Taster’s Club’s Best Whiskey Brands In 2023

There are tons of great brands and expressions for every taste, preference, and budget - whether you prefer the peatiness of a smoky Islay dram or the smooth, honeyed character of a bourbon. Now, we know it can be tough to define the best whiskey brand since it's incredibly subjective. There are plenty of makers that have been perfecting their craft for centuries, along with new, modern distilleries making their own mark on the industry. We've tasted many whiskies and put together Taster's Club's list for the best whiskey brand in 2023, all available in our bottle shop today. Enjoy shopping for your favorite brands or exploring something new.

Best Bourbon
Wild Turkey Rare Breed

Wild Turkey, a brand that transcends time, is a legendary name in the world of whiskey. Originating in Kentucky, it boasts a heritage of craftsmanship dating back to 1869. Revered for its commitment to traditional values and genuine, robust flavors, Wild Turkey stands tall among the greats. With masterful distillation and aging techniques, each expression embodies the essence of authenticity, delivering an unparalleled sipping experience. From the classic Wild Turkey 101 to the finest selections, this whiskey is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Russell family and their dedication to the art of bourbon-making.

Best Irish Whiskey
Redbreast

Redbreast has honed the Irish Single Pot Still Irish whiskey-making craft for over 100 years and is today making the definitive, top-selling expression of the style, in various expressions. Production ceased and the brand was sold in the mid-1980s to Irish Distillers, then relaunched in 1991. Since then, Redbreast has won the San Francisco World Spirit Competition 2019 Gold Medal, Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2019, and International Wine and Spirits Competition 2018 Gold Medal.

Best Rye Whiskey
High West Double Rye

Founded in 2006 by David Perkins and his wife, Jane, High West Distillery emerged from a biochemist's vision, inspired by the whiskey-making parallels to biochemistry. Relocating to Park City, Utah, in 2004, they started distilling in 2007. With a modest 250-gallon still and saloon in a historic livery stable, High West began its journey. Rooted in David's love for the Old West and Utah's whiskey history, the brand has evolved into an internationally recognized and award-winning distillery. From its humble origins, High West continues to craft exceptional spirits, blending tradition and innovation with every sip.

Best American Single Malt Whiskey
Westward American Single Malt

Founded by Jasper (Jack) Newton Daniel with his Old No. 7 signature charcoal-mellowed Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniels has been around for over 150 years. Today, it’s produced in Lynchburg, Tennessee, and packaged in its iconic square bottles. In recent years, Master Distiller Jimmy Bedford introduced premium Gentleman Jack whiskey, and the brand has undergone its largest expansion under Master Distiller Jeff Arnett.

Best Canadian Whiskey
Alberta Premium Cask Strength Rye

Alberta Distillers, a Canadian distillery with a rich heritage, has been crafting exceptional spirits since its inception. Renowned for its commitment to quality and innovation, the distillery has become a symbol of Canadian whisky excellence. With a legacy dating back to 1946, Alberta Distillers continues to push boundaries and redefine the standards of Canadian whisky. From traditional craftsmanship to modern innovation, each bottle reflects a dedication to precision and a celebration of the artistry that has made Alberta Distillers a respected name in the world of spirits.

Best Australian Whiskey
Starward Nova

Starward Whisky, an Australian distillery situated in Melbourne, embraces a bold and innovative approach to crafting exceptional spirits. Drawing inspiration from the dynamic cultural melting pot of its urban surroundings, Starward produces whiskies that are modern, versatile, and distinctive. Using locally sourced ingredients and maturing the whisky in Australian wine barrels, Starward creates a unique flavor profile that reflects the terroir of the region.

Best Single Malt Whiskey
Cadenhead's Loch Lomond 17 Year

Loch Lomond Distillery, nestled in the scenic surroundings of Alexandria, West Dunbartonshire, has been a beacon of Scotch whisky craftsmanship since its founding. Renowned for its diverse range of whiskies, including both malt and grain expressions, Loch Lomond embraces traditional distillation methods alongside innovative practices. With a commitment to quality and an expansive selection of cask types, Loch Lomond Distillery delivers a spectrum of flavors, capturing the essence of the Scottish landscape in each bottle.

Best Blended Malt Whiskey
Campeltown Loch Blended Malt

Situated in the historic whisky-producing region of Campbeltown, Springbank Distillery stands as a testament to tradition and craftsmanship. Since its establishment in 1828, Springbank has adhered to time-honored methods, proudly malting its own barley and performing the entire whisky-making process on-site. A family-owned distillery, Springbank values independence, enabling it to experiment with various cask types and produce a diverse range of whiskies, from peated to unpeated expressions. With a commitment to quality and a nod to the past, Springbank Distillery remains a cherished and distinctive contributor to Scotland's whisky heritage.

Best Single Malt Brand – Japanese
Suntory Whisky

Suntory is rooted in Japanese philosophy, tradition, culture, and nature, with artisans crafting exceptional spirits since 1923 thanks to founder Shinjiro Torii’s dream of enriching the lives of the Japanese people. He chose the Yamazaki area to create whisky with character because of its lovely seasons, soft water, and unique climate.

Best Single Malt Whisky Brand – Other
Cotswolds Sherry Cask Single Malt

Cotswold Sherry Cask Single Malt Whisky, a gem in our Cask Expressions Collection, reflects a meticulous blend of American and Spanish oak casks. Uniquely crafted from Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez seasoned hogsheads and butts, this annual release yields a profound and flavorful experience. Maturing entirely in sherry-seasoned casks enhances the whisky with rich notes of dried fruits, luxurious chocolate, and a subtle hint of spice. Each batch is a testament to the artistry of sherry aging, resulting in a captivating single malt that epitomizes the Cotswold Distillery's commitment to excellence.

There you have it: a rundown on our best whiskey brand for Valentine's Day. All 10 of these brands offer something special – from their unique stories and histories to production to the spectacular character and flavor profile they bring to your glass. If you are looking for a more curated experience join our Whiskey Club if you simply can’t decide. You’ll get a new surprise bottle each month. Then, sip, savor, and share with friends and family. Cheers!