depth of flavor is the perfect backdrop for the cocktails strong coffee sweetened with brown sugar and topped with cream.
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Best Special Barrel: The Tyrconnell 10 Year Old Madiera Cask
Courtesy of Reserve Bar
ABV: 45% | Age: 10 years | Volume: 750 ml
It’s fun to taste spirits aged in a variety of barrels. The previously used wood soaks up flavors from its former inhabitant and imparts those qualities to the new liquor. That’s what happened in The Tyrconnell 10-Year-Old Madeira Cask, which is produced at the Cooley Distillery .
This 92-proof single malt whiskey is finished in Portuguese Madeira casks for six to eight months. Madeira is a fortified wine thats noted for its caramelized fruity flavors, and that juicy sweetness translates wonderfully into the whiskey. Apples, citrus, and berries are just a few fascinating flavors that make it an enjoyable drink. Its a solid whiskey thats smooth and has the perfect spicy finish to keep you pouring another round.
For a world-class whiskey that’s worth every penny, we recommend the renowned Redbreast 15 Year Irish Whiskey . Another great option is the top-rated, award-winning, and relatively affordable The Irishman Single Malt .
Best Bourbon: Henry Mckenna Single Barrel
Courtesy of Drizly
Region: Kentucky | ABV: 50% | Tasting Notes: Caramel, Vanilla, Cinnamon
Bourbon aficionados have to become familiar with a whole bevy of inscrutable terms”age statement,””bottled-in-bond,””single barrel”but even the casual imbiber who doesn’t know all the definitions would have to conclude it’s impressive if a whole bunch of them show up on the same bottle. Produced at Heaven Hill Distillery, the Henry Mckenna Single Barrel is the only extra-aged, bottled-in-bond, single-barrel bourbon currently available today. If that doesn’t impress you, it was also named “Best in Show” at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, due in no small part to its generous palate featuring notes of caramel, butter, cinnamon, and vanilla.
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.
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What Does Irish Whiskey Taste Like
Irish whiskey is known as one of the smoothest whiskeys available. These easy-drinking whiskeys are characterized as having a lot of flavor but with a lighter profile than bourbon and the complete lack of smoky peat found in scotch. Fruit and vanilla notes are very common, and the aging imparts a pleasant oak and caramel background to the whiskey. Essentially, Irish whiskey tastes like a classic whiskey, which is why its so well-loved.
Everything You Need To Know About Irish Whiskey
Green beer and shots of Baileys arent the only ways to raise a glass to Irish tradition. A better option? Stand out from the bar crowdand earn a bartenders approvalby ordering Irish whiskey with an experts eye. Irish whiskey is about its viscosity, smoothness, and subtle sweetnessI would say thats the holy trinity to gauge any Irish whiskey off, says Jack McGarry, managing partner of two of New York Citys best bars, The Dead Rabbit and BlackTail.
If that sounds delicious, but your only experience with whiskey is bad mixed drinks and ill-advised shots in college, heres everything you need to know about ordering Irish whiskey like a boss.
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And What Do We Mean By Burn
In contrast to smooth whiskeys, whiskey burn essentially refers to the feeling of harshness or stinging in the mouth. Its worth noting that this burn isnt necessarily unpleasant and certain whiskeys hedge their profiles on this sensation, which many whiskey drinkers love. Interestingly, expressions like fiery or burning can be attributed to the science: cellular pain receptors in the mouth called nociceptors process the concentration of alcohol as a danger in the exact same way that they treat a sharp spike in temperature. In other words, that whiskey burn sensation is caused by the brains interpretation of the experience as burning.
What Should You Look For When Picking A Whiskey
Whiskey isnt just a strong drink its an investment in your evening. If you’re new to the amber spirit, experts recommend staying away from the overly smoky, peated styles, which can be quite overpowering for the uninitiated. Instead, the best whiskey for your palate will likely be an easy-drinking, sweet and fruity dram . Looking up the region the whisky is from is a good starting point, believes Alex Robertson, the head of heritage and education at Chivas Brothers. Speyside in particular is a great starting point as the whiskies here are beautifully accessible with notes of fruits and fresh floral aromas. Its home to half of Scotlands distilleries and brands such as The Glenlivet, Aberlour, Strathisla, Chivas, Glenburgie and Ballantines. Cask type is another option. An American barrel will enhance those fruity floral notes and give a sweet, vanilla creaminess on the palate. These whiskeys are perfect before dinner. A European oak barrel that has previously held Oloroso sherry will give spice and dark, fruity chocolate notes that are perfect for an after-dinner drink, adds Robertson.
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Best Rye: Alberta Rye Whisky Dark Batch
Courtesy of Drizly
Canadian whisky will often include a rye whisky in the blend, and it imparts a spiciness that is the grains signature taste. Many downplay this and choose to concentrate on the smooth sweetness of corn whiskies, but others play it up. Alberta Rye Whisky Dark Batch is a brilliant find from Alberta Distillers, the countrys top rye whisky maker.
Starting off with two rye whiskies, the finished blend is 91 percent rye whisky, 8 percent bourbon, and 1 percent sherry. It’s bottled at 90 proof and the higher alcohol content ensures it has a big, bold flavor. The exciting elixir has a great spice backed by a smoky sweetness that is simply a joy to take in. Sip it or mix it into any rye whiskey cocktaileither way, its a great choice.
An import from Canada thats marketed by Minnesotas Phillips Distilling Co., Revel Stoke is the brand to look for when you want to simply have fun with flavors. Best known for its spiced whisky, Revel Stoke likes to stay on top of the trendiest flavors. The distillery has taken on apple, cinnamon, and honey whiskies, and even makes a pineapple whisky that is completely unique.
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.
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What Is The Smoothest Whiskey To Drink To Drink Straight
Are you a fan of the bold and intense flavours of aged whiskey? Or are you a regular drinker, and you enjoy your drinks neat? If yes, then smooth whiskey is just for you!
In America, people of all age groups enjoy a glass of whiskey, and from stats, it is clear that nearly 75% of whiskey drinkers are below 50 years old.
We have picked some of the smoothest whiskies just for you. But before that, lets discuss what makes a whiskey smooth and what it means by drinking straight!