For example, the lost distilleries are – by their nature – lost, and thereby occupy a hallowed place in our collective consciousness. We fetishize them, as Adam described in one of his sublime meditations, for reasons of nostalgia, as well as the oft-disappointing state of modern whisky. Even for those of us who didn’t have a chance to taste them while they were in operation, the absorbed veneration and awareness that we’re drinking something special and rare can similarly thwart any honest assessment of a dram’s virtues and flaws. There are five stages to the whisky-making process: malting, mashing, fermentation, distillation, and maturation.

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If you want the best value for money with your next bottle of Scotch whisky, the safest bet is Macallan 12 Year Double Cask. An accessible drink, both for the pallet and your wallet, yet complex and rich in taste. Gold at the International Spirits Challenge (2020), Gold at The Scotch Whisky Masters (2020 and 2019)Glenlivet distills its whisky in pots that still use 100 percent malted barley combined with mineral-rich spring water drawn from the distillery’s historic well. A popular choice for whisky novices and experts alike, Johnnie Walker takes the crown again and again for its unrivaled spirits. It’s the world’s most widely distributed brand of Scotch, which means it’ll be a success no matter what occasion you bring it out for. The Glenlivet distillery in Moray, Scotland has been producing whisky since 1824, so it’s safe to say that the distillery knows what it’s doing. And its 12 Year is widely known as one of the most popular whisky in the world. Despite being produced in Scotland, it remains known as the best-selling malt whisky in the United States.

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Knappogue Castle 16 Year Old is an intriguing Irish whiskey with an ever-growing number of notes that seem to appear and disappear each time you sip it. This no-peat, triple-distilled malt whiskey comes aged in both bourbon and sherry barrels, ensuring a well-rounded, slightly sweet aroma and a creamy finish. This Speyside whisky is another great choice from Balvenie’s offerings. It’s a classic after-dinner malt with a richness and complexity stemming from its second distillation in sherry casks. Gold Award at the International Spirits Challenge (2018), Gold Award at the World Whiskies Awards (2017)With a medium price point, Highland Park’s 12 Year Old is nothing if not inviting. Expect a combination of licorice and sweeter notes with a burnt, peaty, and almost salty aftertaste. Before we take a deep dive into the grain spirits that’ll whisk you away, find out more about the terminology you should know about whisky and our selection process for drawing up the best whisky brands in the world. The Blue Label is the brand’s most prestigious blended whisky, coming in with a higher price point that’s more than worthy of the flavors to follow. Oban’s Distillers Edition Single Malt is finished in Fino sherry casks, which elevate the sweetness of the spirit. It’s a must-try from the brand, especially with the relatively low price tag.

Whisky In The World: The Whisky Brands To Drink (2023) 15 Best Whisky In The World: The Whisky Brands To Drink (2023)

Gold at the International Wine & Spirit Competition, Gold at the International Spirits Challenge, and a Master’s Award at The Scotch Whisky Masters competitionIt’s an accomplished blend that’s easily drinkable and definitely worthy of its highly regarded profile. Balvenie’s 12 Year Doublewood is known for being smooth and especially enjoyable with a cigar. Mix it into an old-fashioned to bring out the marmalade and orange peel notes for a perfect afternoon drink. Buchanan’s has been making a name for itself in the whisky world for the past 130 years and is widely recognized as another favorite across the planet. It’s affordable with round and complex offerings that’ll leave a strong first impression on your tastebuds. The world of whisky can sometimes be obscure to the uninitiated. Here are the most important terms you need to know when shopping for whisky. Gold Award at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2018) and Gold Award at the International Spirit Challenge (2017)

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Glenfiddich’s focus as a brand is on creating “the best dram in the valley,” so it’s easy to — rightly — assume that any bottle will be a crowd-pleaser. It’s also the world’s most awarded single malt, offering a range of bottles at a medium price point that’s easily accessible for all. I poured a couple fingers into one of the small leaded crystal tasting cups and the fragrance fully bloomed into a wonderfully evocative symphony of classic whiskey purfumes. Whoa, I again nodded to the imposing bottle. So then I sipped it and my mouth flooded with some of the most satisfyingly balanced flavors I’d yet experienced in my admittedly meager whiskey history. But I had sampled fine 12 and 18 year old Single Malts and Blends and so I had at least a working knowledge of what to expect of a fine or even finer dram. This one certainly deserved consideration among that higher pedigree class, it was so delightfully smooth and subtle yet seductively complex. Gesticulating with all my verve, I attempted to explain to him what he had on his hands. This wasn’t just old booze; it was history! I bumbled my way through a brief dissertation on the consolidation of the Scotch whisky industry, and the associated changes to production methods and so forth. With consummate good manners he excused himself, explaining that the paella needed stirring. The distillery offers one of the largest collections of whisky in the world, so take a look at our list of Johnnie Walker’s bottles to discover the entire range of whisky from the brand.Points and Ultimate Spirits Challenge Finalist, Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition It’s known for its long line of successful bottles and its 12-Year-Old might just be the top choice of them all. This whisky offers the gold standard when it comes to drinking Scotch, with a “heather-honey” flavoring and a wonderful nose. This single malt ages for 14 years in Bourbon casks before being transferred to sherry casks for a final period of aging. This final step results in a whisky that’s luscious and soft, with a full-bodied feel and hints of fresh honey and florals. Throw in some toasted spices and candied fruit and you’ve got yourself a winner in Oban’s single malt. I hesitate to use the descriptor “salty” once more, but that’s what comes through most on both the nose and the palate. This is like a bag of mixed nuts meets a handful of popcorn. I adore the nose but find the palate a bit drying. In total, the delicious notes are memorable and the saline notes are tolerable. As an unexpected curiosity it delivers in fll. I rate it two full steps above average. Score: 7/10 Points at the 2019 Ultimate Spirits Challenge, Double Gold Medal and Best in Class Blended Scotch up to 15 Years at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition