No longer restricted to the whisky-making motherlands of Scotland and Ireland, it’s now possible to find a first-rate dram produced in just about all corners of the earth. Buoyed by the success of Japanese whisky, there’s a new wave of global producers taking experimentation in their stride.
Distilleries in India, Australia and other countries are experimenting with new techniques of maturation and blends. They also use local ingredients (such as Tasmanian barley or Himalayan peat) to create unique and distinctive drops.
The natural environment also plays a role. A whisky that has aged in Bangalore for three years can be as complex and oaky as a single malt aged 15 years.
How we test whisky from around the world
Our panel of experts and whisky veterans tested a range of world whiskies blind, tasting them neat and then diluted with a drop of water to soften the alcohol and allow the core flavours to shine through. The experts were looking for unique drams which not only challenged the norm, but also offered complex aromatic profiles and well-integrated alcohol. They could be sipped straight or mixed into whisky-based cocktail.
These are the 12 bottles you’ll find on their bar cart.
BEST RYE WHISKY
WhistlePig Old Rye Whiskey 10 Years
Made by the master distiller behind Maker’s Mark’s best-selling blends, we had high hopes for this 10-year-old rye – and it delivered. The distillery searched around the world for casks before choosing those from Madeira and Porto. They were rewarded with a complex rye whiskey that was reminiscent of the flavours of star anise.
70cl, 50
BEST IN A MANHATTAN
Sazerac Rye
Buffalo Trace’s spicy Sazerac was hailed by our panel for its well-balanced aromas (think butterscotch with lingering smoke, butterscotch oil, and ginger). The velvety mouthfeel makes this our new go-to for a Manhattan, but it’s a surprisingly good sparring partner for native oysters, too. You can trust us.
70cl, 45
SWEDISH WHISKY – THE BEST SWEDISH WHISKY
Agitator Single Malt whisky
This single malt from Arboga in Sweden impressed our experts because of its fruity flavour profile. Think: crisp red apples, bright citrus and a hint dried fruit thanks to the sherry barrel maturation. On the palate, there’s a kiss of smoke and sea salt, making this one to savour straight-up, over ice, or with a dash of distilled water to bring out the nuttier backnotes.
75cl, 43
The Best French Whisky
Hautes Glaces Indigene Organic Whisky
Domaine des Hautes-Glaces, which claims to be the oldest organic whiskey distillery in world, has produced a classic single malt to pay homage to its surrounding French landscape. The barley from the Alps gets distilled first over wood fire before being aged in ex-Cognac casks, ex-Armagnac casks, and ex wine barrels. On the nose, there’s sweet vanilla, almond, buttery brioche and toasted oats, followed by warming cinnamon, clove, and a hint of citrus on the palate. Whisky enthusiasts should never be without one bottle in their bar cart.
50cl, 44
The Best of an Old-Fashioned
Never Say Die Rye Whiskey
This rye whisky from the transatlantic brand Never Say Die, which is distilled in Kentucky and aged at the White Peak Distillery of England, is as complex as it is in the nose. This results in sweet and warming aromas such as caramel, apple cake and coconut. On the palate, the flavours of butterscotch and roasted vanilla pods are complemented by toasted wheat, biscuits and toasted grains. The back notes are rich and spicy. This would make an excellent old fashioned. It has a perfectly balanced sweetness.
70cl, 52.5
The Best Australian Whisky
Starward Left Field Australian Single Malt whisky
Overlooked for too long, Australian whisky is beginning to make waves in the global market, with Port Melbourne’s Starward Distillery leading the way. Aromas of apricot, sultanas, and toasted praline are present in the nose. On the palate, richer flavours such as stem ginger, chocolate, and stewed apples join the party. If you’re after a sweeter sipping whisky, you won’t be disappointed.
70cl, 40
The Staining of Host Whisky
Stauning is no stranger to experimentation, and Høst (meaning harvest) is a marriage of single malt sweetness and rye spice in one memorable dram. It’s matured in heavily-charred new American oak casks and first-fill port barriques, which results in a fruity, floral profile, with red berries, apple blossom, and honey taking centre stage, while the sultry smooth mouthfeel makes this a nightcap par excellence.
70cl, 40.50
Best Canadian Whisky
Pike Creek 10 Year-Old
This Canadian whisky is a great choice if you prefer bourbons that are sweeter. This Canadian whisky is finished in rum casks and has a syrupy taste with notes of vanilla, dried oranges, cooking spices and brown sugar. Exceptionally versatile and food-friendly, we’d opt for all-out indulgence and pair it with a post-roast sticky toffee pud.
70cl, 42
Best Japanese Whisky
The House of Suntory Chita Single Grain Japanese whiskey
Grain whiskeys are often lighter in flavor than malts. But this Japanese whisky is complex. Matured in a combination of sherry, bourbon and wine casks, you’ll find a mix of tropical fruits, caramel and vanilla with a hint of toasted rye-style grain. We’re confident you won’t find better.
70cl, 43
Best in a MINT JULEP
Bulleit 95 Rye Bourbon Frontier Whiskey
Since its release in 2011, Bulleit 95 has earned its place on the shelves of leading bars across the globe – and it will work hard on your home bar, too. Exceptionally smooth with sweet notes of maple, oak and a light, woody finish laced with dried fruit and smoke, it’s versatile enough for all the classic cocktails, but brings something extra special to a mint julep.
70cl, 45
Best Indian Whisky
Rampur Single Malt Whisky Double Cask
This single malt is another stellar expression from Rampur. It’s matured in former bourbon barrels and finished in European Sherry casks. The result is a harmonious mix of sweetness (raisins, honey, tropical fruits, malt), and spice (peppers, oaks, cinnamons, nutmegs). Savour on the rocks with an orange twist – this whisky will see you through every season.
70cl, 45
RUNNER UP INDIAN WHISKY
Paul John Brilliance Indian Single Malt Whisky
This Indian single malt, made with barley from the Himalayan foothills and distilled by Goa, is a unique sipper. There’s a clean core of barley, malt and apple skin on the nose, which is swiftly joined by aromas of roasted walnuts, bitter orange peel, vanilla and lively festive spices. The finish is memorable, with rye making a final appearance.
70cl, 46
This article was first seen on Esquire.Sg
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