It’s never been a more exciting time to be a whisky drinker.
Alongside the best whisky brands that have been pleasing lovers of the spirit for years comes a new influx of distilleries making subtle differences to switch things up. These whisky brands are introducing unique flavor profiles, unusual aging methods, and thinking up new tricks as time passes to keep the drink at the forefront of our minds.
And when it comes to whisky, the cliché is true: there really is something for everyone.
Take a glance through amber-tinted glasses to explore a huge range of our favorite drams, from the peaty Laphroaigs to the smooth Balvenie and the unconventional Teelings.
We’ve compiled a list of our 15 favorite brands for drinking on every occasion. Looking for the best budget whisky, the best single malt whisky, or the once-in-a-lifetime must-try whisky? You’ll find them all in our guide below.
In a rush? No problem! Here’s our selection of the best options available right now.
BEST OVERALL
GLENMORANGIE
A smooth Scotch whisky that connoisseurs and newcomers alike will delight in.
BEST TASTING
JOHNNIE WALKER
The world’s most widely distributed brand of Scotch whisky. Velvety smooth and vibrant.
BEST VALUE
MACALLAN
A smooth on the palate (and wallet) Scotch whisky. Perfect for fireside sipping.
The 15 best whiskies of the year
- Glenmorangie Signet: Overall best whisky
- Macallan 12 Year Double Cask: Best value whisky
- Johnnie Walker Blue Label: Best tasting whisky
- Oban Distillers Edition Single Malt: Best sipping whisky
- Bowmore Islay: Best single malt Scotch whisky
- Buchanan’s 12 Year Scotch: Best blended whisky
- Highland Park 12 Year Old: Best whisky for the money
- Glenlivet 12 Year: Best whisky under $50
- Yamazaki 12 Year Old: Best Japanese whisky
- Knappogue Castle 16 Year Old: Best Irish whiskey
- Glenfiddich Bourbon Barrel Reserve 14 Year: Best whisky to drink neat
- Monkey Shoulder: Best whisky to mix in a cocktail
- Balvenie 12 Year Doublewood: Best whisky for an Old Fashioned
- Ballantine’s Finest: Best budget whisky
- The Singleton Of Dufftown 54 Year Old: Most expensive whisky
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.
Also, keep in mind that this is a selection of mostly Scotch whisky. You’ll find a few Irish and Japanese whiskeys on our list because they follow similar production processes, but check our round-up of the best American whiskeys and bourbons or the best Irish whiskeys if you want other flavors.
1. Glenmorangie Signet: Overall best whisky
In short, you really can’t go wrong with a bottle of Glenmorangie. This is a household name and for a reason: the brand knows what works and sticks to it. The distillery’s successful recipes have barely changed over the course of two centuries, and it’s a consistent winner (Check out our dedicated brand page if you are interested in learning more about Glenmorangie).
Glenmorangie Signet, first released in 2008, is the first single malt whisky to use high roast chocolate malt barley with a blend of Glenmorangie’s rarest whiskies matured in bespoke casks. It’s so special that each year, for an entire week, the distillery stops every other activity and dedicates itself to producing the chocolate malt barley for the Signet.
The nose is the first thing that’ll impress you: warm coffee, ginger, and cinnamon, followed by dark chocolate and tiramisu. It’s a pleasant aroma that focuses on sweet notes. The taste is an explosion of mocha and dark chocolate with a touch of apricot and exotic spices. You’ll finish on a note of creamy cappuccino and amaretto with bitter-sweet orange.
Glenmorangie’s Signet takes the crown for best whisky of the year thanks to its character and complexity, daring to explore new horizons and doing so very successfully.
| Region of origin: | Highland, Scotland |
| Proof: | 92 |
| Awards: | 96 Points and Ultimate Spirits Challenge Finalist, Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition |
2. Macallan 12 Year Double Cask: Best value whisky
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.
Hailing from the Highland region of Scotland, Macallan is an iconic distillery known for winning several awards. The brand dates back to 1824, making it one of the most trusted whisky distillers in the world too. It’s known for being partial to a sweet note. Learn more about the brand and see their entire whisky collection in our list of Macallan bottle prices.
The 12 Year Double Cask is Macallan’s entry-level spirit — but don’t be put off by that. The vast range of notes from this bottle makes it an enjoyable drink to sip. This Scotch whisky perfectly combines notes of fruits, caramel, and oak spices from Sherry-seasoned European oak with bright citrus and vanilla notes of Sherry-seasoned American oak. The end result is a satisfyingly rich and perfectly balanced flavor experience.
Check the latest price of Jameson’s whiskey for something more affordable yet just as smooth.
| Region of origin: | Highland, Scotland |
| Proof: | 80 |
| Awards: | Double Gold upon release |
3. Johnnie Walker Blue Label: Best tasting whisky
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 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.
With a rounded nose and the brand’s signature spiciness, expect sweetness and an explosion of flavor from the first sip. Blue Label is known for being a velvety whisky, so enjoy flavors like hazelnut, toasted oak, sandalwood, and tobacco while drinking it neat.
It’s an accomplished blend that’s easily drinkable and definitely worthy of its highly regarded profile.
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.
If you prefer a peatier note, see our in-depth review of Lagavulin’s entire bottle collection. Incredibly rich, dark, and peaty, Lagavulin’s whisky is peatier than Macallan’s yet smooth like Johnnie Walker’s.
| Region of origin: | Scotland |
| Proof: | 80 |
| Awards: | Master medal |
4. Oban Distillers Edition Single Malt: Best sipping whisky
If ever a whisky could taste reminiscent, it would come in the form of a bottle of Oban. Originating as a small distillery in the Scottish Highlands, the brand offers classic ‘coastal-yet-sweet’ combinations that have put it firmly on the whisky lover’s map.
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.
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.
Another great sipping Scotch whisky that’s less known but rapidly gaining popularity is Sam Heughan’s Sassenach. The modernity of Japanese whisky mixed with the smoothness of American bourbons and the heritage of Scotch whisky. Take a look at our in-depth story on Sassenach to discover their collection.
| Region of origin: | Highland, Scotland |
| Proof: | 86 |
| Awards: | 97 Points at the 2019 Ultimate Spirits Challenge competition |
5. Bowmore Islay: Best single malt Scotch whisky
Bowmore combines two pillars of whisky drinking — peatiness and sweetness — to produce a range of truly delightful drinks. The first Bowmore Distillery was established in 1779 in Islay, Scotland, and uses a range of the island’s malts to produce its whisky.
A perfect example of this combined flavor profile comes in the form of its 12 Year Bowmore’s Single Malt Scotch. The 12 Year is all about balance: it combines subtle notes of lemon and sweet heather honey with Bowmore’s trademark peat smoke, leading to a delicious, long, and mellow finish.
Leave it to sit in the glass to reveal more sweetness in the form of coconut, tropical fruit, and cinnamon sugar. A dark, woody spice and tar finish rounds off this Bowmore classic.
| Region of origin: | Islay, Scotland |
| Proof: | 80 |
| Awards: | Gold Award at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2018) and Gold Award at the International Spirit Challenge (2017) |
6. Buchanan’s 12 Year Scotch: Best blended whisky
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.
This award-winning blended Scotch whisky combines some of Scotland’s best flavors. It’s an affordable bottle that works well when enjoyed alone or with a few drops of water. Or, bring out the citrus notes by mixing them with soda water.
This deluxe blend reveals flavors of chocolate and orange with a lighter feel than other blended whiskies. It has hints of smoke, but in a suggestive manner rather than overpowering. It combines malts from every region in Scotland, hand-picked by Master Blender Keith Law, one of the prestigious names in whisky.
When sipping, look out for strong vanilla notes with hints of vanilla cream and a cigar box finish. Check our Buchanan’s review to learn more.
| Region of origin: | Scotland |
| Proof: | 80 |
| Awards: | 96 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 |
7. Highland Park 12 Year Old: Best whisky for the money
Highland Park Distillery dates back more than 200 years and has the proven experience to match. It’s a brand with an edge and personality that comes out in everything from its fierce bottle designs to the equally sharp taste found inside.
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.
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.
Enjoy it neat to really taste the sherried fruits and candied honey flavors from the drink.
| Region of origin: | Highland, Scotland |
| Proof: | 86 |
| Awards: | Gold at the International Spirits Challenge (2020), Gold at The Scotch Whisky Masters (2020 and 2019) |
8. Glenlivet 12 Year: Best whisky under $50
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. Its 12 Year is widely known as one of the most popular whiskys in the world. Despite being produced in Scotland, it remains known as the best-selling malt whisky in the United States.
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.
With an average starting price of $29.99 for a 750ml bottle, the 12 Year certainly won’t break the bank but will offer a successful and smooth drink. The bottle is a staple in almost every bar you’ll visit, mostly due to its complex and sophisticated flavor.
The 12 Year is a first-class malt with tropical fruit flavors and provides an almost refreshing nose. Take a look at our list of Glenlivet bottles and prices to discover the entire collection from the famous Scottish distiller.
| Region of origin: | Highland, Scotland |
| Proof: | 92 |
| Awards: | Gold at the International Wine & Spirit Competition, Gold at the International Spirits Challenge, and a Master’s Award at The Scotch Whisky Masters competition |
9. Yamazaki 12 Year Old: Best Japanese whisky
Japanese whiskies are amongst our favorites for a modern interpretation of the age-old drink. And if we have to pick only one bottle, it would be from Yamazaki. This is one of the first Japanese single malts that successfully managed to break into the British market, at the heart of traditional Scotch whisky.
Suntory’s Yamazaki 12 Year Old offers a well-balanced fruity sweetness, making it accessible to novice drinkers, combined with rich complexity to fulfill the most experienced whisky connoisseurs.
We maintain an up-to-date list of Yamazaki’s whisky bottles and prices if you want to discover the rest of the collection. If you’re interested in exploring further the world of Japanese whisky, take a look at our review of Suntory Whisky Toki too. It’s another exceptional option to put on your list.
| Region of origin: | Japan |
| Proof: | 86 |
| Awards: | Gold Award at the International Spirits Challenge (2018), Gold Award at the World Whiskies Awards (2017) |
10. Knappogue Castle 16 Year Old: Best Irish whiskey
A slightly more unconventional whiskey brand, Knappogue Castle prides itself on doing things differently from the rest. Its roots date back to 1966 with the distribution of the famous Knappogue Castle 1951 whisky, one of the oldest and rarest known Irish whiskies.
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.
Sip on this deep amber-gold whiskey and breathe in its comforting warmth and earthy appeal. The benefits of this bottle never seem to end: while it’s good enough to drink straight or on the rocks, it’s also sweet enough to work perfectly in cocktails or long drinks. Complex and smooth, it’s our favorite Irish whiskey if you’re looking to tick all the boxes at once.
If you want something a little bit more adventurous in the Irish whiskey category, take a look at our review of Conor McGregor’s Proper No. Twelve, a great value and easy-to-drink bottle.
| Region of origin: | County Clare, Ireland |
| Proof: | 80 |
| Awards: | Best Irish Whiskey Award by Luxe Digital |
11. Glenfiddich Bourbon Barrel Reserve 14 Year: Best whisky to drink neat
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.
Contrary to its name, Glenfiddich’s Bourbon Barrel Reserve is a Scotch whisky. Its name comes from the fact that this spirit offers a sweet hint of classic Bourbon flavors alongside a traditional Scotch palate.
An amber-gold whisky, the 14 Year has mainly malt-based flavors with a focus on oak, spice, and fruit. It’s another sophisticated drink from a brand determined to pave the way towards single malt domination.
This is a spirit paying homage to its American cousins with the Bourbon notes but remains a favorite for whisky lovers across the world. Its long, warming finish provides a silky mouthful with a strong cinnamon hit. It’s a fun and enjoyable drink that’s perfect for enjoying on its own.
Curious to try another great option to drink neat? Check our in-depth review of the Macallan whisky collection.
| Region of origin: | Speyside, Scotland |
| Proof: | 86 |
| Awards: | Silver at Los Angeles Spirit Awards (2020), and Silver at the San Francisco World Spirits Awards (2020) |
12. Monkey Shoulder: Best whisky to mix in a cocktail
Don’t be fooled by the name on the bottle, Monkey Shoulder is a proper whisky and the result of a labor of love by David Stewart, the legendary master blender and malt master for William Grant & Sons distillers.
This triple-malt Scotch is matured in 27 hand-picked casks by David Stewart before being mixed into a delicious blended whisky that is finally left in first-fill Bourbon casks for a harmonious result. Expect a richly smooth finish that will marry perfectly with your favorite cocktail.
See our latest price list for Monkey Shoulder’s whisky bottles to learn more about the brand.
| Region of origin: | Speyside, Scotland |
| Proof: | 86 |
| Awards: | Gold at The Scotch Whisky Masters in the Speyside No Age Statement (2014) |
13. Balvenie 12 Year Doublewood: Best whisky for an Old Fashioned
Crafted by expert distillers from start to finish, this Scotch sets itself apart from the rest. Balvenie focuses on using meticulous care and attention from a group of top distillers to produce some of the finest whisky on the market. The distillery has been producing top-quality whisky since 1962 and has built up a name for itself over time.
This Speyside whisky is another great choice from Balvenie’s offerings. It’s a classic after-dinner malt with richness and complexity stemming from its second distillation in sherry casks.
Its character focuses on black pepper, raspberry, cinnamon, and milk chocolate. It’s a varied selection resulting in a big-flavored dram that works very well together. Despite the mostly sweet flavors, it’s a balanced drink with a long finish.
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.
What it lacks in smoke it more than makes up for in other notes, with a hidden complexity that reveals itself more over time.
| Region of origin: | Speyside, Scotland |
| Proof: | 86 |
| Awards: | Gold at the International Spirits Challenge (2020), and Gold at the The Scotch Whisky Masters (2015) |
14. Ballantine’s Finest: Best budget whisky
Easy to drink and far more complex than its price point would suggest, Ballantine’s Finest blended whisky is nothing if not consistently excellent value. All of its offerings are mellow and moreish, with a satisfying aftertaste. Light flavors make for a strong choice that comes with an affordable price tag for all.
Those looking for a pleasant whisky without spending too much will enjoy Ballantine’s Finest. Expect notes of milk chocolate, red apple, and vanilla. It’s a wonderfully complex drink with plenty of depth for its budget price.
| Region of origin: | Highland, Scotland |
| Proof: | 80 |
| Awards: | Gold in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible (2014), and Gold at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (2020) |
15. The Singleton Of Dufftown 54 Year Old: Most expensive whisky
The very special whisky spent over half a decade aging in European oak barrels before being treated to a final maturation in a single Pedro Ximénez-seasoned cask. The Singleton Of Dufftown 54 Year Old is an ultra-rare whisky limited to only 235 bottles, the ultimate collectors’ bottle.
The is the oldest single malt from The Singleton to date and the second and final bottling in The Singleton’s Paragon of Time Collection, a 54-year-old 1966 vintage single malt Scotch by the Dufftown distillery in the heart of Speyside. The collection is a masterful exploration of time itself. It showcases the brand’s skills and care in successfully maturing whiskies over such a long period of time to develop real character and richness.
Expect a surprisingly light and lively body for a whisky of this age, with subtle sweetness and fruity notes of dried figs to begin, quickly followed by peppery spices. The finish is long and warm, with a light yet spicy black pepper sweetness, leaving a warm glow with hints of oiled teak.
| Region of origin: | Speyside, Scotland |
| Proof: | 88.2 |
Learn more about whisky: How whisky is made
Whisky is a spirit made from fermented grain mash. The spirit features various grains, which may be malted, including barley, corn, rye, and wheat. The process for creating whisky has changed little over the past 200 years, including the makeup of three core ingredients — water, barley, and yeast.
There are five stages to the whisky-making process: malting, mashing, fermentation, distillation, and maturation.
Barley is soaked for two to three days and then regularly turned before it’s dried. Peat is the powering source for many kilns, which means it’s at this point of the process when the level of peatiness can be determined. What’s left after this process is malt.
Next, the malt is mixed with water to create a mash before the mixture is fermented with yeast. The fourth step of the process is the distillation, which is traditionally done twice for Scotch whisky and thrice for Irish whiskey.
Finally, the liquid is left to mature in casks. The spirit must mature in casks for a minimum of three years before it’s legally allowed to be called whisky in Scotland.
Many factors are at play here to determine the overall flavors of the whisky: the casks, surrounding environment, and other natural compounds. Once this process is complete, the whisky is bottled and sold.
The best whisky glasses
NORLAN
TOM DIXON
VENERO
NEAT
Check our selection of the best whisky glasses of the year for more inspiration.
What’s the difference between Whisky and Whiskey?
Whisky without an ‘e’ refers to Scottish, Canadian, or Japanese grain spirits. Whiskey with an ‘e’ refers to grain spirits distilled in Ireland and the United States. Generally speaking, it’s only whisk(e)y aficionados who might pull you up on the spelling. The difference ends there, at the country of origin of the spirit.
Terminology: The terms to know when talking about whisky
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.
- Angel’s Share: As the whisky ages, some of the liquid naturally evaporates. In its simplest term, the Angel’s share is the percentage of whisky lost to evaporation as the spirit ages.
- ABV: Alcohol By Volume — the percentage of ethanol in a beverage.
- Blended: As the name suggests, blended whisky is a blend of two or more malt and grain whiskies. Blended whiskies are overlooked by a master blender to ensure a consistent flavor throughout. Due to the nature of the drink, blended whiskies are often cheaper than their single-malt counterparts.
- Dram: The traditional Scottish term for a serving of whisky.
- Peat: When used in a whisky distillery, peat can be the difference between a light sip and a smoky drink. Peat layers form on bogs over thousands of years and are used to smoke barley grains during the drying process. The longer the grain is subjected to the peat smoke, the smokier the resulting drink will be.
- Single Malt: A whisky that is produced by a single distillery using a single malted grain, typically barley. They can be produced all over the world but are most favored among Scotch whisky.
Our methodology to select and rank the best whisky brands in the world
A combination of well-loved favorites, classic choices, and a few left-wing options made up our list of the 15 best whiskies in the world. In order to choose which brand was the best fit for each category, we took into consideration a variety of characteristics and expert opinions.
The price, flavor profile, and unique qualities of each brand were compared to compile the list, leading to an overall top 15 that we recommend sampling.
Best overall Scotch whisky
EDITOR’S CHOICE: GLENMORANGIE
A smooth, Single Malt Scotch Whisky that connoisseurs and newcomers alike will delight in, Glenmorangie Signet is produced only once a year in a Highland distillery that boasts the tallest stills in Scotland.
Frequently asked questions about whisky
The smoothest whisky is the Johnnie Walker Blue Label. It is the best choice if you’re looking for a smooth whisky. With a rounded nose and the brand’s signature spiciness, expect sweetness and an explosion of flavor from the first sip. Blue Label is known for being a velvety whisky, so enjoy flavors like hazelnut, toasted oak, sandalwood, and tobacco while drinking it neat.
The Glenmorangie Signet is considered the best whisky in the world, thanks to its use of high roast chocolate malt barley with a blend of Glenmorangie’s rarest whiskies matured in bespoke casks.
The best whisky to sip is the Oban Distillers Edition Single Malt. Oban finishes this bottle 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.
