The best whiskies to add to your top shelf
Whether you prefer them neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail, these brown spirits are some of the world’s best
By Cayle Reid
THERE’S NEVER REALLY a bad time to add to your collection of premium spirits. Although, with the plethora of exceptional whiskies and bourbons becoming available as Australia finds itself in the midst of a boom period, it’s certainly a good time to be an enthusiast of the category. That category is quickly becoming a saturated market, where there is quality to be found, but more digging is required to uncover it. That’s why we’ve taken it upon ourselves to do the hard work for you and highlight some of the best whiskies and bourbons money can buy.
Whisky is truly a global industry. The Scottish highlands and Kentucky’s bourbon heartlands remain the capitals of the whisky world, but some of the best spirits in can be found in your own backyard – metaphorically of course, don’t break out the shovel and start digging. We advise you to not limit yourself to drinks from any one location. There’s quality spirits to be found all around the world. Here, we run through a few of our favourites.
What are the best whiskies?
Jack Daniel’s Bonded Triple Mash Whiskey
Jack Daniel’s has made another foray into the premium space with the second installment in its Bonded series, the Triple Mash whiskey. For those who aren’t in the know, a bonded whiskey is a dram that’s distilled by a single distiller during a lone distilling season, is matured in a bonded warehouse for at least four years and bottled at 100 proof – as was stipulated by the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897. Triple Mash is actually a blend of three bottled in bond whiskeys. It’s 60 per cent bonded rye whiskey, 20 per cent bonded Tennessee whiskey, and 20 per cent bonded American malt whiskey. The result is a balanced, well-rounded final product with a complex flavour profile consisting of honey sweetness, refreshing grain spice and a hint of dry oak. With Triple Mash, you can enjoy three fine whiskies in one pour.
Recently, Esquire experienced a ‘Triple Mash Medley’, courtesy of Jack Daniel’s. Crafted by sensory academic, Professor Charles Spence, the experience paired country instrumentation with the rich flavour profile of the Triple Mash in a process known as ‘sonic seasoning’, which aims to enhance whisky tasting by stimulating multiple senses simultaneously. It worked, but to experience the sensation for yourself, you’ll have to get tasting.
Once you’ve got your hands on the Triple Mash, you can listen to the Triple Mash Medley here.
Angel’s Envy Bourbon
First, a newcomer to the Australian premium liquor scene, Angel’s Envy. Originally launched in Kentucky in 2011, Angel’s Envy quickly made waves thanks to its atypical production methods. Unlike most bourbons, Angel’s Envy undergoes an additional maturation process where it is finished in port wine barrels. The result is an extra layer of complexity and a depth of flavour that other bourbons just can’t match. With notes of vanilla, caramel, and a subtle hint of fruit, Angel’s Envy has just launched in Australia and is primed to please the palettes of bourbon fans. Get it while it lasts.
The Glendronach 12.Y.O Single Malt
The Glendronach has opened another chapter by unveiling an all-new visual identity. The new look evokes both the robust spirit of the Scottish Highlands and Spanish flair, which is a nod to the Pedro Ximénez and Andalusian Oloroso casks in which the distiller’s whiskies are matured.
The Glendronach’s signature 12-year-old expression – one of the beneficiaries of the makeover – is one of the best tasting whiskies on the market, carrying a rich, sherried flavour. This is courtesy of its extensive maturation process, during which the whisky is kept in those aforementioned Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks. You’ll first notice the effect of this maturation process in the rich aroma of the whisky, which smells of sherried autumn fruits meshed with chocolate praline, gingerbread and sun-dried raisin. On the palate, The Glendronach’s 12-year-old adds spice, with caramelised bramble, orange and sultana.
Dark Lark 2024 Single Malt
Lark is renowned for its artisanal approach and dedication to quality. Just this week they’ve unveiled a new offering just in time for World Whisky Day. Dark Lark 2024 was “crafted under Tasmanian Aurora Australis,” which may not have much impact on taste, but certainly provides an eye-catching bottle design. Layers of mocha, honeycomb, light oak and caramelised pineapple make this intriguing newcomer the ideal World Whisky Day centre piece.
Sullivans Cove French Oak Cask
Sullivans Cove, based in Tasmania, is perhaps the most celebrated Australian whisky distillery. Its French Oak Cask expression is a testament to the distillery’s craftsmanship, having won the title of Best Single Malt Whisky in the World at the World Whiskies Awards in 2019. Aged in French oak barrels that previously held Australian fortified wine, this whisky boasts rich, complex flavours with notes of chocolate, dried fruit, and a hint of Christmas spice. The smooth, velvety finish lingers on the palate, making it to perfect accompaniment to a deftly assembled charcuterie board.
Starward Nova Signature Single Malt Whisky
One of the few Australian distilleries not based in Tasmania, Melbourne-based distillery Starward is known for its innovative approach to whisky-making. Nova, their flagship single malt, is aged in red wine barrels sourced from local wineries. This maturation process imparts a unique character to the whisky, with vibrant flavours of red berries, chocolate, and soft oak spice.
Hellyers Road Dark Harmony No. 2
After Dark Harmony No. 1 was awarded gold at the 2024 World Whiskies Awards, Hellyers Road have lifted their game even further with No. 2. Another Tasmanian distillery, Hellyers Road combines traditional Scottish methods with local Tasmanian ingredients. Their second Dark Harmony expression delivers the balanced flavours of a French patisserie, with notes of strawberry shortcake and raspberry jam combining with milk and dark chocolate.
Lark Distillery Classic Cask
Lark’s Classic Cask expression is the benchmark of all its whiskies. Double distilled and aged in a selection of small casks, Lark Classic boasts several layers of complexity. Notes of toffee, apple crumble and red berries stimulate before being complimented by a smooth plum pudding finish. If you’re looking for the quintessential Australian whisky, this is it.
Overeem Port Cask
Overeem Distillery produces small-batch whiskies that are highly sought after by enthusiasts. The Port Cask offering is matured in ex-port barrels, which infuse the whisky with rich, fruity flavours. On the nose, you’ll find aromas of choc-chip cookies, marmalade and clove, while the palate experiences a blend of spicy dried fruits, plum and cocoa.
The Gospel Projects Legacy Rye
We had to throw a rye in here. No best whiskies list would be complete without one. More similar to American bourbon than its Australian brethren, the limited-release Legacy Rye was aged in a heavy toast and high char cask. The result is bold flavours of lemon curd, toffee, marmalade, toasted cedar, fig and honey. The 2024 World Whiskies Awards gave this distillation the award for Best Rye in the Aged 12 Years and Under category, but due to its limited-release nature, it’ll be difficult to get your hands on, so you best hurry.
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