The best whiskeys for sipping

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.

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.

Scotch is one of the most complex spirits categories, 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 Lagavulin 16 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky. For those who prefer fruitier notes in their whisky, alongside some smoke, reach for Oban 14 Year Old Single Malt, which features notes of dried figs and honey sweet spices. . For something truly unique, though, Johnnie Walker Blue Label is blended from only the rarest Scotch whiskies.

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. Orphan Barrel Copper Tongue 16 Year Old Cask Strength Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 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. Balcones Texas Rye 100 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. Bulleit Bourbon fits squarely between these two, as it features a blend of both corn and rye, giving it a unique spiciness.

Whiskeys (with an “e”) typically refers to international whiskeys 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 Roe & Co Blended Irish Whiskey. 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 Kikori Japanese Rice Whiskey. Canadian, meanwhile, is usually a blended whiskey, with many distillers using a high percentage of corn in their blend. This Crown Royal Aged 18 Years Extra Rare Blended Canadian Whiskey, 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.