Whisky or Whiskey? Who cares!? But what does define a great whisky? Why some whiskies stand over the rest? What makes a dram the best?
So hard questions... but let me make some ideas clear: older doesn't mean better and more expensive usually doesn't mean better neither. So, this list of delightful bottled pleasures is crafted by using the rating I have assigned to each of them when I have tasted them.
I, over all, love young peated whiskies, mid-age sherried monsters, old bourbon casks whiskies and very old grain whiskies. So, don't get surprised if the list shows this personal preference. You can find whisky recommendations list for a community-built list of best whiskies. Help us improve it even more by recommending your favorite whiskeys.
Without more delays, here is the list of the best Drinks available right now. You may want to see this list with all-time best whiskeys.
The Best 20 drinks in the price range
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87
Ardbeg Corryvreckan
Scotland Single Malt Whisky
“Really like Ardbeg promised: it is a whirlpool of whisky. Don’t forget your life jacket.”
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87
Ardbeg Uigeadail
Scotland Single Malt Whisky
“A great dram. One of the best Ardbegs I have tried that has still a reasonable price. It is more complex than Ardbeg 10 years old and has no trace of vanilla.”
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87
Bowmore 18 year
Scotland Single Malt Whisky
“The peat on this truly Islay malt lives together with a delicious citrus freshness altogether with some great notes of cocoa and nuts. Thirsty already?”
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87
Lagavulin 12 Year Old / Bot.2013 / 12th Release Islay Whisky
Uk Single Malt Whisky
“Cracking stuff... so close to the peat perfection”
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87
Lagavulin 16 year
Scotland Single Malt Whisky
“This Lagavulin is a superb Islay whisky with its amazing peat complexity. Really one of the best bang for the buck single malts out there.”
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87
Mackmyra Ten Years Swedish Single Malt Whisky
Sweden Single Malt Whisky
“Fantastic! Lovely sweet nose with a torrent of spices and vanilla when you have a sip. Quite rounded. Delightful dram”
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87
Paul John Select Casks Peated
Hack Single Malt Whisky
“Just amazing! I don't believe what I am tasting... it is even better than many Islay whiskies that I really love. I have a new love”
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86
Amrut 46% Single Malt
India Single Malt Whisky
“Superb Indian whisky with lots of tropical fruit notes on nose and spices on the palate. Love it.”
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86
Amrut Peated Single Malt
India Single Malt Whisky
“A lot of peat and a bit of fruits. Interesting combination.”
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86
Balvenie 12 Year Old Single Barrel - First Fill
Scotland Single Malt Whisky
“Sometimes the expression aged to perfection isn't just bullshit... this is one of those marvelous times. I love this Balvenie”
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86
Benromach 10 Year Old / 100 Proof Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Scotland Single Malt Whisky
“Christmas in a glass”
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86
Compass Box Flaming Heart - Release 4
Scotland Single Malt Whisky
“Five stars whisky! Compass Box has created an awesome value whisky in this Flaming Heart: complex, old , well matured and peated. I can't ask anything else”
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86
Compass Box The Peat Monster
Scotland Blended Malt Whisky
“Superb whisky from Compass Box. This batch was created using malt from Laphroaig and Ardmore although I swear that has a touch of Ardbeg both on nose and taste. Love it”
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86
Glenfarclas 15 year
Scotland Single Malt Whisky
“A great whisky that shows its age in a delicious but smooth oloroso sherry notes and great spices tones. A must-drink speyside whisky.”
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86
Glenfarclas 21 year
Scotland Single Malt Whisky
“Great Glenfarclas whisky. Old yet fresh and vibrant. A wise treat for yourself”
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86
Glenfiddich 15 year
Scotland Single Malt Whisky
“Lovely nose but it lacks of a bit more of complexity on the palate. I swear this whisky was way better a few years ago... am I getting old maybe?”
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86
Nikka Taketsuru 17 year
Japan Blended Malt Whisky
“Delightful! I can't express with words the fruity, honey and spices torrent that this japanese blended malt delivers.”
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86
Paul John Single Cask Whisky / #P1-163
Uk Single Malt Whisky
“It is even better than last year single cask. Paul John is releasing really great whiskies right now. Thumbs up!”
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86
The Macallan Amber - 1824 Series
Scotland Single Malt Whisky
“It is still a fantastic Macallan. I would swear it is even more sherried than the last time I tasted it”
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86
The Macallan Sienna - 1824 Series
Scotland Single Malt Whisky
“Impressive nose. It has more raisins than Amber and less vanilla than Gold. Like Macallan ought to be”
What do you think?