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Best whiskey sipping

From scotch to bourbon and more, here is our expert opinion on top whiskeys to sip and savor. 

While there’s no denying that whiskey cocktails can be complex and delicious — some of the best bottles are also delicious when sipped solo. When enjoyed on its own, you can truly experience the intricacies behind the different types of whiskeys. Details like the grains chosen by the distiller, the aging process and the barrel used all change the flavor profile, which becomes clearer when sipped. Another complexity: whiskey is produced all over the world, with several different styles falling under its purview. So where do you begin if you want to sip a whiskey neat? Read on for our recommendations on how to sip, what to sip and how to differentiate each style.

Whether a bottle of whiskey is made in Scotland, Ireland, the USA, Canada or Japan, it has two things in common: First, all whiskeys are made from grains like wheat, barley, rye or corn. Second, they are all matured in oak barrels. Different styles are determined by which grains are used, as well as various differences in the aging process, and many of these standards are regulated in each country. For example, Scotch whiskey is legally required to be aged for at least three years in oak, while bourbon must be made in the United States, and be made from 51% corn.

Prism Cocktail Ice Mold

Nude Hemingway Ice Bucket & 24k Gold-Plate Ice Tongs

Whiskey Stones, Set of Five

Whiskey can be sipped neat or on the rocks, depending on your preference — though, there is some debate among whiskey aficionados around which is best for noticing all the different flavors in more complex whiskeys. If you’re sipping your whiskey neat, you’ll want to enjoy it in a snifter or whiskey glass. Before sipping, you can also add a few dashes of water, which can help open up aromas in the whiskey. Whiskeys that have been aged for a lengthy amount of time are usually best neat, as including ice can water these complex spirits down, or mask some of their tasting notes. If you prefer your whiskey on the rocks, you can do so in a rocks glass with a large ice cube or reusable whiskey stones. The large ice cube will melt slowly, while smaller ice cubes would quickly dilute your drink.

14 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

16 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Blue Label Blended Scotch Whisky

10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Scotch is <a href="https://us.thebar.com/articles/scotch-101/" title="Scotch 101">one of the most complex spirits categories</a>, with various regions throughout Scotland producing their own distinct styles. Its place of origin is what makes Scotch whisky (spelled without an “e”) distinct from whiskey (spelled with an “e”) made anywhere else in the world, as well as the regulations established by UK parliament that must be followed. The gist is this: The “best” Scotch whisky for you will depend on which flavors you like best. If you like smoky flavors, for example, whisky from the Islay region will likely suit your palate, as whiskies here have a distinct smoky flavor from peat, like this bottle of <a href="https://us.thebar.com/products/lagavulin-16-year-old/" title="Lagavulin 16 Year Old">Lagavulin 16 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky.</a> For those who prefer fruitier notes in their whisky, alongside some smoke, reach for <a href="https://us.thebar.com/products/oban-14-year-old/" title="Oban 14 Year Old">Oban 14 Year Old Single Malt</a>, which features notes of dried figs and honey sweet spices. . For something truly unique, though, <a href="https://us.thebar.com/products/johnnie-walker-blue-label/" title="Johnnie Walker Blue Label">Johnnie Walker Blue Label</a> is blended from only the rarest Scotch whiskies.

Bourbon Whiskey

Texas Rye 100

Copper Tongue 16 Year Old Cask Strength Straight Bourbon Whisky

Bulleit Bourbon & Bulleit Rye duo

Bourbons and ryes are types of whiskey made predominantly in the US. The major difference between these whiskeys and other whiskeys from around the world is what grains they are made with. Bourbon, for example, is made with 51 percent corn, which gives sweet aromas to whiskey, along with a soft character. <a href="https://us.thebar.com/products/orphan-barrel-copper-tongue-16-year-old-cask-strength-straight-bourbon-whisky/" title="Orphan Barrel Copper Tongue 16 Year Old Cask Strength Straight Bourbon Whisky">Orphan Barrel Copper Tongue 16 Year Old Cask Strength Straight Bourbon Whiskey</a>, for example, is mellow with orange and cedar notes, despite being cask strength (meaning it’s not cut with water, making for typically stronger flavors.) Rye, on the other hand, must be made with 51 percent rye grains, which results in a whiskey that’s spicy with lemon and rye bread aromas. <a href="https://us.thebar.com/products/balcones-texas-rye-100/" title="Balcones Texas Rye 100">Balcones Texas Rye 100 </a>is a prime example: It’s made with a 100 percent rye mashbill, resulting in toffee and coffee flavors that finish with a peppery kick. <a href="https://us.thebar.com/products/bulleit-bourbon/" title="Bulleit Bourbon">Bulleit Bourbon</a> fits squarely between these two, as it features a blend of both corn and rye, giving it a unique spiciness.

Blended Irish Whiskey, 750 mL

Japanese Rice Whiskey

Aged 18 Years Extra Rare Blended Canadian Whisky

Nova Australian Single Malt Whisky

Whiskeys (with an “e”) typically refers to <a href="https://us.thebar.com/whiskey/irish-japanese-canadian/" title="Irish Japanese Canadian">international whiskeys</a> from Ireland, Canada, Japan, as well as the United States. Irish whiskeys come in a large range of styles, but are usually lighter than Scottish varieties, and often use unmalted barley, which gives these whiskeys a spicy and fruity characteristic, like those found in this <a href="https://us.thebar.com/products/roe-coe-blended-irish-whiskey/" title="Roe &amp; Coe Blended Irish Whiskey">Roe &amp; Co Blended Irish Whiskey</a>. Japanese whiskey, on the other hand, is made very similarly to Scotch whisky, but are typically more pure in flavor and don’t have the same malty flavors, like this <a href="#" title="Kikori Japanese Rice Whiskey Giveaway">Kikori Japanese Rice Whiskey.</a> Canadian, meanwhile, is usually a blended whiskey, with many distillers using a high percentage of corn in their blend. This <a href="https://us.thebar.com/products/crown-royal-aged-18-years-extra-rare-blended-canadian-whisky/" title="Crown Royal Aged 18 Years Extra Rare Blended Canadian Whisky">Crown Royal Aged 18 Years Extra Rare Blended Canadian Whiskey</a>, for example, is a blend of three of Crown Royal’s most exceptional bottles, and is handcrafted by its master blender.
Whether you prefer spirits that are fruity, smoky, or spicy, you’ll likely find a whiskey that’s perfect for sipping after a long day. With just a whiskey glass and a few dashes of water (or a large ice cube) it’s one of the easiest drinks to pour for yourself — while still enjoying interesting and complex tasting notes.

Top-shelf whiskey should be enjoyed in fine glassware. Pair a bottle with hand-blown decanters and glasses for a well-rounded sip.

Hand-blown Colored Rocks Glass, Set of Two

Caldera Double Old Fashioned Glass, Set of Four

Heritage Decanter

Gems Tumbler, Set of Four

Square Decanter & Rocks V Gift Set

The Art of the Bar Cart: Styling & Recipes

Johnnie Walker Collection Set 

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The best whiskeys for sipping