Are you a whiskey lover looking to try a new blend? Or perhaps you want to buy a friend or family member a unique bottle for Christmas? In which case, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up our top picks for the best whiskey 2018 has to offer.
Whether you’re shopping for yourself or for someone else, one of the first things to consider when choosing a whiskey is what your favourite tastes are. For the whiskey aficionado, earthy and rich blends tend to be popular; in which case you can’t go wrong with a traditional Scotch Whiskey. If you’re a complete beginner, sweet and citrusy is gentler on the palate. For something a bit different, look out for unique bottles or something you’ve not tried before; opt for whiskeys with different origins or blended recipes.
Whether you’re an Old Fashioned, Hot Toddy, or simply like it straight up: we’ve put together a list of the best whiskey to suit a range of different tastes. There are many different ways you can enjoy this popular spirit, so all you’ve got to do is pick your favourite from our list, sit back and enjoy every sip.
If you want to play it safe or simply know what you like then this Johnnie Walker Green Label Malt Whiskey will not let you down. This is a typical scotch whiskey that has been aged 15 years, with a rich and oaky taste. This is the perfect choice of gift for Father’s Day, or as a treat over the Christmas holidays.
Whiskey is no longer just a Scottish tradition, and this Japanese Blend is a great gift idea for a whiskey aficionado who has tried it all. It comes in a stunning bottle and is drawn from a blend of malt and grain whiskeys to produce a sweet and floral taste with woody undertones.
Known as the nation’s favourite whiskey, Highland Park is a must-have for any drinks cabinet. This is the special stuff you only bring out at Christmas, as it is very expensive, but is made to be savoured. It is a traditional malt whiskey that has a sweet marzipan taste to it which makes it the best whiskey for Irish coffee.
This whiskey has divided people like marmite. Some find it overbearing, whereas for those who like a rich and woody flavour, Talisker Storm Islands is the perfect flavour explosion. You’ll notice undertones of pepper, paprika, smoky caramel and a hint of sweetness such as vanilla which balances out the final taste beautifully.
If cocktails are your speciality then get yourself a bottle of the classic Woodford Reserve and rustle up a refreshing Old Fashioned or put your own twist on a classic. This is a bourbon style whiskey that is triple distilled and has a full-bodied taste. It is also one of the cheaper whiskeys on the list, meaning an evening of cocktail making won’t break the bank.
If you’re looking for a decent Scotch that won’t break the bank, then this Ben Nevis 10 Year Old Single Malt is a winner. This is a fresh a dry smelling whiskey with a somewhat bitter taste to it. We recommend drinking with a drop of water to open up the aromas and really appreciate the undertones of toffee and caramel.
This Dutch Whiskey is incredibly sweet, which is not to everyone’s taste but it goes down incredibly well without the need to add water. This is the high percentage of corn makes the whiskey smoother to taste. It would also blend nicely in a whiskey cocktail for those who prefer a long drink and is our choice of the best whiskey for beginners. If you’re buying a gift for someone but don’t know their palate, this is something different that is worth a try.
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Check out our guide to the best hip flasks to find a vessel for your tipple.
