Best Whiskeys For Your Money

Exploring the world of whiskey is an endeavor worth savoring with every sip, but it can be overwhelming with so many options out there. There are dozens of whiskey varieties available, each with its regional history, different production methods, use of various types of wood barrels to age the liquor, flavor profiles, and more. Even the spelling of whiskey (or whisky) depends on the region. For example, it tends to be spelled whiskey in America and Ireland and whisky in Scotland, Japan, and Canada.

“As the saying goes, no two whiskies are the same,” shares Kelsey McKechnie, The Balvenie Malt Master. “There is lots of innovation in the industry and countries from Scotland to Tasmania are making their own.” Of course, she explains that depending on the country of origin, there are different regulations.

“To actually be a Scotch whisky, there are strict legal provisions that govern how Scotch whisky is made under United Kingdom law to protect Scotland’s national spirit. For instance, Scotch Whisky must be made in Scotland from whole grains, water, and yeast and bottled at a minimum strength of 40% abv,” she says.

Our picks for the best whiskeys

How we selected the best whiskey

With the U.S. liquor laws determined on a state-by-state basis, there are wonderful whiskeys that didn’t make this list because of their limited availability. I decided to recommend them based on chats with experts and whiskey connoisseurs, while also being mindful that our list contains the best whiskeys that are readily available throughout most of the country.

Things to consider when buying (or trying) a whiskey

“There are so many different styles and flavor profiles out there that it can be overwhelming for newcomers,” says Lisa Quartin, Whiskey Enthusiast and Executive Bourbon Steward, WSET Level 1—Spirits. “Plus, whiskey is subjective. Attending tastings, whether at a bar, restaurant, or distillery, via an online event, or at a friend's house, is the best way to try different whiskeys and determine your preferences.”

Ask yourself the following questions before you buy a bottle of whiskey.

How much can I afford to spend?

There are so many whiskeys on the market that you can usually find something within your price point. However, like any top-shelf liquor, a high-quality bottle will likely be worth the price. Buying a smaller bottle of good whiskey within your price point may be better than simply buying a bottle of the cheap stuff.

Are you sipping or mixing?

Some whiskey is meant to be sipped alone, and others are great as a base for cocktails like an old fashioned, a whiskey sour, or a Manhattan. Quartin suggests trying a ginger drink, like ginger ale or ginger beer, when you mix a whiskey drink because ginger typically pairs well with many whiskey flavors. Blended whiskeys are a better choice than single-malt to use in mixed drinks. Single-malt Irish whiskey or Scotch whiskey, and others are better independently, so you can enjoy its full flavor profile.

What flavors appeal to me?

Depending on the whiskey you choose to drink, there are many different flavor profiles. For example, I love the smoky taste of a peated Irish whiskey, and my husband loves the taste of an oaky bourbon with caramel or vanilla notes.

Quartin says, “I generally enjoy a range of profiles, from sweet, floral, oaky, vanilla, honey, spicy, to smoky and peaty. It can depend on the mood, season, location, and quality of the whiskey. I usually default towards Irish Single Pot Stills with their dark fruits and nutty and oily nature, but there’s also something about the combination of a peated and Port finished whiskey that I absolutely love.”

Types of whiskey

Among the most commonly recognized types are below:

• Irish whiskey
• Scottish whisky (also called Scotch)
• Canadian whisky
• Japanese whiskey
• Bourbon
• Rye whiskey
• Single malt whiskey
• Single distillery whiskey
• Corn whiskey

While every whiskey is different, sippers (myself included) may describe a whiskey as peaty, smokey, nutty, woodsy, caramel, vanilla, or spice. Whiskey is known as a “brown” liquor, but it can present itself in varying shades like amber, pale gold, or a deep reddish brown depending on many factors, including its age and the type of wood it was matured and/or finished in. Taste is subjective, after all, so you may have to try several before you find your favorite one. We’ve created a round-up based on recommendations from whiskey experts and enthusiasts to help you.

Tips for how to drink whiskey

There is no hard and fast rule for drinking whiskey. “Whisk[e]y is for everyone, and it is really up to you how you drink it, whether that be in a cocktail, neat, with or without ice, or a refreshing high ball,” says McKechnie. “It doesn’t matter if it's a single malt or a blend, the important thing is to experience the flavor and enjoy!”

Some people like it neat, others put ice into their glass (others think ice and water will dilute it), and some drinkers prefer mixing it into a cocktail. It all comes down to what you prefer.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is best to mix with whiskey?

Mixing a whiskey-based cocktail can be done with ginger ale, ginger beer, coca-cola, lemon soda, hot apple cider (paired with bourbon is delish), Earl Gray tea, club soda, and the list goes on. It depends on how you want to drink your whiskey. Quartin suggests trying carbonated mixers such as ginger ale, cola, seltzer, or even a sparkling lemonade. They typically blend well and complement many whiskey profiles.

What is single malt whiskey?

Single malt whiskey is made from 100 percent malted barley by an individual distillery.

What is the difference between whiskey and bourbon?

Bourbon originated in Kentucky and is a type of whiskey made from blended grains. According to the American Bourbon Association, it must be produced in the U.S., include at least 51% corn, aged in a new charred oak container, and be free from added substances.

What is blended scotch whiskey?

A blended Scotch whiskey is made from a blend of grain whiskeys and single malts from a variety of distilleries. It is typically less expensive than single-malt or single-barrel scotch whiskey.

How many calories are in whiskey?

A shot of whiskey is likely 105 calories, maybe a little less or more, depending on the kind of whiskey.

What is whiskey made out of?

Whiskey is made out of fermented grain mash and is usually aged in oak wood barrels, although some Japanese whiskey is made from rice and is distilled in stainless steel.

What do casks do?

Casks are where the whiskey is aged, and the type of wood or material of the cask helps make the flavor profile of the liquid. “Each of our expressions is unique, but underpinned by a rich, luxuriously smooth, and distinctively honeyed character, which is the signature flavor of The Balvenie. Sherry casks often play a role in our Single Malts to bring out our much-loved flavor profile,” says McKechnie. “We love to experiment with lots of different types of casks to finish our whiskies, and for our core single malts like those in our Cask Finishes range, each whisk[e]y is matured in two casks to help bring more complexity to each single malt.”

How do you store whiskey?

Store your whiskey upright in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.

Whiskey is for everyone, from mellow bourbons, to honied Scotch and global offerings from around the world.