Contents
- Scottish varieties
- Irish varieties
- American varieties
- Top 10 Whiskey
- 10. Glenmorangie A Tale of Winter
- 9. Macallan A Night on Earth In Scotland
- 8. Chivas Regal 12YO
- 7. Tomatin Legacy
- 6. Balvenie Doublewood 12 YO Malt Scotch Whiskey
- 5 Caol Ila Aged 12 Years Old
- 4. Glenlivet 12YO Excellence
- 3 Johnnie Walker Blue Label
- 2 Benriach The Smokey Ten
- 1. Mossburn Vintage Casks #19 Glen Elgin
Going to the store for a bottle of whiskey, each buyer hopes to pick up the best drink from all presented on the shelves. But, few can cope with this task. The main obstacles to achieving the goal are a large assortment and lack of necessary knowledge.
Naturally, there are people who are well versed in brands and varieties, while the majority are guided only by advertisements. For example, on TV or on websites you often come across Ballantines whiskey, Jim Beam etc. If you want to learn more about the drink, as well as determine the best brands, then you should familiarize yourself with the selection presented.
Scottish varieties
It is necessary to start with this country for several reasons. Firstly, Scotland has long been arguing with Ireland for the right to be considered the birthplace of the legendary alcohol. Secondly, there are a large number of factories for the production of strong whiskey. The famous Ballantines whiskey is produced here, as well as drinks of the following brands:
- Johnnie Walker;
- Macallan;
- Chivas Regal;
- Cardhu.
The Ballantines brand has produced several spirits that have become winners in 2018 according to The Spirits Business. Not only the excellent taste of drinks, but also several important awards helped the brand to take a leading position. Whiskey received 5 silver and 7 gold stars in various competitions. As for taste, the varieties “Limited” and “Hard Fired” received a special distinction.
The first version was praised for the taste of praline and toffee, and the second version was distinguished by the incredibly pleasant taste of nougat. Another well-known representative of Scottish drinks is Johnnie Walker. He is known for his line of Black Label, Red Label, etc. whiskeys. In the assortment you can find both elite types of alcohol, and inexpensive copies.
A distinctive feature of the brand is a pronounced smoky taste. Additionally, it is worth considering elite alcohol from the famous Chivas Regal brand. The manufacturer specializes in the production of premium drinks. They have an incredibly mild taste, as well as a delicate aroma. If you want to find something exclusive, then you should choose Macallan whisky.
Irish varieties
A prominent representative of these drinks is the popular Jameson brand. Drinks produced under this brand are distinguished by an affordable price. Some whiskey connoisseurs find its taste too simple. But, everyone has individual preferences, so you should not judge the drink only by these arguments.
The popular brand Tullamore Dew also deserves special attention. Over the years of its existence, the brand has received a lot of positive feedback from true sommeliers and ordinary consumers. The most common options from this line are whiskey 12 years old.
American varieties
The United States also contributed to the production of spirits. The most popular American brands are Jack Daniel’s and Jim Beam. The first option was recognized as the best all over the world (in 1904). Experts note that this type of whiskey has a mild taste and smoky aroma.
Jim Beam is one of the most famous bourbons in the world. The main differences of this variety are rich taste and pleasant aroma. It is also worth mentioning the minimum exposure time. In this case, it cannot be less than 4 years.
As you can see, there are many whiskey brands whose products are appreciated by consumers around the world. Each of them has its own characteristics and taste, which must be taken into account during the selection. But, you need to remember about the reputation of the seller. Quality alcohol is available only in trusted licensed stores.
Top 10 Whiskey
Why do we love whiskey? For the variety of styles, for the richness of tastes, for the opportunity to discover something new, even when, it would seem, I have tried dozens or even hundreds of varieties. For collectors and whiskey connoisseurs, this is always a good gift. And our pre-New Year’s top 10 will help you choose the best whiskey.
10. Glenmorangie A Tale of Winter
A truly Christmas release from Glenmorangie. The taste of sweet spices, cloves and cinnamon gives it additional aging in Marsala barrels. The warming aroma of toffee and citrus will cheer you up in any bad weather, and the warming sweet aftertaste will help get rid of the winter blues.
9. Macallan A Night on Earth In Scotland
The creation of this release is inspired by New Year’s Eve itself: the time when people all over the world hope for changes for the better, make the most magical and secret wishes and wait for their fulfillment. The unusual packaging was designed by designer Erika Dorn, who has worked with many famous brands, including Louis Vuitton.
8. Chivas Regal 12YO
The first premium blended whiskey in the world, Chivas Regal knowingly deserved the great love of ordinary buyers and a large number of positive reviews from experienced tasters. Pleasant and mild taste allows you to drink this drink neat, as a digestif, but it works best in cocktails, paired with cola or ice.
7. Tomatin Legacy
A highland whiskey that has earned countless awards for its truly outstanding flavor characteristics. Probably one of the reasons for such a high quality is the raw materials used: the purest mountain water and only organic barley. The taste of the drink reveals notes of meadow herbs, flowers and sweets: marshmallows, pastries and candies.
6. Balvenie Doublewood 12 YO Malt Scotch Whiskey
A top-of-the-line whiskey in 2021, Balvenie Doublewood 12 YO is aged in bourbon and hogshead casks (small 245.5-litre casks) and, at the final stage, in Oloroso casks. Whiskey is characterized by the color of red marble, incredibly bright and rich taste of cinnamon, hazelnuts and sherry.
5 Caol Ila Aged 12 Years Old
Classic Isla with well recognizable notes of peat, iodine and sea breeze in the bouquet. Slightly shade the taste and make it softer nuances of citrus fruits, olives, aromatic oils. This whiskey is especially good in dank, rainy weather in a calm, measured atmosphere with or without a cigar.
4. Glenlivet 12YO Excellence
This release of single malt whiskey was created specifically for the Russian market. Oloroso sherry casks were used for aging, thanks to which the drink acquired a complex, rich taste with nuances of vanilla, honey, rosemary and rose petals. In the warming aftertaste sherry notes of dried fruits and warm spices can be traced.
3 Johnnie Walker Blue Label
Iconic blended scotch with a high alcohol content from Islay: it is they that give the drink its characteristic peaty notes, smoke and nuances of dark chocolate and espresso. Refined aroma and soft, long finish make this whiskey an excellent digestif that can be served neat, with coffee or a cigar.
2 Benriach The Smokey Ten
Quite uncharacteristic for Speyside, peat whiskey is aged initially in bourbon barrels, and at the final stage – from Jamaican rum. The taste is “polished” for a short time in new American oak barrels. The taste of the drink is rounded, with notes of smoke, tropical fruits and maple syrup.
1. Mossburn Vintage Casks #19 Glen Elgin
Scotch whiskey in a gift box will be an original gift for lovers of strong alcohol. A full-bodied sweet drink characterized by a complex and juicy taste. In the aftertaste, you can feel notes of violets, exotic fruits, sandalwood and cedar. The fresh aroma develops over time and envelops with sweet toffee tones. Serve as a digestif at room temperature.
