Bartenders Say These Are The 17 Best Whiskeys For Cocktails

Bartenders Say These Are The 17 Best Whiskeys For Cocktails

Based on an article by the TastingTable: The highball is a harmonious blend of whiskey and sparkling soda, transforming the spirit's intricate flavors into a refreshingly light yet satisfyingly complex experience. Each whiskey selected adds a unique story and character to the highball, from the delicate smoothness of Japanese whiskies to the robust profiles of American bourbons. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or new to spirits, these whiskeys offer a diverse journey into the world of the whiskey highball. So, embark on this delightful exploration and savor the rich tapestry of flavors these exquisite whiskeys bring to the iconic highball. Shop whiskeys!

Suntory Toki

Suntory Toki, a gem among Japanese whiskies, boasts a perfectly balanced blend sourced from the Hakushu, Yamazaki, and Chita distilleries. Its inherent sweetness, combined with subtle honey and spicy oak notes, harmonizes seamlessly with soda water in a highball, creating a symphony of flavors. Buy it now!

Jameson Irish Whiskey

Jameson Irish Whiskey, an icon in Irish spirits, captivates with its velvety texture and gentle sweetness. Blended from pot still and fine grain whiskies, aged in oak barrels, Jameson's sweetness takes center stage in a highball, creating a comforting yet exciting drink. Buy it now!

Buffalo Trace Bourbon

Buffalo Trace Bourbon, a distinguished American spirit, offers a bold profile with layers of vanilla, caramel, and spice. In a highball, the bourbon's depth is enhanced by bubbly soda water, resulting in a robust yet refreshingly sophisticated cocktail. Buy it now!

Monkey Shoulder

Monkey Shoulder, a blend of three Speyside single malts, shines in a highball with its vibrant fruitiness. The effervescence of soda water elevates the whisky's playful character, creating an invigorating and elegant cocktail experience. Buy it now!

Canadian Club 100% Rye

Canadian Club 100% Rye introduces a uniquely spicy and impeccably clean profile to the classic highball, perfectly encapsulating the distinctive essence of rye whisky. Distilled exclusively from rye grain, this spirit boasts a boldness that is characteristic of the grain, marked by a robust and spicy flavor that is artfully balanced with subtle sweetness. This delicate blend of flavors is the result of meticulous distillation and aging processes that bring out the best qualities of the rye. Buy it now!

Johnnie Walker Black Label

Johnnie Walker Black Label, a Scotch whisky of profound depth and complexity, proudly maintains its distinct character even when blended into a highball. This illustrious whisky is a symphony of flavors and features a selection of whiskies aged for a minimum of 12 years. Each sip reveals a rich tapestry of dark fruits enveloped in a veil of smooth vanilla and underscored by intriguing smoky undertones that are a signature of the Johnnie Walker brand. Buy it now!

Four Roses Bourbon

Four Roses Bourbon, with its symphony of floral and fruity notes, emerges as an exemplary candidate for a sweeter highball. This bourbon stands out with its unique blend that is composed of 10 recipes, each contributing to its rich and mellow character. Sippers of Four Roses are greeted with a gracefully intertwined bouquet of ripe pear, crisp apple, and sweet honey. This intricate profile is the result of careful selection of grains and yeast, as well as meticulous aging that reflects the brand's commitment to quality and complexity. Buy it now!

Chivas Regal 12-Year-Old

Chivas Regal 12-Year-Old, a Scotch whisky renowned for its smoothness and rich flavor (no less than Queen Victoria was a fan), is a shining example of the art of blending. This illustrious bottle combines the finest malt and grain whiskies, each aged for a minimum of 12 years, resulting in a drink that exudes elegance and sophistication. The whisky unfolds layers of wild herbs, heather, honey, and a medley of orchard fruits. Its depth and complexity are a tribute to the masterful skill of the Chivas blenders, who have crafted a whisky that is both timeless and contemporary. Buy it now!

Glenfiddich 12-Year-Old

Glenfiddich 12-Year-Old, a single malt Scotch whisky of esteemed reputation, introduces its unique pear and oak notes to the highball and infuses the cocktail with a touch of subtle depth and elegance. This whisky, which undergoes maturation in Oloroso sherry and bourbon casks, achieves a beautifully balanced and mellow flavor profile. Sippers of Glenfiddich 12-Year-Old are treated to the gentle notes of fresh pear, complemented by nuanced, woody tones of the oak barrels in which this whisky finishes its aging process. This combination of flavors is a direct reflection of the whisky's careful aging process and the skilled craftsmanship behind its creation. Buy it now!

Knob Creek Small Batch Bourbon

Knob Creek Small Batch Bourbon, widely known for its full-bodied flavor profile, makes for a commanding presence in a mixed drink like the highball cocktail. This meticulously crafted bourbon, which is produced in limited quantities, boasts a rich and intricate palate that includes the deep, resonant flavors of toasted nuts, hearty grains, and aged oak. The bourbon's rich and complex profile is the result of careful aging and a dedication to traditional bourbon-making methods, ensuring a high-quality and flavorful spirit. Buy it now!

Hibiki Harmony

Hibiki Harmony, from the house of Suntory, is a testament to the artistry of Japanese whisky blending. This exquisite blend brings together select malts and grains, resulting in a whisky that is both smooth and subtly sweet, making it an impeccable choice for a highball. Hibiki Harmony is characterized by a symphony of flavors that include the richness of honey, the zesty brightness of orange peel, and the luxurious smoothness of white chocolate. These flavors come together to create an elegant whisky that embodies the delicate balance and precision for which Japanese whisky is renowned. Buy it now!

Bulleit Rye

Bulleit Rye, with its distinctive spicy character from a hearty helping of rye in the mash bill, introduces a robust and dynamic dimension to the classic highball, making it a standout choice for those who favor a whiskey with a more pronounced taste. This particular whiskey is celebrated for its high rye content, which imparts a bold and spicy character that is the hallmark of the spirit. Alongside the dominant spice, Bulleit Rye also reveals subtle undertones of vanilla and honey, both of which add layers of complexity and depth to a cocktail. This combination of bold spice and sweet accents is what makes Bulleit Rye a compelling and versatile whiskey. Buy it now!

The Glenlivet Founder's Reserve

The Glenlivet Founder's Reserve is an exquisite single malt Scotch whisky that offers a delightful blend of fruit and creamy richness, making it ideal for a highball cocktail. This whisky is characterized by vibrant notes of citrus, which brings a bright and refreshing zestiness to the palate, as well as a layer of creamy toffee flavor that adds a layer of indulgent sweetness. These refreshing and luxurious flavors come together to capture the essence of Glenlivet's smooth and accessible style. Buy it now!

Maker's Mark Bourbon

Maker's Mark Bourbon, with its reputation for balanced taste and exceptional smoothness, is a superb choice when it's time to make a highball. This bourbon is distinguished by its soft, yet rich flavor profile that features the comforting sweetness of caramel and the smooth, familiar warmth of vanilla. These flavors come together to create a bourbon that is both flavorful and mellow, making it a versatile choice for a wide variety of cocktail creations, including the classic highball. Buy it now!

Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky

Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky, a distinctive and innovative expression from Japan, introduces a rich texture and a symphony of sweet vanilla notes to the highball glass. This unique whisky, distilled in a Coffey still, is well-regarded for its exceptionally rich and creamy profile, which is a relatively rarity in the world of grain whiskies. The careful distillation process brings out a delightful array of flavors, including the luscious sweetness of tropical fruits and a subtle hint of spices that make this whisky a stand-out in its category. Buy it now!

Talisker 10 Year Old

Talisker 10 Year Old, a renowned single malt Scotch from the Isle of Skye, brings a distinctive smoky peatiness to the highball, creating a drink that is best-suited to those who prefer a more intense flavor profile that is full of character. This whisky is celebrated for its unique combination of sea salt freshness, a peppery bite, and a sweet smokiness, all of which contribute to its bold and distinctive character. The rugged nature of Talisker is a reflection of the wild and windy landscapes of its island home. Buy it now!

Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select

Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select, a distinguished and full-bodied bourbon, rounds off our exploration of the best whiskeys for a highball with its exceptional depth and complexity. This bourbon is celebrated for its rich and robust flavor palette, which includes an array of dried fruits, a medley of spices, and luxurious hints of chocolate. These flavors are the result of both meticulous craftsmanship and careful aging, both of which imbue the bourbon with its distinctive character. Buy it now!