The Best Whisky Brands in The World: 15 Unmissable Drams

It’s never been a more exciting time to be a whisky drinker. 

Alongside the best whisky brands that have been pleasing lovers of the spirit for years comes a new influx of distilleries making subtle differences to switch things up. These whisky brands are introducing unique flavor profiles, unusual aging methods, and thinking up new tricks as time passes to keep the drink at the forefront of our minds.

And when it comes to whisky, the cliché is true: there really is something for everyone. 

Take a glance through amber-tinted glasses to explore a huge range of our favorite drams, from the peaty Laphroaigs to the smooth Balvenie and the unconventional Teelings.

We’ve compiled a list of our 15 favorite brands for drinking on every occasion. Looking for the best budget whisky, the best single malt whisky, or the once-in-a-lifetime must-try whisky? You’ll find them all in our guide below. 

In a rush? No problem! Here’s our selection of the best options available right now.

The 15 best whiskies of the year

1. Glenmorangie Signet: Overall best whisky
2. Macallan 12 Year Double Cask: Best value whisky
3. Johnnie Walker Blue Label: Best tasting whisky
4. Oban Distillers Edition Single Malt: Best sipping whisky
5. Bowmore Islay: Best single malt Scotch whisky
6. Buchanan’s 12 Year Scotch: Best blended whisky
7. Highland Park 12 Year Old: Best whisky for the money
8. Glenlivet 12 Year: Best whisky under $50
9. Yamazaki 12 Year Old: Best Japanese whisky
10. Knappogue Castle 16 Year Old: Best Irish whiskey
11. Glenfiddich Bourbon Barrel Reserve 14 Year: Best whisky to drink neat
12. Monkey Shoulder: Best whisky to mix in a cocktail
13. Balvenie 12 Year Doublewood: Best whisky for an Old Fashioned
14. Ballantine’s Finest: Best budget whisky
15. The Singleton Of Dufftown 54 Year Old: Most expensive whisky

Before we take a deep dive into the grain spirits that’ll whisk you away, find out more about the terminology you should know about whisky and our selection process for drawing up the best whisky brands in the world.

Also, keep in mind that this is a selection of mostly Scotch whisky. You’ll find a few Irish and Japanese whiskeys on our list because they follow similar production processes, but check our round-up of the best American whiskeys and bourbons or the best Irish whiskeys if you want other flavors.