Best Whiskeys to Share and Sip

Best Whiskeys to Share and Sip

Exploring whiskey is an enriching journey, with diverse varieties reflecting regional histories, production methods, and flavor profiles. From Irish whiskey to Scotch, Canadian, and Japanese varieties, each offers a unique experience shaped by stringent regulations and individual craftsmanship. Whether described as peaty, smoky, nutty, or spicy, whiskey's color and taste vary, influenced by aging and barrel type. With recommendations from experts, discovering your favorite whiskey becomes a flavorful adventure.

Best For Entertaining: Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch

Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch Bourbon pays homage to its namesake with a blend of seven-year-old barrels sourced from Kentucky's brick warehouses. Bottled in Bond at 100 proof, this bourbon offers distinctive oak and dried fruit notes, complemented by hints of salted caramel, butterscotch, and orange. Packaged behind a vintage label and canister reminiscent of bygone eras, each bottle embodies the timeless legacy of Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. 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 Whiskey For An Old-fashioned Cocktail: Powers Irish Rye

While some ryes may have a harsh flavor profile for certain palates, this particular Irish rye whiskey offers a smooth and woodsy taste, making it highly drinkable. With its subtle hints of clove and vanilla, it serves well in classic cocktails like an Old Fashioned, enhancing the overall drinking experience. Whether enjoyed neat or in a cocktail, top-shelf whiskeys like this one elevate the taste and quality of any libation, according to Quartin. Buy it now!

Best Affordable Whiskey: 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!

Best Scotch Whisky: Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old

The Balvenie's DoubleWood 12 Year Old showcases the art of dual cask maturation. Starting in bourbon casks and finishing in sherry casks, it offers a rich and honeyed profile with layers of vanilla and dried fruit. Buy it now for $69.99.

Best Irish whiskey: Redbreast 27 Year Old

Crafted through maturation in Bourbon, sherry, and ruby port casks, Redbreast 27 stands as the oldest permanent addition to the esteemed Redbreast lineup. With a robust 53.6% ABV, this whiskey offers a bouquet rich in tropical fruits, orange zest, vanilla bean, toffee, oak, and berries. Its palate delights with a harmonious blend of fruity and spicy notes. As the best-selling single pot still whiskey globally, Redbreast epitomizes the essence of this traditional style of Irish whiskey craftsmanship. Buy it now!

Best Canadian Whiskey: 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.

Best Bourbon: Michter's US*1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon

This Michter’s Bourbon is crafted from a meticulously chosen mashbill showcasing top-tier American corn, Michter's US1 Bourbon undergoes a maturation process that extends beyond eight years, reaching optimal perfection. This genuinely small-batch bourbon is meticulously curated, usually consisting of no more than two dozen barrels per batch, eliminating the possibility of blending imperfections and demanding excellence from each barrel. Embodying the essence of Kentucky's Bluegrass State, Michter's US1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon offers a nuanced, mellow, and earthy profile, capturing the true spirit of its origin. Buy it now for $55.99.

Best Whiskey To Give As A Present: Russell’s Reserve 10 Year Old

Handcrafted by Master Distiller Jimmy Russell and his son Eddie, this small batch bourbon captivates with a woody, piney aromatic surface layered over dry scents of grain and resin. Initial notes of corny sweetness give way to a subtle hint of butterscotch, culminating in a full-bodied, sweet, and clean flavor profile. Recognized with a Gold Medal at the 2007 San Francisco Spirits Competition, this bourbon exemplifies excellence and craftsmanship. Buy it now!