The 14 Best Whiskeys to Buy Now, From Bourbon to Scotch

The 14 Best Whiskeys to Buy Now, From Bourbon to Scotch

In today's whiskey landscape, the abundance of options can be overwhelming, spanning from bourbon to scotch to American single malt and everything in between. While sorting through them all can be daunting, there are undoubtedly standout choices among the best whiskey brands. To simplify your search, we've compiled a list to guide you towards some of the top whiskeys in various categories. Happy hunting, and cheers to finding your perfect pour.

Maker’s Mark Cask Strength Bourbon

At a robust 108 to 114 proof, Maker's Mark® Cask Strength intensifies the front-of-the-palate flavors characteristic of Maker's Mark®. In essence, it's Maker's™ with an abundance of Maker's™. However, the focal point isn't merely the elevated alcohol content; it's the remarkable taste. Maker's Mark® Cask Strength amplifies the signature flavors of rich oak, vanilla, caramel, and spice that define the distinctive profile of Maker's Mark, delivering a bold and intensified expression of the beloved classic. Buy now for $76.99.

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!

Michter's US1 Barrel Strength Rye Whiskey

The May 2015 launch of Michter's US1 Barrel Strength Rye, their inaugural release, marked a significant milestone in their pursuit of excellence. This rye whiskey boasts a captivating aroma of butterscotch and cinnamon with subtle cherry notes. The taste profile is characterized by a warm, rich, and toasty blend of vanilla and caramel upfront, culminating in a dry, oaky spiciness on the finish. Michter's distinctive approach includes entering the rye distillate into barrels at a lower 103 proof, contrary to the industry norm, which requires additional investment in barrels and warehousing. However, they believe this meticulous process results in a whiskey with a more luxurious, smoother, and fuller-bodied character after proper aging. Each bottle of Michter's US1 Barrel Strength Rye is derived from a single barrel and maintains its unique alcohol level at the time of bottling, typically ranging from 107 to 112 proof. For those who appreciate rye whiskey, savoring this unique product offers an unparalleled experience. Buy now for $249.97.

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon

In 2024, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof will once again grace our home bar cart. This distinguished expression, paying homage to the Baptist preacher often credited with bourbon's invention, is released periodically throughout the year. While each batch may vary slightly, you can anticipate a palate brimming with flavors of toffee, peppery rye, vanilla beans, cinnamon sugar, oaky wood, and subtle wintry spices. Bold, rich, and full-bodied, it's a whiskey meant to be savored slowly, especially on a crisp evening. Buy it now!

Bardstown Bourbon Collaborative Series: Foursquare

From Kentucky, the Bardstown Bourbon Collaborative Series: Foursquare secures a score of 94, boasting a robust 53.5% ABV and priced at $169.99. This collaboration exemplifies the art of blending and the expertise of Foursquare distillery. A harmonious dance of flavors awaits those who appreciate the complexity of well-crafted bourbon. Buy it now for $169.99.

Redbreast 15 Year Old

Irish whiskey has surged in popularity, with blends from well-known brands like Jameson at the forefront. For a superior drinking experience, try Redbreast, a single pot still Irish whiskey also produced at Midleton, the distillery behind Jameson. "Single pot still" signifies that the whiskey is crafted at one distillery in a pot still from a mash bill of both malted and unmalted barley. The 15-year-old Redbreast is the pinnacle of the brand, aged in bourbon and sherry casks, which imbue it with rich flavors of dried fruit, vanilla, spice, and a hint of fruitcake on the palate. Buy it now!

Westland Garryana Edition Eight

This Seattle distillery produces some of the finest American single malts, offering a variety of expressions. The eighth edition of Garryana, part of the Outpost Range, is named after the native Pacific Northwest oak used in some of its barrels. This latest release is notably a sherry bomb, with nearly half of the whiskey aged for about four years in Pedro Ximenez casks. The result is a complex blend of dark berries, chocolate, espresso, spice, and raisin flavors, creating a bottle you'll want to revisit time and again. Buy it now!

Aberlour 18

Most of the whisky from this Speyside distillery undergoes double aging in bourbon barrels and sherry casks, creating a harmonious blend of oaky vanilla and spicy dried fruit flavors. The 18-year-old expression is a standout, renowned as one of the best unpeated scotches available. Nearly two decades in oak impart a rich character, making this single malt a perfect example of a well-aged Scotch whisky. Buy it now!

Highland Park 18 Year Old

Crafted with meticulous care and matured in a significant proportion of first-fill sherry seasoned European and American oak casks, this exceptional 18 Year Old single malt from Highland Park has garnered widespread acclaim and accolades. Notably, it received both a Gold medal and an Ultimate Recommendation with a score of 96 at the 2021 International Spirits Challenge, solidifying its status as a top-tier whisky. Edrington, the esteemed maker of Highland Park, achieved remarkable success in 2023, reaching billion-pound business status following a significant revenue increase of 22% from its core brands, which also include The Macallan, The Glenrothes, and the Famous Grouse blended whisky. Buy it now for $192.99.

Knob Creek Small Batch Bourbon

This bottle of Knob Creek, which is a distinguished bourbon brand under the Jim Beam umbrella, is celebrated for its commitment to traditional craftsmanship and robust flavor. Named after Abraham Lincoln's childhood home, this small-batch Kentucky straight bourbon is aged for a patient nine years, longer than most counterparts, in charred American oak barrels. With a proof of 100, Knob Creek delivers a rich and full-bodied taste characterized by deep caramel, vanilla, and nutty undertones, embodying a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Recognized for its consistency and bold character, Knob Creek has carved a niche as a go-to choice for bourbon enthusiasts seeking a hearty and well-aged whiskey experience. Buy it now!

Woodford Reserve Bourbon

Woodford Reserve stands out among classic bourbons for its rich and complex flavor profile, making it a versatile choice for cocktails. While it shares the sweet characteristics of other bourbons like Buffalo Trace and Elijah Craig, Woodford Reserve boasts deeper, more indulgent notes of dried fruit, toffee, and dark chocolate. Additionally, it offers a unique balance of leathery, tobacco-spice undertones alongside complex citrus flavors of oranges and lemon. While it excels in cocktails like the Old Fashioned, Woodford Reserve also lends itself to creative twists like the New York Sour, where its mature flavors harmonize beautifully with dry red wine. By selecting a wine that complements either the sweet and fruity or leathery, spicy notes of the bourbon, you can tailor the cocktail to your taste preferences and create a truly memorable drinking experience. Buy it now!

Ardbeg 25

While it may be a splurge, the 25-year-old expression from Islay distillery Ardbeg stands as one of the finest peated whiskies you'll ever encounter. A quarter century in barrels has mellowed the assertive smokiness that characterizes Ardbeg's whiskies, yet there's still enough to showcase its defining character. The palate is rich with ample spice, complemented by notes of vanilla, citrus, fruit, and, of course, the unmistakable presence of peat. Buy it now!

Paul John Bold Single Malt Indian Whisky

Surprising and unique, this peated dram hails from the unexpected location of Goa, India, courtesy of the renowned distillery, Paul John. This medium-peated single malt takes a distinctive twist by importing peat from Islay, Scotland, where it is used to smoke Paul John's high-quality six-row Indian barley. The marriage of Islay peat and Indian barley yields a captivating and smoky whisky that defies traditional expectations. Buy it now!

Hakushu 18

You've likely heard the buzz—Japanese whisky has become increasingly rare and expensive, although the situation is gradually improving. However, age-statement bottles from esteemed distilleries like Hakushu, a part of the Suntory group alongside Yamazaki and Chita, remain among the finest in this sought-after category. The 18-year-old expression from Hakushu, nestled in the Japanese Alps, is truly exceptional. Offering delightful notes of light peat, baking spice, honey, vanilla, and oak, it's a bottle well worth the splurge, promising a rewarding experience that won't disappoint. Buy it now!