How to choose and enjoy a good whisky?

Choosing a good whisky (or whiskey) can be a challenging task — particularly if you don’t have much experience drinking it.

The world of whisky is a complex maze of grains, flavors, and distillation processes. It is one of the most diverse distilled spirits in the bar. There are plenty of terms (single malt, blended whiskey, etc.) that don’t mean much unless you’ve done a little bit of homework.

Blended whiskey — mix of whiskys from different distilleries and made with several cereals (barley, wheat, rye)
Blended malts — these are Whiskeys made only from malted barley. The liquid can come from different distilleries
Single Malt — (the top of the range) these are whiskys made from malted barley from one and the same distillery.

In order to fully understand exactly what whisky is, you need to look at each individual style. It’s according to the style that you like that you will be able to steer you towards a whisky rather than another.

When you start to taste the whisky, ask yourself the following:

Does this whisky taste fruity, sweet, or spicy?
Is the drink going down smooth or is it a bumpy ride?
Can the whisky hold up with your wild and fun personality?

Once you’ve determined what type of whisky you want, it’s time to go on the hunt.

American whiskey — tends to be sweeter than other whiskies. American whiskies must be distilled in America and aged in barrels in order to be labeled as whiskey (usually for two years, but not always). Breaks down into the further subcategories:
- Bourbon — distilled from at least 51% corn.
- Rye — distilled from at least 51% rye.
- Tennessee — bourbon that is distilled in Tennessee and filtered through charcoal
Scotch whisky — tends to have smoky and earthy flavors. Distilled in Scotland, from mostly barley, and aged at least 3 years. Breaks down into further subcategories:
- Blended Scotch — literally just a blend of one or more Scotch whiskies.
- Single malt Scotch — distilled at a single distillery from malted barley.
Irish whiskey — tends to be light-bodied, but more robust than Canadian whiskey. Distilled in Ireland, aged at least 3 years
Canadian whiskey — tends to be light-bodied and fruity. Distilled in Canada and aged at least 3 years. They are typically blends.

Our top 3 best Scotch whisky

Johnnie Walker Blue Label

We love Johnnie Walker Black because it’s an unrivaled masterpiece. It is an exquisite blend made from some of Scotland’s rarest and most exceptional whiskies. Only one in every ten thousand casks has the elusive quality, character and flavour to deliver the’ remarkable signature taste of Johnnie Walker Blue Label.

This is the world’s leading premium Scotch Whisky with a multi-dimensional taste that makes it really versatile: the flavours of rich fruits, vanilla and smoke shine through whether served on the rocks, mixed with soda in a highball or with cocktail.

Macallan 12 Year Old Double Cask Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

This spirit is a true Macallan classic and complex single. It’s adored for its oak, vanilla, sweet sherry and caramel flavor notes. This Scotch is carefully distilled at The Macallan distillery, Speyside. A rich and intense single malt whisky matured exclusively in sherry seasoned oak casks from Jerez, Spain.

The reputation of The Macallan is built on a product of outstanding quality and distinctive character, founded upon a set of guiding principles.

The Balvenie 30 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Whisky

Whisky generally improves with age. The depth and complexity of The Balvenie 30 is undeniable.

This is absolutely stunning stuff with it’s silky smooth and honeyed on the nose with mellow oaky tones and hints of candied orange peel. Great depth with rich dark chocolate, hints of plum, marzipan and caramelised pear. Exceptionally smooth and warming with gentle spice and lingering sweetness.