11 Best World Whiskies To Try in 2024, According to the Experts

Made by the master distiller behind Maker’s Mark’s best-selling blends, we had high hopes for this 10-year-old rye – and it delivered.

The distillery scoured the globe before settling on casks from Sauternes, Porto, and Madeira; a combination that results in unparalleled complexity, with flavours of orange peel, green pepper, star anise, muscovado sugar at the fore and a hint of barrel char to finish.

70cl, 50%

Our panel had nothing but high praise for the well-balanced aromas at play in this spicy sazerac by Buffalo Trace (think ginger, citrus oil, butterscotch and lingering smoke).

The velvety mouthfeel makes this our new go-to for a manhattan, but it’s a surprisingly good sparring partner for native oysters, too. Trust us on that.

70cl, 45%

Distilled in Kentucky and matured at the White Peak Distillery in England, this rye whiskey from transatlantic brand Never Say Die is as complex on the palate as it is on the nose.

The result is sweet and warming aromas of rich caramel, apple cake, coconut and warming spices. Just as rich and complex on the palate as on the nose, flavours of butterscotch, roasted vanilla pods, toasted wheat and biscuits are all paired with wonderfully rich and spicy back notes.

Offering excellently balanced sweetness, this would make a delicious Old Fashioned.

Overlooked for too long, Australian whisky is beginning to make waves in the global market, with Port Melbourne’s Starward Distillery leading the way.

Matured in red wine barrels, aromas of apricot jam, sultanas and toasted praline fill the nose, before richer flavours of stem ginger, dark chocolate and stewed apple join the party on the palate. If you’re after a sweeter sipping whisky, you won’t be disappointed.

70cl, 40%

If you gravitate towards sweeter bourbons, then get to know this Canadian whisky. Finished in rum barrels, the result is smooth and syrupy, with notes of dried orange, cooking spices, brown sugar and intense vanilla bean.

Exceptionally versatile and food friendly, we’d opt for all-out indulgence and pair it with a post-roast sticky toffee pud.

70cl, 42%

Grain whiskies are known for being lighter in flavour than malts, but this Japanese drop brings complexity in spades.

Matured in a combination of sherry, bourbon and wine casks, you’ll find a mix of tropical fruits, caramel and vanilla with a hint of toasted rye-style grain. We’re confident you won’t find better.

70cl, 43%

Savoury and smoky, this Swedish single malt opens with sesame, barley and pine nuts on the nose, before building to richer notes of leather, brown sugar, red berries and black pepper on the palate.

It’s smooth enough to sip but really sings in shorter whisky cocktails such as the rob roy or a classic sour.

70cl, 41%

A true reflection of its terroir, this expression is made with barley from Jutland, turned on the distillery’s own floor maltings, and smoked using locally cut peat and heather.

Not for the faint of heart, the nose opens with powerful peat and campfire smoke, while barley, white fruit, milk chocolate and dance in the background. If you like Laphroaig, you’ll love this.

70cl, 47%

Since its release in 2011, Bulleit 95 has earned its place on the shelves of leading bars across the globe – and it will work hard on your home bar, too.

Exceptionally smooth with sweet notes of maple, oak and a light, woody finish laced with dried fruit and smoke, it’s versatile enough for all the classic cocktails, but brings something extra special to a mint julep.

70cl, 45%

Another stellar single malt from Rampur, this expression is matured in ex-bourbon casks and finished in European sherry casks, which creates a harmonious blend of sweetness (raisin, honey, tropical fruit, malt) and spice (pepper, oak, cinnamon, nutmeg).

Savour on the rocks with an orange twist – this whisky will see you through every season.

70cl, 45%

Made using barley from the foothills of the Himalayas and distilled in Goa, this unpeated Indian single malt makes for a very special sipper.

There’s a clean core of barley, malt and apple skin on the nose, which is swiftly joined by aromas of roasted walnuts, bitter orange peel, vanilla and lively festive spices. It has a memorable finish, with the rye returning for the last hurrah.

70cl, 46%