For the longest time, whiskey has been associated with white-collar men and gentlemen’s clubs. But, with all of the new quirky bars popping up and cocktail menus becoming more adventurous, people’s interest in this spirit has indeed peaked.
Whiskey is made using the same basic process as other spirits, but the main ingredients usually involve grains, such as barley, wheat or rye. The type of whiskey will depend on which component is used. It is most definitely a classic choice of drink, but how do you decide which to drink, and what is the best whiskey in the world?
Whisky or Whiskey?
The word whiskey derives from the Gaelic “uisce beatha,” pronounced ISH-KEH BA-HA, equivalent to “aqua vitae,” meaning water of life. It has developed over time into the common term; whiskey. The original difference in spelling depended on whether it is Irish or Scottish, but now they are interchangeable in other parts of the world.
Here are some of the best whiskeys in the world:
Best Scotch whiskey
The best Scotch whiskey (usually spelt without the “e”) is made in Scotland, most commonly from malted barley. To be officially classed as a Scotch, the whisky must be produced in the country and in oak casks for a minimum of three years.
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Lagavulin is a true classic and a great starting point in our search for the best single malt whiskey. This particular 16-year-old drink has been popularised in recent times by actor Nick Offerman from Parks and Recreation fame. The distillery sits on the south coast of Islay, where it produces one of the smokiest whiskies of Scotland. Its richness and dryness are what make this whisky exceptionally interesting.
Another contender for the “Best Scotch Whiskey” award is found in the Macallan distillery. Lying above the river Spey this producer has a fascinating history dating back to 1824. Their obsession with quality has been their hallmark from the very beginning. The Macallan 12-year-old is the most affordable of the range, but that does not take away from the crisp, sweet and smooth whisky.
Monkey Shoulder may not be the best whiskey in the world, but there may be a slight bias here as it is one of my favourites! It is such a solid tipple at a great price. Its crisp, clearness makes it popular for cocktails, but it really is something when on its own. If you’re new to whisky, this is a great place to start.
Best Irish whiskey
Some stories say that the Irish distilled before the Scottish, and the drinks are very similar in ingredients. The main difference is that Irish whiskey is generally made with a mash (malted barley and unmalted barley).
Globally, the most popular Irish whiskey is the one and only Jameson; I don’t think there is a bar in the world that doesn’t have a bottle of this on their shelf! It is a floral, sweet drink with a hint of spice and honey and is possibly the best whiskey in the world with the quintessential Irish flavour.
Tullamore D.E.W is a smooth, sweet whiskey that is not too heavy on the palate like some smokier or spicier options. It is not as complex, and it certainly isn’t the best whiskey on this list, but it is a popular choice.
Best Bourbon whiskey
Bourbon is an American version distilled from a mash made primarily of corn. It can be produced anywhere in America, although a whopping 95% are distilled in Kentucky. There are many varied flavours, but finding your favourite is definitely a task worth delving into!
Jack Daniels arguably doesn’t deserve a spot on the “best whiskey in the world” list. However, there is no denying its impact across the globe. The smooth, smokey whiskey is a staple behind most bars and mixes well in cocktails or cola.
Maker’s Mark is the lowest-proof bourbon you can get. The fruity, mixed peels flavour melds with the oak barrelling creating a full and rich whiskey that is versatile to drink, making it possibly the best bourbon whiskey to start your journey on.
Another one very much worth mentioning is Pappy Van Winkle. This whiskey is an extremely hard to get, limited edition, making it a costly choice. You could be paying anywhere between 3 and 4-digit numbers for a bottle of this rare bourbon.
Blanton’s bourbon was first released in Japan in 1984, then later made its way to the USA. In the last few years, its popularity has increased as fans discovered the amber-coloured whiskey with a hint of caramel and charred wood. This delicious combination gives it a lovely balance and makes it a “best whiskey to drink neat” challenger.
Best Tennessee whiskey
To be classed as a Tennessee whiskey, the spirit has to be produced in the state, using 51% corn, aged in charred oak barrels and undergo the Lincoln county process of filtering through charcoal before barrelling.
Uncle Nearest 1856 is one of the finest blends of Tennessee whiskey with a sweet aroma and a hint of chocolate. This solid choice is also named after the first distiller at rival producers, Jack Daniels!
Some other great varieties of whiskey
With plenty of varieties to choose from, finding the best whiskey in the world is no easy feat. However, one of my favourite types is Japanese whiskey, which is very much inspired by Scotch (hence, no ‘e’ in the spelling) and mostly made with malted barley. However, due to the distilleries having different microclimates all over the country, it is challenging to capture this drink in one particular ilk.
Rye whiskey is probably the most confusing of the family as it can refer to two different types. The American version must be made from 51% rye and is not too far apart from bourbon. Canadian whiskey can also be referred to as rye; however, it does not actually have to contain it as an ingredient as it inherits the title for historical reasons.
Also worth noting is the new generation of European challengers hoping to become the best whiskey in the world. In the last few years, more and more distilleries are appearing across the continent, mainly in Germany and the Nordic countries. These European distilleries are experimenting and attempting to make a name for themselves in the whiskey world. Italy, the home of great wines, also has one noteworthy distillery; Puni. With more people becoming intrigued with trying new tastes, European whiskey is certainly a rising star on the drinks stage.
There really is no one way to pick just one best whiskey in the world, and really, why would you want to? One of my favourite things about this drink is how different they all can be. So, whether you are looking for the best bourbon whiskey to make an old-fashioned, the best Scotch whiskey for a hot toddy, or simply the perfect one to sip on its own, you are spoiled for choice. The best whiskey in the world to you will always be the one you’ve stumbled upon yourself!
