July 6th, 2020 • 5 min read
5 Bottles to Get Into Whiskey Now
Whiskey has always been a relatively popular drink, but now, more than ever, growing numbers of people are flocking to it. If you’ve recently taken an interest in whiskey, but don’t know where to start, fear not. We here at Spirit Marketplace are here to help you with the 5 bottles you need to get into whiskey. 5 bottles, five styles, everything you need to explore the world of whiskey and learn where your tastes lie. Let’s dive in.
1. Bourbon Whiskey: Four Roses Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Distilled at the venerable Four Roses in Lawrenceburg, KY, this single barrel bottling is bottled at a perfect 100 proof. Featuring their OBSV mashbill, this bottle emanates toffee sweetness, a bit of fruit, and some robust rye spice – meaning it shines however you want to drink it. Priced around $37 nation wide, you won’t have to break the bank in order to add one to your bar.
2. Scotch Whiskey: Glendronach 12yr
A product of one of the most respected operations in Scotch Whiskey, The Glendronach 12yr is a sherry matured single malt Scotch Whiskey that laughs in the face of lesser quality, more expensive Scotches. Rich with honey, pralines, date fruit and rich sherry notes, this bottle performs perfectly at one of the hardest jobs a bottle has to undertake: converting whiskey drinkers into Scotch drinkers. Expect to see this bottle at $55-$65 nationwide, an excellent price given the competition.
3. Rye Whiskey: Rittenhouse Bottled in Bond
Rittenhouse bottled in bond is a timeless classic, and carries the Bottled in Bond designation. Distilled in a single season and aged at least 4 years in a Federally bonded warehouse, this 50% ABV rye has been produced by a variety of distillers in its almost 90 year history. Distilled at Heaven Hill now, this $25 rye is worth every penny, and makes a stellar Manhattan.
4. Irish Whiskey: Redbreast 12yr
While a little more expensive than a bourbon or rye, this Irish malt demonstrates excellent complexity. Produced entirely on a pot still, and matured in sherry casks of great provenance, Redbreast’s malt character is bright, filled with fruit and butterscotch. Unlike both American Whiskey and Scotch Whiskey, Irish whiskey often lives in an interesting divide between the two, but the rich flavor of this release makes it clear where Irish whiskey can excel.
5. Japanese Whiskey:
Last but certainly not least, Japanese Whiskey is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of Japanese whiskey blenders. Often produced on either a column or pot still, and occasionally blended with distillate produced in Scotland, Japanese whiskey can be quite diverse, though it often focuses on a lighter, more harmonious profile. Nikka Coffey Malt whiskey is an excellent look at an expertly crafted Japanese whiskey that is also available and affordable. Rich with butterscotch, a hint of smoke and cereal grains, this bottle is a real treat.
Each of these bottles is an excellent entry point to help you get a feel for their individual style. Many types of whiskey are very diverse though, so if you don’t like one, don’t write off the style entirely.
Which of these do you plan to pick up? Let us know in the comments. When you give them a go, don’t forget to check them into the Picks App to contribute your tasting data to our Discover page on our website.