Making whiskey has long been a nuanced art form, and sipping it, well, some might say it is a religious experience. If you’re a whiskey aficionado, you know very well by now that a myriad of factors can influence the delicious taste, aroma, and texture of hard liquor, and that every corner of the world has a unique crafting tradition that defines the local palate.
If you indulge frequently, not only should you follow certain rules to prevent whiskey weight gain, but you should diversify your options in order to discover new tastes and opportunities. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the five best whiskies from around the world.
Archie Rose, Australia
The Land Down Under is quickly rising to prominence as one of the richest whiskey-crafting regions of the world, with the award-winning Archie Rose distillery being a favourite among whiskey aficionados looking for a unique taste, and a strong kick in their drink. Archie Rose whiskey is distinctly earthy, with vibrant notes of cinnamon, apple, and nutmeg enriching the palate.
One cannot miss the buttery finish expressively lingering on the tongue, with a hint of smokiness that gives it that distinctive drying quality that an experienced whiskey lover knows how to appreciate. Needless to say, it goes great with your favourite appetizers. Archie Rose definitely tops the list as one of the best whiskies you’re about to fall in love with.
Two Doves, Serbia
The small country nestled in the northern region of the Balkan Peninsula might not have been famous around the world for its whiskey-crafting capabilities until recently, but local distilleries are proving that they can compete with the crafting prowess of top makers around the globe with the soft, yet mostly bitter Two Doves single malt whiskey.
Matured in oak barrels for four years and consisting of natural ingredients that create a beautiful dark golden hue complemented with a very sweet aroma, this whiskey is another fine example of world-class craftsmanship. Don’t let the unimaginative bottle design dissuade you from giving this family-owned recipe a try.
The Willett, United States
Established in 1936, the Willett Distillery boasts a long and proud tradition of crafting various brands of bourbon and rye whiskey. Among its wide selection, the Willett Family Estate Bottled 4 Year Rye stands as a unique product many a whiskey aficionado will appreciate. The aroma is characterised by a distinctly sweet note of tart cherry, accompanied by cinnamon with a hint of oak.
For the palate, you can make out delicious burnt vanilla complemented with strong hints of dark cherry and spices, completed by a long, lingering spicy finish. The four-year maturing process gives it a unique hue, greatly influenced by the infusion of branded cherry and oak seeping into the body.
Definitely, one of the best whiskies one should taste at least once!
Hibiki Japanese Harmony, Japan
You might not have associated Japan with any type of whiskey craftsmanship. However, if you’re an experienced aficionado, then you know all too well that a fine spirit can hail from the Land of the Rising Sun. Actually, Japan produces some of the best whiskies, as well as award-winning whiskies, one can drink. One such spirit is the Hibiki Japanese Harmony, characterised by a luminous amber hue and a distinctly sweet palate.
This unique blend is comprised of many subtle aromas and tastes, with rose complemented by rosemary and mature woodiness making a striking presence as soon as you open the bottle. The palate boasts a honey-like sweetness, accompanied by white chocolate and just a hint of orange peel. The finish is very subtle, with the taste of Japanese oak lingering on the tongue.
Royal Brackla, Scotland
Scotland is synonymous with the best whiskies and other kinds of spirits, and it’s not the least surprising that one of the country’s finest distilleries made its way onto our list. Concretely, the Royal Brackla 21YO stands as one of the best Scottish whiskeys you never tasted, with its vivid russet colour and a palate full of mesmerising tastes.
The whiskey is characterised by the aroma of apples and pears on the nose, but the palate is distinctly chocolate, rich with ginger and more fruit notes. The old wood nodes are present with every sip, and the finish is long and heavy, leaving a nice chocolate and cocoa taste.
Whiskey-making has been an art form ever since its inception in the 15th century, with distilleries from around the globe preserving the tradition and craftsmanship that has been passed down through the generations, complementing every foundation with a unique mix of spices and ingredients. If you’re looking to expand your palate and discover new tastes, these five whiskey brands and five of the best whiskies one might want to taste.
Peter is a men’s lifestyle writer at Gentleman Zone magazine from the UK. Follow Peter on Twitter for more tips.
