The 50 Best Whiskeys in the World for 2024
There's a lot of great whiskey out there. Over the past decade or so, varieties among the best whiskey brands has exploded, presenting tipplers with a mind-boggling array of options. You can now drink bourbon that’s aged entirely on the ocean, top-rated rye, or even Japanese single malts that beat Scotch in blind taste tests.
Certain whiskey trends have also become more prevalent. There are bottled-in-bond expressions from new and established distilleries; bourbon, ryes, Irish whiskey, Scotch finished in unique casks; more focus on the oft-ignored art of blending; and the rise of American single malt, which soon have its own legal definiteion.
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These days, it’s no hyperbole to say that there’s a good whiskey for everyone, no matter what your preferred flavor profile is. It seems that even within strictly defined categories, there’s room for innovation from brands and distilleries with a creative mindset.
All this poses a serious—if highly welcome—dilemma: What should I drink?
Fear not: Men’s Journal is on the case. In addition to putting our own taste buds to work, we recruited top experts from the wide world of whiskey—bartenders, restaurateurs, distributors, writers, awards judges, and more—who have collectively sampled thousands of bottles. We narrowed them down to these 50 best whiskeys, most of which can be found at any good liquor store and none of which fail to please.
So, whether you’re looking for a sophisticated weekend sipper to enjoy on the rocks, best whiskey to gift, budget bourbon for a cocktail party, or Scotch for hot toddies, we’ve got the perfect bottle for you. Without further ado, meet the standout whiskeys of 2024.
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Related: 10 Bottles We'd Pack for a Campsite Happy Hour
Best Whiskeys in the World at a Glance
Best Bourbon: William Larue Weller
Best Scotch Whisky: Glenfarclas 25-Year-Old
Best Canadian Whisky: Canadian Club 15-Year-Old Sherry Cask Invitation Series
Best Irish Whiskey: Redbreast 12
Best Japanese Whisky: Yamazaki 12-Year
Best Cheap Whiskey: Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
50 Best Whiskeys in the World
Best Bourbon: William Larue Weller
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"William Larue Weller might be the bottle I get buried with and, hopefully, I emptied that bottle,” says Peter Nolan, owner of Permission Whiskey & Service Co. in Houston, TX. An endorsement like that means this whiskey doesn't come cheap—bottles go for thousands. Men's Journal contributor Christopher Friedmann called it "one of the holy grails of American whiskey," as it topped our list of the best bourbons.
The rare whiskey, made by Buffalo Trace Distillery, offers fragrant scents of caramel corn, leather, plums, toffee, and tobacco. The palate is sweet (think marshmallow, salted almonds, nougat, figs, and dates) and finishes smooth as hell, leaving a flavorful sweetness on the palate.
The price point for William Larue Weller is simply too high for most folks, so we also included a pair of less expensive offerings from the same distiller on this list. Keep an eye out for Buffalo Trace's flagship bourbon, which sells for under $30, and W.L. Weller 12, which runs a couple hundred.
Best Scotch Whisky: Glenfarclas 25-Year-Old
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Friedmann named Glenfarclas Aged 25 Years the best Scotch whisky of 2024. Based in Speyside, Scotland, Glenfarclas has been family-owned since 1865, now helmed by the sixth generation. "The distillery continues to produce some of the world’s most prized whiskies," Friedmann wrote. "Of all its delicious offerings, this one continues to impress the most."
The whisky is aged solely in oloroso sherry casks, delivering marmalade, honey, coffee, sherry, and nuts on the nose. Sherry, along with oak, lead the rich palate, which is followed by a dry finish of malt, smoke, and dark chocolate. It's a classic that earns contemporary nods, evidenced by its gold medal at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Best Canadian Whisky: Canadian Club 15-Year-Old Sherry Cask Invitation Series
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“This is new and my clear favorite,” says Davin de Kergommeaux, founder of the Canadian Whisky Awards and writer of the upcoming book Canadian Whisky: The Essential Portable Expert.
Men's Journal contributor Stinson Carter named Canadian Club 15-Year-Old Sherry Cask Invitation Series the best Canadian whisky of 2024, explaining that the bottle is basically Canadian Club 12-Year that's undergone a second aging in oloroso sherry casks, adding a layer of complexity. Despite that involved process, its widely available, well-priced, and has a low enough ABV to enjoy with just a single large cube.
Best Irish Whiskey: Redbreast 12
Melissa Kirschenheiter
Carter, who penned our best Irish whiskey roundup, called Redbreast 12 "an exquisite whiskey for all cases—whether sipping neat, on the rocks, or mixing in cocktails like an old fashioned, where the whiskey is the star." It's made from a mash of malted and unmalted barley, triple distilled in copper pot stills, and matured in bourbon barrels with oloroso sherry oak butts. The result is a full-flavored whiskey with spicy, fruity aromas and notes of toasted wood.
Best Japanese Whisky: Yamazaki 12-Year
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Yamazaki 12-Year is a renowned expression distilled at Japan's oldest malt whisky distillery, Yamazaki Distillery. The meticulous aging process requires quite a few casks, including American, Spanish, and mizunara oak
Men's Journal contributor Austa Somvichian-Clausen, who wrote our best Japanese whisky article, describes it as follows: "Amber-hued, it presents a smooth and honeyed sweetness along with prominent notes of red berries, dried apricots, and a touch of mizunara oak spice."
Kate Boushel, beverage director of Atwater Cocktail Club, loves Yamazaki 12-Year in a classic Japanese highball. "The light salinity of the soda really complements the warm, nutty, and buttery palate, which evolves into a long, lightly spiced ginger finish that carries a little further thanks to the carbonation,” she told Men's Journal.
Best Cheap Whiskey: Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
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Buffalo Trace needs no introduction. After all, the distillery produces some of the most sought-after bourbons on the planet, including George T. Stagg, Eagle Rare, and the ever-elusive Pappy Van Winkle. But as Men's Journal contributor Brad Japhe warns in our best cheap whiskeys roundup, "sleep on this flagship offering at your own peril," because this bourbon shines as bright as the marquee names for a fraction of the price.
Often found around $30, Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a rich, complex bourbon, offering hints of vanilla, toffee, and candied fruit. "The smooth finish lingers on the palate," the distillery's website promises. "This will never change." We certainly hope not.
Related: How to Drink Scotch Whisky: Experts Share Their Best Tips
Melissa Kirschenheiter
Since its founding, WhistlePig has sourced whiskey from Canada and Indiana, then blended, finished, and bottled it at its Vermont farm and distillery. Nowadays, it’s also distilling its own whiskey, but the best remains WhistlePig 10-Year Small Batch Rye Whiskey with big, bold, warm flavor notes reminiscent of clove, nutmeg, and toffee.
Melissa Kirschenheiter
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is perhaps the ultimate whiskey for bargain hunters. It's aged for 12 years, bottled uncut (proof depends on the batch, which is released three times per year) and unfiltered. It has all of the characteristics of Heaven Hill bourbons like Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, and Henry McKenna, with flavors of caramel, apple, vanilla, and cinnamon—but with more depth and intensity.
This bourbon goes down easy. It can be quite dangerous as it doesn't drink as hot as the proof suggests. It also makes a phenomenal old fashioned using just a touch of sugar and a few dashes of bitters.
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No rust belt residue can be found on this ridiculously smooth 94-proof small-batch Watershed Bourbon from Ohio. It’s incredibly drinkable, with hints of butterscotch. Bold notes remind you it spent four years in heavily charred American oak barrels, and was given a final finish in apple brandy casks. This spelted bourbon—which means it's made with a mash bill of corn, rye, wheat, malted barley, and spelt—proves that craft bourbon need not hail from Kentucky.
Melissa Kirschenheiter
Bushmills Black Bush is a spicy favorite of Jack McGarry, co-founder of The Dead Rabbit in New York, NY. "Due to the heavy sherry component, the blend possesses wonderful Christmas cake notes of dried fruits and the prerequisite spices," McGarry says. Despite its festive wintertime flavors, it's suitable for year-round consumption.
Melissa Kirschenheiter
Great blended malts should be more than the sum of their parts. Monkey Shoulder pulls that off in spades. It was originally a blend of single malts from Glenfiddich, Balvenie, and Kinivie; now, there are a few more in the mix. It makes a solid match for some ice cubes and a splash of soda, and it’s one of the best damn Scotch and limes we've ever had.
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Mention the word “bourbon,” and most of us immediately think “Kentucky.” After all, the spirit's been made there for more than 200 years. But, according to Tommy Tardie, found of NYC's The Flatiron Room, there’s also great bourbon coming out of New York. “My current favorite? Field & Sound Bottled in Bond,” he says. “Long Island Spirits distills this out on the Long Island Sound. They've been doing fantastic stuff and I’m a big fan of a lot of it. Several bottles have a permanent home in my liquor cabinet.”
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Compass Box has elevated the art of blended Scotch. Javelle Taft, bartender at New York City's Death & Co, counts himself a fan. “It has to be the Artist Blend,” he says. “It’s full of luscious fruit notes with a caramel finish. The blend is mostly single malt combined with some grain whisky, giving it a nice creamy oat vibe with toasted coconut on the nose.”
![<p>Melissa Kirschenheiter</p> <p><a href="https://clicks.trx-hub.com/xid/arena_0b263_mensjournal?event_type=click&q=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.skimresources.com%3Fid%3D106246X1712071%26xs%3D1%26xcust%3Dmj-editors-bestwhiskeys-0224%26url%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.totalwine.com%2Fspirits%2Fbourbon%2Fsmall-batch-bourbon%2Fmakers-mark-46-bourbon-whisky%2Fp%2F111214375%3Fglia%3Dtrue%26src%3Dplia%3AShopping%2BUS%2BNone%2BENG%2BSPART%3A%3A%3Agoogle%26s%3D301&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mensjournal.com%2Ffood-drink%2F50-best-whiskeys-in-the-world%3Fpartner%3Dyahoo&ContentId=ci02b8d080f0032491&author=Men's%20Journal%20Editors&page_type=Article%20Page&partner=yahoo§ion=Scotch%20whisky&site_id=cs02b334a3f0002583&mc=www.mensjournal.com" data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;elmt:premonetized" rel="sponsored" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Maker's 46 Bourbon Whisky;elm:affiliate_link;elmt:premonetized;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-with-clickid etailiffa-link">Maker's 46 Bourbon Whisky</a> is a lab experiment gone right. "They set out to enhance the iconic Maker's Mark and succeeded by placing seared oak staves into a small-batch bourbon for 90 days," says Thomas. "The result is everything you loved about Maker's [but] with more complexity and an extra shot of well-balanced oak notes."</p> <div> </div> <div> </div>](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/NU2ZHyY5K2vsOObbITSmKQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTgxOA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/men_s_journal_718/ab679530f5e465b95d693f70810f4088)
Melissa Kirschenheiter
Maker's 46 Bourbon Whisky is a lab experiment gone right. "They set out to enhance the iconic Maker's Mark and succeeded by placing seared oak staves into a small-batch bourbon for 90 days," says Thomas. "The result is everything you loved about Maker's [but] with more complexity and an extra shot of well-balanced oak notes."
Melissa Kirschenheiter
There are few bourbons more coveted than Pappy Van Winkle 12-Year Lot B. The problem: That bottle is impossible to find without a tremendous markup. Our advice? Skip Lot B and get W.L. Weller 12 instead.
“Regaled as the ‘inexpensive’ Van Winkle Lot B, this wheated bourbon is one of the best values on the market,” says Bill Thomas, owner and whiskey curator at Washington, D.C.’s Jack Rose Dining Saloon. While it used to run for just $40, it's quickly becoming scarce and that price point is rising, but you’ll pay a few hundred instead of more than a grand for Pappy.
Melissa Kirschenheiter
Tardie is often asked which whiskey is his favorite: "Not an easy answer, as my preference changes depending on the season, the temperature, where I'm at, and even my mood." But there's one that's always been in his top five: GlenDronach Allardice 18 Single Malt Scotch Whisky. "It's brilliant," he says. "One sip and notes of leather, tobacco, polished wood, and sweet sherry notes linger on my palate."
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There are many Irish single malts to choose from, but The Tyrconnell Single Malt stands out from the pack. “I love the character in this whiskey,” says Taft. “It’s loaded with toasted nuts and nougat notes,” and makes for a fantastic Emerald cocktail (Irish whiskey, sweet vermouth, and orange bitters).
![<p>Courtesy Image</p> <p>Tardie is a huge George Dickel fan. His favorite is the <a href="https://clicks.trx-hub.com/xid/arena_0b263_mensjournal?event_type=click&q=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.skimresources.com%3Fid%3D106246X1712071%26xs%3D1%26xcust%3Dmj-editors-bestwhiskeys-0224%26url%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fflaviar.com%2Fproducts%2Fgeorge-dickel-13-year-old-bottled-in-bond-tennessee-whisky-750&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mensjournal.com%2Ffood-drink%2F50-best-whiskeys-in-the-world%3Fpartner%3Dyahoo&ContentId=ci02b8d080f0032491&author=Men's%20Journal%20Editors&page_type=Article%20Page&partner=yahoo§ion=Scotch%20whisky&site_id=cs02b334a3f0002583&mc=www.mensjournal.com" data-i13n="elm:affiliate_link;elmt:premonetized" rel="sponsored" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:13-Year Bottled in Bond;elm:affiliate_link;elmt:premonetized;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-with-clickid etailiffa-link">13-Year Bottled in Bond</a>—a fantastic 50 percent ABV whiskey at a fantastic price. "Dickel has a high corn mashbill [84 percent], so it comes across a bit sweeter for me," Tardie says. "But that sweetness plays well with the higher proof.”</p> <div> </div> <div> </div>](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/66wlggszigocLtj0TgV08Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTgxOA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/men_s_journal_718/3d6dd83b337209c5afc1c98085d51915)
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Tardie is a huge George Dickel fan. His favorite is the 13-Year Bottled in Bond—a fantastic 50 percent ABV whiskey at a fantastic price. "Dickel has a high corn mashbill [84 percent], so it comes across a bit sweeter for me," Tardie says. "But that sweetness plays well with the higher proof.”
Melissa Kirschenheiter
??Rittenhouse Rye originated in the Monongahela River area of Pennsylvania. Today, it's made in Kentucky with a mashbill containing less rye than the original pre-Prohibition recipe. The 100-proof bottled-in-bond whiskey goes down smooth, making it one of the better sipping ryes out there. And you can’t argue with a price tag under $30.
Melissa Kirschenheiter
St. John Frizell, owner of Brooklyn cafe and bar Fort Defiance, can’t get enough of Caribbean Cask 14-Year Single Malt. The Scotch is finished in rum barrels. "It's surprising how much rum character comes through,” he says. There are beautiful notes of almond, lime rind, tropical fruit, allspice, and nutmeg. "These are rum punch flavors, straight out of the West Indies."
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This single-malt whisky from the Orkney region of Scotland is the northernmost distillery in the country. The whisky there is peated, but not aggressively so, with a heavy sherry cask influence. Highland Park Cask Strength, now in its fifth batch release, is non-chill filtered; boasts a natural color; and is full of nuanced flavors of vanilla, light smoke, and honey. Add a drop of water or two if you’d prefer to cool it down.
Melissa Kirschenheiter
Blanton's Original Single Barrel Bourbon is extremely tough to outshine. The whiskey blooms with satisfying orange and vanilla notes and comes in the single most iconic bottle to ever grace a bar cart. When the liquor meets your lips, it coats your mouth with caramel and citrus, leaving just a slight burn in the back of your throat.
Melissa Kirschenheiter
The Famous Grouse Scotch Whisky has been renowned since 1842, when its creator was asked to supply a whiskey for a royal dinner attended by Queen Victoria. Today, the regal blend has become Scotland’s best-selling whiskey on account of its storied legacy, its trademark malty flavor profile, and its reasonable price that hangs around $25 per bottle.
Melissa Kirschenheiter
Bulleit Rye should be the first whiskey you buy when stocking your bar. The clean spice and sweet vanilla flavors are complex and smooth enough to be savored neat. At the same time, this impressively affordable spirit is also a cocktail's best friend, seamlessly blending and complementing any bitters or liqueurs you throw at it. Men's Journal senior editor Chris Hatler loves it in a Manhattan.
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You've probably had the original Jameson at more than a few dive bars and St. Patrick's Day gatherings. But to get a bottle of the award-winning Jameson 18 Years, you have to hunt. It blends three whiskeys, which are aged in oak casks, then blended for a finishing period of six months in bourbon barrels. The result? An intriguing and pleasing blend of vanilla, almond, and toffee, mingling with a tinge of woodiness.
Melissa Kirschenheiter
Aberfeldy has been making single malt in the Scottish Highlands since 1896 using only fresh water from Pitilie Burn—the stream that runs alongside the distillery. The whisky has long been a core component of Dewar’s Blended Scotch Whisky, but it stands on its own as a single-malt release. The fruity, malty Aberfeldy 12-Year-Old brings invigorating notes of honey and spice to the palate and can be sipped neat or used in any whisky cocktail you can think of.
Melissa Kirschenheiter
Michter's US-1 Unblended American Whiskey has caramel, coffee, and brown butter notes to finish and is reasonably priced and readily available. The main difference between this bottle and Michter’s bourbon is that the American whiskey is aged in used barrels, since bourbon must be matured in brand new charred oak. Michter's is popular at the best bars on the planet, beating out Maker's Mark and Bulleit for the number one spot on the 2024 Drinks International Brands Report trending American whiskey list.
Melissa Kirschenheiter
Japan has been producing great whisky for decades, however it didn't become mainstream until the last decade. “In 2013, Yamazaki Sherry Cask was awarded 'World Whisky of the Year,' and demand for anything Japanese went gangbusters,” says Tardie. Yamazaki 18 Single Malt Whisky is a tremendous expression. Unfortunately, the lack of availability and the steep pricing will limit the number of people who actually get to try it. Worth a trip to Japan, perhaps?
Melissa Kirschenheiter
There's a good reason why Mellow Corn has become such a popular whiskey among mixologists across the country, with notes of ginger candy and vanilla. Mike Shain, general manager at New York City's Porchlight, calls it "funky stuff" on its own, but you'll cut it some slack as soon as you see what it can do in cocktails. Mellow Corn really opens up when combined with other ingredients.
Melissa Kirschenheiter
Balvenie never gets enough attention for its interesting releases. Two different barrels come to play when finishing Balvenie Doublewood 12 Whiskey. Tardie explains the whiskey spent over a decade in American oak casks before being finished in European oak sherry casks. "Balvenie's Doublewood was the early pioneer of introducing double maturation to the whiskey world," says Tardie. A great sipping whiskey, the sherry wood adds an interesting layer of intrigue.
Melissa Kirschenheiter
Nicholas Pollacchi, co-founder of Shibui Whisky, thinks Lot 40 Rye is a stellar sipper worth any hangover. It's made with 90 percent unmalted rye grain and 10 percent malted rye, which he says gives this whiskey its spectacular aroma and velvet-like mouth feel. "The perfect balance of floral and fruitiness is matched by the peppery earthiness. It's one of the best ways you’ll ever spend $40."
Melissa Kirschenheiter
Four Roses is famous for its unusual process of combining two different mashbills with five proprietary yeast strains to create 10 bourbons that are blended back together. Its Single Barrel, however, is not a blend. It uses only Four Roses' 35 percent rye mashbill and a yeast known for its smooth, light vanilla and fruit character. The resulting liquid is rich with notes of prune, maple, and toffee.
Melissa Kirschenheiter
This famously smooth, creamy whiskey with soft caramel notes has set the bar high for Kentucky bourbons. Jim Beam Black benefits from a few extra years of aging in white oak barrels, which set it a solid notch above the original. Full-bodied with some hints of warm oak, this whiskey won the Bourbon Trophy at the 2016 International Wine and Spirits Competition.
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Midleton Very Rare is Irish whiskey at its peak. The blend is a combination of pot still and grain whiskey, all of which has been matured for a lengthy amount of time and selected by master distiller Kevin O’Gorman. The 2023 edition is full of fruit, molasses, and spice notes, and is best sipped neat—although go ahead and whip up a decadent cocktail with it if you please.
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If you’re considering barrel-proof whiskey, it’s really hard to go wrong with Booker’s, a bourbon produced at the James B. Beam Distilling Co. that's released in several batches every year. “Forever the standard bearer for a classic Manhattan, it has a distinct flavor that makes itself known in a cocktail," says Ryan Pendergast, head bartender at Bourbon Steak in Nashville, TN, who has more than 20 years of experience in the industry. “It has a personality that makes it stand out."
Melissa Kirschenheiter
Matured entirely in Spanish sherry casks, The Macallan Rare Cask is a serious no-age-statement whiskey. There's so much to love here. The citrus and cocoa on the nose; the beautiful red color; the fruity, nutty flavors; and warm, smoky finish. It’s released once per year, and the most recent batch is a collaboration with Charlie Burchill of Scottish rock band Simple Minds.
Melissa Kirschenheiter
Even if you're not a whiskey fan, you'll recognize Lagavulin as a favorite of Parks & Recreation star actor Nick Offerman (there's even a limited-edition bottle with his face on it). Lagavulin 16 is the standard bearer of the portfolio, and arguably of the whole peated and Islay whisky world. Thomas has made it his go-to because of the bottle's balance. "The peat, delivered on a bed of sweetness, is the perfect introduction to one of the world’s greatest whisky-producing islands," he says.
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Taft is a big fan of Toki, an affordable blend from Japanese whisky giant Suntory. “It’s a great blended whisky that's flexible enough to enjoy in a highball and bold enough for an old fashioned,” he says. “I love the savory character of the spirit. It reminds me of mushrooms and kelp.”
Melissa Kirschenheiter
"Craigellachie is very selective over its releases, and its 19-year-old is one of its oldest expressions," says Pollacchi. Bottled at 46 percent ABV, this Speyside distillery gives us a whisky well worth adding to your portfolio. "Bright citrus notes and tropical fruit on the nose are matched by charred oak on the palate," Pollacchi says, "giving this dram an unusually complex finish that's rarely seen from this region."
Melissa Kirschenheiter
Our desert island Irish whiskey? Green Spot. This single-pot still whiskey, made from a mashbill of malted and unmalted barley, then aged in bourbon and sherry casks, is produced at Midleton—the same distillery behind popular brands like Jameson, Redbreast, and Powers. The palate is spicy, with hints of menthol, and offers a smooth vanilla finish.
Melissa Kirschenheiter
When New York-based hospitality consultant Ben Rojo first got into Scotch, he was drawn immediately to the peat monsters of Islay—stuff his wife claims turns his breath to "bandaids and cigarette butts." While his tastes have mellowed since then, he calls Bowmore 15 his "security blanket." It's got all the hallmark smoke and salinity he fell in love with, but is tempered with the fruit and caramel of the finishing sherry casks.
Melissa Kirschenheiter
Thomas calls Willett's 2-Year "arguably the best young cask-strength rye on the market." He explains, "it delivers such depth and complexity at such a young age, you can't wait to watch it grow up." If you ever get the rare chance to sample something older, expressions as old as 25 years exist. But be prepared to shell out hundreds at that point—or just buy more of the stellar 2-year.
Melissa Kirschenheiter
Hibiki 17 Whisky was discontinued in 2018, meaning it’s difficult to find and very expensive when you do. But it’s a fantastic blend from Suntory that's a creamy, fruity, flavorful pour. "If you're lucky enough to run into one of these bottles at your local spirits store, buy it," says Thomas. And remember, this isn't the kind of spirit you stir in a cocktail.
Melissa Kirschenheiter
Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye blend quickly grabbed everyone's attention after writer Jim Murray gave it 97.5 points out of 100 in his annual Whisky Bible. And for less than $50, you can taste for yourself why Canadian whisky is back on top of the world.
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Keeper’s Heart is an interesting blend of Irish and American whiskey. “The O'Shaughnessy family, out of Minneapolis, wanted to create a whiskey that celebrated their Irish-American heritage,” Tardie says. “With Keeper's Heart, they took a ‘go big or go home’ approach and reached out to legendary master distiller Brian Nation, who, at the time, was the master distiller at none other than Jameson.”
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Truer labels have never been written (or gracefully slapped onto a finer-looking bottle): “I traded my tomorrow to remain in yesterday…whiskey tears are fading now, each one cries another day.” Waxing poetic on imbiber’s dreams of yesteryear aside, Writer's Tears Copper Pot Whiskey contains pot still and malt whiskey. It’s aged impeccably and laced with gingery, honey-studded notes, but what makes it a real standout in our collection is that it comes to its maturation in flame-charred bourbon barrels, resulting in a beautiful amber hue and an unforgettable taste.
Melissa Kirschenheiter
When seventh-generation distiller Fred Noe discovered a cache of whiskey that his father barreled before passing away, the younger Noe decided he would use it to create Knob Creek 2001 Limited Edition as a tribute. The bourbon eulogy aged five years longer than the original Knob Creek, and that extra time in the barrel was well spent. The whiskey is well-balanced and endlessly sippable—a near perfect remembrance of a life’s work in whiskey.
Melissa Kirschenheiter
Jefferson's Ocean Bourbon is better traveled than you will likely ever be. During its six months at sea, the whiskey crosses the equator four times and makes port in 30 cities on five continents. Founder Trey Zoeller locked scores of barrels up in a container, put them on a ship without passports, and slapped on a few return-to-sender labels. Sure, it's a marketing gimmick—a clever one at that—but the result is a really excellent bourbon. We'll chalk it up to a half-year of agitation from the swaying ocean, but this whiskey has beautiful notes of vanilla, wood, and char—and we think we can detect just a hint of salt and brine from its long voyage.
Melissa Kirschenheiter
The mash used to create Glenmorangie Signet is made with a portion of heavily roasted chocolate barley—just like what's used in stouts and porters. As you might expect, the whisky has notes of coffee and cocoa, but also sweetness of apricot and raisins. In short, the perfect nightcap.
Melissa Kirschenheiter
Cooper Spirits launched its first Lock Stock and Barrel expression in 2012 as a stunning 13-year-old straight rye—which quickly disappeared from shelves for its rich, velvety character. The company smartly decided to hold a few of its charred oak casks for further aging, giving us the exquisite 16-Year Straight Rye. The flavor is familiar yet bold in a way unlike any other rye we've tried.
Melissa Kirschenheiter
How do they make Few Bourbon in Evanston, IL? With a whole lotta rye. This epic bourbon has a floral edge—it almost reminds of us gin–that gets washed away by a finish that's studded with cloves and butterscotch.
Melissa Kirschenheiter
Laphroaig Lore is further proof not all world-class whiskies require an age statement. A fine addition to the Laphroig line, Lore displays a nearly perfect balance of spiced fruit and honey pizzicato contrasted by smoke, peat, and sea salt. The crescendo lingers on the tongue long after the dram is done and leaves your mouth demanding an encore.
Related: Craving Vintage Whiskey? Here's How to Find Bottles On Your Own
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Men's Journal has covered whiskey since our inception in 1992. Our editors and writers boast decades of experience in the liquor business. We taste, test, savor, and review every last sip of the best (and worst) beers, wines, whiskeys, gins, tequilas, and everything in between—all to serve our audience with informed takes and refined opinions.
While our writers and editors are experts in their own right, we also interview bartenders, restaurant owners, liquor distributors, contest judges, and other thought leaders in the industry. You can find a full list of our expert contributors below.
Meet our experts: Nick Blue, executive chef at Brasserie by Niche; Kate Boushel, beverage director of Atwater Cocktail Club; Seth Brammer, beverage director at Filament; Davin de Kergommeaux, founder of the Canadian Whisky Awards; Stinson Carter, Men's Journal spirits contributor; Brendan Dorr, beverage director at B&O Brasserie; Jonah Flicker, Men's Journal spirits contributor; Christopher Friedmann, Men's Journal spirits contributor; St. John Frizell, owner of Fort Defiance; Anna Hezel, Men's Journal and Lucky Peach contributor; Brad Japhe, Men's Journal spirits contributor; Bridget Maloney, general manager of The Sexton; Jack McGarry, owner of The Dead Rabbit; Paul McGee, beverage director at Chicago Athletic Association; Julia Momose, head bartender at Green River; Peter Nolan, owner of Permission Whiskey & Service Co.; Phil Olson, bar manager at Longman & Eagle; Nicholas Pollacchi, acquirer of rare spirits and owner of The Whisky Dog; Ben Rojo, bartender at Angel's Share; Jaya Saxena, author of The Book of Lost Recipes; Mike Shain, general manager at Porchlight; Eric Simpkins, beverage director and partner at The Lawrence; Austa Somvichian-Clausen, Men's Journal spirits contributor; Tommy Tardie, owner of The Flatiron Room; Bill Thomas, owner and whiskey curator at Jack Rose Dining Saloon; G. Clay Whittaker, Men's Journal spirits contributor.
How We Choose the Best Whiskey
There are thousands of whiskeys out there across numerous different categories. As such, it requires hours of research and numerous bottles to nail down the criteria that separates the best from the rest.
For example, Men's Journal contributor Stinson Carter looked for "... whiskies with intriguing flavor profiles that manage to deliver what they claim" when researching the best Scotch.
For our best cheap whiskey round-up, Men's Journal contributor Brad Japhe set hard ground rules: "Bottles had to be full of flavor, easy to enjoy on their own or in classic cocktail form, and they had to offer an undeniable value—namely, a price point below $50."
Our writers ask similar questions about every dram they sip, getting to the very heart of the brown liquor they research for dozens of hours. The result is our highly curated lists of bottles that stand above competitors in multiple characteristics. We can't wait for you to dig in.
How Should I Drink Whiskey?
If you want to drink whiskey like a pro, don't fret. And definitely don't overthink it.
"No matter how inexperienced you are with whiskey, there's no need to be intimidated," Men's Journal contributor Jonah Flicker says. "Trust your palate, because there's no right or wrong when it comes to taste,"
Flicker recommends gathering bottles from a few different categories to sample. Consider getting proper whiskey glasses, like a Glencairn glass, as this helps with nosing and tasting—but don't get too intense.
"Ignore the experts who have a ritualized method of tasting," he adds, noting that a lot of it's just for show. "The most important thing is to nose and sip each whiskey individually, drink a little water in between to clear your palate, and add a little water or ice to your whiskey if you prefer."
Once you let any preconceived notions fall away, the real enjoyment begins.
"Often a whiskey will surprise you and bring something unexpected to your tasting experience," Flicker explains. "Mouthfeel is important—some whiskeys are too thin, while others are creamy or oily (in a good way)."
Proof is a factor as well. "There's nothing wrong with 80 proof, the minimum required strength to be considered whiskey, but seasoned whiskey drinkers often enjoy higher-proof or even cask-strength whiskeys because these are less diluted with water and therefore deliver a richer flavor."
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