International Whiskeys To Expand Your Palate
International Whiskeys To Expand Your Palate
If your whiskey shelf starts and ends with American bourbon and Scottish single malts, you're only scratching the surface. Whiskey is a global spirit now, and some of the most exciting bottles being produced today come from places you might not expect — India, Taiwan, Australia, Japan, Ireland, and Israel, just to name a few. Each region brings its own climate, ingredients, traditions, and attitude to the craft, resulting in flavors that can range from tropical and fruit-forward to smoky and maritime in ways that feel completely fresh. Expanding your palate beyond the familiar isn't just adventurous — it's the fastest way to deepen your appreciation for what whiskey can be. These international picks are the perfect place to start your around-the-world pour.
Boann Irish Whiskey
Family-owned Boann Distillery recently released its first Single Pot Still Irish Whiskeys in the U.S., available in Marsala, Madeira, and Pedro Ximénez cask finishes. These releases join Boann's celebrated portfolio of spirits, including Silks Irish Dry Gin and The Whistler Irish Whiskey. The PX sherry cask expression has already earned significant acclaim, receiving a Double Gold medal and 99 points at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Learn more.
Starward Single Barrel Single Malt Australian Whisky S2B5
This contemporary whisky embarked on its journey by entering a fresh red wine barrel in September 2017, and it was later transferred to a heavy char American oak barrique in August 2019. Embodying the unique essence of Melbourne, Starward's home, it stands as a testament to its origin. This whisky is true to its roots, being non-chill filtered and bottled at its cask strength. As observed by Lee Diaz, a Topflight Series Panel Member, Starward's mission is to craft a truly Australian whisky that sets the standard for the category. Their core releases, such as Two-Fold, Nova, and Solera, have undoubtedly achieved this goal by sourcing grains from the vicinity of their Melbourne distillery and aging all their expressions in red wine barrels, delivering distinct and local character in every bottle. Eager to explore what this award-winning brand has to offer, the panel secured a barrel, resulting in a 111-proof whisky. Having initially matured in wine barrels and then finished in a 225L barrique barrel, it harmoniously combines fruit notes with malt and oak influences. The nose reveals hints of berries, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a subtle malt presence, while the palate offers blackberry accents, toasted marshmallows, and dark chocolate. The finish is marked by notes of cola, strawberry jam, and understated leather tannins. For those familiar with Starward, this pour offers an elevated proof experience of what they already adore. For newcomers to the distillery, it serves as a perfect and evocative introduction to the world of Starward. This particular expression is noted for its 111.00 proof, a 4-year aging process, and a mash bill comprised of 100% malted barley. It began its aging journey in a fresh red wine barrel in September 2017 and was extracted from the barrel in May 2022. Buy it now.
Indri Trini (The Three Wood)
Indri is a remarkable Indian single malt whisky made from indigenous six-row barley that has been grown for hundreds of years in Rajasthan. The inaugural award-winning expression, one of India's finest single malts, is matured in ex-bourbon, ex-French wine, and PX sherry casks, crafted with precision to showcase the unique character of each wood. The name Indri is derived from the Sanskrit word Indriya, meaning five senses. Learn more.
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.
Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique
Prepare to have your whisky-loving mind blown if you haven't encountered Kavalan Distillery yet. Situated on the island of Taiwan, this newcomer to the Single Malt scene has rapidly gained acclaim, triumphing in awards and outshining established whiskies in blind taste tests, earning praise even from Jim Murray. Founded in 2005 by Mr. Tien-Tsai Lee and now owned by Taiwan’s King Car Group, Kavalan boasts an impressive range of eighteen Single Malt offerings, each capturing the essence of excellence. Among these, the Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique stands out, having clinched numerous international awards. Fully matured in re-toasted red and white wine casks and bottled at cask strength, this Taiwanese gem signals the rising prominence of Taiwanese whisky, potentially rivaling even the legendary Pappy Van Winkle. Buy it now!
Paul John Edited Single Malt Indian Whisky
Founded by Paul P. John in 1992 in Goa, India, Paul John Distilleries has swiftly grown into one of the largest independent Spirits companies globally in just two decades. With a diverse portfolio spanning Wines, Brandies, Single Malts, Whiskies, and specialty Spirits, the company operates from its distillery in Goa, established in 1996. Among its intriguing offerings, Paul John Edited stands out as a unique blend of two Whisky terroirs. Predominantly using barley from northern India, it incorporates 15% Scottish peated barley, delivering a briny smoke with around 20-25ppm. Master Distiller Michael John enhances its complexity by maturing it in ex-Bourbon casks, offering a delightful experience for both Whisky connoisseurs and peat enthusiasts. Buy it now!
Two Stacks Cask Strength Blended Irish Whiskey
Crafted by three visionary friends at the forefront of revitalizing the Irish beverage industry, Two Stacks embraces artisanal blending, rejecting industrial norms. Every aspect of their production is meticulously executed by hand, guided by taste and aroma. The 'Cask Strength' expression mirrors the 5-part blend of grain whiskies aged in ex-bourbon and virgin American oak barrels, maintaining the non-chill filtration of their flagship 'The First Cut' but bottled at cask strength for a distinct profile. Noteworthy aromas of dried tobacco, grilled pineapple, and subtle peat pave the way for a palate featuring concentrated shortbread, caramel, and tropical fruit. This high-octane dram unfolds with a few drops of water, transforming into a pineapple-upside-down-cake dream, leaving lingering sherry and leather notes. Buy it now for $75.00.
Indri Dru (Wood, Tree, or Vessel Made of Wood)
Indri Dru is an award-winning cask strength expression in which selected ex-bourbon barrels are handpicked and married together by Indri's master blender to deliver an experience that awakens the senses. The name Dru draws from ancient Indian mythology, where it referred to a vessel in which "soma," a drink of the gods, was collected and offered as a sacred tribute. Learn more.
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.
Amrut Fusion Single Malt Indian Whisky
With its rich and fruity character complemented by a gentle underlying spiciness, this single malt is a triumph and serves as the perfect introduction to the world of Indian whisky. Buy it now!
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.
Milk & Honey Elements Sherry Cask Single Malt Whisky
Milk & Honey Distillery, founded by Gal Kalkshtein and team, stands as Israel's pioneer in distillation. Established in 2014, it marked a historic moment in 2017 with the release of the first Single Malt in Israel, The M&H Classic. Expanding their portfolio, the Elements Series, launched in 2020, exemplifies their commitment to unique wood aging methods infused with an Israeli touch. The Milk & Honey Elements Sherry Cask, a Gold Medal recipient, epitomizes this "Classic" Single Malt, with 40% aged in specially crafted kosher Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez casks from Spain. With a fruity and floral profile, it is presented at a pristine 46% ABV, unfiltered and in its natural color. Buy it now!
The Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
The single malt whisky Balvenie DoubleWood Speyside has a dusting of sherry, nutty richness, cinnamon spice, and a smooth, mellow flavor. International Spirits Challenge Gold 2023, San Francisco World Spirits Competition Gold 2024. Buy it now!
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!
Starward Nova Single Malt Whisky
Founded by Melbourne native David Vitale in 2007, Starward Distillery thrives in the city's unpredictable climate, where all four seasons unfold in a day. Utilizing barley from nearby farms and maturation barrels from local vineyards, Starward's Whisky undergoes a unique aging process accelerated by Melbourne's climate. The Nova Malt Whisky, a testament to this approach, reflects the Australian essence with a two-year maturation solely in Red Wine barrels. Specially selected to preserve the character of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot, these uncharred barrels capture the innovation and creativity defining Starward, offering a palatial experience despite its youthful age. Buy it now!
Milk & Honey Classic Single Malt Whisky
Milk & Honey Distillery, founded by serial tech entrepreneur Gal Kalkshtein and his team, stands as Israel's first distillery, established with plans crafted in 2012 and production commencing in 2014. In 2017, they proudly announced the release of Israel's inaugural Single Malt, The M&H Classic. The distillery's portfolio now encompasses New Make, Gins, Roots Herbal Liqueur, and various Single Malt expressions. The flagship Milk & Honey Classic Single Malt, celebrated with multiple awards, undergoes maturation "under the Tel Aviv sun," marrying ex-Bourbon and STR Red Wine casks. Bottled at 46% ABV without chill-filtration or artificial colorings, it presents a delicate and crisp character, featuring floral and caramel notes that unfold on the palate. Buy it now!
Knappogue Castle 16 Year Old Twin Wood Single Malt Irish Whiskey
The Master Distiller moved this single-malt Irish whiskey into sherry-infused casks created especially for Knappogue Castle, where it rested for another 21 months after it had been matured for 14 years in former Bourbon casks. Buy it now!
Macallan 12 Year Old Sherry Oak
Smooth and delectable, this 12 Year Old single malt whisky boasts a luxurious palate of rich dried fruits and sherry, harmoniously intertwined with nuances of woodsmoke and spice. Famed whisky critic F. Paul Pacult lauds it as "simply the best" in his esteemed book Kindred Spirits, solidifying its reputation as a pinnacle of quality and flavor in the whisky world. 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!
Roe & Co Blended Irish Whiskey
Named for George Roe, a true pioneer of Irish whisky, Roe & Co. Irish Whiskey is a premium blend made by renowned master blender Caroline Martin. Buy it now!
Glenmorangie Infinita 18 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
The universe of Glenmorangie encompasses an infinite array of flavors and scents. The Infinita, Glenmorangie's 18-year-old expression, is amazing and always unexpected. Glenmorangie 18 offers a remarkable taste experience with countless levels of delectable flavor to discover. There are countless rooms to explore and hidden passageways to reveal within each glittering drop, which is a multi-layered, multisensory paradise. Buy it now!
The Sexton Single Malt Irish Whiskey
With its remarkable smoothness and depth of flavor, the Sexton Single Malt Irish Whiskey is made from 100% Irish malted barley, triple-distilled in copper pot stills, and matured in European oak barrels seasoned with Oloroso sherry. Buy it now!
Springbank 10 Year Old Campbeltown Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Representing the gateway to Springbank, renowned as one of the world's premier distilleries, this single malt undergoes a meticulous aging process. It matures in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, with a final blend consisting of a 60/40 split respectively. Accentuated by the iconic Campbeltown spring water, the whisky is bottled in its natural state, preserving its authentic character and showcasing the distillery's commitment to craftsmanship and quality. 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!
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