Over the past years, whisky drinkers have been spoilt for choice with all the selections readily available. As the industry continues to grow, distilleries have been experimenting with different recipes or have been making subtle differences just to switch things up and make slight changes. With the influx of unique flavour profiles and unusual distilling and aging methods, whiskies are always on our minds as we try to taste all of the many choices!
There really is something for everyone! With so many choices, it begs the question, which whisky should I be drinking? Well, this list contains, in our opinion, the best whisky in the world. Take a look at the following whiskies and go on a binge to at least try all of it once in this lifetime.
Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Whisky
The Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Whisky is made out of a blend of single malts Glenfiddich, Balvenie and Kinivie. Smooth and malty with plenty of fruity character in it, the Monkey Shoulder is one of the best Scotch you will ever have. Drink with some ice cubes or a splash of soda for the flavour to just pop!
Speyburn Bradan Orach
Hailed as one of the best budget whiskies in the world, the Speyburn Bradan Orach is very smooth and easy to drink. You would not expect such a mellow taste and lovely finish at the price point of about RM100 – RM150. Meaning ‘golden salmon’ in Gaelic, the Bradan Orach is a complex drink with plenty of depth but comes without an age statement. This suggests that it is fairly young.
However, if you are looking for something that has an age to it, you can go for the Speyburn 15 year old or Speyburn 10 year old though they are slightly pricier.
Glen Moray Classic
This iconic Glen Moray Classic has won several awards with good reason. Coming from Speyside, it is known to be rather sweet so if you are into that, this whisky is what you should go for first. Although entry level, the Glen Moray Classic certainly has a wide range of flavours so that it is very enjoyable. You will be able to taste butterscotch and shortbread as well as lemon curd and meringue.
Beginners at whisky usually love this bottle as a citrusy flavour can be tasted that is rather smooth. Add a splash of water so that the black pepper notes can be brought out.
Other popular Glen Moray bottles include the Glen Moray 15 year old and Glen Moray 18 year old.
Johnnie Walker Blue Label
How can you have the best whisky in the world list without Johnnie Walker on it? Popular and unrivalled, the Blue Label is the most prestigious of the entire Johnnie Walker range for a reason.
Although coming in at a higher price point, the Blue Label is worthy of its price as it is a blend that is so easy to drink for both novices and experts alike. Velvety with different flavours of hazelnut, toasted oak, sandalwood and tobacco, the Johnnie Walker Blue Label is well rounded and infused with the brand’s signature spiciness.
Craigellachie 13 Year Old
One of the best entry-level whiskies in the world, the Craigellachie 13 year old is fun, well balanced and very interesting. Craigellachie 13 was introduced to the world in 2014 as is known for its flavours with spices and lots of depth.
Not very smoky, beginners usually love this whisky for its original character.
Balvenie Double Wood 12 Year Old
This is the best whisky in the world as a classic after-dinner malt. Rich and complex, the top quality whisky has built a name for itself from the meticulous care and attention to detail from the Balvenie distillery.
Its distinctive character comes from being matured in two wood types. During the maturation process, it is also transferred from a traditional oak whisky cask to a first-fill European oak sherry cask. The result is amazing! Character and depth blended to bring about a full flavour is what the Balvenie Double Wood 12 is all about.
A Speyside whisky, the Double Wood 12 year old is known for its smoothness and big flavour that blends well. Black pepper, raspberry, cinnamon and milk chocolate are balanced with a long finish.
Teeling Single Malt
The Teeling brand has always prided itself on doing things differently ever since its incorporation in 1782. Renowned for this vision, you would expect that its whisky is unique and rather different from all the others. The Teeling single malt was matured in hand selected casks that were known for their special character and taste.
Made from 100% Barley, this Irish whisky is among the world’s best because of the innovative maturation and finishing techniques. The smooth balance of dry fruits, citrus, vanilla, spice and cloves has made the Teeling Single Malt a favourite for many. A long sweet and dry finish just seals it further as the best whisky.
Bushmills Black Bush Whiskey
The Bushmills Black Bush is a favourite blend, especially during the Christmas season. Of course, drinking this whiskey is totally acceptable year-round. Just pour it into a whiskey glass and celebrate with friends. This Irish blend contains triple-distilled single malt which has been aged in Oloroso sherry casks for eight to 10 years before marriage with the grain, making it extremely smooth on the way down. It has a distinguished, rather sweet finish as well, delighting whisky drinkers everywhere.
Glendronach 18 Year Old
The bright deep gold colour of the Glendronach 18 year old is an enjoyable preview of the tastes to come. The remarkable flavours of stewed fruits and species married together with classic aged Oloroso sherry is brilliant. Sweet sherry notes that make up the complex and long finish is a real hook for many.
Though not the cheapest of whiskies, Glendronach has stood the test of time and is well worth the buy. Adding this best whisky in the world to your barcart is a good move as it will be popular with almost everyone!
Highland Park 12 Year Old
Dating back more than 200 years, the Highland Park 12 year old comes from a long line of successful bottles of the brand. At only RM275 (about USD65) after discount, this bottle of Highland Park offers real value for money as it is the gold standard when it comes to Scotch.
You can expect sweet notes of sherried fruits and candied honey with a burnt and peaty aftertaste. With an ABV of 40%, it also comes in a beautifully designed bottle full of personality.
The Glenlivet 12 Year Old
The Glenlivet 12 year old is one of the most popular whiskeys in the world. The distillery is based in Scotland and although the Glenlivet 12 is produced there, it is still one of the best-selling malt whisky in the United States.
One of the main reasons is the price. Considered one of the cheapest whisky, the flavour you get from this bottle of Scotch whisky is a steal. The Glenlivet 12 is distilled in pots that use 100 percent malted barley with a combination of the historically famous mineral-rich spring water at the Glenlivet distillery.
Tropical fruity flavours with a long, creamy and smooth finish, the Glenlivet 12 year old is a staple in almost every bar due to its sophisticated flavour.
Glenmorangie Signet
There is one word to describe the Glenmorangie Signet – stunning. By marrying two of Glenmorangie’s oldest whisky, this distillery has created one of the richest whiskies in the world. Distilled twice and matured in designer virgin American white oak casks, the Signet actually does not carry an age statement.
This Highland single malt is a contrast of rich sweetness with spices and bitter mocha. The refreshing finish sealed its place as an award winning whisky, which in turn sealed its place as the best whisky in the world and a must try for all whisky lovers.
Laphroaig 10 Year Old
The original Laphroaig, the 10 year old, is still distilled the same way now as when it was first invented 75 years ago. Malted barley is dried over peat fire so that the bold and smoky taste is very apparent in this best whisky.
Named as 2019’s Best Single Malt Scotch 10 Years & Under by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible, the Laphroaig 10 year old is the foundation of all the distiller’s expressions. Coming with a long, big and dry finish, there are surprising tastes of seaweed with hints of creamy vanilla. A must add to the list of whiskies you have to try.
Conclusion
No matter what type of whisky you prefer, there is something out there for everyone. Even if you are a novice at whisky drinking, rest assured that you will eventually find a favourite whisky. Start trying the whisky brands noted on this list and we promise, you will find one that suits you immensely. At the very least, you have tasted the best whisky in the world and that is certainly something to brag about.
