10 must-try Whiskies from around the world
Whisky is an internationally beloved alcoholic beverage that has a long history and a large following. Many countries have their own version of whiskey, and in many cases, these can be identified because of differences in taste, fragrance, and even color.
It is said that the top five whisky-producing countries are Ireland, Scotland, The US, Canada, and Japan. Many of the award-winning whisky brands usually come from one of these countries.
In this article, I will be sharing with you 10 of the best whiskies in the world for 2024. For this list, we took into consideration the taste, cost, and popularity of the brand. I hope this helps you find a good whisky if you are looking for a new brand to taste. The first half will be single malt whiskies, and then we will proceed to blended whiskies.
*Note: The legal age for drinking alcoholic beverages in Japan is 20, so be sure to drink only if you’re above this age.
*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.
1. Macallan 12 Year Double Cask
The first whisky on this list is arguably one of the most recognized single-malt Scotch whisky brands. The Macallan 12 Year Double Cask is not only complex and rich in taste, but it has also an accessible price.
Macallan is a brand from the highland regions of Scotland and has won various awards throughout its long history of about 200 years.
This Whisky in particular is created from 100% malted barley and aged for 12 years, giving it its recognizable fruity taste and sweet fragrance.
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2. Glenmorangie Signet
Another whisky brand that has a long history and many awards won is Glenmorangie. In this case, the whisky that is being spoken about is the Glenmorangie Signet.
Although this product in specific is relatively new, its scent and flavor have a pleasant complexity that shows Glenmorangie’s strong history as the brand.
This whisky is distilled from malt, including malted chocolate barley in a very specific way and this chocolate barley can be felt in both scent and flavor. It has a well-refined taste with a refreshing finish.
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3. Balvenie 12 Year Doublewood
Next on the list is yet another brand with a long and rich history which is Balvenie. This Whisky from the Speyside regions of Scotland was founded by the same person who founded Glengfidic.
The Balvenie 12 Year Doublewood is a whisky launched in 1993 that is characterized by storing in traditional bourbon barrels and repacked in oak barrels used for aging sherry. This for a total of 12 years which gives it its sweet and spicey notes in the flavor with a warm finish.
It is a whisky you will want to drink as an after-dinner malt.
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4. Glenlivet 12 Year
Next, we have another Speyside whisky which is vastly popular, especially in the U.S. Glenlivet also has a 200-year history that backs up the highly demanded whisky.
Especially, Glenlivet 12 Year is a staple at many bars and is the go-to drink for many. They distill its whisky using 100 percent malted barley combined with mineral-rich spring water from the distillery’s famous well.
It has a sweet and refreshing taste and it is also kind to your wallet.
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5. Yamazaki 12 Years
Yamazaki 12 years is the most renowned Japanese single-malt whisky. Although it is a relatively new whiskey (first released in 1984), it has successfully integrated itself into the international single-malt whisky market.
It is well-known for its well-balanced taste that makes it good to accompany meals.
Although it is a relatively expensive bottle, its well-balanced body with its fruity scent makes it a bottle you will want to have.
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6. Johnnie Walker Blue Label
And now, let me introduce to you some of the best blended whiskies for 2024. First off, we have Johnnie Walker Blue Label. Arguably the most famous blended whisky of them all.
Johnnie Walker has a wide variety of whiskies, and the blue label whisky is the most prestigious one of the entire brand. It is popular among both experts and also people who are just starting to understand whisky.
It has a rich and velvety flavor with a little bit of sweetness and a smooth finish.
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7. Monkey Shoulder
Monkey Shoulder is an award-winning blended whisky made from masterfully mixing single malts from different Speyside distilleries.
It has a sweet note to its taste with a complexity and a richly smooth finish that makes it good to drink by itself or by making it into a cocktail.
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8. Buchanan‘s 12 Year Scotch
Buchanan‘s 12 Year Scotch is another blended whisky with multiple awards on its belt throughout its long and rich history.
It is a smooth and fruity taste whisky that is best enjoyed by drinking on the rocks or with club soda.
Originally, this whisky was called “Buchanan’s Finest Liqueur” because James Buchanan personally consulted and approved the blend. This just shows how important this whisky is for the brand.
▶Official website: https://www.buchananswhisky.com/en-us/our-whiskies/buchanans-12-deluxe
9. Elijah Craig Small Batch
Elijah Craig Small Batch is the Burbon entry for this list. Also known as the father of Bourbon, you can tell how much history is behind this brand. And the awards that this bourbon has won show it.
Small Batch is a bourbon produced in small quantities from its premium brand “Elijah Craig”.
It has notes of brown sugar, custard, apple; and a pleasant fruity caramel scent.
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10. Ichiro’s Malt & Grain
And lastly, on this list of best whiskies in the world, I would like to introduce to you Ichiro’s Malt & Grain.
This Japanese blended whisky is made by Chichibu distillery (秩父蒸溜所) which was founded in 2004. Although being just around 20 years since this distillery has been in business, it has already won the hearts of whisky enthusiasts and connoisseurs from all around the world.
This whisky is made by blending 9 types of malt and 2 types of grain. It has a smokey note with a citrus scent.
▶︎Click here for more details about this Whisky right now!
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Written by
Born and raised in Costa Rica, I started living in Tokyo from college. I love traveling within Japan & around the world. Since I wasn’t born in Japan, I know the cultural impact that you can get when visiting Japan for the first time and what you might be worried about before your trip. And I’ve lived long enough to somewhat understand the nuances of the Japanese culture that make this country such an attractive place to visit. Hopefully I can provide to you both the information you’re looking for and the information you didn’t know you needed to know.