Throwback: 25 Best Whiskeys in the World in 2024

Throwback: 25 Best Whiskeys in the World in 2024

To compile this article, we conducted extensive research utilizing various sources including Liquor, VinePair, Men’s Journal, and relevant Reddit threads to identify the top whiskeys to purchase in 2024. Whiskeys that appeared frequently across multiple sources were shortlisted and assigned scores based on their number of appearances. These scores were then used to rank the whiskeys, with ties being broken by considering the price (excluding tax) of their 750 ml bottles. This meticulous approach ensures that we present readers with a curated selection of the finest whiskeys available on the market.

25. Bowmore 15 Year Old

Bowmore 15 Year Old Scotch Whisky offers a delightful blend of flavors, thanks to its maturation process in Bourbon and sherry casks. With its origins dating back to 1779, Bowmore stands as Islay's inaugural distillery, renowned for its meticulously crafted single malt whiskies. The 15 Year Old expression tantalizes the palate with notes of dried fruits, treacle toffee, and indulgent dark chocolate. As part of the Beam Suntory portfolio, Bowmore enjoys a prestigious status among the world's best-selling Scotch whisky brands.

24. 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.

23. Henry McKenna Single Barrel

Henry McKenna Single Barrel Bourbon stands as a testament to meticulous craftsmanship and adherence to strict standards, being the sole extra-aged Bottled-in-Bond Single Barrel Bourbon. Its designation as such underscores its compliance with rigorous U.S. government regulations concerning age and proof. Remarkably, this bourbon undergoes an extended aging process, enduring the passage of 40 Kentucky seasons while maturing in the barrel. Such dedication to quality and tradition ensures that each bottle of Henry McKenna Single Barrel Bourbon offers a rich and nuanced drinking experience that aficionados cherish.

22. Four Roses 135th Anniversary Limited Edition Small Batch

Crafted at a robust 108 proof, the Four Roses 2023 limited edition bourbon offers a journey through nuanced flavors and intricate depths. Its aromatic profile entices with notes of allspice, vanilla, and refined oak, complemented by subtle hints of cinnamon and clove. Since its acquisition by the Japanese Kirin Holdings Company in 2002, Four Roses has consistently upheld its reputation among the most esteemed bourbon brands in the United States, celebrated for its unwavering commitment to quality and craftsmanship.

21. Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Old

At a formidable 114.8 barrel proof, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Old Bourbon offers a truly distinctive sipping experience, characterized by a harmonious blend of sweet and woody notes. From the initial sip to the lingering finish, this expression delights the palate with a rich tapestry of flavors, including luscious honey, decadent chocolate, and indulgent nougat. Originally introduced as a limited one-time offering in 2021, its exceptional reception prompted the distillery to announce a second release, now slated to become an annual limited edition. With its coveted status among bourbon enthusiasts and a very limited bottle count, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Old Bourbon remains a highly sought-after treasure in the world of whiskey connoisseurship.

20. Compass Box Hedonism

Crafted with meticulous care and exclusively matured in American oak barrels, Compass Box presents a delightful offering with its blended grain whisky, Hedonism. Renowned for over two decades of innovation and dedication to redefining Scotch whisky, Compass Box continuously pushes the boundaries to create blends that captivate and inspire. Hedonism, with its smooth and creamy profile, stands as a testament to the brand's commitment to excellence and its mission to enrich the world of whisky with each distinctive creation. Recognized among the Best Whiskies to Drink in 2024, Compass Hedonism is a testament to the brand's unwavering pursuit of quality and innovation.

19. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch C923 

To savor a pour of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is to immerse oneself in the pure essence of Bourbon – unadulterated, straight from the cask, and absent of any dilution or filtration. Rested for a full 12 years, this expression embodies the bold and unapologetic nature of charred oak barrel aging, a technique pioneered by none other than Elijah Craig himself. Revered as the 'Father of Bourbon,' Craig's innovation of aging whiskey in charred oak barrels laid the foundation for the iconic spirit we know today. Through this transformative process, the clear distillate is imbued with the deep amber hues and rich flavors synonymous with Bourbon, culminating in an unparalleled sensory experience that pays homage to Bourbon's storied heritage and enduring legacy.

18. Green Spot

Green Spot, a distinguished non-age statement Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, epitomizes the essence of tradition and craftsmanship. Crafted from pot still whiskeys aged between seven and ten years, it undergoes maturation in an assortment of new and refill Bourbon casks, along with sherry casks, to achieve its remarkable complexity and depth of flavor. As part of the esteemed Pernod Ricard family since 1988, Green Spot embodies a rich legacy deeply rooted in the heritage of Irish whiskey, offering enthusiasts a timeless expression that honors the essence of its origins.

17. Jack Daniel’s Coy Hill Single Barrel

Named after the highest-elevated rolling hill on the Jack Daniel Distillery property, this rare high-proof release is a testament to the artistry of whiskey making. It pays homage to the unique influence of barrel house location and the extreme weather and maturation conditions that shape the exceptional flavor profile of the whiskey. This special release exemplifies the mastery and dedication of the distillery team, offering enthusiasts a distinctive expression that captures the essence of its storied heritage and unparalleled craftsmanship.

16. Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old

This 12-year-old Islay single malt marks the inception of the Bunnahabhain core range, celebrated for its remarkable introduction and widespread acclaim. Uniquely non-chill filtered and presented in its natural color, this whisky showcases a captivating harmony of sweet fruit, nuts, vanilla, and subtle coastal influences. What sets Bunnahabhain apart is its dedication to crafting non-peated whiskies, positioning it in competition with Speyside and other whisky regions rather than traditional Islay powerhouses. With its accessible price point of around $67 per bottle, Bunnahabhain earns its place among the top whiskies worldwide for exceptional value.

15. Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year Old 

Pappy Van Winkle stands as one of the most sought-after Bourbons, embodying the pinnacle of craftsmanship, patience, and a steadfast dedication to excellence inherent in the Pappy Van Winkle tradition. Crafted at the esteemed Buffalo Trace distillery, this revered expression is renowned among Bourbon aficionados for its distinctive wheated mash bill. Despite the release of tens of thousands of new bottles each November, the allure of Pappy persists, driving the secondary market to unprecedented heights. In 2018, a single bottle of Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 23-year-old Bourbon fetched a staggering $20,000 at auction, underscoring its status as a whiskey of unparalleled prestige. Pappy 15 epitomizes the essence of a must-try whiskey, representing an experience worthy of any enthusiast's bucket list.

14. GlenDronach Revival 15 Year Old

The GlenDronach's 15-year-old expression exemplifies the distillery's renowned approach to maturation, which centers around the influence of exquisite Spanish Sherry Casks sourced from Andalucía's Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry producers. Over the course of 15 years, this whisky matures in the hallowed confines of The GlenDronach's dunnage warehouses, where it undergoes a transformation, absorbing the rich flavors and complexities imparted by the sherry casks. Following its acquisition by Brown-Forman, the parent company of Jack Daniel's, in 2016 as part of The BenRiach Distillery Company portfolio, The GlenDronach continues to uphold its legacy of crafting exceptional Scotch whiskies revered by enthusiasts worldwide.

13. Aberlour A’bunadh

Aberlour A'Bunadh, meaning 'the original' in Gaelic, is a meticulously handcrafted whisky that showcases a rich and intricate flavor profile characterized by luscious notes of moist raisins and homemade fruit cake. Bottled at cask strength, this Speyside gem is renowned for its robust and full-bodied character, delivering an authentic and unadulterated tasting experience. As part of the Chivas Brothers portfolio, a subsidiary of Pernod Ricard, Aberlour stands as one of the leading Scotch Single Malt brands, celebrated for its commitment to quality and tradition. Each batch of A'Bunadh is carefully crafted to uphold the brand's legacy of excellence, making it a prized choice among whisky enthusiasts seeking bold and intense flavors.

12. Loch Lomond 18 Year Old

The Whisky of the Year 2024, as proclaimed by Whisky Exchange, is a distinguished single malt meticulously crafted by Loch Lomond Distillery. Aged for 18 years, this exceptional whisky undergoes maturation in three distinct types of American oak casks, resulting in a rich, full-bodied, and exquisitely fruity character. Bottled at 46% ABV and non-chill filtered, this expression maintains the integrity of its natural flavors, reflecting Loch Lomond's commitment to authenticity and quality. With its perfect representation of the distillery's signature style, this award-winning whisky stands as a testament to Loch Lomond's dedication to excellence in every sip.

11. Talisker 10 Year Old 

Renowned for its exceptional quality and distinctive character, Talisker 10 is a distinguished member of Diageo's esteemed Classic Malts series. This outstanding single malt Scotch whisky is aged for a minimum of 10 years in American oak casks, resulting in a whisky of unparalleled excellence. Talisker 10 has garnered numerous accolades, including a gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2017 and the prestigious title of 'Best Islands Single Malt' at the 2017 World Whiskies Awards. Established in 1830, Talisker holds the distinction of being the oldest Single Malt Scotch Whisky distillery situated on the rugged shores of the Isle of Skye. Acquired by the Distillers Company in 1925 and now part of Diageo, Talisker continues to captivate whisky enthusiasts with its maritime-inspired flavors and rich heritage.

10. Hibiki 17 Year Old

Hibiki 17 Year Old stands as a pinnacle of Japanese whisky craftsmanship, renowned worldwide for its exquisite blend of aged malt and grain whiskies sourced from Suntory's prestigious distilleries. With its spicy and sophisticated profile, Hibiki 17 Year Old often surprises and delights participants in blind tastings, showcasing the depth and complexity of Japanese whisky. Produced in Japan by Beam Suntory, the Hibiki Whisky range exemplifies the art of blending, harmonizing several malt and grain whiskies to orchestrate a symphony of flavors and aromas that captivate the senses.

9. 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.

8. Ardbeg Uigeadail

Named after the renowned Ardbeg distillery's water source, this whisky embodies a harmonious blend of sweetness, spice, and profound smokiness. What sets this expression apart is its unique vatting method, which combines the deep, smoky tones from ex-Bourbon American oak with the rich, raisin-like character of ex-sherry Oloroso casks. Revered by whisky connoisseurs as "as close to perfection as makes no difference," Ardbeg has been crafted on the secluded Scottish Isle of Islay for over two centuries. After falling into disrepair and closing its doors in 1996, the distillery experienced a renaissance when it was acquired by The Glenmorangie Company, a part of the LVMH group, for $8.3 million in 1997.

7. 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.

6. Michter’s 10 Year Rye

Michter’s 10 Year Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Rye upholds the heritage of America’s pioneering whiskey type, rye, from the nation’s earliest whiskey establishment, Michter’s, originally founded as Shenk’s. While the Michter’s brand emerged in the 1990s, it has swiftly ascended to become the fourth-fastest growing label in the Bourbon sector, despite intentionally maintaining limited stocks and releasing small batches. Notably, a bottle of Michter’s 20-Year-Old Bourbon fetched an impressive $27,500 at auction, underscoring its esteemed status among collectors and enthusiasts alike.

5. W. L. Weller 12 Year Old

Named in honor of the Kentucky whiskey trailblazer, William Larue Weller, this twelve-year-old whiskey surpasses the typical aging duration for wheated Bourbons. Renowned for its smooth, well-rounded profile and striking deep bronze hue, this offering hails from the esteemed Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, KY. The W. L. Weller brand, now under the ownership of the Sazerac Company since 1999, is deeply rooted in American whiskey history. Notably, the Frankfort facility stands as the oldest continuously operating distillery in the United States and earned designation as a National Historic Landmark in 2013.

4. Lagavulin 16 Year Old 

Matured in oak casks for a minimum of 16 years, this highly coveted single malt boasts the distinctive peat-smoke essence synonymous with southern Islay whiskies. However, it also presents a complexity marked by richness, dryness, and silkiness, elevating it to an unparalleled drinking experience. Lagavulin stands as one of Islay's oldest distilleries, revered globally for its deeply smoky and peaty expressions. Revered by whisky enthusiasts, Lagavulin Single Malt has played a pivotal role in converting countless individuals to whisky aficionados and remains a steadfast favorite among malt connoisseurs worldwide. Presently, the brand is under the ownership of Diageo.

3. The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak

Crafted as part of Macallan's esteemed Sherry Oak Range, this 18-year-old expression undergoes maturation in meticulously selected sherry seasoned oak casks sourced from Jerez. The result is a whisky characterized by a full-bodied palate boasting mature oak, ginger, and raisin notes, harmonized by its natural light mahogany hue. Renowned for its exceptional quality, Macallan has established itself as a producer of some of the most coveted and opulent whiskies worldwide. Its rare and aged offerings often command staggering prices at auctions, cementing the brand's status as a symbol of luxury and exclusivity in the realm of whisky.

2. Yamazaki 18 Year Old

Crafted with meticulous care, around 80% of the award-winning Yamazaki 18 Year Old single malt undergoes maturation in sherry butts, infusing it with rich and complex flavors. The remaining portion of the whisky ages gracefully in American and Mizunara oak casks, contributing additional layers of depth and character. Launched in 1992, this expression represents a harmonious fusion of fruit, oak, and subtle smoky notes, captivating whisky enthusiasts worldwide. As Suntory's flagship single malt whisky, Yamazaki hails from Japan's esteemed first and oldest malt distillery, showcasing the pinnacle of Japanese whisky craftsmanship.

1. George T. Stagg 2022

George T. Stagg, a prominent figure in the bourbon industry during the Gilded Age of Bourbon in the 19th century, established one of America's most influential distilleries. His legacy lives on in the limited-production George T. Stagg Bourbon whiskey, released as part of Buffalo Trace Distillery's esteemed 'Antique Collection' series. The 2022 edition of this exceptional bourbon comprises barrels aged for over 15 years and 5 months, resulting in a robust and intense flavor profile. With a potent proof of 138.7, this bourbon embodies the rich history and unparalleled craftsmanship synonymous with the Buffalo Trace Distillery.