You're going to want these bottles.
Delish editors handpick every product we feature. We may earn commission from the links on this page. Bottle Closure Manufacturer
Attention all self-respecting whiskey drinkers: You don’t have to be a velvet jacket-wearing, cigar-smoking, library-lounging cad to be knowledgeable about the brown stuff. We asked experts for their takes on which whiskey brands are tops for a range of price ranges and for recommendations on the smoothest, easiest-to-drink bottles on the market. Whether you prefer Scotch, Japanese single malt, or Kentucky bourbon, we've got the perfect whiskey for your next relaxing, post-dinner drink.
Looking to take your fully-stocked bar for a test drive? Try one of these whiskey cocktail recipes or treat yourself to one (or more!) of these ultimate gifts for whiskey lovers. But first, some need-to-know info about this essential liquor:
Let's settle this age-old debate: whiskey vs. whisky. Whiskey that hails from America and Ireland is spelled just like that—with an "e." When the booze hails from anywhere else in the world—like Japan or Scotland—it's spelled "whisky," without an "e."
Whiskey can generally be separated into two categories: straight and blended. Straight whiskey (a.k.a. single-malt whiskey) only contains whiskey from a single distillery using a single malted grain. Blended whiskeys on the other hand, can contain a number of whiskey products from different distillers and distillation periods, as well as other flavorings.
In America, there are three kinds of whiskey. That's bourbon, Tennessee whiskey, and rye whiskey—each with its own distillation process, ingredients, and, of course, taste. If you prefer something sweet, try bourbon, which has been aged for at least two years in oak barrels and contains at least 51 percent corn in its "mash bill" (the blend of grains that form the whiskey). You might enjoy bourbon in a classic mint julep or a ginger lime whiskey sour.
Tennessee whiskey is also sweet, aged in oak barrels for at least two years, and contains at least 51 percent corn. However, this liquor is made specifically in Tennessee (hence the name) and must go through what's called the Lincoln County Process, which includes a filtering process using sugar maple charcoal. This makes it good for simple, classic cocktails like a Jack and Coke.
Last but not least, you have rye whiskey, which is also generally aged in oak barrels, but by law, it must contain at least 51 percent rye. This gives it a light, spicy flavor that's perfect for a Big Apple Manhattan.
We consulted cocktail experts (as well as a few whiskey lovers on the Delish team) to learn about their favorite whiskey brands and what can take a bottle from “just okay” to rich and robust. After reviewing their recommendations and expert reviews, as well as gauging factors like price, availability, consistency of output, and flavor profile, we’ve determined that these are the best whiskey and whisky bottles you can buy in 2023.
Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey launched in 2017, honoring Nearest Green, the first-known African American master distiller. It all started with the 100 proof 1856, and since then, the brand has grown to include several whiskeys and has collected over 450 awards.
It's a favorite of Carisha Swanson, House Beautiful's Director of Editorial Special Projects and Brooke Caison, Delish's Food Editor. Swanson says it's "very easy to drink," noting she didn't need any ice to enjoy it.
Crafted by the oldest whiskey distillery in New York City (which you can even visit), Kings County Distillery Straight Bourbon Whiskey offers a robust flavor with sweet notes of butterscotch, fruit, and vanilla. The viscous, almost oily mouthfeel might be a turn-off to some, but we think this complex, yet well-balanced liquor is sure to impress whether you’re gifting a bottle to someone else or want to add a bit of spice to your home bar setup.
“I got my brother [Kings County Distillery Straight Bourbon Whiskey] and he loved it,” says Julia Smith, Director of Video here at Delish. “The design feels sleek, [and it] looks good on a bar cart.”
The current go-to for Delish's Associate Food Producer Justin Sullivan hails from Long Island, New York. "It’s made on Long Island which you don’t typically think of when you think of whiskey, but it’s great and super smooth," he says.
Rough Rider Double Cask Bourbon Whisky has a mash bill with a particularly high rye content—it's made of 60% corn, 33% Winter Rye, and 7% Malted Barley. Long Island Spirits also produces Brandies for Long Island wineries. After aging in New American Oak casks, the bourbon whisky finishes off in these French Oak Ex-Brandy casks.
Delish's Senior Video Editor, Zach Lennon-Simon, is obsessed with Koval Bourbon, and it’s not difficult to see why. The mashbill (which is the recipe of grains used to produce a whiskey) of this bourbon is unusually low in corn at 51 percent. The result is a somewhat sweeter bourbon, with notes of honeyed papaya and peppered apricot.
“When I was a door guy at a bar in Massachusetts, all my shift drinks were Koval,” says Lennon-Simon. “‘Koval’ is Yiddish for ‘forges ahead,’ which was meant to honor the [owner's] grandfather for starting his life over when he immigrated to America.” It’s good to note, though, that all of Koval’s whiskeys are bottled as single-barrel, which may cause slight variations.
True whiskey aficionados are sure to be impressed with this full-bodied beverage, which features a nose of brown sugar, molasses, and toffee. This is followed by notes of cinnamon, clove, roasted corn, and a hint of spicy rye with a balanced finish of candied fruit, fig, and walnut finish. Hillrock explains that the term “Solera” refers to the process in which a small amount of whiskey is removed from a stack of barrels over a period of time and replaced with new whiskey. No barrel is ever fully emptied, so the end result is a gradual increase in age and complexity.
As our Former Senior Food Producer June Xie’s “personal favorite,” she was quick to sing Hillrock Solera Aged Bourbon Whiskey's praises, saying, “the high-proof combined with the pronounced flavors of fruit and spice make this whiskey seemingly melt and evaporate in your mouth while giving you a flash tasting menu experience reminiscent of Willy Wonka’s three-course dinner gum in alcohol form.”
Are you a whiskey lover searching for redemption? James MacInnes, Liquor Boss at Miami's Klaw Restaurant, swears by Redemption Straight High-Rye Bourbon for cocktails.
“When it comes to whiskey, there is a bottle for every occasion. Sometimes you need a steadfast bottle that isn't going to break the bank, but still has enough character to shine through cocktail formatting," MacInnes shared. "The above normal [amount] of rye grain in the mash bill allows the spirit to work with, but not be eclipsed, by accompanying flavors.”
And it certainly is a high rye content—36 percent, in fact. It may lack a bit of depth, but if you’re the type who can never have too much rye, you just might fall in love with this bottle’s subtly sweet, slightly spicy flavor.
In New York City, Manhatta's head bartender Cameron Winkelman says Wild Turkey 101 Rye is his go-to. “Being 101 proof and a Kentucky style of rye, the flavors of pepper and spice add the perfect balance and strong back bone to any cocktail," he said. "It’s bold enough to stand apart in delicately layered cocktails, and complex enough to enjoy straight on its own.”
With a slightly earthy taste that’s perfect for traditional cocktails like a classic Manhattan, Wild Turkey 101 Rye's intricate, multifaceted flavor makes it a bar cart staple (though you might want to stock up, because it can be tricky to find at times).
Lennon-Simon also likes the River Basin Rye Whiskey which he says "tastes smooth with a nice little dash of vanilla and caramel." This small batch whiskey is aged in new American white oak barrels and is bottled in New Orleans. River Basin Distillery also partners with Coalition to Restore Costal Louisiana, so your purchase will help preserve Louisiana wetlands.
Whereas other inexpensive options may be a bit overpowering, the mild Elijah Craig Rye Whiskey hits the spot with its warm and rich flavor. As Master Cocktail Craftsman at The Bar at The Spectator Hotel in Charleston, South Carolina, Allen Lancaster recommends reaching for this bottle for a variety of reasons.
“If you want to find something flavorful for a better price and also be able to find [it] on the shelves, Elijah Craig Rye Whiskey is hands down my go-to," he said. "With a high mash bill, this is one of the more approachable ryes available, and one I use often at The Bar. It has the classic spice notes of a rye but is rounded out with the caramel and stone fruit sweetness from the corn and malted barley.”
Black pepper and summer fruit are up front, with notes of caramel and warming spices in the middle, and vanilla and butterscotch on the back end. It’s not the most complex rye whiskey on the market, but the Elijah Craig still offers solid middle-shelf quality.
For some Tennessee whiskeys, it can be tough to taste the sugar maple charcoal filtration process, but that’s not the case with the George Dickel Rye Whiskey, which was named Best Buy in 2019 by Wine Enthusiast. Just take it from Noah Manksar, bartender at Colonia Verde in Brooklyn, New York.
“The George Dickel distillery is known for chilling its juice before filtering it with sugar maple charcoal, a signature step in the production of Tennessee whiskeys," he said. "Dickel says the cooler temperature makes the final product smoother—and that's true for their rye, which has a mash bill of 95 percent rye grain and 5 percent malted barley. With a great mix of rye spiciness, nuttiness and some vanilla sweetness, it's lovely to sip on its own or mix into an old fashioned or Manhattan.”
Boasting a traditional flavor, you’ll note hints of clove and cinnamon in your first sip and a spicy and composed (albeit somewhat short) finish with the taste of black pepper.
With a gentle and sweet flavor that’s nicely complemented by some complex spiciness, Rittenhouse Rye is the go-to for many a bartender thanks to its versatility. But this smooth whiskey isn’t just a favorite of pros—Hearst Senior Vice President of Brand Strategy and Business Development Daniel Fuchs calls Rittenhouse Rye “a great value for a bottled-in-bond whiskey."
“It just works better in an old fashioned or a Manhattan than bourbon," he said. "The spiciness balances out the sweeter elements.”
Though its wide appeal may make it too simple for whiskey lovers seeking a challenge, this is still a solid, versatile bottle that will satisfy most palates (especially in our Apple Cider Old Fashioned).
Aged for three years and boasting a mashbill of 75 percent corn, 15 percent rye, and 10 percent malted barley, it’s no wonder that Jodie Battles, Beverage Director for Boston area restaurants Toro, Coppa, and Little Donkey, and her colleagues chefs Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonette, consistently look forward to the yearly release of Pinhook’s Flagship Bourbon.
According to Battles, “the intention behind Pinhook Flagship releasing new vintage bourbons each year is to highlight the best of their barrels at that time.”
This uncommon approach is what Battles loves about Pinhook and its bourbon, and we think you will, too! This bottle has a nose of candied pecans, cloves, wet stone, and orange peels, with a palate of tropical fruit and caramel that leads to an almond and cinnamon finish. This may be underwhelming for some, but for the average bourbon drinker, the nuanced taste of Pinhook’s Flagship Bourbon is sure to be a hit.
Old Forester 100 Proof Signature Bourbon delivers richness and good flavor (though you may find there’s a slightly bitter aftertaste). Robert Little and Chad Urban, restaurateurs and chefs behind the New York City neighborhood spots Chez Nick, and Leroy's, swear by this bottle. “In the Double Derby from Leroy's, we like to make it with a higher proof bourbon [like] Old Forester 100," they shared. "The high-proof alcohol with the mix of passionfruit, gentian, and lemon makes for an amazingly refreshing bourbon cocktail.”
Tasters will note an oaky nose with hints of cherry and sweet caramel, a somewhat thin mouthfeel, and an average finish of black pepper and clove.
Woodford Reserve is the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby, so we can confirm your assumption: This stuff is good. Each bottle of the classic Kentucky bourbon carries more than 200 tasting notes from "bold grain and wood, to sweet aromatics, spice, and fruit and floral." The company is also committed to eco-friendly practices, like recycling, composting, and land restoration.
This bottle is another favorite Lennon-Simon’s (he’s a self-described “huge fan of Woodford”), and he even has a tradition with his college best friend of exchanging bottles on their birthdays. Pro tip: If you want to take a page out of Lennon-Simon’s book, ReserveBar offers $50 custom engravings for special occasions.
Looking for a flavorful high-proof bourbon that won’t break the bank? Allow us to introduce you to Evan Williams. A longtime fan of Evan Williams Bourbon, Sullivan says this straight Kentucky bourbon is the “best well whiskey for simple cocktails or shots.”
The finish is somewhat sweet with slight notes of menthol, which may be a turn-off for some bourbon drinkers, but this surprisingly smooth bottle offers plenty of complexity. Plus, Evan Williams is one of the top-selling bottled-in-bond whiskies, meaning it has been aged and bottled according to U.S. Standards of Identity for Distilled Spirits regulations.
Many booze brands slap "small batch" on their bottles, but Michter's means it: A maximum of twenty full barrels are produced in each run. This particular bourbon is touted as mellow and earthy, with notes of rich caramel and stone fruits, making it a tad too sweet for an old fashioned, but great for something like a Werther's hot toddy.
Joey Smith, Bar Director of New York City's Chez Zou, loves this liquor, saying, “Michter's Bourbon is an American whiskey steeped in history and is one of the best ‘bang for your buck’ products on the market.” Though it also “drinks pretty good neat,” Smith is sure to include it in one of Chez Zou’s signature cocktails, the Banana Danse.
“We use lush tropical flavors of banana, coconut, and chocolate to complement the whiskey’s natural sweetness and cardamom bitters to interplay with aromatic notes of vanilla and baking spices.”
It’s not just Ron Swanson who considers Lagavulin 16-Year-Old Scotch Whisky to be “the nectar of the gods”—Nick Offerman (a.k.a. the real-deal Ron Swanson) once said of the scene in which his character visits the Lagavulin distillery: “If you go back and look at a lot of that stuff, you might see a tear rolling down my face.”
What’s more, Offerman loves Lagavulin so much that the brand and he collaborated to create his own “Offerman Edition” bottling. Needless to say, when somebody loves whisky this much, you’re inclined to listen, but if that’s not enough to sway you, Lagavulin’s impressive attention to detail and meticulousness will. The distillery ages each of its whiskies to perfection, and this 16-year-old bottle, which is intensely smoky and peaty, clocks in as a fan favorite.
Whether you enjoy this rich, pungent Scotch whisky by yourself or in the company of esteemed guests, we think Ron says it best: “Prepare to experience true freedom and bliss.”
For mixologist Simon Sebbah of American Bar in New York City's Greenwich Village, Laphroaig Quarter Cask's "buttery, fruity and cigar smoke notes can be exploited in many ways—neat, on the rocks or just a few drops in a cocktail.”
It's perfect for Scotch newbies, and tasters will note a chocolatey, peaty nose followed by a somewhat spicy caramel and chili pepper-infused palate. Sips end with a smoky, sweet finish. But be sure to keep an eye out and grab a bottle of this single-malt Scotch if you see it, because its availability is hit-or-miss.
The Johnnie Walker portfolio offers a wide range of options, each with its own color that indicates the whiskey's price and age. As one of their more expensive bottles, the flagship Blue Label is a blend of only the rarest of Scotches, though the brand doesn’t provide an exact age for the whiskies in the bottle. Bobby Leonardo, head bartender of New York homestyle Thai restaurant Wayla, praises this classic Scotch for being smooth with a hint of peat, orange, dark chocolate and ginger. "[The] flavors come only from one of every 10,000 casks that has the exceptional quality, character, and flavor to deliver a remarkable taste,” he noted. If you’d prefer something a little lighter on your wallet, Johnnie Walker Black Label is also a favorite of our Director of Motion Graphics, Vineet Sawant.
You’re sure to savor the smooth taste of The Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, which is another top pick for Battles. Finished in casks previously used for Caribbean rum, Battles loves “how this adds another layer of depth to the flavor of the whiskey, which is best served neat.”
Sporting notes of vanilla, nutmeg, toffee, and rum-soaked raisins, you may not have been a Scotch drinker before, but The Balvenie Caribbean Cask Scotch might make you a convert (unless you’re not a rum fan).
Kaitlin Mahar is a California-based freelance writer covering the shopping and lifestyle beats. When she's not sharing her passion for the Oxford comma with anyone who will listen, she is a proud cat parent, avid yogi, tea enthusiast, and co-host and co-producer of the podcast "Crime Culture".
30 New Year's Eve Cocktail Recipes
A Part of Hearst Digital Media
We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back.
Bottle Closure ©2024 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.