What Are The Most Popular Whisky Cocktails?

Whisky cocktails are some of the most iconic and classic serves, but over the last few years, their popularity has somewhat dwindled. Margaritas, Mojitos, Martinis, and Piña Coladas have taken over, but we believe whisky is underrated and underordered when it comes to cocktails.

Nonetheless, the whisky classics are legendary and remain widely favoured, and when it comes to winter warmers, whisky can’t be beaten. We’ll cover those delicious concoctions, as well as the rest of the most ordered whisky serves in this Top 10.   

The Godfather

A contemporary classic, The Godfather is made of just two ingredients: Scotch whisky and amaretto, with the latter bringing sweet, almond, and stone-fruit flavour. Some people just have a dash of amaretto, others go half and half, but it’s a boozy alternative to water when it comes to softening the spirit, and enhancing any oaky, smoky notes.

Ingredients
60ml Scotch whisky
10ml amaretto

Method
Simply combine the two ingredients in a rocks glass filled with plenty of ice and enjoy. Leave a little bit of room so that you can add more amaretto if you wish!

The Rob Roy

Overshadowed by the similar Manhattan cocktail outside of the UK, this historic serve is named after Scottish hero Rob Roy MacGregor, who had just been the subject of an opera at the time of its creation. It’s short and crisp, and it’s great for really letting the whisky shine.

Ingredients
50ml Scotch whisky
20ml sweet white or red vermouth
A couple of dashes of Angostura bitters
Maraschino cherry (garnish)

Method
All you need to do to make a Rob Roy cocktail is pour Scotch, vermouth and your bitters into a mixing glass and stir well with ice. Strain and garnish with a pretty cocktail cherry. Because no ice ends up in the cocktail, you might want to chill your glass beforehand.

The Rusty Nail

The origins of the Rusty Nail’s name are lost to history, but we do know that it was the Rat Pack’s love for it that cemented its place in cocktail history. If you just can’t get enough of whisky, then you have to try this because not only is Scotch the main ingredient, but the only other ingredient has it in too! Drambuie is a honey, spice, and Scotch liqueur, which gives a sweet and punchy feel. A sophisticated slow sipper that lets the whisky shine.

Ingredients
50ml Scotch whisky
20ml Drambuie

Method
Simply combine the liquids into a mixing glass and stir well before pouring over plenty of ice into a tumbler. As easy as that.

The Hot Toddy

Was this the tastiest medicine of all time? That’s how Hot Toddies began in 18th century Scotland, as a way to fight back the chills and colds of the brutal cold weather. Whisky is the king of hot cocktails, and the soothing intensity of flavour of a Hot Toddy is perfection on a cold night. Riffs are plentiful with this cocktail, as you can see here, but this original is just the ticket.

Ingredients
2 tsp lemon juice
1 tbsp honey
100ml-150ml hot water
35ml Whisky (Johnnie Walker Black Label is great)
1 cinnamon stick (optional)
Lemon wheel (garnish)

Method
Use a handled glass to see those alluring colours (or just a mug will do) and first add hot water (just below boiling). Using the cinnamon stick, stir whisky, lemon juice and honey until everything is the same viscosity and then taste. Adapt with sugar or lemon or even more whisky for personal preference!

The Irish Coffee

We adore Irish Coffees at The Three Drinkers, so much so that we’ve got our own special guide for them here. And it seems like the UK does too because it’s one of our favourite hot drinks, competing with coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. The recipe goes back to Ireland in the 1940s at Foynes Airport, and you can find the full interesting backstory watching The Three Drinkers in Ireland. Indulgent, warming and velvety – nom.

Ingredients
2 teaspoons brown sugar
120ml hot coffee
45ml Irish whiskey
Cream lightly whipped

Method
Heat your glass first, before adding sugar, fresh coffee, and Irish whiskey. Pour the cream over the back of a spoon so that it sits seductively on top and enjoy – slainte!

The Mint Julep

The Mojito for whisky lovers, a good Mint Julep lures you in with icy freshness, before punching with sophisticated flavours. There aren’t many ingredients in play here, so it’s all about the quality of them and the ratios. It’s a Southern States favourite but you can find it across the world in many bars.

Ingredients
65ml bourbon
10 mint leaves (save some for garnish)
15ml sugar syrup

Method
Shake bourbon, mint, and syrup with ice before straining into a highball glass or julep tin, filled with crushed ice. If you want more minty flavour then use more mint, or muddle slightly. Stir well and add a mint leaf for aesthetics and fragrance.

The Sazerac

With whiskey and absinthe in the mix, this is a dangerous serve indeed. It’s seen as the cousin of one of the more popular cocktails later on this list, and it was crowned the official cocktail of New Orleans in 2008. A twist of lemon or orange is a necessity to soften the boozy intensity a touch. Rye whiskey is the traditional spirit used (though it was French brandy centuries ago), creating a peppery, anise-laced bright and breezy mix.

Ingredients
 Absinthe rinse
10ml syrup
15ml chilled water
3 dashes of Peychaud’s bitters
1 dash of Angostura bitters
50ml rye whiskey/bourbon
Orange twist for garnish

Method
Swirl absinthe round your glass. Ideally, you’d pour what’s left into the next glass and repeat but if you’re only making yourself a cocktail, then just try to use as little as possible to avoid wastage. Combine syrup, bitters, water, and whiskey in a mixing glass and stir with ice. Strain into your glass and garnish with orange for those gorgeous citrus oils.

The Whisky Sour

These last three cocktails are far and away the most popular whisky serves across the world. Closer to home, the Whisky Sour was the most ordered cocktail by men in the UK in 2017 – not just whiskey but full stop! Out of all the cocktails on this list, this is probably the hardest to pin down, but it absolutely has to be included. It first appeared as a Boston Sour in the 1870s, and now has tonnes of variations. Sometimes though, simple is best, and the below recipe is the modern classic.

Ingredients
50ml Bourbon
35ml lemon juice
12½ml sugar syrup
2 dashes Angostura bitters
½ fresh egg white
Cherry/orange/lemon for garnish

 Method
Shake everything very thoroughly with ice and strain into an ice filled glass. Many garnishes go well with this so take your pick out of cocktail cherries, orange twists or lemon wedges.

The Manhattan

Legend goes that this popular order was first designed for a banquet hosted by Winston Churchill’s mother in 1870s NYC. Rye whisky is used, but because of its Prohibition history, Canadian whiskey has always played a big role too. Modern incarnations have taken it down various routes, from sweet and sour to swapping out the whiskey for rum or tequila.

Ingredients
50ml bourbon
25ml sweet vermouth
2 dashes Angostura bitters
1 dash orange bitters
Brandied cherry for garnish

Method
Combine everything in a mixing glass and stir well with ice until it feels chilled. Strain and garnish with a cherry, or ideally a brandied cherry! Delish.

The Old Fashioned

Consistently one of the most searched for and sought after whiskey cocktails (even since Mad Men finished), the Old Fashioned is the most popular whiskey cocktail. It’s so simple because it’s effectively a glass of whiskey with a twist. Usually made from bourbon or rye, Angostura bitters, sugar and water are added to lighten, sharpen, and sweeten the mix. The polls show that this remains America’s favourite cocktail – over 200 years old and still going strong.

Ingredients
50ml bourbon/rye
Brown sugar cube
Splash of water
2 drops of Angostura bitters
Twist of orange to garnish

Method
Muddle (with the back of a spoon for example) sugar, water, and some orange peel. Make sure the sugar is dissolved – that’s essential. Fill the glass with ice, before slowly adding your chosen whisky and stirring. Orange twist for garnish and you’re all set.

Well now you’ve got your recipes, you need your star of the show – whisky! We’ve got some unique Scotch whiskies here, and delicious Irish whiskeys here!

7 Bottles of Irish Whiskey You Need in Your Glass

The journey Irish Whiskey has been on is quite incredible. From the 19th century golden age where it was deemed the finest and most popular spirit on the planet, to producing just 1% of the world’s supply only a hundred years or so later.

Fortunately, it’s sprung out of the doldrums in style, and decades of investment and innovation has seen distilleries bloom all over. Irish Whiskey is back where it belongs, delivering the quintessential fruity lightness it’s known for, as well as delightful wine-finishes and wafts of smoke.

So, if you’re celebrating St. Patrick's Day on March 17th or just want to expand your emerald isle collections with some gems, these are seven bottles you need in your glass.

Jatt Life Blended Irish Whiskey

From the same folks at Jatt Life Vodka comes this blended Irish whiskey. Aged in virgin oak and sherry casks, this is very characterful with luscious, rich dried fruits intertwining with woody spice. It’s a classic Irish whiskey expression with soft fruitiness, but wonderfully smooth and with impressive longevity too.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £27.27

Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition Whiskey

From the best-selling Irish whiskey producer in the world, Jameson’s stout edition has a seductive bourbon nose with a little creamy chocolate dressing the fresher notes. These continue in the mouth with a touch of coffee, as the succulent viscosity becomes noticeable. Warm spices feature too, most prominently cinnamon. The old whiskey barrels had previously been used to age stout from Cork’s Franciscan Well brewery, and the results are quite spectacular – especially for the price.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £28.95

Proclamation Blended Irish Whiskey

A glass of this is a true celebration of Ireland’s independence, from the label to the 40.7% ABV, a nod to the 7 signatures signing the famous 1916 document. But what about the liquid itself? Full-bodied and silky smooth, it’s matured in ex-Bourbon casks before a subtle sherry finish. The results combine majestically with fruity caramel, full-bodied brioche notes and bitter toasted coffee for balance. Delicious.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40.7%
Find here: £28.88

Tyrconnell Irish Whiskey

Top notch single malt now with the legendary Tyrconnell. The labels had a stylish rebrand, and the alcohol has been bumped up from 40% too. It’s softly integrated however with no harshness whatsoever. It’s fruity and light, but unlike most Irish whiskeys brings citrus over sweetness. The rich vanilla fudge lingers forever it seems, beyond even the oaky spice.  A benchmark.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £33.99 (usually more!)

Sliabh Liag The Legendary Dark Silkie Irish Whiskey

As captivating as the legendary silkies of Ireland themselves, we love this Donegal distillery. Their lighter expression is beautiful, but this smoky number deserves some serious love too. Peat was somewhat lost from Irish whiskey for a long time, but this harks back to the golden age with triple-distilled peated malt aged in sherry casks, before joining bourbon-matured and virgin oak-matured whiskies. The result is so harmonious, with those rich fruits still coming through, as well as salted chocolate and mellow wafts of smoke balancing out perfectly.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £35.37 (usually more!)

Kinahan’s The Kasc Project Whiskey

Something different here. The bottle may say Irish Whiskey, but The Kasc Project is actually something of a globe trotter. Delving into the world of hybrid casks, Portuguese, American, French, Hungarian oak, and chestnut, yes that’s five different woods, are used for ageing. All combined in one barrel, it’s no surprise that the alluring honey colouring reveals so much flavour. Expect oaky treacle on the nose, stewed apples and sultanas, nutty vanilla and peppery warmth on the palate, and a dry finish with liquorice. It's really interesting and throws up Bourbon and Cognac comparisons.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £38.75

Bushmills 16 Year Old Whiskey

More expensive than our other whiskies, Bushmills’ 16 year old expression more than lives up to its price tag. It begins life in Bourbon casks, continues along to sherry before a final stint in Port, expanding its breadth of delicious flavour with each step. Think honey and stone fruits on the nose, spilling over into a summery palate of lofty tropical flavours, silky honey, and rich dried fruits. The oily viscosity coats your mouth wonderfully as the rising mocha notes and nutty spice lingers on and on. So much to explore.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £89.81

If you want to learn more about the fascinating world of Irish whiskey, then let us remind you of The Three Drinkers in Ireland, when we explored the beauty of the Emerald Isle.

Last Minute Gift Ideas for Drinks Lovers: Distillery Tours in the UK & Ireland

Distillery and winery tours make for amazing gifts for anyone who’s into their drinks, and they’re usually not as expensive as you might think. Getting up close and personal with whisky, gin or wine production really brings the drink to life, and these tours from across England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland do exactly that, each with rave reviews and in spectacular locations.

Whisky Distillery Tours

Jameson Distillery Bow Street, Dublin

This place is an absolute monument to Irish Whiskey. If you didn’t know, then Jameson is the best-selling Irish whiskey in the world, so it’s no surprise that they have a top notch set up to explore it. Conveniently, it’s also in Dublin so easy to get to. John Jameson founded this former factory in 1780, and you can tailor your experience there by budget and activities. Options include all kinds of tasting sessions at the Jameson centrepiece bar, how to blend your own whiskey, a big focus on whiskey cocktails, and all the rich history too.

Find more info here

Glenfiddich, Dufftown

William Grant laid the first stones to this distillery in 1886, making it one of the oldest family-owned Scotch whisky distilleries going. It’s world-renowned, and the 35-hectare site in the Valley of the Deer (between Aberdeen and Inverness) is one of the most impressive distilleries to explore. Explore picturesque pagodas, a traditional aging warehouse, giant stillhouses and bottling lines, with rich details every step of the way, that only come with so much heritage and experience. The guides have a great reputation, opening up the world of Glenfiddich for you, and all before a generous taste of the good stuff – golden Speyside Scotch. There are so many wonderful distilleries, but if we have to pick one, this is probably the one to visit.

Find more info here

Penderyn, Brecon Beacons

Though they have two other distilleries in Swansea and Llandudno, Brecon Beacons is the original 2004 site for Penderyn, the distillery that brought whisky back to Wales. This award-winning 1-hour tour welcomes more than 40,000 visitors a year to the easy-on-the-eye Brecon Beacons. Visitors see everything – the mill, the mash turn, the state-of-the-art stills, and it’s all finished with a sample of the acclaimed whisky itself. It’s not got centuries behind it like some distilleries in the UK, but it’s making history all the same.

Find more info here

The English Distillery, Norfolk

Just like Wales, whisky distilleries have been popping up in England over the last two decades, and the more relaxed manufacturing rules and warmer climate allow for different, experimental whiskies. When King (then Prince) Charles opened The English Distillery in rural Norfolk in 2005, it was the first of its kind in a century. A prolific and acclaimed malt whisky producer, the tour operates 7 days a week, showcasing the magnificent distilling floor, barrel warehouse and more. The tour is known for devilish detail whilst also being easy to follow, and those that don’t wish to take part can take a stroll by the stunning nearby river.

Find more info here

Gin Distillery Tours

Bombay Sapphire Distillery, Hampshire

World-famous, the Bombay Sapphire Distillery in Hampshire is a must for any gin lover. The site once housed a Victorian paper mill, and the derelict redbrick has been intertwined with modern architectural beauty, like the glasshouse centrepiece, which contains all the Bombay botanicals. The reviews are impressive, the pictures are stunning, and a recent 2021 upgrade brought in a cinema room and refreshed cocktail menu to match the interactive cocktail bar. It’s a botanical paradise, exploring the masterful details of how the ingredients become the liquid, as well as fascinating ecology and sustainability tricks. There are plenty of tour options too for flexibility.

Find more info here

Edinburgh Gin, Edinburgh

This is the place to go for insight into the Scottish capital’s rich history with juniper, and you also get to visit one of the most stunning cities in Europe. The working distillery has such an atmosphere that its one of the top ranked attractions a city full of them. The bar and visitor centre is subterranean enhancing the vibe, where you can taste their award-winning gins (the Rhubarb is a favourite of ours), and exactly what you try (or your giftee if you’re still feeling selfless) is up to you – there’s chocolate pairings, mixology adventures, or the classic distillery tasting experience.

Find more info here

Gower Gin, Swansea

We love Gower’s GWYR gin for its pure feel, and it turns out that their tour experience is just as good. A far cry form giant distillery tours, this is intimate. The husband-and-wife team behind this Welsh gin started in a ‘bike shed’ at the end of their garden, and still do things on a small scale at their charming micro-distillery. Foraged botanicals like gorse flower, sea buckthorn and linen meet quirky additions such as teas and cubeb pepper, and everything is inspired by the seaside or Welsh influences. They now have their peaceful tasting garden available… and you get all of that for free! Yep, free. So if you’re gifting it, maybe you can give them money to buy a bottle at the end… because they’ll definitely want to.

Find more info here

Dingle Distillery, County Kerry

The great thing about Dingle Distillery in Ireland is that it’s not just award-winning gin produced there, but whiskey and vodka too, so you get a unique insight into what it takes to master different spirits up close. The generous guided tour covers the entire production process, from working with local farms to finessing the final product… which you will get to sample of course. It’s a really well put together enthusiastic and informative experience, and the local port town of Dingle is well worth a visit too.

Find more info here

Winery and Vineyard Tours

Simpsons Estate, Kent

If anywhere is the home of English wine, it has to be Kent. Nestled covertly amongst the North Downs slopes, not far from Canterbury, lies the Simpsons Estate, headed up by Charles and Ruth, veterans of the English wine revival. The area itself is already an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and that’s before the vineyard, where you’ll walk the iconic Roman Road and learn everything from in the vine to wine process. To finish, the Glass House Tasting Room looks out over the winery, where visitors can try the traditional method fizz or innovative 100% Pinot Meunier. The sunset session is very memorable indeed, if it’s available.

Find more info here

Camel Valley, Cornwall

This stunning Cornish vineyard was the first in the UK to be awarded a PDO (Protected Designation Origin) from the EU for its Darnibole vineyard, so it really is special and unique. It’s been refined since the 80s, when English wine was dismissed by many… but they are one of the wineries that have blazed a trail for it. Their Cornwall Brut is famous, they produce a range of red, white, and sparkling wines. Different tastings and tours can be booked, from Daily Guides which cover the fascinating fundamentals of winemaking, to the special Grand Tour.

Find more info here

Glyndwr Vineyard, Wales

In the utterly beautiful Vale of Glenmorgan is Wales’ oldest vineyard, Glyndwr Vineyard, family run since 1979. Their production portfolio is expansive, and features wines that have been picked for the Parliament, the Ryder Cup and NATO. The quaint setting would make for a delightful walk even without the vineyard, but the tour is such good value. The owner does the tour, so knows the place inside out, from the history to the vines to the lamas also on site! The reviews speak for themselves – the tour is so informative, personal and generous, and the setting couldn’t be prettier.

Find more info here

Wicklow Wines, Ireland

You might not think of Ireland when you think of wineries, but Wicklow Wines are the exception. They’ve been lauded over by TripAdvisor, Vogue, Lonely Planet and Michelin star restaurants, offering a behind-the-scenes tour of their small, working winery. They make incredible berried wines, which will be tasted alongside Irish cheeses and chocolates. It was even voted the 2nd best food and drink experience in Ireland!

Find more info here

Of course, this is just a taste of some of the best wineries, vineyards and distilleries in the UK and Ireland, but there are more offering fabulous experiences, many of which we visited in previous series of The Three Drinkers! You can find more Scotch Whisky tours here, more Irish Whiskey tours here, and more English wineries here!

Angel’s Envy: The Finished Whiskey Just Getting Started

Abandoning his retirement with his son by his side, Lincoln Henderson took his first taste of their new bourbon, joking that if it ‘the angel’s share’ is the 5% of spirit that evaporates, then what’s left in the barrel must be ‘angel’s envy’, and so Angels’ Envy was born… but this isn’t any ordinary bourbon.

Influenced by techniques in scotch whisky making, Lincoln and son, distillation expert Wes, explored ‘secondary barrel finishing’, something seldom seen in the world of bourbon. It’s matured in charred oak, before being finished in another cask giving luxurious complexity and character, which in the case of the signature Angel’s Envy bourbon, is Port, adding sticky dark plum and vanilla.

This merger of iconic legacy and pioneering youth looked at age-old bourbon techniques without the fear to change it up, and as a result, put themselves firmly on the American map. Though the brand launched back in 2011, a teenage rebel compared to many bourbon brands, they didn’t settle down into a distillery for another two years.

Now, however, on Whisky’s Row in Downton Louisville, Angel’s Envy have a distillery and after cleaning up a foot and a half of barley that was blown into the wrong room on the opening day, they have thrived, welcoming 10,000 guests every year, expanding to become the first full-production whiskey distillery on the street, and being named one of the Top 25 distilleries in the country.

Expansion hasn’t ended there either, because their finished whiskies can be bought across the world, adding rum-finished-rye to their bourbon portfolio. Much of this latest progress has been under Owen Martin, who was appointed Master Distiller in 2022 and has continued experimenting with maturing, blending and the art of secondary finishing.

This December, Owen’s first release will see a Cask Strength Straight Rye Whiskey finished in Sauternes and, for the 12th year in a row, a Cask Strength Kentucky Bourbon finished in Port, using noteworthy Portuguese barrels from its rickhouses. Previous releases in their series have put a strain on Angel Envy’s award shelves to say the least, with the 2022 edition receiving a Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirit Competition among others.

Lastly, something that we think is worth pointing out is the white oak used in bourbon making, which is gaining in popularity each year. Well, Angel’s Envy, making use of it themselves, have decided to give back, with their Toast the Trees initiative. It raises awareness for the importance of these trees and plants them in exchange for drinkers’ photos, hashtags, and quizzes. More trees… more barrels… more bourbon – everyone wins.

Now, not all Angel’s Envy releases are available or easy to find in the UK, but their trademark bourbon is, and you can get your hands on their rye too. Those hard-hitting cask strength bottles won’t be far off either, we’re sure. This is a tremendous American whiskey to try, so let’s take a look at their bottles.

Angel's Envy Bourbon Whiskey

The one that started it all, this bourbon moves from charred oak to Port casks, combining rich vanilla with sweet, sticky Port fruits. It’s silky smooth, teeming with warm fruits on the finish, and combines a flavoursome kick with so much softness.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £56.24

Angel's Envy Rye Whiskey

Harder to find, this Rye is finished for up to 18 months in authentic Caribbean rum casks, infusing the liquid with delicious, sweet spice. Syrup, cinnamon and sticky toffee pudding intertwines with the earthy kick of rye, making every sip unforgettable.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 50%
Find here: £129.99

The Best Whisky to Gift for Christmas

We all know whisky can take a while to get into, and once you’re in, there are so many delicious styles to try, so buying the right bottle for someone this Christmas is a challenge.

From sweeter, ex-bourbon casks to smoky peat expressions, we’ve sniffed out the best whiskies in each category to gift for Christmas. They’re all bottles that we love, with rave reviews, and crucially, they more than justify their price tags. Let’s start with a wee dram…

The Best Scotch Whisky to Gift for Christmas

Arran Barrel Reserve Whisky

This is a bourbon-matured single malt from, of course, the Isle of Arran, a picturesque place rich with whisky heritage. It’s light and soft, with surprising citrus and crisp green apples, as well as a touch of fiery smoke. The smoothness and distinct profile will be a winner for those wanting to try something a little different.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £34.24

Mac-Talla Terra Whisky

Over to Islay now, for a single malt bringing that signature woody smoke and sea salt. ‘Mac-Talla’ means echo in Gaelic, and ‘Terra’ is Earth, so the name hints at the savoury peat, oaky cinders and peppery earthiness that stretches deep into the finish. Vanilla lifts things up a little too, and makes this one of the more approachable smoky drams.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £47.49

The Best Irish Whiskey to Gift for Christmas

Proclamation Blended Irish Whiskey

Celebrating Ireland’s independence, Proclamation is a glass of history, even down to the ABV which is a nod to the 1916 document’s 7 signatures. The blended liquid itself is really delicious, full of character with créme brulée and fruity caramel infused from bourbon maturation and the sherry finish. Smooth, complex, and fantastically rounded, it’s well worth the hype and top notch value too.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 41.7%
Find here: £27.49

Kinahan’s The Kasc Project Whiskey

This is a brave exploration of hybrid casks, making use of 5 different woods (Portuguese, American, French, Hungarian oak, and chestnut), all in 1 barrel. Tasting this is such an adventure, with so much depth behind the dark amber hue, and smoothness on every sip. Expect charred tropical fruits, winter spices, nutty undertones, caramel chocolates, and overall, an Irish whisky that draws comparisons to bourbon and cognac.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £33.95

The Best American Whiskey to Gift for Christmas

Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey

This is one of the best value whiskies in America, delivering a seductively creamy profile laced with fruity sweetness. The expression is rounded out by being half wheat, 20% malt, 20% corn and a little rye too, so you get great vanilla and rich toasty notes too. Fabulously balanced.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 45.2%
Find here: £39.94

WhistlePig PiggyBack 6 Year Old Whiskey

WhistlePig have blazed a trail in the world of rye, bringing it back to the premium positioning it deserves. This was made with cocktails in mind, so for any Manhattans and Old Fashioneds, it’s perfect. It delivers great spice and sharpness, but it’s a smooth ride the whole way, with citrus, ripe fruits and toasted winter spices.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 48.3%
Find here: £49.90

The Best Japanese Whisky to Gift for Christmas

Toki Blended Japanese Whisky

This is a blend of The House of Suntory’s 3 distilleries, primarily made of Hakashu single malt and Chita grain whisky, and what an introduction to Japanese whisky it is. It’s light in colour and feel, but full of flavour with lofty vanilla and caramel notes, as well as fruity citrus. It’s approachable and rounded, and therefore very quaffable.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £31.89

Nikka Whisky From The Barrel

Nikka Whisky has great oomph with that boosted strength packing lots of precise flavour, hence the awards. Bourbon, sherry, and hogsheads are all used to age it, and the palate punches with winter spice, caramel, and toffee, plus plenty of rich fruit. It doesn’t lack smoothness either, delivering that classic Japanese elegance.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 51.4%
Find here: £40.25

The Best World Whisky to Gift for Christmas

Starward Left-Field Whisky

Whisky from Melbourne is sure to make for an interesting Christmas gift, right? All the ingredients are sourced nearby to the distillery, and that includes the red wine barrels used for ageing. The wine-woodiness quality here is noticeable, rich with dried fruits, maple syrup and baking spice. It isn’t the most complex whisky out there, but it’s super smooth and full of characterful fruity deliciousness.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £32.95

Paul John Bold Whisky

This is a fully peated single malt from Paul Distilleries, using quality Islay peat which is brought to Goa to dry their Indian barley. All that work pays off because it’s deliciously intense, playing off peat, fruits and honey harmoniously. The tobacco, coffee and smoke come through at the end for an in-your face Indian whisky that demands your attention.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 46%
Find here: £39.94 (usually more!)

Lot 40 Rye Whisky

Now for some Canadian rye, and this is a legendary representative of it. Once discontinued, Lot 40 is now back, to the delight of whisky connoisseurs. The rye is earthy and kicks straight away before spices like cardamom and pepper florally unfold alongside vanilla. The spice lingers on the finish as you expect. This is one of the best ryes around this price, if not the best.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 43%
Find here: £37.99

Mackmyra Svensk Rök (Swedish Smoke) Whisky

The fundamentals of this whisky sort of explain themselves – it’s from Sweden, and it’s packed full of smoky peat. The nose is expected but lovely, but there is a bright juniper note in the mouth that comes out of left field, before a smoky, aniseed finish. If you know someone who’s into peaty Islay numbers, then this is a great twist to give them.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 46.1%
Find here: £48.65

We’ve been busy bees lately, working to get Christmas guides and recommendations for tonnes of drinks on the website, so you can deliver a memorable gift that hits the spot. Perhaps you’re looking for unique bottles that stand out? Or maybe you know a gin lover? Or rum? They’re all there and more on the site.

Four Whiskeys to Try This 4th of July!

There seems to be something to celebrate every day of the year these days, from World Whisky Day to World Knitting Day. Don’t get me wrong, any excuse to celebrate is a good thing, but some days are more meaningful than others. The 4th of July may have different meaning for different people, but it is a significant day of the year and gives me a chance to put my American tastes to the fore. This year for me has been a memorable year for American Whiskey, there has been more American whiskey launched in the UK than ever before and in the USA the proliferation of craft distilleries continues. Here are four bottles that I think are the best value bourbon of all time, the best release this year by a long shot, a classic and a curve ball - all of which you’re going to want to try!

The Best Value Whisky of all Time: Woodford Reserve

This is brilliant value and also brilliant quality. With rich caramel and vanilla flavours, the corn flavours really shine. There is still a touch of spice to keep things interesting and it is so smooth considering it is at 43.2%. This is on special offer frequently in the UK, so look out for it in Ocado and Sainsbury’s where it can be found for only £25 a bottle! Usually it is a little more than that, but I still think it represents great value. The Reserve makes a very good whiskey sour and old fashioned and if you’re looking for something a bit different then the Rye Woodford makes incredible Manhattans too.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 43.2%
Find it Here: UK £36.94 // US $36.99

The Best Release This Year: Whistlepig Boss Hog VIII LapuLapu’s Pacific

This has been a long time coming. I first tasted this in November last year at the IWSC awards ceremony in London with a big bunch of Scotch whiskies and it really shone through. It has big bold flavours but at the same time there is finesse and elegance and great complexity. It is 17 years old and has quite a high abv, but the alcohol is so well integrated that the depth of flavour still shows well. Big, rich caramel and baked orchard fruits, caramelised banana and demerara sugar mix with dark chocolate and soft spice. It’s a blockbuster, but well worth it. 

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 52.4%
Find it Here: UK £675 // US $899.99

The Classic: Elijah Craig

Elijah Craig were the first to char barrels in making their whisky, and it has become a classic over the years. So popular in fact that they have had to discontinue their 12 year old release as the pressure on stocks is so high. They replaced it with this brilliant expression. Made in very small batches is oozes smoothness at a reasonably high abv. With flavours of marmalade, honeycomb, baked apples and a dusting of cinnamon and charred oak on the finish, there is a lot to like here. It’s a great introduction to top end bourbon if you’re exploring American whisky, and not so pricy that it can’t find it’s way into the odd cocktail, and the cocktail would thank you for it.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 47%
Find it Here: UK £42.94 // US $33.99

The Curve Ball: Never Say Die

Never Say Die is a relatively new brand on our shelves. It is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon (meaning it has had more than 2 years aging). But what makes this different is it’s matured in the UK. The barrels are shipped from the USA, aged and bottled in the UK. It’s a belter of a whiskey, made up from 75% corn, 21% rye and 4% malted barley, with a very high abv, the flavours of vanilla, citrus and spice with leather and caramel all shine through. It’s as close to an English Bourbon as we’ll see. Made in very small batches, there is still some of barrel number four left, but they only made 226 bottles! I suspect, that future releases will be as good as this one.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 47%
Find it Here: £78.90

Words by Colin Hampden-White

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Spotlight on Bushmills: The Causeway Collection 1991 Madeira Cask Whiskey

My grandfather and generations of his family were born and raised in Northern Ireland, a stone’s throw from the Giant’s Causeway on the North Antrim coast, the river Bush and its namesake distillery, Bushmills. Bushmills Irish Whiskey was therefore a mainstay in my grandparent’s house. ‘Poppa’ George would always have his evening glass or ‘taoscán’ and when we came up to visit, he’d share one with my dad. The aroma is an early memory of the two of them that I will carry happily forever. 

This year, I am toasting them both with a very special whiskey from Bushmills: The Causeway Collection 1991 Madeira Cask. 

Bushmills & The Causeway Collection 

Bushmills is the world’s oldest licensed distillery with an incredible 400 year history of producing single malt, Irish whiskies with expertise passed down through many generations. It won the only gold medal for whiskey at the famous Paris Expo in 1889 and survived Prohibition, the barley taxes of the 1850’s and even a devastating fire around the same time. Today, it is still a world class distillery with a range of whiskies sought out all over the globe.

The Causeway Collection represents an exceptional range, where whiskeys are left to finish in special casks for a particularly long length of time. The result  is an assortment of concentrated and complex whiskies, each offering multiple layers of delicious flavour as dramatic, they say, as their beloved Giant’s Causeway and the County Antrim coastline on their doorstep.

The Causeway Collection 1991 Madeira Cask

Initially launched in November 2021, only 738 bottles of this limited-edition, thirty year old Madeira cask whiskey are available in Great Britain. It has seen more than thirteen years of maturation in oloroso sherry butts and ex-bourbon casks before enjoying an unrivalled maturation period of fifteen years in first-fill Madeira casks. The result is a deeply flavoured, silky smooth single malt whiskey with a sweet and saline character, notes of stone fruit and moch with a touch of creamy praline.

Find it exclusively at The Whisky Shop

Don’t forget, you can see the Giant’s Causeway in all its glory at the start of episode one of The Three Drinkers in Ireland, now streaming in Amazon Prime!

5 Epic Whisky and Chocolate Pairings

By Helena Nicklin

Whisky and chocolate is a match you might not immediately think of but once you try it, you will never go back! The warming alcohol cleanses the palate perfectly while the individual notes of each whisky, be it dried fruit, tar, seaweed or citrus, perfectly complement many types of chocolate, especially the really good, hand-made stuff. Here are some basic whisky and chocolate pairings that have been tried and tested, then tried and tested all over again - just for you, of course.

How to taste whisky with chocolate

The best way to get the most out of your whisky and chocolate pairing is to take a sip of whisky first and let the flavour expand in your mouth. Swallow and then take a small bit of chocolate, allowing it to melt slowly on your tongue, its flavours gradually mingling with those of the whisky. Follow up with another small sip and enjoy. Tip: Use high-quality chocolate where you can to make the most of the flavour matches. 

Five Epic Whisky and Chocolate Pairings 

MILK CHOCOLATE WITH FRUIT & NUT

Whisky style: Light, floral and fruity.

Fruity whiskies, especially lighter, aromatic ones with notes of orchard fruit, love nuts, be they hazelnut, almond or pecan. Neither the milk chocolate nor the whisky will overpower each other and the fruit and nut flavours combine to make an irresistible, elegant pairing. 

Try: Aberfeldy 12 year old
ABV: 46%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £42.50 // US $44.99

SALTED CARAMEL

Whisky style: Saline, maritime and complex.

Salted caramel everything has taken the world by storm these past few years and a complex, saline whisky with a subtle umami note will send your tastebuds bonkers with the juxtaposition of sweet caramel and salty flavours.

Try: Ardbeg Corryvreckan
ABV: 57.1%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £74.75 // US $139.99

DARK CHOCOLATE WITH DRIED FRUIT

Whisky style: Dark, rich and fruit-cakey.

If you’re into darker versions of fruit and nut, maybe even with the odd dried cherry, try an age statement whisky that’s seen a few different barrels including sherry casks. These whiskies are often described as tasting of ‘Christmas cake’. They’re a match made in heaven with so many flavours to play with. 

Try: The Dalmore 12 Year Old
ABV: 40%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £60.50 // US $76.99

ORANGE CHOCOLATE

Whisky style: Smooth, toffee and orange citrusy.

High quality orange chocolate begs for an equally smooth partner with bold notes of orange citrus fruit, honey and vanilla spice to elevate its flavours. Find a Bourbon with a splash of rye in the mash bill for pure indulgence and a spicy kick that will have you coming back for more.

Try: Woodford Reserve, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
ABV: 43.2%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £27 // US $31.98

DARK MINT CHOCOLATE

Whisky style: Peated, medicinal and smoky.

Medicinal, peaty whiskies, such as those found on Islay can knock you for six with their power. Pairing them with a peppermint flavoured dark chocolate, however, creates a refreshing kind of menthol alchemy. It’s the perfect way to end a meal and will leave a memorable impression.

Try: Lagavulin 16 Year Old
ABV: 43%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £79.50 // US $119.99

Still looking for some chocolate-y goodness? Why not check out these Delicious Chocolate-themed Alcoholic Drinks?

*Prices last updated in March 2024.