Top Whiskey Picks For Stocking a Bar From Bartenders Who Know Best

Bartender’s Whiskey Picks for a Perfectly Stocked Bar

Stocking a well-equipped bar involves having a diverse selection of whiskeys to cater to various tastes and preferences. Here are some must-have whiskeys for a bartender's well-stocked bar:

Buffalo Trace

The Buffalo Trace, a venerable name in the bourbon world, hails from the eponymous distillery in Kentucky and is revered for its rich history and exceptional craftsmanship. As a Kentucky straight bourbon, Buffalo Trace is meticulously crafted from a mashbill of corn, rye, and barley and aged in new charred oak barrels. Known for its approachable yet complex profile, this whiskey offers notes of toffee, vanilla, and a hint of spice, creating a well-balanced and smooth sipping experience. What sets Buffalo Trace apart is its reputation for consistency and quality, making it a favorite among both casual drinkers and seasoned bourbon aficionados alike. The distillery's commitment to tradition and innovation has solidified Buffalo Trace as a cornerstone in the world of American whiskey. Buy it now for $28.99.

Maker's Mark Bourbon

The Maker's Mark Bourbon is an iconic American whiskey known for its distinctive red wax-dipped bottles and handcrafted approach. Produced in Loretto, Kentucky, Maker's Mark has maintained a commitment to quality and tradition since its inception in 1958. This wheated bourbon, crafted with corn, red winter wheat, and malted barley, offers a smooth and approachable taste. The signature sweetness of the wheat complements the notes of caramel, vanilla, and subtle spice, creating a well-balanced flavor profile. Maker's Mark is carefully aged in charred American white oak barrels, contributing to its rich amber hue and mellow finish. With its recognizable bottle and consistently satisfying taste, Maker's Mark Bourbon stands as a classic choice for bourbon enthusiasts and those exploring the world of American whiskey. Buy it now for $29.99.

Woodford Reserve Bourbon

This Woodford Reserve Bourbon, has a proof of 90.4, unveils a brilliant honey amber appearance that captivates the senses. The nose is a symphony of rich dried fruit, nuanced hints of mint, and a subtle interplay of oranges coated in a delicate dusting of cocoa. Undertones of faint vanilla and tobacco spice add depth to the aromatic experience. Upon tasting, the bourbon reveals its richness with a chewy, rounded, and remarkably smooth texture. Complex notes of citrus, cinnamon, and cocoa dance on the palate, accompanied by a delightful ensemble of toffee, caramel, chocolate, and spice. The finish is the pièce de résistance – silky smooth and almost creamy at first, leaving a long, warm, and wholly satisfying tail. This exceptional bourbon has garnered numerous accolades, including Gold Medals at prestigious competitions like the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the International Spirits Challenge, affirming its status as a true connoisseur's choice. Buy it now for $40.00.

Wild Turkey 101

The Wild Turkey 101 is a renowned Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey celebrated for its bold and robust character. Distilled by the Wild Turkey Distillery, this 101-proof spirit derives its name from the high alcohol content of 101 proof (50.5% alcohol by volume). With a rich amber hue and a complex flavor profile, Wild Turkey 101 boasts notes of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of spice, delivering a warm and full-bodied experience. Its distinctive taste is attributed to a longer-than-average maturation process in new charred American oak barrels. This bourbon has garnered a loyal following among whiskey enthusiasts who appreciate its intense and well-balanced flavors, making Wild Turkey 101 a timeless and classic choice for those seeking a hearty bourbon experience. Buy it now for $26.99.

Bulleit Bourbon

The Bulleit Bourbon  is crafted from the identical high-rye mash bill used in the original expression. The chosen barrels are blended into a single batch and bottled at Stitzel-Weller in Louisville, Kentucky. Staying true to its name, this iteration is presented uncut and unfiltered, directly from the barrel. Notably, each batch exhibits a unique alcohol by volume (ABV), fluctuating between 118 and 125 proof. Buy it now for $39.99.

Old Overholt Rye

The nose is straightforward, offering notes of corn and oak with a subtle hint of honey. On the palate, there's a balanced sweetness accompanied by prominent wood and spice flavors, leading to a long, sweet finish. Buy it now for $20.99!

Rittenhouse Straight Rye Whiskey

Rittenhouse Straight Rye Whiskey boasts a remarkable track record, earning both a 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Double Gold Medal and a 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Gold Medal. This whiskey is deeply rooted in the tradition of classic rye whiskeys that once reigned supreme in American whiskey, and its legacy is preserved through the efforts of Heaven Hill and two other distilleries. Buy now on sale for $26.99.

Sazerac Rye

Described as "insanely affordable" by rye whiskey enthusiasts, this Kentucky whiskey stands out as one of the most drinkable options available. Aged for six years in new charred American oak barrels and comprising at least 51% rye grain, its profile features a lively hint of orange zest complemented by a smooth smoky clove undertone. 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!

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!

The Glenlivet Scotch Single Malt 12 Year

The Glenlivet Scotch Single Malt 12 Year is a distinguished and iconic expression from one of Scotland's most renowned distilleries. This classic single malt is crafted in the Speyside region and represents The Glenlivet's commitment to quality and tradition. With a bright and floral nose, it introduces aromas of orchard fruits, citrus, and a subtle hint of vanilla. The palate is elegantly balanced, featuring notes of ripe pear, apple, and a touch of honey, all wrapped in a silky texture. The finish is smooth and enduring, leaving behind traces of oak and a gentle sweetness. The Glenlivet 12 Year is a timeless single malt that captures the essence of Speyside craftsmanship. Buy it now for $68.99.

Macallan 12 Year Old Sherry Oak

Type: Single Malt Scotch. Flavor Profile: Known for its rich and full-bodied character, with notes of dried fruits, sherry, and oak. Buy now for $104.99.

Lagavulin 16 Year Old

Type: Single Malt Scotch. Flavor Profile: Rich and peaty, with a combination of smoky, maritime, and medicinal notes. Buy now for $81.99.

Ardbeg 10 Year Old

Type: Single Malt Scotch. Flavor Profile: Intensely peaty and smoky, with hints of citrus and a briny character. Buy now for $64.99.

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!

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!

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!

Dewar's 12 Year Old, Scotland

Dewar's Master Blender has crafted a perfectly balanced blend of carefully selected 12-year-old malt and grain Scotch whiskies. This marriage enhances the smoothness discernible to the palate, culminating in a rich, well-rounded finish with a subtle hint of oak. Buy it now!

The Famous Grouse

The Famous Grouse is exceptionally smooth and meticulously balanced, each cask undergoes a thorough nosing before blending, ensuring the highest quality and consistent excellence from batch to batch. Representing Scotland's favorite blend, this whisky harmoniously combines the finest malts with exceptional grain whiskies. With an ABV of 40.0%, this carefully crafted expression epitomizes the artistry and precision of Scottish whisky-making, delivering a delightful and reliably enjoyable drinking experience. Buy it now for $32.71.

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!

RedBreast Single Pot Still 12 Year Old Irish Whiskey

Founded in 1857 at the corner of Oxford Street and Berwick in London, W&A Gilbey Co. grew to be a prominent wine and spirits merchant with one of the largest whiskey inventories across Dublin, Belfast, and Edinburgh by the turn of the century. In 1912, Gilbeys introduced Redbreast 12 Year Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, named after the Robin Redbreast bird, reflecting the Chairman's passion for ornithology. Today, Redbreast continues this legacy, employing a blend of malted and unmalted barley triple-distilled through copper-pot stills—a distinctively Irish approach. Aged in Oloroso sherry and bourbon casks, this 12-year-old whiskey offers a unique character with delicate linseed oil and roasted nut aromas, evolving into vibrant notes of ginger, oak, and caramel, culminating in a spicy finish adorned with raisins and sherry. Buy it now for $74.99.

Teeling Small Batch

Following the Teeling family's departure from Cooley, the distillery they founded, the eagerly anticipated return has arrived in the form of Teeling Whiskey. This expression, finished in rum casks and bottled at 46% without chill-filtration, serves as a compelling statement of their commitment to quality. The blend is reputed to feature a significant amount of first-fill bourbon cask whiskey and an elevated ratio of malt to grain, promising a distinctive and flavorful profile. Buy it now for $39.99.

Powers Gold Label Irish Whiskey

Powers Gold Label offers a sophisticated and nuanced tasting experience characterized by a blend of complex spices and honeyed notes. The distillation process involves a triple distillation, with meticulous attention given to capturing only the purest heart of the distillate by carefully selecting portions from the second and third pot still charges. The matured spirit is then aged in carefully chosen American oak barrels, allowing the distinctive distillate-driven style to take center stage. This exceptional whiskey is further enhanced by the addition of the finest grain whiskey, ensuring a harmonious and exclusive maturation in American oak barrels. Buy it now for $40.99.

Writer's Tears Pot Still Irish Whiskey

For those who associate Irish Whiskey with Jameson, the resurgence of craft spirits in Ireland introduces a delightful alternative—Teeling. This award-winning blend of Pot Still and Single Malt Whiskeys has gained popularity for its delicious, light, and sweet profile. A harmonious combination of 100% barley, both malted and unmalted, is aged in bourbon casks, resulting in an easy-drinking whiskey at 80 proof. Recognized with 93 points by Jim Murray in 2010, this Irish gem is perfect for those seeking a delightful introduction to the world of Irish Whiskeys. While recommended for everyday enjoyment, its scarcity might encourage savoring this exceptional spirit for special occasions. Buy it now for $43.99.

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!

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!

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!

Nikka From the Barrel

Nikka From The Barrel embodies the essence of blended whisky, capturing the full spectrum of flavors and richness derived directly "from barrels." Established in 1934, Nikka has emerged as a powerhouse in the world of whiskey, celebrated for its diverse range of single malt and blended offerings. Operating two distilleries, Yoichi and Miyagikyo, Nikka has solidified its position as one of the most popular whiskey brands globally. Through expert craftsmanship and dedication to quality, Nikka continues to captivate whiskey enthusiasts with its exceptional expressions. 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!

Lot No 40 Canadian Rye Whisky

Lot No. 40 rye whisky, named after land linked to retired Master Blender Michael Booth's ancestor, is meticulously crafted in small batches, adhering strictly to Booth's original recipe. Distilled in copper pots to accentuate its fruity and floral qualities, the whisky matures in premium white oak casks, developing a velvety oak finish. Re-launched due to overwhelming demand, Lot No. 40 stands as a complex and rewarding expression of unmistakably Canadian whisky. Voted Canadian Whisky of the Year, it showcases a commitment to tradition, craftsmanship, and the enduring popularity of its distinctive flavor profile. Buy it now for $48.99.

Crown Royal Special Reserve

Relax in luxury with a glass of Crown Royal Reserve Blended Canadian Whisky. This reserve-grade whisky boasts a velvety texture and pronounced notes of clove, cinnamon, and rye, crafted from a blend of 50 deep-bodied whiskies for a refined and rich flavor experience. Buy it now!