Best Whiskies 2026 | Expert Whiskey Buying Guides

Best Whiskies 2026 | Expert Whiskey Buying Guides Skip to content The Best Whisky Discover your next favorite dram with our impartial selections of the best bottles for every budget and palate. Home » The Best Whisky Best Value Whiskey Latest Best Bourbon Latest Best Scotch Latest Dive Deeper Best Scotch Whisky Best Bourbon Whiskey Best Irish Whiskey Best American Whiskey Best Japanese Whisky Best Indian Whisky Best Value Whiskey Best Peated Whiskey Best Flavored Whiskey Best For Cocktails Whiskey Whiskey Substitutes Best Rye Whiskey Best Cask Strength Whiskey Best Single Barrel Whiskey Best Blended Whiskey Best Finished Whiskey Best Single Malt Whiskey Best English Whisky Best Canadian Whisky Best Beginner Whiskey Best Whiskey According To Experts Latest Articles The Best Indian Whiskies From The London Spirits Competition 2026 by Beth Squires Which Indian whiskies impressed international judges enough to win gold in 2026? Four standout bottles reveal how far this category May 5, 2026 The Best Single Malt Scotch Whiskies According To The International Whisky Competition 2025 by Beth Squires One corporate stable swept seven of nine single malt Scotch trophies in a major blind-tasting competition. Which distilleries dominated the May 5, 2026 The Best Rye Whiskeys According To The Denver International Spirits Competition 2026 by Beth Squires Which five rye whiskeys earned Gold and Double Gold at the 2026 Denver International Spirits Competition—and why do three share April 28, 2026 The Top Double Gold Winning Whiskeys From The Denver International Spirits Competition 2026 by Beth Squires Which six whiskeys scored 96-97 points at the 2026 Denver International Spirits Competition? From unicorn bourbons to Colorado craft gems, April 28, 2026 The Best American Whiskeys From The London Spirits Competition 2026 by Beth Squires Which American whiskeys swept the 2026 London Spirits Competition? From a Colorado single malt to a Tennessee dynasty, discover the April 22, 2026 The Top Whiskey Winners From The London Spirits Competition 2026 by Beth Squires Which four whiskies from four different countries impressed 70+ trade professionals enough to earn Double Gold and Special Awards at April 22, 2026 All the Whisky Special Award Winners at the London Spirits Competition 2026 by Beth Squires Which whiskies impressed 70+ Master Blenders, distillers, and top mixologists enough to win top honours at the 2026 London Spirits April 22, 2026 The Best Whiskeys According To The Denver International Spirits Competition 2026 by Beth Squires Which four whiskeys topped one of America's toughest double-blind competitions—and why did the highest-scoring bottle not win Best of Show? April 21, 2026 The Best Indian Single Malt Whiskies From The World Whiskies Awards 2026 by Beth Squires Which Indian single malts impressed the world's top judges in 2026? The winners range from familiar favourites to surprising newcomers April 14, 2026 The Best Highland Scotch Whiskies According To The World Whiskies Awards 2026 by Beth Squires Which Highland distillery dominated the 2026 World Whiskies Awards with multiple golds — and which under-the-radar producer earned a surprising April 14, 2026 The Whiskey Wash Independent Buying Guides Finding the perfect dram is a journey, not a transaction. Our “Best Whiskies” guides are curated by our team of dedicated experts, including renowned voices like Phil Dwyer (of Whiskey Wednesday ), to help you navigate the shelf with confidence. Our promise is simple: We are never paid to feature a bottle in these guides. Whether we are hunting for the best value Scotch, the finest Japanese single malts, or the top-tier Bourbons, our selections are based on genuine, subjective tasting experiences and extensive research. We buy our own bottles or source samples directly from distilleries, ensuring our opinions remain uncompromised by advertising revenue. These lists are living documents, updated regularly as we discover new favorites that deserve a spot in your cabinet. Meet the People who Make it Happen Mark Littler Editor In Chief Mark Littler is the owner and Editor-in-Chief of The Whiskey Wash, a Spears 500 Whiskey Advisor, prominent whisky and antiques broker, and a regular contributor to Forbes.com, known for his expertise in the global whisky market. Beth Squires Deputy Editor Beth Squires is the Deputy Editor of The Whiskey Wash and a graduate of the OurWhisky Foundation’s Atonia Programme. With over half a decade of industry experience, she is passionate about writing stories that highlight innovation, diversity, and sustainability across the global whisky landscape. Phil Dwyer Head Of UK Reviews Phil Dwyer is a freelance whisky writer and consultant with over a decade of experience in whisky retail and online whisky education. Best known for hosting Whisky Wednesday on YouTube, he is dedicated to making whisky accessible and enjoyable by cutting through jargon and complexity. Charles Steele Head Of US Reviews Charles Steele is a Portland-based attorney and freelance writer whose legal background brings an analytical approach to whiskey and other aged spirits. A native of the Pacific Northwest, he writes for The Whiskey Wash and has a particular interest in whiskey, whiskey-based cocktails, and unconventional spirits. Hannah Thompson Senior In House Writer Hannah Thompson is a whisky educator specialising in the secondary whisky market, with a focus on helping consumers make informed, education-led cask decisions. She has worked in the sector since 2019 and combines a background in research and creative writing with practical market insight. Mark Bostock Reviewer Mark Bostock has been part of the Mark Littler Ltd content writing team since 2019 and brings a strong passion for whisky, particularly independent bottlings. A meticulous researcher with a keen interest in the history of Scotch whisky, he combines growing expertise with genuine enthusiasm. Pete “Jeff Whisky” Jeffery Reviewer Pete “Jeff Whisky” Jeffery is a South West–based whisky reviewer known for his irreverent approach and a refusal to take the spirit too seriously. The creative force behind the Jeff Whisky YouTube channel, he has been featured in the Malt Whisky Yearbook and has contributed to a range of whisky platforms. Ed Leigh Reviewer Ed Leigh is a London-based authority on independent bottlers and artisan scotch whisky. He is the founder of TopWhiskies.com, a specialist retailer focused on small-batch releases, and holds wine and spirits certifications from The Wine & Spirit Education Trust. Frequently Asked Questions How do you select the "Best" whiskies for these guides? Our lists are curated by independent critics and industry veterans. We judge bottles on balance, complexity, and character—not price or marketing hype. For a look at the absolute pinnacle of our ratings, check our guide to the Best Whiskey According To Experts, which aggregates top-scoring drams from across the industry. I’m new to whiskey. Where should I start? The world of whiskey can be intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. We have a dedicated guide for the Best Beginner Whiskey , focusing on bottles that are approachable, smooth, and affordable. We often recommend starting with a lighter profile before moving on to Best Peated Whiskey or high-proof Best Cask Strength Whiskey. Do you cover world whiskies beyond just Scotch and Bourbon? Absolutely. While we love the classics, the whiskey world is global. Our team extensively covers the Best Japanese Whisky, Best Indian Whisky, Best English Whisky, and Best Canadian Whisky. We believe some of the most exciting innovation is happening in these emerging and re-emerging regions. I’m looking for a bottle to mix with, not just sip neat. Can you help? Yes. Great whiskey makes great drinks. We have specific guides for the Best For Cocktails Whiskey , selecting bottles that stand up to mixers without disappearing. If you prefer a sweeter or more specific profile, you might also enjoy our curated list of the Best Flavored Whiskey. What is the difference between Single Malt, Single Barrel, and Blended? It comes down to how the whiskey is assembled. - Best Single Malt Whiskey: Product of one distillery (usually 100% malted barley). - Best Blended Whiskey: A mix of grain and malt whiskies (often smoother and consistent). - Best Single Barrel Whiskey: Bottled from one individual cask, offering a unique, unrepeatable flavor profile. We have specific buying guides for each style to help you explore the differences. Do you have recommendations for non-drinkers? Yes. The alcohol-free movement is growing rapidly, and technology has improved significantly. We review and rank the Whiskey Substitutes that actually capture the essence of whiskey (oak, spice, and warmth) without the alcohol, perfect for mocktails or sober curiosity. How do I find a great bottle on a budget? Price does not always equal quality. Our Best Value Whiskey guide specifically targets bottles that punch above their weight class—delivering exceptional flavor for a price that is friendly to your wallet. What makes "Rye" different from American Whiskey? All Rye is American whiskey (mostly), but not all American whiskey is Rye! Rye must be made from at least 51% rye grain, giving it a signature spicy, peppery "bite." If you enjoy bold flavors, check out our list of the Best Rye Whiskey . For broader styles, including wheat or malt heavy recipes, see our Best American Whiskey guide .