Whiskey is a wonderful drink that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you prefer it neat, on the rocks, or mixed in a cocktail, there is a whiskey for every occasion and mood. But with so many varieties and brands of whiskey out there, how do you choose which ones to try? And how do you find the best whiskey in the world?
To help you answer these questions, we have compiled a list of bucket list whiskeys that you should try at least once in your life. These are not necessarily the most expensive or rare whiskeys, but rather the ones that have a unique story, flavor, or character that make them stand out from the rest. Some of them are classics, some of them are newcomers, and some of them are hidden gems. But all of them are worth a sip, or a gulp, if you are feeling adventurous.
Here are our picks for the bucket list whiskeys to try before you die:
Bernheim Original Straight Wheat Whiskey 7 Year Small Batch
This is the first and only straight wheat whiskey on the market, made from 51% winter wheat, 39% corn, and 10% malted barley. It is aged for seven years in charred oak barrels, giving it a smooth and sweet flavor with notes of honey, vanilla, and caramel. It is a great whiskey for beginners, as it is easy to drink and has a mild finish. It is also a great whiskey for cocktails, as it mixes well with other ingredients. Try it in a Manhattan, an Old Fashioned, or a Whiskey Sour.
Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon
This bourbon is named after the legendary master distiller who created the single barrel concept in 1984. Elmer T. Lee hand-selected each barrel of this bourbon, ensuring that it had the perfect balance of flavor and smoothness. The bourbon is made from a mash bill of corn, rye, and malted barley, and aged for at least 10 years in charred oak barrels. It has a rich and complex flavor, with notes of spice, citrus, vanilla, and honey. It is best enjoyed neat or with a splash of water.
Old Forester Birthday Bourbon
This bourbon is released every year on September 2nd, the birthday of George Garvin Brown, the founder of Old Forester. It is a limited edition, single barrel bourbon that is aged for 12 years and bottled at 97 proof. Each year, the bourbon has a different flavor profile, depending on the barrel selection and the weather conditions during the aging process. Some of the past releases have had notes of chocolate, cherry, cinnamon, nutmeg, and leather. It is a highly sought-after bourbon, and a great gift for any whiskey lover.
Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Bourbon
This bourbon is part of the E.H. Taylor line of whiskeys, named after the pioneer of the bourbon industry who introduced many innovations and standards to the production of whiskey. This bourbon is uncut and unfiltered, meaning that it is bottled straight from the barrel at its natural proof, which varies from batch to batch. It is made from a mash bill of corn, rye, and malted barley, and aged for at least eight years in charred oak barrels. It has a bold and intense flavor, with notes of caramel, oak, spice, and dark fruits. It is a whiskey for the connoisseurs, who can appreciate its strength and complexity.
Hakushu 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky
This whisky is produced by the Hakushu distillery, located in the foothills of Mount Kaikomagatake in Japan. It is made from malted barley, and aged for 12 years in a variety of casks, including American oak, sherry, and Mizunara (Japanese oak). It has a fresh and crisp flavor, with notes of green apple, mint, citrus, and smoke. It is a refreshing and elegant whisky, perfect for a hot summer day.
Booker’s Rye 13 Year Old Big Time Batch
This rye whiskey is a special release from Booker’s, a brand of small batch bourbon created by the late Booker Noe, the grandson of Jim Beam. It is made from a mash bill of 70% rye, 15% corn, and 15% malted barley, and aged for 13 years and 1 month in charred oak barrels. It is bottled at cask strength, which is 136.2 proof for this batch. It has a rich and spicy flavor, with notes of caramel, vanilla, pepper, and oak. It is a rare and exceptional whiskey, as it was the last batch that Booker Noe ever distilled.
Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve Irish Whiskey
This Irish whiskey is the most exclusive and luxurious expression from Jameson, the world’s best-selling Irish whiskey brand. It is a blend of rare and old whiskeys, some of which are aged for up to 30 years in port, sherry, and bourbon casks. It also contains a small amount of pot still whiskey, which is distilled three times in copper pot stills, giving it a smooth and creamy texture. It has a complex and elegant flavor, with notes of honey, dried fruits, nuts, chocolate, and spice. It is a whiskey for the special occasions, as it comes in a beautiful wooden box with a certificate of authenticity.
Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 20 Year
This bourbon is the holy grail of whiskey, as it is extremely rare and expensive. It is produced by the Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery, which is now owned by the Buffalo Trace Distillery. It is made from a mash bill of corn, wheat, and malted barley, and aged for 20 years in charred oak barrels. It has a smooth and mellow flavor, with notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, leather, and tobacco. It is a whiskey for the collectors, as it is very hard to find and often sells for thousands of dollars on the secondary market.
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