Best Whiskeys to Share and Sip

Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we may earn a commission from our partners’ links. This content is created independently from TIME’s editorial staff. Learn more about it.

by Maya Dollarhide

Updated March 20, 2024

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.

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.

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.”

Our picks for the best whiskeys

Best for entertaining: Colonel E.H. Taylor bourbon

Best for entertaining

Colonel E.H. Taylor bourbon

buy on total wine

A colleague shared, jokingly, “every time I tell myself I won't drink the whole bottle within a week, every time I fail. It's just delicious.” This limited edition Kentucky bourbon hits all the right notes: buttery plum and oak nose, a citrus palate, and a smoky aftertaste with a finish of oak and tobacco. At $78 a bottle, it is at a higher price point than some, but if purchasing it won’t break your bank, it’s a small-batch bourbon that will likely please new and seasoned bourbon drinkers.

Specifications:

Size: 750ml
Region: Kentucky
ABV: 100%
Tasting notes: Plum, oak, tobacco
Price at publish: $78.99

What we like:

Smooth and easy to drink

What we don't Like:

Can be hard to find

The bottom line:

A small-batch, high-quality bourbon with notes of plum, oak, and tobacco with a citrus palate that everyone can enjoy.

Get it here: Colonel E.H. Taylor bourbon

Best Japanese whiskey: Yamazaki 12 year or Nikka Yoichi Aromatic Yeast 2022

Best Japanese whiskey

Yamazaki 12 year

buy on total wine

Nikka Yoichi Aromatic Yeast 2022

buy on total wine

Yamazaki is smooth like Scotch but has a distinctive Japanese whiskey flavor. It is aged in casks of three different kinds of oak (American, Spanish, and Japanese). It has a delicate, dry finish with dried fruits and honey aroma.

Nikka Yoichi Aromatic Yeast 2022 leans toward a similar aroma profile to ginjo sake, but it stands out as another fantastic single malt Japanese whiskey with fruits and soft oak appeal with oceanic notes, according to some tasters. An elevated experience, it is the pricer of these two top tier Japanese whisky offerings.