In this article, we are going to discuss the 10 best whiskeys in the world in 2024. If you want to check out our detailed analysis of the global whiskey market, the dawn of the American single malt, and the recent acquisition in the whiskey industry, head to 25 Best Whiskeys in the World in 2024.
10. Hibiki 17 Year Old
Insider Monkey Score: 7
Hibiki 17 Year Old, a globally acclaimed Japanese blend, is crafted using aged malt and grain whiskies sourced from Suntory`s renowned distilleries. Spicy and sophisticated, this is great for catching people out at blind tastings.
Produced in Japan by Beam Suntory, the Hibiki Whisky range is a harmonious blend of several malt and grain whiskies which are meticulously blended to create a full orchestra of flavors and aromas.
9. Highland Park 18 Year Old
Insider Monkey Score: 8
Matured in a high proportion of first-fill sherry seasoned European and American oak casks, this superb 18 Year Old single malt has been showered with awards and praise from all quarters, even being honored with both a Gold and an Ultimate Recommendation (with a score of 96) in the 2021 International Spirits Challenge.
Highland Park 18 is included among the Top 10 Whiskies in the World.
8. Ardbeg Uigeadail
Insider Monkey Score: 7
Named after the Ardbeg distillery’s water source, this whisky is a marriage of sweetness, spice, and deep smokiness. However, what truly renders this expression special is a unique vatting method that marries the deep, smoky notes from ex-Bourbon American oak with the luscious, raisin-like character of ex-sherry Oloroso casks.
Called ‘as close to perfection as makes no difference’ by whisky connoisseurs, Ardbeg has been made on the small, remote Scottish Isle of Islay for over 200 years. The distillery fell into disrepair and closed its doors in 1996, but reopened after it was acquired by The Glenmorangie Company, which is part of the LVMH group, for $8.3 million in 1997.
7. Redbreast 27 Year Old
Insider Monkey Score: 9
Matured in Bourbon, sherry, and ruby port casks, Redbreast 27 is the oldest permanent release in the Redbreast family. Bottled at 53.6% ABV, this whiskey boasts aromas of tropical fruits, orange zest, vanilla bean, toffee, oak, and berries on the nose, leading to a palate full of fruity and spicy flavor.
The best-selling single pot still whiskey in the world, Redbreast is the definitive expression of this quintessential style of Irish whiskey making.
6. Michter’s 10 Year Rye
Insider Monkey Score: 9
Michter’s 10 Year Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Rye continues the legacy of America’s first whiskey variety (rye) from America’s first whiskey company (Michter’s, originally known as Shenk’s). Michter’s only became a brand in the 1990s but is now, despite deliberately keeping stocks low and releases in small batches, the fourth-fastest rising brand in the Bourbon market. Recently, a bottle of Michter’s 20-Year-Old Bourbon went for $27,500 at auction.
5. W. L. Weller 12 Year Old
Insider Monkey Score: 10
Named after the early whiskey pioneer in Kentucky, William Larue Weller, this twelve year old whiskey is aged far longer than most wheated Bourbons. This offering is a smooth, easy-going, and balanced Bourbon with a beautiful deep bronze color.
Produced at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, KY, the W. L. Weller brand has been owned by the Sazerac Company since 1999. The Frankfort facility is the oldest continuously operating distillery in America, and even became a National Historic Landmark in 2013.
4. Lagavulin 16 Year Old
Insider Monkey Score: 10
Aged in oak casks for at least 16 years, this highly sought-after single malt has the massive peat-smoke flavor that’s typical of southern Islay, while also offering the richness, dryness, and smoothness that turns it into a truly interesting dram.
Lagavulin is said to be one of the oldest distilleries on Islay and is world-renowned for its smoky, peaty whiskies. The Lagavulin Single Malt has converted untold numbers of people to whisky drinking and remains the firm favorite of countless malt fans worldwide. The brand is now owned by Diageo.
3. The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak
Insider Monkey Score: 12
This 18-year-old expression is part of Macallan’s Sherry Oak Range, matured in hand-picked sherry seasoned oak casks from Jerez for richness and complexity. A full bodied palate of mature oak, ginger, and raisin flavors is complimented by a light mahogany natural color.
The Macallan is known for producing some of the most sought-after and expensive whiskies in the world. The distillery’s rare and aged expressions can fetch tens of thousands of dollars at auction, and the brand has become a symbol of luxury and exclusivity.
2. Yamazaki 18 Year Old
Insider Monkey Score: 15
Around 80% of this award-winning 18 Year Old single malt is matured in sherry butts, while the remaining whisky spent its years in American and Mizunara oak casks. Launched in 1992, this expression is an absolutely stunning marriage of fruit, oak, and smoky notes
Yamazaki is Suntory’s flagship single malt whisky, from Japan’s first and oldest malt distillery.
1. George T. Stagg 2022
Insider Monkey Score: 20
George T. Stagg built the most dominant American distillery of the 19th century, during a time known as the Gilded Age of Bourbon. This is a limited-production Bourbon whiskey distributed by Buffalo Trace Distillery, as part of its ‘Antique Collection’ series. This 2022 offering is comprised of barrels aged for more than 15 years and 5 months. After years of aging, this Bourbon now clocks in at 138.7 proof.
Insider Monkey focuses on uncovering the best investment ideas of hedge funds and insiders. Please subscribe to our free daily newsletter to get the latest investment ideas from hedge funds’ investor letters by entering your email address below. You can also take a peek at 25 Most Cannabis Consuming Countries in the World and Alcohol Consumption by Country: 25 Countries with the Highest Alcohol Consumption per Capita.
