TOP 10 Whisky I've tried

Since I’ve been reviewing coffee gear, I thought it would be a shame not to share the results of my exploration of whisky and scotch.

This is not intended to be a ranking of the best whiskies in the world but rather a reflection of my personal experiences while exploring the subject.

Notes :

Please drink responsibly
For persons of legal drinking age only
Excessive consumption can be harmful to your health
No endorsement in this article

Concerning the review

All whiskies were tasted using a Glen Cairn Glass, known as a tulipe in France. This glass enhances the aroma while swirling the whisky, as taste is also influenced by olfactory senses.

We taste the whisky neat first, then add a splash of water to open up its aromas sometimes on another day we tried it on the rocks with a regular glass.

1. Macallan rare cask

Macallan is to whisky what Dior is to the fashion industry—a master of branding and marketing that also excels in design and product quality.

If you enjoy Sherry Cask whiskies with rich, sweet notes and a beautiful finish, Macallan is a reliable choice.

The only downside is that older Sherry Cask varieties, aged 18 years and above, can be quite expensive. These are definitely bottles meant for prestige and special occasions.

The Macallan Rare Cask is the best Whisky I’ve tried so far and I can’t wait to try those fancier bottles.

2. Kavalan Concert Master Port Cask Finish

Kavalan, a whisky produced in Taiwan, benefits from a climate that significantly accelerates the maturing process. The Kavalan Concert Master Port Cask Finish offers a distinctive taste due to its port cask aging.

To describe the taste I would say it has a little bit of freshness and sweetness mixture with a lingering burning finish that is quite pleasant.

It’s honestly one of the best surprises I’ve encountered, and I would recommend it over most Japanese whiskies because it offers something truly unique.

3. Hibiki

Hibiki is a prestigious Japanese whisky brand produced by Suntory, renowned for its exceptional quality and craftsmanship. Launched in 1989, Hibiki has garnered global acclaim for its complex flavor profiles and elegant presentation.

Hibiki typically offers a rich bouquet of floral notes, honey, dried fruits, and a hint of oak. There is often a delicate balance of sweet and spicy aromas.

On the palate, it is smooth and well-rounded with flavors of caramel, vanilla, and a touch of citrus. The influence of Mizunara oak may introduce subtle exotic spices.

4. Balvenie 12 Double Wood

The Balvenie 12 Double Wood used to be one of the best value-for-money whiskies. I bought a bottle for 30 euros, but it now sells for 60, likely due to inflation.

This whisky is quite easy to drink, thanks to its beautiful double cask process—a regular oak cask for woody notes and an Oloroso Sherry cask finish for sweetness.

While not the most complex and with a moderate finish, it is very balanced and pleasant.

5. Lagavulin 16

Lagavulin 16 is a peated Scotch, meaning that organic matter is used to smoke the malt, giving the whisky its distinctive taste.

I find this whisky to have a sea breeze quality. It’s both refined and flavorful. While many people might not be familiar with the seaweed-like taste, I highly recommend it, especially to those new to whisky.

6. Glenlivet 18

The Glenlivet 18 is undoubtedly a powerful and robust whisky. While it boasts a notable balance and roundness, it delivers fewer sweet notes compared to a sherry oak finished whisky.

For those who love Speyside whisky, I believe this is probably one of the best options at its price point.

7. Woodford Reserve

Woodford Reserve is a bourbon, which means it uses a base of corn and malt for the yeast to produce alcohol.

Although the distillery is relatively new compared to older Scotch establishments, Woodford Reserve benefits from a high-quality natural water source and considerable expertise in crafting excellent bourbon.

This Bourbon is perfect for making delicious cocktails such as old fashioned.

8. Jameson

Jameson is one of the most well-known and affordable Irish whiskies. Irish whiskies are famous for being smooth and sweet.

They have a certain quality that makes them particularly easy to enjoy. Honestly, if you have a budget of 20 euros, it’s hard to find a better option.

9. Glenmorangie 12 Lasanta

The Glenmorangie 12 Lasanta is a fascinating whisky that utilizes two types of casks in its aging process: the standard ex-bourbon cask and Xérès Oloroso, a Spanish sherry cask.

This combination imparts the whisky with two distinct characteristics: a robust oaky flavor and a rich, sweet, and spicy finish.

Not too dissimilar to the Balvenie Double Wood in the process but with a completely different experience.

10. Aberlour 12

Aberlour 12 is a Speyside whisky that also employs a Double Cask process, including a Sherry finish. Although it may seem similar to the Balvenie Double Wood on paper, its flavor profile is quite distinct, leaning more towards the Glenlivet style but with sweeter notes.

I think this is a Whisky that is very easy to drink and appreciable for people who are looking for balance as well a strength.

I think this is one of the whisky that smells the best on the nose except for the Macallan. I also like the cap that is the largest of all the bottle.

11. Chivas 18

Chivas 18 is a staple that truly demonstrates the potential of blended whiskies. It is notably consistent in flavor, and although it’s not a peated whisky, it features a distinct sea-like taste.

The taste is quite rich and complex but balance at the same time. In my opinion Black Label From Johnny Walker and Chivas 18 are definitely one of the favorites amongst Asian culture.

12. Glenfiddich 15

The Glenfiddich 15 was one of the first bottles I purchased, and it has classic undertones of vanilla and honey.

While Glenfiddich offers a familiar taste that many will enjoy, I wouldn’t describe it as particularly complex or impressive. It has a classic flavor that is generally appreciated but lacks a bit of distinctiveness in my view.