Micaela JularbalWhiskeys are available in a complex range of styles, bottles, ages, and specialties. As such, price varies, as does taste. Granted, it’s practically a given that the higher the price, the better the spirit tastes, but for every legend, there’s a challenger that rises to the occasion, and one that oftentimes won’t hurt your wallet as much. To help you zero in on the best whiskey brands at every price point, we give you a list of our top shelf whiskey recommendations. Cheers!
McAfee’s Benchmark Old No. 8 (Bourbon, 80 Proof, $10-$20 approx. cost)
A former Gold Medal and Trophy winner at the International Spirits Challenge, it’s a wonder why this rye-type Kentucky straight bourbon doesn’t cost more. But who’s complaining? Alcohol by volume is 40 percent, which is the lowest it can be for a whiskey. Still, the flavor shines through, with just a hint of vanilla and a strong caramel note to remind you it stayed in a barrel for quite a while. You’ll be hard-pressed to find good cheap whiskey for the taste, so if you’re counting your pennies, this will certainly hit the spot.
Jameson Triple Distilled Irish Whiskey (Blended Whiskey, 80 Proof, $20-$30 approx. cost)
Step into a popular bar in your area, and they’ll likely have this in stock. Hands-down the most popular Irish whiskey in the world, this is probably the first introduction to Irish whiskey for most people, and its reputation is well-deserved—Jameson is plenty of fun, and the flavor doesn’t induce alcohol burn. The scent is soft and sweet yet spicy, and like the taste, isn’t too overwhelming. Smooth with notes of aromatic vanilla and nuttiness, it’s a great choice for Irish coffee or on the rocks.
Woodford Reserve (Bourbon, 90.4 proof, ($30-$40 approx. cost)
A real winner at blind tastings, the Woodford Reserve comes highly recommended by the snobbiest of critics, who’ve gone so far as to call the spirit the benchmark and the best whiskey drink in its category. Very smooth and sweet in the mouth, this drink goes down extremely smoothly. Look beyond the plainness and notice just the right balance of sweetness, oak, spice, and fruit. Water kills the taste, so don’t add water or ice to it.
Craigellachie 13 Year Old (Scotch Whisky, 92 proof, $40-$60 approx. cost)
Craigellachie is one of the few distilleries that still use oil-fueled fire for malting instead of the more common peat, gas, or steam methods. The use of oil gives the whisky a weirdly delicious sulfuric note, which ultimately adds a very welcome dimension to what could have otherwise been just another Speyside malt. The flavor hints at pears, vanilla, candied orange, and burnt crème. A great gift for someone who’s just beginning their whiskey journey and is looking for something authentic and unique.
Bruichladdich Wee Laddie Gift Pack Whisky (Single Malt Scotch, 92 proof, $60-$80 approx. cost)
This gift pack offers a great-tasting set containing one 200 ml. bottle each of Bruichladdich Islay Barley, Port Charlotte Scottish Barley, and The Classic Laddie. This whiskey brand is known as the most radical of the Islay distilleries, a Scottish region known primarily for peaty, smoky whiskies. Radical here means the brand—pronounced as ‘Brook Laddie’—refuses to adhere to tradition, as it makes both peated and unpeated malts, and even gin. So how do you decide which Laddie is for you? This gift pack is the answer, as it gives you an idea of Bruichladdich’s tasty range.
The Macallan Edition No. 2 (Single malt scotch, 96.4 proof, $80-$100 approx. cost)
The Macallan Edition No.2 was created from a partnership between master blender Bob Delgarno and legendary Spanish chefs Joan, Josep, and Jordi Roca. To yield the Macallan no. 2, the collaborators used a heady mix of sherry puncheons, refill hogsheads, and butts, harnessing both American and European oak. As for the taste, it’s bold as brass. Opening with coffee-led woody tones with hints of cinnamon on the side, your mouth will soon be awash with figs, prunes, apricot, pears, and muscovado. It’s a fitting alternative to the Macallan 18 Year Old that been a go-to holiday gift for ages, and the fact that it’s cheaper sure doesn’t hurt one bit.
The Balvenie 17-Year-Old DoubleWood (Single Malt Scotch, 86 proof, $100-$150 approx. cost)
Heard of the classic 12-Year-Old DoubleWood? Well, this is its 17-Year-Old sibling. Like the classic, this expression begins its life in Bourbon casks, and is then moved to Oloroso sherry casks after 17 years. Hence, the DoubleWood label. A really well-done spirit, a sip brings aromatic honey to the nose and nougat on the tongue. The sherry infusion is very obvious, accented with hints and touches of heather and barley. Oily without coating the mouth, the body is full and firm, finished by notes of caramel. This is a flawless whiskey from Balvenie malt master David Stewart, himself a true master of the craft.
The Glenlivet Archive 21-Year-Old (Single Malt Scotch, 80 proof, $150-$200 approx. cost)
A consistent best whisky in spirit competitions worldwide, it would be a crime not to include this 21-year-old spirit on this list. A sip fills your nostrils with pine and sandalwood scents, while the mouth is tickled by nuts, winter spices, and sugar. Perfect for special occasions, you and your company are sure to find joy in this Speyside.
The Dalmore King Alexander III (Single Malt Scotch, 80 proof, $200-$300 approx. cost)
Dalmore Master Distiller Richard Paterson selected a range of differently aged malts matured in a mix of six different cask types including American ex-bourbon, Cabernet Sauvignon, sherry, port, Marsala, and Madeira. Considered as an outstanding feat of blending, the Alexander III boasts notes fit for a king, as each cask contributes something unique to the spirit’s flavor profile. Chocolate, vanilla, and tropical fruit may be on the nose, but there’s no question that the tongue should expect a fruit-forward whiskey, considering five of the casks used in the process formerly contained wine. Surprising that at 80 proof—considered low for a whiskey—the Alexander III still manages to be one big flavorful malt.
