Ranking the best whiskey for 2022

Today it is difficult to find a person who has never heard of fire water called "whiskey". This magical drink has deservedly become the star of men's feasts, self-respecting bars and duty-free shops. In westerns it is enjoyed by cowboys and gangsters, in serials it is used by presidents and clerks, rich and beggars. Combined with soda, it has become a real cinematic and literary brand, although it is often drunk with ice or mixed in cocktails.

Any newcomer who lingers in front of a storefront with a wide selection of different brands is bound to experience a certain amount of confusion. After all, even the recommendations of experienced "experts" will not help in any way with a difficult choice. In addition, literary passages describing a drink that has "absorbed the delicious aroma of centuries-old oak barrels" will only add to the doubt and say nothing about the quality of the product. In such a difficult matter, this review will provide effective assistance, presenting the ratings of the best whiskeys in various price segments - from the most budgetary to premium luxury.

A bit of history

Whiskey is a high-strength alcoholic drink with a smoky aroma, fragrant taste and a pleasant clean color of various shades.

It is obtained from various grains during their malting, fermentation, distillation and long-term aging in oak containers. As the main classic raw materials are used:

• barley (Scotland);
• barley malt (Scotland, Japan);
• rye (Ireland, USA, Canada);
• corn (USA, Canada);
• wheat (USA, Canada).

According to some reports, the history of creation dates back to the 15th century with references to the “living water” of the Celts uisge beatha (in Latin aqua vitae) and the sale and purchase of barley malt. Over five centuries, the Celtic term gradually changed (uisce, fuisce, uiskie) until it became the familiar name for whiskey.

The main technological secret of obtaining a unique aroma and taste of alcohol obtained as a result of malt distillation was its long-term aging in old barrels. The popularity of the drink grew rapidly, contributing to the constant improvement of production technology to improve quality. Experiments with the combination of aged products with young ones turned out to be a real revolutionary step along the way. In addition, compositions from different raw materials were mixed in various proportions, which opened up many opportunities for the development of unique brands.

The adoption in Britain in 1860 of a law regulating quality helped to stabilize the technology. This triggered an unprecedented increase in production with a simultaneous improvement in quality, the birth of numerous current brands and brands, as well as the emergence of elite and collectible varieties.

Today, the main exports come from the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada and Japan, which have their own distinctive production features. So, for the Scottish product, the main raw material is still barley malt, dried on peat, and aging is practiced near the sea coast in oak barrels.

American whiskey called bourbon is usually made from corn. The light Irish drink has a refined taste and smokeless aroma, while the Japanese one is less smoky and "peaty" than from Scotland.

Varieties

By raw material and production method

1. Malt (malt) - made in classic distillation cubes from malted barley. Main types:

• single malt - produced at a specific distillery from a single barrel (single-barrel, single cask) or a blend from various containers, as well as prepared (up to 40%),
• undiluted (50-60%) or barrel strength (up to 65%, cask strength);
• single malt blend (vatted malt) - made at various distilleries, the label indicates pure malt or blended.

2. Grain (grain) - is made in distillation plants of a continuous type from any grain.

3. Blended - combinations of malt and grain.

US classification

Bourbon (bourbon) - the content in the feedstock is more than 51% corn, and new barrels are used for aging.

Corn (corn) - more than 80% corn.

Rye (rye) - the content of more than 51% rye.

Malted rye - more than 51% malted rye.

Wheat - more than 51% wheat.

Blended (blended) - more than 20% "straight" whiskey (straight whiskey) with the addition of neutral alcohols.

Light light (light) - alcohol close to neutral with a high degree of purification, light shades, aging in old containers.

Tennessee Bourbon - Produced in Tennessee and refined using a maple charcoal filter.

Bonded bourbon (bottled-in-bond) - aged for four to eight years in excise warehouses under the control of the US government.

By Japanese categories

1. Special (special) - the composition contains 30% malt.
2. The first is at least 20% malt.
3. The second is at least 10% malt.

How to choose

Experts recommend what to look for in order to avoid mistakes when choosing. The main criteria are:

1. Variety - affects the prestige and price of products.Blended is considered the most common and affordable option, malt is the best.

2. Region of production - presented on the label on the reverse side or marking:

• "Scotch" - Scotland;
• "Whiskey" - Ireland;
• "RYE" - Canada;
• Bourbon - USA.

3. Aging - calculated from the age of the youngest spirit before bottling. Well-known brands usually "insist" from five to 10 years. Young varieties do not have the best taste, so before buying, you should think carefully about the appropriateness of financial expenses.

4. Price - packaging (especially gift packaging) and brand name are often included in the calculation. For yourself, it is better to take products from well-known manufacturers at the average market price. With the help of the Internet, it is necessary to clarify prices for different stores and, in the event of a significant discount, do not exclude the option of counterfeit, which is harmful to health.

5. Consistency - a visual assessment of the purity, presence of sediment, turbidity and foreign matter. During the selection process, you can shake the contents in the bottle to observe the slow flow of the liquid along the walls due to the ductility and viscosity.

6. Taste and smell may be different depending on the characteristics of production and variety, with the obligatory observance of the following properties:

• there is no strong smell of alcohol;
• there is a slight presence of malt and oak barrels;
• non-burning soft taste with a warming aftertaste.

7. Composition - presented on the label and requires careful study. The main component should be either alcohol from grains or a natural blend without chemical additives and impurities.

Where could I buy

Popular varieties can be purchased at specialized stores or departments of alcoholic beverages.Buyers are offered well-known brands and novelties of recognized brands. Consultants provide assistance with valuable advice and recommendations - how to choose which brand is better, which one is better to buy, how much it costs.

In the absence of a decent choice at the place of residence, the desired product is available only for adult buyers to order online in the online store of distributors and dealers of alcoholic products. The pages provide detailed descriptions, specifications, photos and prices.

The best whiskeys

The rating of quality drinks is developed based on the opinions of customers who have left their reviews on the Internet. The popularity of varieties was established by the presence of positive ratings and taste, as well as cost.

 

The review includes ratings among the best brands of inexpensive budget products worth up to 3,000 rubles, in the middle price segment up to 5,000 rubles, premium class up to 10,000 rubles and luxury at a price of more than 10,000 rubles, bottled in 0.7 liter bottles.

TOP 3 best inexpensive whiskey under 2,000 rubles

Jameson

Brand: Jameson.
Country - Ireland.

A classic Irish drink that has a sweetish taste and a refined aroma with hints of vanilla and a hint of sherry. Great as a digestif.

Price - from 1,997 rubles.

• classic recipe;
• saturation of the composition;
• sophistication of content;
• acceptable cost.

• not detected.

Video review of "Jameson":

Ballantine's Bourbon Finish 7 Years Old

Brand: Ballantine's.
Country - Scotland.

A blended novelty in the portfolio of a well-known Scottish brand with aging in oak barrels for seven years and finishing for six months in containers after bourbon.It has an enveloping elegant aroma, in which hints of vanilla, honey, apple in caramel are felt.

Price - from 1,775 rubles. (0.7 l).

• saturated color;
• enveloping properties;
• high quality;
• soft taste;
• long aftertaste.

• not identified.

Comparison of Bourbon Finish vs Finest:

"Maker's Mark"

Brand: Maker's Mark.
Country (region) - USA (Kentucky).

An excellent drink from the oldest American distillery, produced by hand in small quantities with strict quality control of ingredients. Red winter wheat is used for production. Aged in charred American oak barrels. In the composition, shades of oak and notes of exotic fruits are felt.

The average price is 1,910 rubles. (0.7 l).

• proven brand;
• saturation of the content;
• excellent value for money;
• good gastronomic combination.

• not detected.

Tasting "Maker's Mark":

comparison table

	Jameson	Ballantine's Bourbon Finish 7 Years Old	"Maker's Mark"
View	blended	blended	bourbon, straight
Exposure, years	3	7	5
Barrel aging	from bourbon, sherry	oak barrels, bourbon	white american oak
Fortress, %	40	40	45
Color	rich amber	rich golden amber	golden
Taste	nuts, soft, sweetish	pear, caramel, apples, rounded, soft, pleasant, warming, long, sweetish	oak, honey, soft, rich, oily
Use	digestif	digestif, neat or with water	digestif, neat or with ice

TOP 3 best whiskeys under 5,000 rubles

Auchentoshan 12 Years Old

Brand: Auchentoshan.
Country (region) - Scotland (Lowland).

A drink with a rich harmonious taste, combining notes of mandarin and lemon with hints of spices. A pleasant aftertaste reveals tones of hazelnuts and creme brulee with the addition of astringency of oak tannins. Well suited as a digestif with the possibility of consumption without snacks. It is usually diluted with water or ice is added to it, and is also used as an ingredient in cocktails. Great for a gift.

Price - from 3,460 rubles.

• triple distillation;
• unique bouquet;
• excellent light aftertaste;
• expression of composition.

• no.

Video review of Auchentoshan 12 years old:

«Glenmorangie» The Original

Brand: Glenmorangie.
Country (region) - Scotland (Highland).

A brand of a serious product with a harmonious rounded taste, dominated by nutty and honey tones with a hint of sweet vanilla. The long aftertaste reveals hints of bread crusts and light oak tannins. The pronounced tangerine aroma additionally contains the smells of a burnt oak barrel with sensations of tart nuts, tinted with sweetish honey notes.

Price - from 3,214 rubles.

• non-alcoholic beverage;
• easy to drink;
• bright content;
• long aftertaste.

• no.

Glenmorangie video tasting:

Macallan 12 Years Old

Brand: Triple Cask Matured.
Country (region) - Scotland (Speysad).

A classic drink from the oldest elite Scottish producer with a perfect reputation. Products are aged in three types of barrels for bourbon and sherry, which gives a special delicacy with hints of vanilla, oak, melon, citrus. Long aftertaste contains hints of papaya, melon and spices. Suitable for cocktails and pure drinking.

Price - from 4,617 rubles.

• good exposure;
• quality manufacturing;
• versatility;
• chic taste;
• unique production;
• verified manufacturer.

• overpriced.

Video review of Macallan:

comparison table

	Auchentoshan 12 Years Old	«Glenmorangie» The Original	Macallan, "Triple Cask Matured" 12 Years Old
View	single malt	single malt	single malt
Exposure, years	12	10	12
Barrel aging	from bourbon, sherry	out of bourbon	European oak, American oak, bourbon, sherry
Fortress, %	40	40	40
Color	light golden	light golden	straw
Taste	fruity, spicy/pungent, mild, warming, long lasting	honey, nuts, soft, balanced	vanilla, spices, oak, melon, citrus, nutmeg, balanced, long, papaya
Use	pure, digestif	with tonic or water	neat, in cocktails
Volume, l	0.7	0.7	0.7

TOP 3 best whiskeys under 10,000 rubles

Chivas Regal 18 YO

Brand: Chivas Regal.
Country (region) - Scotland (Speyside).

Harmonious blended premium product from a well-known brand, a drink with a beautiful radiant amber hue. It has a plum flavor with hints of vanilla, toffee, walnut. The composition has a rich bouquet of heather, fruity accents. Perfect for a cigar.

Price - from 6,797 rubles.

• layering;
• excellent exposure;
• silky saturation;
• quality manufacturing.

• no.

Generosity in every drop of Chivas Regal:

Dalmore 12 years

Brand: Dalmore.
Country (region) - Scotland (Highland).

A complex drink that is aged in bourbon barrels in the highlands for nine years, with a final three-year aging in 30-year-old sherry vats.The aroma plays with notes of prunes, marzipan, the composition of which complements fruit slices, sweet dessert, coffee. Used as an aperitif or digestif.

Cost - from 7,124 rubles.

• balanced composition;
• versatility of perception;
• sweetish sensation;
• difficult exposure;
• quality manufacturing;
• good combination;
• well-known brand.

• overcharge.

Dalmore review and tasting:

Ardbeg 10 YO

Brand: Ardbeg.
Country (region) - Scotland (Isla).

A complex, smoky, peaty, high-strength single malt whiskey made in the old fashioned way. Lemon, cinnamon, peat smoke, black currant, bananas, coffee and fresh sea notes are felt in a rich bouquet. The balanced texture of taste gives sensual pleasure.

Price - from 6,503 rubles. (0.7 l).

• saturation of the composition;
• balance;
• long aftertaste;
• reasonable cost;
• great quality.

• no.

Video review «Ardbeg» 10 YO:

comparison table

	"Chivas Regal" 18 years old	Dalmore 12 years	"Ardbeg" 10 YO
View	blended, premium	single malt	single malt
Exposure, years	18	12	10
Barrel aging	oak	from bourbon, sherry	from bourbon, sherry
Fortress, %	40	40	46
Color	rich amber	amber	light golden
Taste	floral, smoke/smoked, silky	vanilla, coffee, marzipan, orange, cardamom, sweet	smoke/smoked, toffee, lemon, banana, pepper, espresso, salt, lime, peat, long, oily, cappuccino
Use	digestif, with strong coffee or cigar	aperitif and digestif, pure or diluted with water, in combination with desserts, fruit and coffee	neat, with a cigar

TOP 3 best whiskeys more expensive than 10,000 rubles

Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy

Brand: Midleton.
Country - Ireland.

Irish perfectionist strong product of limited bottling with an alcohol composition aged for 10 - 22 years. Each numbered bottle is signed by the famous master distiller B. Crockett with more than half a century of experience. In a delicate aroma, notes of burnt oak and vanilla are felt with additions of juicy berries, sweet pepper, pears and lime. It has a very long aftertaste, showing a rich palette of content.

Price - from 38,640 rubles.

• high quality;
• luxurious packaging design;
• the elegance of the content;
• layering;
• long aftertaste.

• limited edition bottling.

Bowmore 25 Years Old

Brand: Bowmore.
Country (region) - Scotland (Isla).

Elite balanced drink in a stylish package for a gift. The aroma contains pronounced tones of sherry and fruit combined with smoke. Soft lightness has a long aftertaste. Great as a digestif and after dinner.

Price - from 37,034 rubles.

• composition balance;
• ease;
• saturated color;
• warming effect.

• no.

"Balvenie" PortWood 21 Years Old

Brand: Balvenie.
Country (region) - Scotland (Speyside).

A single malt product aged in regular oak barrels with a final maturation in high-quality port wine containers to fully reveal the character of a fine whisky. In a rich aroma there are notes of raisins, dryly shaded by walnuts. Recommended for use with ice in its pure form.

Price - from 35,194 rubles.

• versatility;
• saturation of the content;
• gentle aftertaste;
• difficult exposure;
• high quality.

• not detected.

Video review of Balvini:

comparison table

	Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy	Bowmore 25 Years Old	"Balvenie" PortWood 21 Years Old
View	pure pot still	single malt	single malt
Exposure, years	10-22	25	21
Barrel aging	American oak, bourbon	oak	oak, port wine
Fortress, %	46	43	40
Color	pale golden	aged mahogany	amber golden
Taste	melon, citrus, honey, pear, caramel, cocoa, toffee, soft, kiwi	hazelnut/hazelnut, toffee, peat	fruity, spices, honey, nuts, long
Use	neat, with water or with a cigar	digestif after dinner	digestif, neat with ice
Volume, l	0.7	0.7	0.7

Culture of consumption

Whiskey connoisseurs in the process of drinking are advised to follow the Scottish "Rule of Five P":

1. Take a look - pour one third into the glass and enjoy the shade, which the longer it is aged in an oak barrel, the darker the color.
2. Smell - spin the drink in a tulip glass and bring it to the nose for a not too strong inhalation of the aroma.
3. Taste - take the first sip and appreciate the long and pleasant aftertaste.
4. Swallow - As a rule, whiskey is served with ice cubes or an additional glass of cola, lemon juice, water for mixing. Strong varieties (up to 60%) are usually diluted to avoid numbness of the receptors. Traditional products (up to 43%) are drunk neat or diluted as desired. Single malt unblended brands are recommended to be drunk undiluted in an environment appropriate to the brand and its value (over $5,000 for elite varieties).
5. Splash water.

What to eat

The choice of the right products that emphasize the taste depends on the variety:

• meat (veal and lamb), poultry, beef tongue - under single malt with a fruity or smoky aroma;
• smoked red fish (salmon) - under soft blended;
• seafood (oysters, shrimps) - blended with herbal aroma;
• melon - for any whiskey;
• sweet products (cakes, canapes, cakes, dark chocolate) - under elite brands.

In the case of drinking with juice, it is better to refuse dessert snacks due to an overly sugary aftertaste.

Good luck choosing. Take care of yourself and your loved ones! And remember, drinking too much alcohol is bad for your health!