12 Top Picks From World Whiskeys

12 Top Picks From World Whiskeys

World whiskies encompass a diverse and global array of distilled spirits, each reflecting the unique heritage, terroir, and craftsmanship of their respective regions. As distilleries worldwide experiment with various grains, climates, and maturation techniques, enthusiasts can explore an ever-expanding universe of flavors, contributing to the dynamic and evolving landscape of the global whiskey scene. Shop world whiskeys!

FRANCE: Bastille 1789 French Single Malt Whisky

The Dacourt family, hailing from the renowned Charente Spirits Valley in France, boasts a four-generation legacy of crafting premium spirits. Having excelled in Cognac production, Vodka, and Fusion Liqueur, the family, led by Jean-Marc and Edouard Daucourt, ventured into French Whiskey. Leveraging their traditional gooseneck pot stills and expertise, they introduced Bastille 1789 Single Malt. Distilled from top-quality malted barley and utilizing pristine Charente spring water, this exceptional spirit undergoes a meticulous process, including aging in Limousin oak barrels that previously held Sauternes, Red Burgundy, and Sherry. Award-winning and subtly sweet with a hint of peat, Bastille 1789 stands out as a remarkable French Whiskey. Buy it now!

ISRAEL: Milk & Honey Elements Sherry Cask Single Malt Whisky

Milk & Honey Distillery, founded by Gal Kalkshtein and team, stands as Israel's pioneer in distillation. Established in 2014, it marked a historic moment in 2017 with the release of the first Single Malt in Israel, The M&H Classic. Expanding their portfolio, the Elements Series, launched in 2020, exemplifies their commitment to unique wood aging methods infused with an Israeli touch. The Milk & Honey Elements Sherry Cask, a Gold Medal recipient, epitomizes this "Classic" Single Malt, with 40% aged in specially crafted kosher Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez casks from Spain. With a fruity and floral profile, it is presented at a pristine 46% ABV, unfiltered and in its natural color. Buy it now!

AUSTRALIA: Starward Nova Single Malt Whisky

Founded by Melbourne native David Vitale in 2007, Starward Distillery thrives in the city's unpredictable climate, where all four seasons unfold in a day. Utilizing barley from nearby farms and maturation barrels from local vineyards, Starward's Whisky undergoes a unique aging process accelerated by Melbourne's climate. The Nova Malt Whisky, a testament to this approach, reflects the Australian essence with a two-year maturation solely in Red Wine barrels. Specially selected to preserve the character of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot, these uncharred barrels capture the innovation and creativity defining Starward, offering a palatial experience despite its youthful age. Buy it now!

TAIWAN: Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique

Prepare to have your whisky-loving mind blown if you haven't encountered Kavalan Distillery yet. Situated on the island of Taiwan, this newcomer to the Single Malt scene has rapidly gained acclaim, triumphing in awards and outshining established whiskies in blind taste tests, earning praise even from Jim Murray. Founded in 2005 by Mr. Tien-Tsai Lee and now owned by Taiwan’s King Car Group, Kavalan boasts an impressive range of eighteen Single Malt offerings, each capturing the essence of excellence. Among these, the Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique stands out, having clinched numerous international awards. Fully matured in re-toasted red and white wine casks and bottled at cask strength, this Taiwanese gem signals the rising prominence of Taiwanese whisky, potentially rivaling even the legendary Pappy Van Winkle. Buy it now!

INDIA: Amrut Single Malt Whisky

Derived from Indian mythology, the name Amrut signifies the "Nectar of Life" in Sanskrit. In this mythological tale, the cosmic battle between gods and demons churned the ocean, causing a pot of divine liquid, the Amrut, to emerge. Consuming this elixir bestowed eternal life. Amrut Indian Single Malt Whisky captures the essence of this ancient legend, crafted from carefully selected Indian barley grown at the foothills of the Himalayas. Mashed and distilled in small batches, the whisky matures in oak barrels in Bangalore, situated at 3000 feet above sea level, where unique tropical conditions contribute to its distinct character. Despite recent label changes, the liquid inside remains unchanged, a testament to Amrut's commitment to quality. Buy it now!

WELSH: Penderyn Celt Single Malt Welsh Whisky

The Welsh Whisky Company, founded in 2004, revived the tradition of producing fine Single Malt Whisky in Wales, which had mysteriously ceased in 1894. Distinctively approaching the endeavor, they collaborated with scientist Dr. David Faraday, grandson of the renowned physicist, to design a unique pot still delivering a purer distillate at a higher ABV. This one-of-a-kind still, with a daily capacity of only one cask, adds an intriguing touch to their production. The company, claiming to create "the smoothest Whisky on Earth," has garnered recognition with its award-winning range, spanning finished-wood Whiskies, Gin, Vodka, and the Merlyn Welsh Cream Liqueur. Their Penderyn Celt Single Malt Welsh Whisky, embodying the Welsh spirit symbolized by the red dragon, stands out with its elegant and sippable profile, offering rich buttery sweetness before revealing a delightful smokiness. The Double Gold medal at the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition attests to its exceptional quality and popularity. Buy it now!

FRANCE: Brenne 10 Year Old Single Malt Whisky

Allison Patel, known as "The Whisky Woman," has ventured from being a renowned Whisky contributor to creating her own brand of single malt Whisky—Brenne. Situated in Cognac, France, the distillery benefits from the region's expertise in crafting French oak barrels and a rich tradition of spirit maturation. Brenne offers a range of Whiskies, including a NAS expression, award-winning Estate Casks, and the newly introduced 10-year-old variant. The Brenne 10YO Single Malt, aged in ex-Cognac casks with French Limousin oak, showcases a sophisticated and nuanced profile, bringing a touch of French terroir to each sip. Flaviar-approved, it represents a unique intersection of tradition and innovation in the world of fine spirits. Buy it now!

ISRAEL: Milk & Honey Classic Single Malt Whisky

Milk & Honey Distillery, founded by serial tech entrepreneur Gal Kalkshtein and his team, stands as Israel's first distillery, established with plans crafted in 2012 and production commencing in 2014. In 2017, they proudly announced the release of Israel's inaugural Single Malt, The M&H Classic. The distillery's portfolio now encompasses New Make, Gins, Roots Herbal Liqueur, and various Single Malt expressions. The flagship Milk & Honey Classic Single Malt, celebrated with multiple awards, undergoes maturation "under the Tel Aviv sun," marrying ex-Bourbon and STR Red Wine casks. Bottled at 46% ABV without chill-filtration or artificial colorings, it presents a delicate and crisp character, featuring floral and caramel notes that unfold on the palate. Buy it now!

AUSTRALIA: Starward Two-Fold Double Grain

Melbourne's unpredictable weather, showcasing all four seasons in a single day, provides the perfect environment for maturing Whisky, a quality embraced by Starward Distillery. Founded by David Vitale in 2007, initially focusing on Malt Whisky, the distillery has expanded its portfolio to include a range of Whiskies and bottled cocktails, garnering global acclaim. Sourcing barley from nearby farms and utilizing maturation barrels from renowned Australian Wine regions like the Barossa Valley and Yarra Valley, Starward's Whisky undergoes a unique maturation process in Red Wine barrels for at least two "Melbourne years." The result is the Two-Fold Double Grain Whisky, embodying affordability and approachability. This distinctive expression marries malt barley Whisky with aromatic wheat Spirit, aged in top-quality Red Wine barrels, reflecting the unmistakable Aussie character. Buy it now!

TAIWAN: Kavalan Classic Single Malt Whisky

Established in 2008, Kavalan, named after the earliest tribe in Yi-Lan, Taiwan, embodies sincerity, honesty, and the spirit of step-by-step cultivation, dedicating itself to crafting premium Whiskies. Celebrating a decade of excellence, the Kavalan King Car Distillery continues to captivate the world with its highly sought-after products. Regarded as a modern classic, this Whisky, recognized for its abundance of fruit notes and robust character, has earned prestigious accolades, including the 2015 Flaviar Community Award and Best in Class at the 2011 International Wine & Spirit Competition. With a remarkable track record of receiving numerous significant Whisky awards, this expression is undoubtedly a must-try. Buy it now!

INDIA: Paul John Edited Single Malt Indian Whisky

Founded by Paul P. John in 1992 in Goa, India, Paul John Distilleries has swiftly grown into one of the largest independent Spirits companies globally in just two decades. With a diverse portfolio spanning Wines, Brandies, Single Malts, Whiskies, and specialty Spirits, the company operates from its distillery in Goa, established in 1996. Among its intriguing offerings, Paul John Edited stands out as a unique blend of two Whisky terroirs. Predominantly using barley from northern India, it incorporates 15% Scottish peated barley, delivering a briny smoke with around 20-25ppm. Master Distiller Michael John enhances its complexity by maturing it in ex-Bourbon casks, offering a delightful experience for both Whisky connoisseurs and peat enthusiasts. Buy it now!

WELSH: Penderyn Single Malt Whisky

The Welsh Whisky Company, established in 2004 to revive the centuries-old tradition of producing Fine Single Malt Whisky in Wales, embarked on a unique journey to bring back the magic spirit to the land of King Arthur. Departing from convention, they enlisted the expertise of scientist Dr. David Faraday, grandson of the famous physicist, to design a special pot still aimed at yielding a purer distillate with a higher ABV. This one-of-a-kind still, capable of producing only one cask of spirit per day, adds a distinctive touch to their production process. Renowned for creating what they dub "the smoothest Whisky on Earth," the company boasts an award-winning range encompassing finished-wood Whiskies, Gin, Vodka, and the Merlyn Welsh Cream Liqueur. Their flagship expression, produced in the unique Faraday still, starts with an impressive initial ABV of 92%, the highest among Single Malt distilleries. Aged in ex-Bourbon casks, the spirit undergoes further maturation in ex-Madeira Wine casks from Portugal before being bottled at a full 46% ABV without chill filtering. These specific numbers hold significance for Single Malt enthusiasts, offering a magical experience that invites exploration. Buy it now!