The Most Popular Whiskey Brands of 2022
Updated: Apr. 12, 2024
The whiskey brands below have been recognized as the best whiskey, bourbon and scotch in the world.
Roe & Co.
This brand pays homage to George Roe, a well-known whiskey maker of the 19th century. Released in March 2017, Roe & Co. is described as a “non-chill filtered Irish whiskey.” It’s bottled at 90 proof and emits soft notes of pear, apple and caramel. By the way, this is how to drink whiskey neat.
Teeling Single Grain
If you’re looking for a unique taste, Teeling Single Grain is the way to go. Following the distilling process, this Irish whiskey matures in California cabernet sauvignon casks. The result? An intense, fruity-tasting amber liquid.
The Tyrconnell 16-Year-Old
For years, The Tyrconnell has been turning out quality, cask-finished Irish whiskey. This single malt, however, is possibly the best the brand has created. Made entirely from Irish barley, this double-distilled whiskey is filled with flavors of warming vanilla, citrus, rounded spice and graham cracker. Searching for a new drink to call your own? These tasty cocktails are made with Irish whiskey.
Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve
You’ve probably heard about Johnnie Walker in a song or two. There’s a reason sorrowful country singers chose JW—its smooth, refined taste. Celebrated by scotch drinkers everywhere, Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve is a harmonious blend of Speyside and Highland whisky with subtle woodsy notes.
Arran Robert Burns Single Malt
In honor of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, Arran released a Scotch whisky in his name—the Arran Robert Burns Single Malt. Made at the award-winning Isle of Arran Distillery, the Arran Robert Burns Single Malt is perfect for sipping. It will leave you with sweet and creamy notes of toffee-glazed pecans, fresh summer fruits and honey.
Macallan Sherry Oak 12 Years Old
The Macallan Sherry Oak 12 Years Old is a true Macallan classic. Aged in specially-selected sherry seasoned oak casks, this Scotch whisky offers a “richness and complexity” like no other. It’s perfect for serving to guests as an after-dinner drink.
Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Straight Rye Whiskey
Crafted using water from Lynchburg’s Cave Spring Hollow, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Straight Rye Whiskey is undeniably spicy, yet smooth enough to sip. Made with 70% rye, 18% corn and 12% malted barley, this rye whiskey will add a bit of a kick to your usual order. Want to get adventurous? Check out our best whiskey drinks to make at home.
Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye Whisky
Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye Whisky is an award-winning, light-bodied dream that pairs well with just about anything. In 2016, it was awarded World Whisky of the Year from Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible—making it the very first Canadian whisky to earn the title. In 2017, Crown claimed the title of Canadian Whisky of the Year.
Redemption 10 Year Barrel Proof Rye
If heat is what you’re looking for, then Redemption 10 Year Barrel Proof Rye should be your first pick. Named one of Whiskey Advocate’s Top 10 Whiskeys to Try, Redemption 10 Year Barrel Proof Rye is the perfect combo of sage, dill and caramel.
Evan Williams Black Label
Don’t let its affordability fool you. Evan Williams Black Label is a bestselling Kentucky straight bourbon for a reason. It’s smooth, sweet and loaded with flavor—which is surprising for an 86 proof whiskey. If you’re easing yourself into the would of bourbon, I’d definitely recommend Evan Williams Black Label. It’s a bourbon you’ll actually want to drink. Interested in trying it out? Here’s our guide on how to make a mint julep.
Maker’s Mark
Maker’s Mark is probably one of the most well-known bourbon whiskey brands out there. It’s easy to find and even easier to drink. Even people who don’t drink whiskey will recognize the iconic red wax-sealed bottle. Like Evan Williams, Maker’s Mark is a great way to get into bourbon without (unintentionally) assaulting your taste buds. What’s the difference between bourbon and whiskey?
Knob Creek Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Knob Creek is a full-proof, full-of-flavor bourbon. It’s robust, woody and unapologetic in taste. Despite its high proof, Knob Creek is sweet, with notes of caramel and maple. If you like flavorful bourbon with power, Knob Creek is the brand for you. Try it straight up, in an Old Fashioned or in a Boulevardier like this.
Ballantine’s Finest
Created in 1910, Ballantine’s Finest blended Scotch whisky hits the spot whenever you’re in the mood for something that’s slightly sweet. Its complex yet elegant blend of both single malt and single grain whisky offers a gentle nose of honey, vanilla and fresh bread. See all the types of whiskey you need to know.
Suntory Hibiki 21-Year-Old
This year, Suntory’s Hibiki 21-Year-Old won the title of World’s Best Blended Whisky for the sixth time. Judges describe this blended Japanese whisky as “elegant, sweet and complex. This whisky is full of dried fruit, orange peel, strawberry jam and baked apple from start to finish.” What’s not to love about that?
Originally Published: August 21, 2019
