Whiskey, with its rich history and diverse range of flavors, continues to captivate enthusiasts worldwide. In 2024, the best whiskeys are a testament to the mastery of distillation, blending tradition with innovation. From the rolling hills of Scotland to the bustling distilleries of the United States, and emerging whiskey markets, here are the 50 best whiskeys in the world for 2024.
1. GlenDronach 18 Year Old Allardice (Scotland)
Known for its deep sherry influence, GlenDronach 18 Year Old Allardice offers a symphony of dried fruits, dark chocolate, and spices, all wrapped in a smooth, rich finish.
2. Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 15 Year Old (USA)
A bourbon that needs no introduction, Pappy Van Winkle’s 15 Year Old boasts a complex profile of caramel, vanilla, and oak, with a velvety texture that aficionados crave.
3. Yamazaki 18 Year Old (Japan)
This Japanese single malt has earned a global following for its balanced notes of dark chocolate, dried fruit, and a hint of smoke, making it a staple for connoisseurs.
4. Macallan Sherry Oak 25 Year Old (Scotland)
Macallan’s reputation for excellence is epitomized in this expression, which offers layers of rich sherry, dried fruit, and a lingering spiced finish.
5. Redbreast 21 Year Old (Ireland)
A standout in the Irish whiskey category, Redbreast 21 Year Old delivers a lush experience with flavors of tropical fruit, nuts, and a creamy mouthfeel.
6. Buffalo Trace Antique Collection – George T. Stagg (USA)
Part of the coveted Antique Collection, George T. Stagg is a high-proof bourbon with bold notes of dark chocolate, leather, and tobacco.
7. Highland Park 18 Year Old Viking Pride (Scotland)
This Orkney gem is known for its balance of sweet heather honey, rich fruitcake, and a touch of aromatic peat smoke.
8. Hibiki 21 Year Old (Japan)
A masterful blend of malt and grain whiskies, Hibiki 21 Year Old harmonizes plum, honey, and oak into a luxurious sipping experience.
9. Laphroaig 25 Year Old (Scotland)
For lovers of peaty whiskies, Laphroaig 25 Year Old offers a refined smokiness intertwined with sweet vanilla and rich toffee.
10. Booker’s Bourbon (USA)
Uncut and unfiltered, Booker’s Bourbon brings a robust flavor profile with notes of caramel, nuts, and a smoky oak finish.
11. Talisker 18 Year Old (Scotland)
This Isle of Skye malt balances maritime flavors with sweet malt and a peppery finish, making it a favorite among those who love coastal whiskies.
12. Glenfiddich 21 Year Old Reserva Rum Cask Finish (Scotland)
Finished in Caribbean rum casks, Glenfiddich 21 Year Old offers unique notes of toffee, fig, and banana, alongside classic Speyside characteristics.
13. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (USA)
A consistently high-rated bourbon, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof offers intense flavors of caramel, spice, and toasted oak.
14. Springbank 18 Year Old (Scotland)
From the Campbeltown region, Springbank 18 Year Old features complex notes of dark chocolate, marzipan, and a touch of smoke.
15. Nikka Yoichi Single Malt (Japan)
A robust Japanese single malt, Nikka Yoichi presents peaty notes alongside fruity and spicy undertones, making it a versatile dram.
16. Glen Grant 18 Year Old Rare Edition (Scotland)
This Speyside whisky is celebrated for its elegant profile of orchard fruits, vanilla, and a hint of almond.
17. Michter’s 20 Year Old Bourbon (USA)
Michter’s 20 Year Old offers a sophisticated palate of dark caramel, dried fruit, and complex spices, making it a sought-after bottle.
18. Ardbeg Corryvreckan (Scotland)
Known for its intense peatiness, Ardbeg Corryvreckan also delivers deep flavors of dark chocolate, blackcurrant, and savory meatiness.
19. Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique (Taiwan)
This Taiwanese single malt is aged in ex-wine casks, bringing a rich complexity with notes of tropical fruit, dark chocolate, and a wine-like finish.
20. Old Forester Birthday Bourbon (USA)
Released annually, Old Forester Birthday Bourbon is celebrated for its rich flavors of caramel, spice, and ripe fruit.
21. Glenfarclas 25 Year Old (Scotland)
A sherry bomb from Speyside, Glenfarclas 25 Year Old offers deep notes of dried fruit, chocolate, and a lingering spice.
22. Lagavulin 16 Year Old (Scotland)
This Islay classic combines rich peat smoke with sweet sherry and a touch of seaweed, offering a well-rounded and robust flavor.
23. Eagle Rare 17 Year Old (USA)
Part of Buffalo Trace’s Antique Collection, Eagle Rare 17 Year Old features a beautifully balanced profile of oak, toffee, and a hint of leather.
24. Aberlour A’bunadh (Scotland)
Cask strength and sherry-matured, Aberlour A’bunadh delivers bold flavors of dark fruit, chocolate, and warm spices.
25. Suntory Hakushu 18 Year Old (Japan)
This Japanese single malt from the Japanese Alps is known for its fresh, herbal notes, balanced with a subtle smokiness and complex fruitiness.
26. Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon (USA)
Blanton’s is known for its sweet, spicy, and floral notes, with a smooth finish that keeps bourbon lovers coming back.
27. Glenmorangie Signet (Scotland)
A unique creation from Glenmorangie, Signet features intense chocolate and coffee notes, with a creamy and rich mouthfeel.
28. Woodford Reserve Double Oaked (USA)
Double maturation in new charred oak barrels gives Woodford Reserve Double Oaked its deep flavors of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak.
29. Bowmore 18 Year Old (Scotland)
From Islay, Bowmore 18 Year Old balances peat smoke with rich fruit and chocolate, offering a complex and satisfying dram.
30. Glen Scotia 25 Year Old (Scotland)
Hailing from Campbeltown, Glen Scotia 25 Year Old is known for its elegant profile of fruit, vanilla, and a hint of brine.
31. Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch (USA)
A highly anticipated annual release, this bourbon offers complex flavors of ripe berries, spices, and creamy vanilla.
32. Bruichladdich Black Art 1994 Edition 05.1 (Scotland)
This mysterious Islay whisky is unpeated and offers a complex medley of fruit, spice, and a hint of dark chocolate.
33. Midleton Very Rare (Ireland)
A premium blend from Ireland, Midleton Very Rare offers rich, creamy notes of vanilla, toasted wood, and a hint of spice.
34. Glenlivet 21 Year Old Archive (Scotland)
This Speyside malt is known for its rich, complex flavors of dried fruit, nuts, and a hint of spice, making it a collector’s favorite.
35. Wild Turkey Rare Breed (USA)
A barrel-proof bourbon, Wild Turkey Rare Breed offers bold flavors of caramel, honey, and a spicy kick, all in a robust package.
36. Chichibu The Peated (Japan)
From the young yet acclaimed Chichibu distillery, The Peated offers smoky notes intertwined with sweet fruit and spice.
37. BenRiach 21 Year Old (Scotland)
This Speyside whisky offers a delightful mix of honey, vanilla, and a subtle smokiness, with a long and satisfying finish.
38. Knob Creek 12 Year Old (USA)
A well-aged expression, Knob Creek 12 Year Old delivers rich caramel, toasted oak, and a smooth, full-bodied experience.
39. Highland Park 30 Year Old (Scotland)
An older Orkney malt, Highland Park 30 Year Old offers deep sherry notes, rich fruit, and a lingering smoky finish.
40. Glenrothes 25 Year Old (Scotland)
This Speyside malt is known for its rich and complex flavors of dark chocolate, citrus, and a hint of spice.
41. Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series (USA)
This series offers innovative expressions with unique barrel finishes, delivering complex flavors of vanilla, caramel, and oak.
42. Jura 18 Year Old (Scotland)
From the Isle of Jura, this 18-year-old offers a balanced mix of rich fruit, dark chocolate, and a gentle smokiness.
43. Heaven Hill 7 Year Old Bottled in Bond (USA)
A robust bourbon with a well-balanced profile of caramel, vanilla, and spice, all bottled at 100 proof.
44. Glenkinchie 24 Year Old (Scotland)
A rare Lowland gem, Glenkinchie 24 Year Old offers delicate floral notes, honey, and a hint of citrus.
45. Balvenie 21 Year Old PortWood Finish (Scotland)
Finished in port casks, Balvenie 21 Year Old offers rich flavors of fruit, honey, and a touch of spice, with a long, elegant finish
