The 20 Smoothest Whiskeys To Enjoy Right Now
There is just one question to ask when it comes to whiskey: whats not to praise? It exudes refinement, grandeur, class, and a sense of history. In an increasingly fast and shallow society, this amber elixir serves as a counterpoint of profoundness.
So much of what happens in the food and drink industry lately is dictated by the current thing. Fortunately, whiskey is not. It is self-sufficient, even blessed, and it does not have to be trendy to be excellent because whiskey is a teller of tales.
With every sip, it reveals a new story. Your story! What prompted you to purchase the bottle and where did you buy it? Perhaps it begins with how you discovered it or where you first drank it and continues through here and now, with whom youre enjoying it and why.
But, while you are paying attention to the present moments sensations, flavors, and scents, your thoughts will be simultaneously traveling the world to different places and other eras. You will be curious about the origins of the grains and the maturation of the liquid. You will want to contemplate and understand the entire atmosphere that helped produce it.
We could even say that whiskey is a form of literature, written by those who manufacture it and those who drink it, entangled in a single narrative that spans place, money, and generations. Think of it as a solid relationship: it requires time, and the more time you put in, the more layers are exposed. Yet, what makes whiskey smooth?
Contents
What Should I Look For When Picking A Whisky
If whisky is all new to you, you might want to avoid the overly smoky, peated styles, which can be quite overpowering to the uninitiated. Instead, the best whisky for your palate will likely be an easy-drinking sweet and fruity dram, but if in doubt, our tasting notes should direct you to the perfect whisky for you.
*** Thanksgiving Recipes ***
These roasted brussels sprouts get a fair amount of spice from the crushed red pepper flakes, which cuts
After trying every turkey-roasting method under the sun, Ive finally settled on this as absolutely the
We love how the cinnamon-scented streusel topping lets the juicy berries peek through.
Italian sausage and a heap of Parmesan cheese lend signature flair to the easy Thanksgiving dressing
Its all about the layers and ruffles in this dramatic seasonal pie.
Poach quince in rosé with a dash of cocktail bitters and a few warm spices, then assemble into a tart
Leave the sausage, nuts, dried fruit behind in favor of this easy, vegetarian-friendly stuffing recipe
Alton Browns turkey brine recipe from Good Eats will give you a flavorful Thanksgiving turkey with juicy
Bone-in turkey breasts are easy to find, and as impressive as a whole bird when you roast them in butter
This recipe was handed down by my great-grandmother. It is a family favorite that we make every Thanksgiving.
Cutting leeks into large pieces gives them a presence equal
This crunchy crumble is the perfect topping for an ice cream sundae, easy apple crumble, or our Build-Your-Own
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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.
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Best Rye: Old Overholt Straight Rye Whiskey
ABV: 43% | Age: 3 years | Volume: 750 milliliters
Rye whiskey doesnt make it into a bars well often, but its not uncommon to spot a bottle of Old Overholt among the stock of inexpensive liquors used for well drinks. This whiskey held on through the decades of the rye decline when many other brands shuttered. While it has gone through some changes over the years, it has been reformulated to reflect the pre-Prohibition whiskey.
Bottles of Old Overholt Rye received an update in 2020. While the 80-proof bottles may linger for some time, the brands base straight rye whiskey is now a bolder and more flavorful 86 proof. Along with a few updates to the label, this is welcome news for old-time whiskey enthusiasts. It remains a nice and affordable introduction to the spiciness of rye, is a great choice for cocktails, and will long remain a favorite as a shot with a beer back.
ABV: 40% | Age: 4 years | Volume: 750 milliliters
Irish whiskey is characteristically smooth and mixable. Its also generally reasonably priced, with just a few bottles stretching into the luxury market. While there are some well-known brands that are nice to drink, 2 Gingers is a good change of pace at a price thats hard to beat. Its a product of the Kilbeggan Distillery, so it has a well-regarded name in this whiskey style behind it.
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Glenfiddich 12 Year Old
With the reputation for being home to the worlds best selling single-malt whisky resting on its shoulders, Glenfiddich takes its barrels and maturation processes seriously. Naturally, their 12 Year Old rendition is flavourful and complex, to say the least. Aged carefully in American bourbon and Spanish sherry barrels before being paired and matured in oak barrels this is as balanced as a single malt can get. Every sip is reminiscent of fresh peach, butterscotch, and delicate wood. That aside, it pours golden and has an elongated, soft finish. If flavour is what youre after, this single malt might just be the one for you.
Price: Rs 3,000 approx. in Delhi-NCR
Glenlivet 12 Year Old
This Glenlivet 12-year-old double-matured single malt Scotch whisky from Glenlivet distillery is aged in American oak barrels. It imparts notes of sweetness and gives it its distinctive taste. With a mash bill of malted barley, this single malt whisky has a rich and creamy palate with a smooth finish.
Its delicate balance of dried apple and pineapple notes makes it a perfect gift for any special occasion or to treat yourself as an everyday dram to drink straight.
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Glenfiddich 21 Year Gran Reserva
Category: Single malt scotch
Region: Speyside, Scotland
ABV: 40%
This exquisite, traditional whisky has been patiently matured for 21 years at the distillery. A sip of this rum is a great step towards discovering the untapped glory of the whiskey world. Finished in Caribbean rum casks, this single malt scotch whisky combines hints of banana, figs, rich toffee, new leather, and oak.
Glenfiddich is a staple in standard whiskey bars and a great option for whiskey newbies. Also, the 21-year bottle of Glenfiddich is currently the worlds best-selling single-malt whisky. Therefore, it could be the perfect gift to share with old-time whisky lovers if you have been seeking one. Better still, grab a bottle for yourself and tuck it away for future special occasions.
What Is The Smoothest Scotch Whisky Single Malt Or Blended
Any whisky critic will tell you that a single malt whisky has a reputation for being a higher quality than blends or other styles of whisky. Single malt Scotch whiskies tend to be smoother than blends because of the pride taken in their craftsmanship.
The flavor and balance of single malt Scotch whisky is also easier for distillers to control from one single malt. Famous distillers will often have single malt Scotches at their flagship whisky one that speaks to the skill and professionalism executed by the distillers in their process.
There are, however, loads of blends out there are equally as smooth as single malts. Our favorite example of a top of the range blend is Dewars Double Double 32 Year Old. Blends are often a result of great creativity to achieve incredibly smooth textures. They are quickly becoming more popular among whisky experts.
In short, single malt Scotch is not necessarily your overall answer to the burning question, what is the smoothest Scotch whisky? A well blended Scotch will offer you just as great a smooth-drinking experience.
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Best Flavored Whiskey: Leopold Bros New York Apple Whiskey
For much of the latter 20th century, flavored whiskeys left a lot to be desired. Often filled with unnatural flavors and coloring agents, many were also sweetened, producing more of a liqueur than a true whiskey. Craft distilleries are returning to the old-fashioned ways and are producing fabulously flavored whiskeys. A leader among them is the Denver, Colorado distillery of Leopold Bros.
The New York Apple Whiskey is a full-proof blast from the past that is well-crafted. Using the distillerys base whiskey, tart apples from New York State are juiced and blended into the whiskey, then aged in former bourbon barrels. The result is a small batch of apple whiskey with delicious oak, vanilla, and raisin notes. Its the perfect choice when youre exploring recipes in old bartending guides that so often feature apple whiskey.
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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, theres 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 wont want to shoot this one.
Region: Ontario, Canada | ABV: 43% | Tasting Notes: Vanilla, Raisin, Coffee
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Wine And Whiskey Cocktail
This wine and whisky cocktail is speaking to my soul. Its bold and complex with so many different notes from the whiskey and red wine.
When finding the right whiskey and red wine, make sure you choose flavor profiles that will complement one another well.
Why not wet your whistle with a lush orange crush!
Like the name suggests, this boozy beverage is all about the orange.
It has fresh orange juice and a splash of triple sec with some lemon-lime soda for a little extra zip, all of which taste striking with a smooth quality whiskey.
- Organize all the required ingredients.
- Prep a whiskey cocktail in 30 minutes or less!
Did you like the recipe?
Evan Williams Bottled In Bond Bourbon
Evan Williams Bourbon is a world-renowned Kentucky Straight Bourbon that is known for its high quality and unique flavor profile. The Evan Williams Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon is the No. 2 selling Kentucky Straight Bourbon brand in the world and has received numerous awards for its outstanding taste and quality.
The Evan Williams Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon is 100 proof and follows the exacting standards of a Bottled-In-Bond product aged for at least four years, distilled in one season at one distillery and under U.S. government supervision. Evan Williams Bourbon is bright gold in color with aromas of caramel with hints of vanilla, oak and barley.
The taste features citrus on top of vanilla and black pepper notes. In 2019, Evan Williams Bottled-In-Bond received a Gold Medal and Consumers Choice Award from the SIP Awards. Its also one of the absolute best value buys out there, retailing for a mere $17.99 at Drizly.
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Best Rye: Pikesville Straight Rye
Drizly
Region: Kentucky | ABV: 55% | Tasting Notes: Cinnamon, Vanilla, Oak.
Two styles of rye whiskey dominate the whiskey market these days: rye made from a 95% to 100% rye mash bill and the Kentucky-style mash bill that usually contains just above 50% rye, the minimum legally required to be classified as rye whiskey. Pikesville, which falls into the latter category, was originally made in Maryland and is now distilled in Kentucky by Heaven Hill. Try this in a classic cocktail like the Manhattan.
Pikesville is my favorite rye because it provides a great symphony of flavors from the rye spice, baking spices, the high proof and maturation from the six years in the barrel. The strong taste of cherries, vanilla and baking spices gives it a really fun take on a cherry Coke. Paul Gonzalez, head bartender for the Allegory Bar at D.C.s Eaton Hotel
Top 10 Smoothest Bourbon Whiskeys
Smoothness is a perception, rather than a flavor, and basically indicates the amount of burn that you feel when the whiskey goes down. Based on over 75.000 whisky tasting notes and 250.000 whisky ratings, these are ten of the best smooth bourbons and American whiskeys. Easy to drink and easy to love. Use our Whisky Finder to refine the search results, or to search for additional flavors or whisky characteristics.Cant find any of these rare and delicious bourbons? Download the Whisky Suggest app on Android or iOS, rate and review 10 whiskeys, and presto! Youll have recommendations tailored to your tastes so you can find your favorite and sip confidently!< /br /> Looking for smooth Scotch whiskies? The 10 best smooth Scotch whiskies are listed here.< /br /> < /br /> -> Ready to order? Try ReserveBar , Drizly , The Whisky Exchange or Master of Malt . Or for more shops.< /br />
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The 5 Best Smoothest Whiskeys
There are many different types of whiskeys, each with its own unique flavor profile. Some are light and sweet, while others are rich and Smokey. However, all of the best whiskeys share one common trait: they must be smooth.
The quality of the grain determines a whiskeys smoothness used to make it and the length of time it is aged.
The best whiskeys are made from high-quality grains and aged for several years in oak barrels. This process helps to mellow the whiskey, resulting in a smooth and complex flavor.
While there are many different whiskeys to choose from, the following five are some of the smoothest whiskeys on the market. So, the next time youre in the mood for a drink, try one of these whiskeys below.
Spiced Bourbon Hot Toddy
Feeling a sore throat coming on? Try curing it the old school way with a tantalizing hot toddy.
This rendition uses maple syrup as a natural sweetener and some chili pepper to give it a fiery kick.
Sore throat or not, this is the perfect way to warm up on a cold day.
Need a spirited beverage to pair with the holidays? You simply cant go wrong with whiskey egg nog.
While I like egg nog with rum, I prefer it the whiskey way.
This recipe keeps it simple with bourbon, egg, sugar, and milk. Use a shaker to combine the ingredients, then strain into a tall glass.
While its optional, I think a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon makes a joyful touch.
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What Makes Whiskey Smooth
Whiskey can be smooth due to its soft texture, sweet flavor, the grains used for distillation, and the blending process. Also, high-proof whiskeys are known to achieve lightness.
They have a higher proof during the final distillation stage, which results in a more mild flavor. But, expect a strong alcohol content.
Also, maturation and filtration are essential factors that make a whiskey smooth. For instance, if whiskey is aged in oak casks, it becomes softer as it ages.
Jeffersons Ocean Aged At Sea Bourbon
Most whiskey distillers get experimental with different wood, blends or aging. Jeffersons takes this experimentation even further with their Ocean Aged at Sea Bourbon. After eight years of aging on land, the bourbon is aged an additional five to ten months on an OCEARCH shark tagging vessel. This time at sea develops the flavor profile by exposing the bourbon to temperature fluctuations, salty air and the rocking motion of a ship.
The result of this wild aging process is a unique, complex whiskey that everyone should try. The saltiness of the ocean air is certainly present, while extra wood tannin extraction creates aromas of vanilla, caramel and burnt matches.
Courtesy Drizly.com
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Peanut Butter Cup Whiskey Martini
I find the decadence of this drink to be particularly arresting.
It has a silky smooth body and sensational flavor which is compliments of the cocoa liquor, creme de cocoa, and heavy cream.
Thats made even more indulgent with a peanut butter whiskey! This drink is perfect for Valentines Day, birthdays, desserts, and more.
While every cocktail on this list is fitting for St. Paddys Day, this is the cocktail to liven up the party.
Starting with a large pitcher, youll pour in orange juice, lime, bourbon, and water.
Add a splash of simple syrup to make it a bit sweeter, then top it off with club soda.
To prevent this from getting watery, youll freeze cubes of lemonade that add a zippy sour kick.