14 Best Whiskies From Around The World

14 Best Whiskies From Around The World

As Father's Day approaches (mark your calendars for June 16th!), you might be considering the perfect gift to treat Dad to a memorable dram. To aid in your decision-making process, the Good Housekeeping Institute has conducted extensive tastings of whiskies from various corners of the globe. Building upon our initial taste tests of single-malt scotch whisky, Irish whiskey, and Japanese whisky, we've expanded our selection to include options hailing from England, America, Canada, India, Australia, and even Sweden.

BEST WORLD WHISKY: Morris Signature Australian Single Malt

Our winner is a fruity Australian single malt, characterized by sweet and syrupy notes. Aromas of banana peel and tropical fruit evoke a rum-like quality. On the palate, you'll find rich flavors of golden syrup and molasses that transition into savory hints of wood and wheat. Enjoy it slowly with a large ice cube for a delightful digestif. Buy it now!

RUNNER-UP WORLD WHISKY: Hautes Glaces Indigene Organic Whisky

This reinterpretation of the classic single malt begins with barley grown in the Alps, distilled over a wood fire, and aged in ex-Cognac, ex-Armagnac, and ex-wine casks. Indigene offers a must-try experience for whisky enthusiasts, starting with notes of sweet vanilla, almond, and toasted oats, followed by warming cinnamon, clove, and a hint of citrus. Enjoy it straight-up or elevate it in a Rusty Nail by shaking with Drambuie and serving on the rocks with a lemon twist. Buy it now!

BEST AMERICAN WHISKY AND BEST BUDGET: Buffalo Trace

Buffalo Trace, a household name, scored highly with our panel for its easy-drinking nature. The brand's flagship bourbon, known for its excellent value, is a great everyday dram. It features classic aromas of caramel, vanilla, and molasses, complemented by a super smooth finish. Buy it now for $28.99.

BEST ENGLISH WHISKY: Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky

Launched in 2017, this Cotswolds single malt is crafted using locally grown barley and matured in a combination of ex-bourbon barrels and ex-red wine casks. This imparts a rich and fruity flavor, with notes of banoffee pie and spicy marmalade. The deliciously long finish is exceptionally smooth, making it a memorable experience. Buy it now!

BEST LUXURY WHISKEY: Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey

At the Nearest Green Distillery, the spotlight falls on the 1884 Small Batch Whiskey, offering a delightful array of tasting notes including honey, warm brown sugar, cedar, orange peel, tobacco, ginger, white pepper, caramel, tannins, baking chocolate, cougar leaf, nougat, cinnamon, and maple syrup. While the exact mash bill remains undisclosed, speculation suggests it comprises at least 51% corn, alongside rye and wheat. Aged for a minimum of four years and bottled at 93 proof, this small batch whiskey promises a nuanced and flavorful experience. Buy it now!

BEST SWEDISH WHISKY: Agitator Single Malt Whisky

Hailing from Arboga, Sweden, this single malt impressed our panel with its lively fruit profile, featuring notes of citrus, red apple, and dried fruit sweetness imparted by the sherry casks it's aged in. On the palate, peat and a hint of sea salt add complexity, making this a worthy sipping whisky. Try it with a dash of distilled water to bring out the nuttier backnotes. Buy it now!

BEST DANISH WHISKY: Stauning Host Whisky

Made from 100% floor-malted Danish grain, this unique sipper combines the best of traditional single malt and rye whisky in one dram. Fruity and floral, with apple blossom, red berries, and honey at the forefront, our panel praised its “smooth, rounded mouthfeel” and found it to be the perfect nightcap. Buy it now!

BEST ENGLISH RYE WHISKY: Adnams Rye Malt Whisky

Adnams adds an extra spicy element to whisky with their blend of rye and East Anglian malted barley, all crafted on homegrown soil. Matured in French oak for a minimum of five years, it's equally delicious sipped neat or in a classic cocktail. The black pepper injects interest without overpowering the vanilla, butterscotch, and maple notes, creating a well-balanced and enjoyable dram for all. Buy it now!

RUNNER-UP AUSTRALIAN WHISKY: Starward Left-Field

Born in Melbourne, the foodie capital of Australia, Left-Field is matured in red wine barrels from some of the country's best wine regions, adding a red berry layer to the liquid. Aromatic and floral, it’s a treat on the nose, with cherry blossom leading to a deeper, peppery oak finish that builds and lingers. This modern, new-world whisky is versatile enough to be enjoyed neat, or with a splash of tonic should the mood take you. Buy it now!

BEST CANADIAN WHISKY: Pike Creek 10 Year Old Rum Finish Canadian Whisky

Considered by many as one of Canada’s finest whiskies, Pike Creek is soft, supple, and approachable, akin to a slice of sticky fruit cake. Its finishing touch in rum barrels infuses bold notes of vanilla, syrupy sweetness, and spice. This makes it an ideal choice for bourbon enthusiasts seeking new horizons. Buy it now!

The English Whisky Company Original

Located in Norwich, The English Whisky Company offers its Original expression, a smooth, unpeated single malt that's perfect for aficionados of lighter Scotch styles. It opens with refreshing citrus notes, reminiscent of grapefruit and orange zest, followed by layers of vanilla-infused almonds and subtle hints of marzipan. Buy it now!

BEST FOR COCKTAILS: Ballantine’s 7 Year Old American Barrel x RZA

Celebrity-endorsed spirits sometimes prioritize appearance over quality, but the partnership between Ballantine’s and American rapper, producer, and filmmaker RZA is an exception. This collaboration offers enticing aromas of toffee apple, vanilla, and baking spices, making it a versatile choice for various cocktails like classic sours or refreshing whisky smashes. Buy it now!

JOINT BEST INDIAN WHISKY: Rampur Double Cask Single Malt Whisky

Rampur stands out as an Indian single malt, distinguished by its maturation in bourbon barrels and ex-sherry casks. This blend yields a harmoniously balanced whisky, characterized by vibrant tropical fruit notes, complemented by hints of caramel and warming spices in the finish. While it may not be the most budget-friendly option, enthusiasts and collectors alike will find delight in adding this gem to their bar cart. Buy it now!

JOINT BEST INDIAN WHISKY: Paul John Brilliance Indian Single Malt Whisky

Paul John presents a more budget-friendly option from the region, featuring a whisky crafted from Himalayan barley and aged in Goa. While the nose initially offers a clean, peppery aroma, the true allure unfolds on the palate, revealing a rich, malted essence. It also boasts a subtle smokiness akin to pricier Lagavulin, complemented by notes of walnuts, cinnamon, and vanilla. For the full experience, a drop of water enhances its complexity, making each sip a moment to savor. Buy it now!