After Hundreds of Whiskey Tastings. These Are the Best in the World

After Hundreds of Whiskey Tastings. These Are the Best in the World

In today's diverse whiskey landscape, there's a perfect bottle for every palate, thanks to the endless innovation from brands and distilleries. But with so many options, choosing the right one can be daunting. That's where Men's Journal comes in. They have enlisted top experts to curate the 50 best whiskeys of 2024, ensuring that each bottle is a standout in its own right. Whether you seek a sophisticated sipper, a gift-worthy gem, a budget-friendly bourbon, or a Scotch for cozy evenings, this list has got you covered. Shop whiskeys! 

Best Bourbon: William Larue Weller

William Larue Weller, crafted by Buffalo Trace Distillery, holds a revered status among whiskey enthusiasts, with some considering it a treasure worthy of burial. Its distinguished aroma boasts notes of caramel corn, leather, and tobacco, while the palate delights with sweetness reminiscent of marshmallow, almonds, and figs. With a smooth finish that lingers pleasantly, this bourbon is hailed as one of the finest American whiskeys, commanding high prices and earning its place as a coveted gem in the world of spirits. Buy it now!

Best Scotch Whisky: Glenfarclas 25 Year Old

Glenfarclas Aged 25 Years, hailed as the best Scotch whisky of 2024 by Friedmann, epitomizes excellence in the realm of spirits. Produced by the family-owned Glenfarclas Distillery in Speyside, Scotland, since 1865, this whisky is a testament to generations of craftsmanship. Aged exclusively in oloroso sherry casks, it presents a bouquet of marmalade, honey, and coffee, complemented by sherry and nutty undertones. The palate is rich with sherry and oak flavors, leading to a dry finish accented by malt, smoke, and dark chocolate notes. This timeless expression of Glenfarclas' legacy has garnered acclaim, including a gold medal at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, affirming its status as a classic with enduring appeal. Buy it now!

Best Canadian Whisky: Canadian Club 15-Year-Old Sherry Cask Invitation Series

Davin de Kergommeaux, esteemed founder of the Canadian Whisky Awards, heralds the Canadian Club 15-Year-Old Sherry Cask Invitation Series as his top pick. Praised by Men's Journal contributor Stinson Carter as the best Canadian whisky of 2024, this expression offers a unique twist on the classic Canadian Club 12-Year by undergoing a second aging in oloroso sherry casks. This process enhances its complexity while maintaining wide availability, affordability, and a lower ABV for easy enjoyment, especially with a single large cube. Buy it now!

Best Irish Whiskey: Redbreast 12 Year Old

Carter, renowned for his best Irish whiskey selection, lauds Redbreast 12 as "an exquisite whiskey suitable for all occasions—whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or mixed in cocktails like an old fashioned, where the whiskey takes center stage." Crafted from a mash of malted and unmalted barley, triple distilled in copper pot stills, and aged in bourbon barrels with oloroso sherry oak butts, it offers a full-flavored experience with spicy, fruity aromas and hints of toasted wood. Buy it now!

Best Japanese Whisky: Yamazaki 12 Year Old

Yamazaki 12-Year is a celebrated offering from Japan's oldest malt whisky distillery, the Yamazaki Distillery. Its meticulous aging process involves various cask types, including American, Spanish, and mizunara oak. Described by Men's Journal contributor Austa Somvichian-Clausen as having an amber hue, it boasts a smooth, honeyed sweetness with prominent notes of red berries, dried apricots, and a hint of mizunara oak spice. Kate Boushel, beverage director of Atwater Cocktail Club, favors Yamazaki 12-Year in a classic Japanese highball, where its warm, nutty, and buttery palate pairs perfectly with the soda's light salinity, evolving into a long, lightly spiced ginger finish accentuated by the carbonation. Buy it now!

Best Cheap Whiskey: Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Buffalo Trace, renowned for its coveted bourbons like George T. Stagg and Pappy Van Winkle, needs no introduction. Despite its flagship status, Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey stands out as a gem of affordability and quality. Men's Journal contributor Brad Japhe warns against underestimating this bourbon, as it offers richness and complexity akin to its pricier counterparts for a fraction of the cost. With hints of vanilla, toffee, and candied fruit, this bourbon delivers a smooth finish that lingers on the palate, promising consistency and satisfaction with every sip. Buy it now!