Over the decades, traditional Scotch whisky has evolved. Blend, single malt, grain, we have now the embarrassment of choice in terms of composition and origin of the beverage. This is why we have decided to offer you 4 of the most sought after whiskies in the world. They stand out thanks to their origin, their production process and their flavor/aroma alchemy.
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Our selection
"This Japanese whisky is a pure product of the distilleries of the house Nikka. It is a Single Grain composed in large part of corn…"
"This Kilbeggan-Traditional is marked by sweet aromas. Rated as an excellent product in its line of spirits, this 7 year old beverage reveals a characteristic…"
"Chivas Regal 25 Years Old is an exclusive combination of the finest Scotch whiskies aged for 25 years or more. The rare pearl of scotch,…"
"This whisky is aged for 16 years before marketing. It is an authentic Scottish single malt, which combines strength and finesse, with an alcohol content…"
"Considering the price, you would be wrong to deprive yourself! The Glenlivet Founder's Reserve is characterized by a fruity color. The drink pays tribute to…"
This Japanese whisky is a pure product of the distilleries of the house Nikka. It is a Single Grain composed in large part of corn and aged 7 years in stills.
62,86 £ on AmazonNikka coffee is a 7 years old whisky aged in Coffey stills. Particularly smooth and charming, it has a nice golden color. Its nose exhales fresh aromas of pears and exotic fruits with subtle floral notes. In the mouth, it offers a fruity and vanilla finish.
Halfway between bourbon and scotch, this beverage contains 45% alcohol. It can easily be drunk dry, but also by adding ice; or it can be drunk longer. Perfect with pastries, caramel desserts or panettone, it is also very suitable for vegetarians.
This Kilbeggan-Traditional is marked by sweet aromas. Rated as an excellent product in its line of spirits, this 7 year old beverage reveals a characteristic taste in the mouth.
16,80 £ on Amazon
Chivas Regal 25 Years Old is an exclusive combination of the finest Scotch whiskies aged for 25 years or more. The rare pearl of scotch, without a doubt.
210 £ on AmazonThe Chivas Regal 25 Years Old was born in 1909 and quickly acquired its letters of nobility. Best blended malt and unique product, it has a history of 3 awards. Its fruity smell of peach and orange perfectly matches its orange gold color to give it a refined look.
So yes, the 70 cL bottle costs over 250 euros. But the Chivas is worth it. A few notes of milk chocolate will surprise you in the midst of its main citrus flavor, all ending with a generous smooth finish and long finish. Beware of asthmatics and sensitive individuals, this whiskey contains sulfites.
This whisky is aged for 16 years before marketing. It is an authentic Scottish single malt, which combines strength and finesse, with an alcohol content of 48%.
87,87 £ on AmazonLaphroaig whiskies have been distilled and bottled by D.Johnson and Co. on the Isle of Islay in Scotland since 1815. This one is an iconic limited edition. A 16 year old single malt, it has a deep copper color. Its fragrance hides a mixture of fine leather, oak-tinged spices, vanilla and a soft woody note.
In the mouth, it guarantees a deep and authentic taste marked by a caramel molasses, honey, thyme and an intense woody smoke. It offers an extraordinary finish. This whisky is also the main ingredient of the Old Fashioned cocktail (60 mL of Laphroaig 16 years old, 2 dashes of Angostura and 1 sugar cube).
Considering the price, you would be wrong to deprive yourself! The Glenlivet Founder's Reserve is characterized by a fruity color. The drink pays tribute to George Smith.
20,95 £ on AmazonIn Speyside, The Glenlivet Founder's Reserve is the benchmark for single malt scotch whisky. Its distillery was founded in the XIXe century by George Smith, to whom this bottle pays tribute. It owes its rich taste to a remarkably long storage in oak barrels. It comes out with a bittersweet note, very long in the mouth.
Pleasantly fragrant with citrus, The Glenlivet Founder's Reserve instantly awakens the senses. Its pale gold color attracts the eye. It is recommended that it be diluted with a little water to enhance its flavors. The ideal scotch to make a Rob Roy, a cocktail with vermouth, Carpano and some bitters cocktails.
Yamazaki 12 Year is known for its "noble" aroma. Many consider Yamazaki 12 Year to be the first single malt whisky in Japan, and the best!
116 £ on AmazonThis single malt aged for 12 years exists since 1984. It is made from 100% malted barley and aged in casks at the Yamazaki distillery before bottling. This golden whisky has complex aromas and superior drinkability thanks to notes of fruit, including peach, grapefruit, pineapple and candied orange, as well as spices such as clove and orange. This whiskey also has notes of rich coconut and tart cranberry, while the long finish features spicy ginger and cinnamon.
This is a whiskey made to be savored. Try it neat, served in a tulip glass or drink it over ice, poured over a whiskey stone. If you're looking for something bubbly, mix it with soda to add a touch of sparkle to its smoothness and bring out its woodiness. Or mix it with one part whiskey and two parts water and relax.
Choose this smooth and invigorating single malt with the characteristic flavor of the Scottish highlands. This 12 year old whisky is 40% alcohol.
24,60 £ on AmazonThis Scottish scotch made with 80% peated malt and 20% unpeated malt has a golden yellow color. Its aroma is scented with heather honey with sweet notes of cinnamon and toffee and a touch of peaty smoke. On the palate, creamy vanilla spice precedes overt charcoal notes to which the honey and spice flavors are added.
This whiskey can be drunk neat or with a few drops of water. Mix it with apple spirit, sweet Vermouth, Benedictine and a few shots of Angostura and Peychaud's Bitters. This way, you'll get a cocktail that you'll tell us about.
Any specific needs?
A great entry-level alternative
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| TOP OF THE TOP | CHEAP | HIGH END | HIGH END | CHEAP ALTERNATIVE | REMARKABLE | ||
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
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7/10 |
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| OUR SELECTION |
Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky
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Kilbeggan Traditional Irish Whiskey
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Chivas Regal 25 Years Old
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Laphroaig Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
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The Glenlivet Founder's Reserve
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Suntory The Yamazaki Single Malt Japanese Whisky
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The Ardmore Legacy Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
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This Japanese whisky is a pure product of the distilleries of the house Nikka. It is a Single Grain composed in large part of corn and aged 7 years in stills.
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This Kilbeggan-Traditional is marked by sweet aromas. Rated as an excellent product in its line of spirits, this 7 year old beverage reveals a characteristic taste in the mouth.
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Chivas Regal 25 Years Old is an exclusive combination of the finest Scotch whiskies aged for 25 years or more. The rare pearl of scotch, without a doubt.
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This whisky is aged for 16 years before marketing. It is an authentic Scottish single malt, which combines strength and finesse, with an alcohol content of 48%.
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Considering the price, you would be wrong to deprive yourself! The Glenlivet Founder's Reserve is characterized by a fruity color. The drink pays tribute to George Smith.
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Yamazaki 12 Year is known for its "noble" aroma. Many consider Yamazaki 12 Year to be the first single malt whisky in Japan, and the best!
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Choose this smooth and invigorating single malt with the characteristic flavor of the Scottish highlands. This 12 year old whisky is 40% alcohol.
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Age
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7 years
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4 years old
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25 years old
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16 years old
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1 year
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12 years old
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2 years old
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Content
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70 cL
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70 cL
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70 cL
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70 cL
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70 cL
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75 cL
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70 cL
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Country of origin
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Japan
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Irland
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France
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Scotland
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Scotland
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Japan
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Ecosse
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Alcohol content
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45°
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40°
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40°
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48°
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40°
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45°
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40°
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Suitable for vegetarians
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Yes
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Yes
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-
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Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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When choosing, consider your taste and look at the characteristics on each bottle. The difference between each spirit lies in the alchemy between its aromatic composition and its taste in the mouth. Whiskey brings out different tastes that will stimulate your taste buds, your palate and your gums. Sweet, salty, bitter or sour, you should feel it all, as well as fruity, woody or honeyed aromas.
You will have the choice between several types of whiskies. Single malt is the most refined beverage in terms of taste. It is distilled in iron stills which allows to concentrate the alcohol degree and to remove the burning alcohols and the bitterness. The blended malt is to be consumed in cocktail. It is a mixture of different single malt. Pure malt is a whisky made from malted barley exclusively or from malts coming from distilleries of different years.
The degree of alcohol is obviously a criterion to take into account in priority to choose your whisky. If you want a docile drink, choose those which propose an alcohol content of 40 to 42 °. On the other hand, if you want strength, choose the whiskies which have 45 to 48 °. It all depends on your tastes.
The
age of a whisky also has its importance. According to the specialists, the perfect beverages are between 4 and 12 years old. Some vintages can lose their woody note after 12 years. However, some whiskies have been developed to withstand long aging, which will only add flavor to the drink. Again, it is your taste and preference that will dictate your choice of whiskey.
The aging process is an essential parameter to consider if you want to have the best in whiskey. You need to consider the aging period which usually ranges from 2 to 12 years. Also pay attention to the casks used in this process. Distillers use oak barrels which can be new or used. This aspect plays an important role in the final taste of the drink.
Unlike wine, once bottled, whisky does not age. It can be kept indefinitely. However, make sure that the cork is not defective and that the bottle is well sealed. Keep your bottle away from light so that it retains its flavor and color longer.
If you have already opened your bottle, make sure that it is not left open too long, at the risk of altering the characteristics of your whisky. Indeed, the air entering the bottle oxidizes in contact with the alcohol and will lower its level. If you respect these conservation instructions, your whisky will keep its taste for several years.
Currently, there are 3 main families of whiskies: the single malt, the blend and the single grain. Here are the main differences between these different types:
The name single malt refers to a whisky that comes from a single distillery. It is made with malted barley. Most distilleries opt for a range of 5 permanent expressions. Most of today's single malts are aged in old oak casks for 2 to 12 years, except for the single cask which can be aged for 50 years.
Single malt is the most popular type of whisky today. Laphroaig 16 Year Old Single Malt Whisky and Ardmore Legacy Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky are part of this first family.
Blend
means blend. Thus, the term blend whisky refers to a whisky that comes from a blend of many malt and grain whiskies. The different components can come from many distilleries. Blended whiskies have kept the whisky industry alive since its inception. This type of drink is also very popular, as it is designed for the elaboration of many cocktails.
Note that the Blend offers a less pronounced taste compared to the single malt. Hibiki Suntory 43° Japanese Whisky falls into this category, along with popular brands such as Chivas, Johnnie Walker and Ballantine's.
Single grain whisky is produced from grains other than malted barley. This can include corn, rye, wheat and unmalted barley. This type of whisky also comes from a single distillery. This category is rarely bottled as such and is essentially reserved for blending.
Nevertheless, many brands have become famous thanks to this elaboration process, like the Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky of 0,7 L. This one was conceived from a majority of corn. It belongs to this particular family of whiskies without malted barley.
Whisky, also known as scotch perhaps blend or single malt. This means that it is made from 100% malted barley. It is distilled in old stills and matured in oak casks. Because of the production process and the use of malted barley in particular, this type of drink is less rich in sweet flavours. On the other hand, its taste is more authentic.
Bourbon is a drink made with the same technique as whiskey. The difference lies mainly in the type of grain used, as bourbon is made from corn and rye, giving it a softer, sweeter taste. If you like the strong taste of Scotch whisky, this type of drink may not be for you.
It all depends on your tastes. If you prefer to taste a sweeter spirit, choose bourbon. On the other hand, if it is the strength of whiskey that stimulates you, opt for that one. We advise you to taste both types of drinks and see which one will delight your taste buds and palate the most.
Put your whisky in a smaller bottle
Once the bottle is opened, transfer your whiskey to a smaller bottle. This will limit the presence of air in the container and reduce the oxidation of the alcohol. This way, you will retain the aroma and flavor of your drink longer.
Keep the bottle in an upright position
If
the whiskey is lying down, it will attack the cork and the cork will deteriorate over time. Standing upright also limits the surface area in contact with the air.
Use a Whiskey Stone
The
Whiskey Stone does not add water and allows you to better control the cooling of the whiskey. Use it instead of ice cubes which cools the beverage too much while anesthetizing the taste buds.
Drink from a tulip glass
The
tulip glass flared at the base allows the aromas to escape better. It is the ideal glass to appreciate the tasting of a good whisky.
Keep the first sip in your mouth
The
first sip is often the most difficult to swallow. To better appreciate the drink, it is better to keep it in the mouth for about ten seconds. This way, the body heat will evaporate a good part of the alcohol and will avoid overheating your throat.
The best whisky in the world depends on your needs and your budget. Read our buying guide to find out which products are the best at the moment.
The list is long but Nikka, Glenfidich, Johnnie Walker, Hibiki and Dalmore are the most sought after brands.
Recently, Japanese whiskies stood out in the World Whiskies Awards 2020. However, it was an Irish beverage, the tullamore dew, that took the gold medal in the discipline.
Yes, that's why you shouldn't leave the bottle open too long.
To be sure to have an original product, prefer online stores. Moreover, they offer many advantages, especially in terms of price and payment methods.
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