Whiskey has been around for many years. It is one of those classic drinks that has recently enjoyed more popularity. Because of all the whiskey drinks available right now, now is the best time to be a whiskey enthusiast. Whiskey is now a staple in many delicious cocktails served in all bars as mixology has grown in popularity in the United States. If you happen to be new to drinking whiskey, you may be intimidated by the sheer number of whiskey drinks you can buy. To save you time, effort, and even money, we have compiled a list of the best whiskey brands to stock in your home bar. 

What Are the Various Types of Whiskey?

The types of whiskey are categorized by distillation location, grain used to make the whiskey, and the flavor profile. Bourbon, Scotch, Irish, Japanese, Canadian, Tennessee, Malt, Rye, and Blended are the most popular types of whiskey (whisky). Whiskey with an “e” is a whiskey that is made in the United States and Ireland. Whisky without an e is any whisky that does not come from the United States or Ireland. 

Rye

Rye whiskey was named as such because it is primarily made of rye. It was aged in new, charred oak barrels. It has a spicy flavor that goes well with certain cocktails, like the Manhattan. 

Bourbon

Many whiskey drinkers prefer bourbon among other kinds of whiskey because of its mildly sweet flavor. Its mildly sweet taste makes it suitable to drink alone or to make Old Fashioneds. Bourbon is primarily made from corn, and bourbon is also aged in new charred oak barrels. 

Tennessee Whiskey

Technically speaking, Tennessee whiskey is also bourbon because it is primarily made of corn. It is different from other bourbons because it goes through a process of distillation that is only done in Tennessee. The unique distilling process gives it a more mellow taste than standard bourbon in other states. Tennessee whiskey, just like rye and bourbon, is also aged in new, charred oak barrels. 

Irish Whiskey

Irish whiskey is made primarily from malt and barley and aged for at least three years in old wood barrels. It is known for its smooth flavor. 

Scotch Whisky

Scotch whisky is primarily made of grain or malted barley and, like Irish whiskey, is aged for at least three years in oak barrels. Its taste can be likened to bourbon but with an additional smoky flavor. 

Japanese Whisky

Only in the twentieth century did the Japanese start making their own whiskey. Even though they were the last to begin, they still managed to produce a highly rated whisky. Japanese whisky is considered to be one of the best-tasting whiskies worldwide. Some of them are even considered rare and quite challenging to get. 

Blended Whiskey

Blended whiskey, as its name suggests, combines different kinds of whiskey and is often used in making various cocktails.

What Are the Best Whiskey Brands?

The best whiskey brands are measured by a mixture of flavor and value. For collectors, the best whiskey brands are the brands that continue to have their whiskey prices rise due to popularity. For beginners, the best whiskey brands are typically the flavorful whiskeys that don’t break the bank. The Flask and Barrel’s current favorite is Smoke Wagon Uncut Unfiltered.

Wild Turkey 101

The best bourbon for most people would be delicious and reasonably priced. Wild Turkey 101 has both of these qualities. The distillery that makes Wild Turkey 101 also makes other kinds of bourbon drinks, but Wild Turkey 101 is their best-selling one. It has the smoothest taste and is distilled to a high enough proof to make it convenient to use in cocktails. But even if you drink it alone, you will be satisfied. 

Jack Daniel’s 10-Year-Old

When it comes to whiskey brands, one of the more recognizable ones is Jack Daniel’s. They have been making renowned whiskeys for more than 150 years already. Jack Daniel’s 10-year-old is the distillery’s first whiskey in 100 years that has its age stated in the bottle. Its unique way of aging lends to its complex and rich flavor. 

Henry Mckenna Single Barrel 10-Year

If you want the satisfaction of drinking an award-winning whiskey, then go for Henry McKenna Single Barrel 10-Year. It is only the second bourbon to win the “Best in Show Whiskey” award at the World Spirits Competition. While it has been aged for ten years, it is still relatively affordable. 

Koval Bourbon

Koval Bourbon is slightly sweeter than other bourbons and easy on the pocket. It has subtle notes of pepper and papaya in it. 

WhistlePig 10 Year

The United States is home to a lot of rye whiskey brands. Undoubtedly, one of the best rye whiskeys is the WhistlePig 10 Year, although it doesn’t come cheap. The distillery that makes it gets its whiskey from an established Canadian distiller. It has both a fruity and spicy flavor. 

Blanton’s The Original Whiskey

Blanton’s The Original Whiskey is a whiskey that has won an award. It is aged for 6 to 8 years in a warehouse that is metal-clad. Colonel Blanton said that the use of metal hastened the aging of whiskey. The best way to enjoy this whiskey is to drink it smooth or on the rocks. 

Hillrock Solera Aged Bourbon Whiskey

Just looking at the bottle of Hillrock Solera Aged Bourbon Whiskey will tell you that herein lies premium whiskey. You can consider it to be the best splurge on a whiskey bottle. But the splurge is worth it as the whiskey seemingly melts in your mouth, letting you taste its subtle fruity and spicy flavors. 

Uncle Nearest 1856

Uncle Nearest 1856 is a whiskey with a pleasant aroma and a fruity, smooth taste. Many whiskey drinkers agree that this is one of the best whiskey brands.

George Dickel Bottled in Bond

Ever since Nicole Austin took the helm of the distillery process, George Dickel has gained more popularity. With Nicole as the head distiller, they created more interesting whiskey. There are many versions of their Bottled in Bond, but the latest version is highly recommended. It is a good whiskey drink that is only fifty dollars. 

Millstone 100

Millstone 100 is an award-winning rye whiskey brand that is made from all-natural ingredients. It is made of 100% rye grain and distilled in the Netherlands.

What Are the Best Scotch Whisky Brands?

The Balvenie 12-Year-Old DoubleWood

Out of all the scotch whiskey brands available, this 12-year Irish scotch whiskey is one of the high-quality ones that is easy on the pocket. Bourbon barrels were used to age this drink, and finishing was done in sherry casks. 

Deanston 18-Year-Old Highland Single Malt

The distillery that makes Deanston 18-Year-Old Highland Single Malt whiskey used to be a cotton mill. It is a multi-awarded whiskey and has a nose of floral and vanilla. It tastes sweet and spicy, with tones of manuka honey, gingerbread, and white pepper. 

Lagavulin 16-Year-Old Scotch Whisky

Lagavulin is known for already achieving perfection in the distillery process. They do this by being detailed and meticulous in their approach. One of the favorites from their distillery is this 16-year-old scotch whisky. While it is pricey, you will not regret buying it because of its rich and smoky taste. Such whiskey will be a pleasant drink to serve guests that you regard, as it will show your sophisticated taste. 

Laphroaig Quarter Cask

For those who are new to drinking scotch, Laphroaig Quarter Cask is a perfect choice. It has buttery and fruity notes and finishes with a sweet and spicy flavor. The best thing about it is its affordable price. It can be enjoyed in different ways—smooth, on the rocks, or in cocktails. 

What Are the Best-Selling Whiskey Brands?

Demand for whiskey has been growing thanks to millennials’ appreciation for the classic drink. Just like with other products, some brands are favored more than others. Below, you will find the best-selling whiskey brands in the United States. Choose one whose flavor profile is interesting to you. 

Bulleit Bourbon Whiskey

The distillery that makes this bourbon whiskey has been around for over 150 years already. Bulleit bourbon whiskey has a high rye content, which contributes to its being slightly spicy. 

Buffalo Trace Bourbon Whiskey

For people willing to spend more than fifty dollars on their bourbon, their choice is usually Buffalo Trace bourbon whiskey. It has a sweet taste and notes of vanilla, caramel, ginger, honey, licorice, and roasted fruit. 

Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whiskey

Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whiskey was the first premium whiskey made in the United States and continues to enjoy popularity in the whiskey community today. It has caramel and vanilla notes and a long, warm finish. You can also taste a lot of spices, such as cloves and cinnamon. 

Woodford Reserve Bourbon Whiskey

An interesting fact about the distillery of Woodford Reserve Bourbon is that it is also a historical landmark. Woodford Reserve makes millions of dollars every year from its bourbon whiskey. For forty dollars, it is one of the best bourbons you can get your hands on. It has a full-bodied taste with underlying flavors of vanilla and caramel. Its sweetness is complemented by citrus and spicy tones. 

Michter’s

Michter’s is a small-batch bourbon whiskey with a rich flavor profile that includes vanilla, caramel, butterscotch, and chocolate flavors. Just imagine how rich the taste of a drink is with all those flavors combined. Michter’s whiskey tastes better when drunk on the rocks than neat.

Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey

Jack Daniel’s is considered one of the most famous American whiskeys today. You can easily find a bottle of it in a convenience store, as it is cheap. 

Wild Turkey Bourbon Whiskey

At an affordable price, Wild Turkey Bourbon Whiskey can be easily bought in any convenience store. Aside from being affordable, what makes this popular is its unique flavors of cream pie, fresh cream, and buttered toast. 

Four Roses

If you ask any whisky lover about the top whiskeys in their home bar, Four Roses would no doubt be included in that list. Every year, its distillery easily earns between $100 and $500 million in sales. 

Jim Beam Bourbon Whiskey

Jim Beam Bourbon Whiskey is sold in over 200 countries. It is the perfect choice for those who are new to American whiskey. 

Rittenhouse Rye

If you want a safe option for your Boulevardier, then you can choose Rittenhouse Rye. It has a unique spicy flavor with notes of dill, oak, anise, and licorice. 

Seagram’s 7 Crown American Whiskey

Seagram’s 7 Crown American Whiskey was made from different whiskeys. When compared to other whiskeys, this one is mellow in taste. A possible reason why it has huge sales is that it is the whiskey used in the trendy 7&7 cocktail. 

Evan Williams Bourbon Whiskey

Evan Williams Bourbon Whiskey is regarded as a classic Kentucky bourbon whiskey. It has a rich and fresh taste with notes of apple, vanilla, and pepper. If you want your Old Fashioned to taste great, you won’t go wrong with this. 

Crown Royal Canadian Whisky

Americans also like their Canadian whiskey. Crown Royal Canadian Whisky tastes as good as it looks. The name of its distillery is just right, as drinking it is a luxurious experience that makes you feel like a royal. 

Fireball Canadian Whisky

Fireball Canadian whiskey is a staple at college fraternity parties. Its taste is quite strong when drunk in shots. It is best enjoyed when consumed with a warm toddy. 

Jameson Irish Whiskey

Jameson Irish Whiskey is the best-selling Irish whiskey in the United States and the rest of the world. Typical of an Irish whiskey, it has a floral aroma. For those who are just about to try their first Irish whiskey, this is a good choice. Plus, you won’t be intimidated by its price, as it is very affordable. 

What Are the Top 10 Whiskey Brands?

Perhaps you are building your home bar and only want to have the best whisky brands in it. Well, you are in luck, as we did all the research for you already, and you can easily read below the whisky drinks you need to add to your home bar. 

Maker’s Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Undoubtedly, bourbon is America’s most significant contribution to the world of whiskey. It has a rich, complex, and slightly sweet flavor to it. Maker’s Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a prime example of how good bourbon can be as a drink. Its slightly sweet flavor is derived from its primarily corn mash bill. It has a smooth taste with tones of vanilla and caramel and is an ideal after-meal drink. 

Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey

There is a story that says Elijah Craig first started using new charred oak barrels to age whiskey in the 1700s. Such a change was a significant milestone in the world of whiskey, as the use of oak barrels in aging changed the taste of the whiskey for the better. Take a sip of history when you drink Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey. 

Legent Bourbon Whiskey

Legendary whiskey makers Fred Noe and Shinji Fukuyo collaborated to create this stunning and one-of-a-kind bourbon. The actor Matthew McConaughey joined the duo in coming up with the design for the bottle. For those who cannot choose between bourbon and scotch, Legend Bourbon Whiskey is the perfect drink, as it has a smoky finish. 

Four Roses Small Batch Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Four Roses bourbon is a perfect choice if you need something to drink to keep you warm. It becomes even more fitting to drink on a cold Christmas morning as it has notes of holiday spices in it. 

Jack Daniel’s Gentleman Jack

For those who do not usually drink their whiskey neat, Jack Daniel’s Gentleman Jack would be a safe option for a neat drink. It underwent the filtration process twice through charcoal to guarantee its maximum drinkability. 

Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Aged Whiskey

Uncle Nearest is the brand that was created in honor of Nathan “Nearest” Green, who taught Jack Daniel his craft. With this premium whiskey in your home bar, you will have a taste of America’s whiskey history. 

Knob Creek Straight Rye Whiskey

Many people in the whiskey community have started to take an interest in rye whiskey. If you want to know why, you can try the Knob Creek Straight Rye Whiskey. It has a strong peppery-spice flavor with a hint of vanilla. At 100 proof, it can stand up well in any cocktail. 

Few Rye Whiskey

A Few Rye Whiskey is made from a blend of rye, corn, and malted barley. It has a strong spicy flavor, and the tones of deep red fruit are from the yeast fermentation of Loire Valley wine. 

Alfred Giraud Heritage French Malt Whisky

When it comes to whisky, many people do not immediately think of France as a source of good whisky. Well, that will change when you try the Alfred Giraud Heritage French Malt Whisky. It has a slightly smoky flavor. 

Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve

Even non-alcoholic drinkers are familiar with the Johnnie Walker label. But there is a good reason why it is famous: the high-quality whiskey they produce. The Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve is a testament to that. 

What is the Smoothest Brand of Whiskey?

If you are one of those who likes the bold flavor of their whiskey or likes drinking it neat, then you should go for a smooth whiskey. We have compiled a list of the smoothest brands of whiskey that are available on the market now. 

Auchentoshan 21 Year Old

The Auchentoshan 21 is a single malt whiskey that has been distilled three times and aged for more than twenty years. It has flavors of honey, gooseberry, and creamy vanilla.

Balvenie 14 Year Old Caribbean Cask

The Balvenie 14-Year-Old Caribbean Cask is a single-malt whisky that was aged for fourteen years in traditional oak barrels. It has a rich and creamy taste with a hint of fresh fruit. It has a soft and lasting finish as well. 

Bushmills 21-Year-Old

Bushmills 21 Year Old, an Irish whiskey, has notes of nuts, toffee, raisins, and dark chocolate. It finishes with a sweet and spicy flavor. 

Crown Royal

Crown Royal is a Canadian whiskey that can be drunk in various ways. Its nose has caramel and vanilla notes, with subtle hints of pound cake and lemon zest. Its finish is accompanied by notes of chocolate, spice, and toasted oak. 

Glen Moray Elgin Classic

The Glen Moray Elgin Classic is a bright gold whiskey with nutty and fruity hints on the nose. Upon sipping it, you can taste the flavors of oak, lemon sponge, and walnut. The finish has citrusy and spicy fruitcake tones.

Glenlivet 12 Year Old

The Glenlivet 12 Year Old is a single-malt whiskey aged in American oak barrels. It has a unique sweet taste with dried apple and pineapple notes. 

Glenmorangie 18-Year-Old Extremely Rare

The bottle of Glenmorangie 18 Year Old Extremely Rare is gorgeous. It screams elegance and tastes as good as it looks, too. It has a tropical and creamy taste and oak and grapefruit hints in its finish. 

George Dickel Bottled In Bond

The George Dickel Bottled in Bond is the perfect whiskey from Tennessee to drink smoothly. Its eleven-year aging process lends to its many flavors. 

Knappogue Castle 1995

Knappogue Castle 1995 is a classic single-malt Irish whiskey that is very aromatic. It has sweet and tropical flavors, with notes of spice and dried fruit in its finish. 

Laphroaig 10-Year-Old

Laphroaig 10 Year Old has salt and peat smoke flavors. It has a smoky aroma with a hint of seaweed and a long finish. Both newbies and seasoned drinkers will be satisfied with its rich flavor. 

The GlenDronach Allardice

The GlenDronach Allardice is aged for 18 years in Spanish Oloroso sherry casks. If you like fruity notes in your whiskey, then this whiskey is perfect for you. 

Tomintoul 14 Year Old

If you want a mellow, smooth whiskey drink, choose Tomintoul 14-Year-Old. It has a sweet aroma with hints of creme brulee and orchard fruits. 

Conclusion

There has never been a better time to be a whiskey lover than now. Whiskey is no longer seen as an old man’s drink. Whether you are a new or seasoned drinker, there is a whiskey that is right for you. If you want guaranteed satisfaction from your whiskey, choose one of the best-selling brands based on your budget.