The 15 Best Whiskeys to Buy Now, From Bourbon to Scotch

The 15 Best Whiskeys to Buy Now, From Bourbon to Scotch

Based on an article by Robb Report. In today's whiskey landscape, the choices seem endless, spanning bourbon, scotch, American single malt, and beyond. Amidst this abundance, navigating the options can prove daunting, yet several brands rise above the rest. To aid in your quest for exceptional whiskey, we've curated a list highlighting the finest offerings across various categories. So, here's to happy hunting and raising a glass to the best of the best. Cheers!

Best Overall Whiskey: 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.

Best Bourbon: 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!

Best Rye Whiskey: 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.

Best Barrel-Proof Whiskey: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof

Delight in the unparalleled experience of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon, renowned as the #1 choice in a blind taste test by Whisky Advocate's international reviewers in 2017. This exceptional Bourbon is presented in its purest form—uncut, straight from the barrel, and absent of chill filtering. Individually hand-labeled with a unique proof and batch number, each sip encapsulates the essence of Elijah Craig. Awarded prestigious titles such as Whisky of the Year by Whisky Advocate, #2 Whiskey by Wine Enthusiast, and Double Gold at various renowned competitions, this Bourbon delivers an enticing aroma of caramel, toasted oak, and fruit notes, followed by a palate rich in vanilla, caramel, and butterscotch, complemented by spices of black pepper and cinnamon. The finish is meticulously layered, allowing all flavors to shine, with a gradual, lingering coolness. Buy it now!

Best Cask-Finished Whiskey: Bardstown Bourbon Company 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.

Best Irish Whiskey: Redbreast 15 Year Old

Crafted as a Single Pot Still whiskey, this non-chill filtered expression exudes powerful aromas of orange blossom and thyme, complemented by hints of cedar and cherry. On the palate, indulge in the rich flavors of brown sugar, baked apricots, orange, and vanilla. Concluding with a finish reminiscent of blossom perfume and vanilla, this exceptional whiskey has been honored with a Double Gold Medal at the 2014 San Francisco Spirits Competition. Buy it now!

Best American Single Malt: Westland Garryana Edition Eight

In Seattle, a distillery is crafting exceptional American single malt whiskies, offering a diverse selection of expressions. Among them is the eighth edition of Garryana, a standout in their Outpost Range. Named after the indigenous Pacific Northwest oak utilized in barrel aging, this release stands out as a sherry bomb. Nearly half of the whiskey undergoes maturation in Pedro Ximenez casks for approximately four years, imparting rich notes of dark berries, chocolate, espresso, spice, and raisin. The complex flavor profile beckons enthusiasts to savor each sip, ensuring a memorable tasting experience. Buy it now!

Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky (Unpeated): Aberlour 18

At this Speyside distillery, the majority of their whisky undergoes a unique double aging process in both bourbon barrels and sherry casks before being harmonized. This meticulous approach yields a delightful harmony of oaky vanilla nuances and vibrant spicy dried fruit flavors. Among their offerings, the 18-year-old expression stands out as a pinnacle of their craft, representing one of the finest unpeated scotches available. With nearly two decades of maturation in oak, this single malt exudes a luxurious character that epitomizes the essence of a superbly aged scotch whisky. Buy it now!

Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky (Peated): Highland Park 18

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.

Best Whiskey for Cocktails: Knob Creek 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 for $39.99.

Best Whiskey Under $50: Woodford Reserve

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 for $33.99.

Best Splurge Whiskey: Ardbeg 25

While undoubtedly a splurge, the 25-year-old offering from Islay's Ardbeg distillery stands as a pinnacle of peated whiskies. A quarter century of maturation in barrels has softened the bold smokiness characteristic of Ardbeg's expressions, yet retains enough to prominently showcase its defining character. The palate is rich with a symphony of flavors, including ample spice, hints of vanilla, citrus zest, ripe fruit, and, unmistakably, the lingering essence of peat. Buy it now!

Best World Whisky: Paul John Classic Select Cask

There is great whisky to be found all around the world these days, including India which has become a hot bed of high-quality single malts. The climate in Goa, where Paul John is located, is quite literally hot—the tropical heat here has a big impact upon the whisky as it ages. The distillery’s Classic Select Cask expression is fruity, spicy, and full of caramel and toffee notes. It’s bottled at a strong 55.2 percent ABV, so go ahead and add a drop of water to unlock some new flavors and tone it down a bit if you prefer. Buy it now!

Best Japanese Whisky: Hakushu 18

You’ve probably heard the news—Japanese whisky is very rare and very expensive these days (although getting slightly less so). But age statement bottles from distilleries like Hakushu, one of the Suntory distilleries along with Yamazaki and Chita, are just some of the best in this popular category. The 18-year-old expression from Hakushu, a distillery located in the Japanese Alps, is fantastic with notes of light peat, baking spice, honey, vanilla and oak are delectable. If you’re looking for a reason to splurge, this is a bottle that will not disappoint. Buy it now!