Taster’s Club’s Best Whiskey Brand 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.

The Best Whiskey Brand in 2023: Taster’s Club’s Top 10

Best Bourbon Whiskey Brand

Sazerac

Sazerac is a global spirits company that owns and operates over 450 brands, including E.H. Taylor. With roots in France’s cognac industry and eventually the iconic Sazerac cocktail from New Orleans, the company is driven by “an entrepreneurial spirit, a desire to grow and prosper, and an enduring will to survive.”

Best Irish Whiskey Brand

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 Brand

Laws Whiskey House

Laws Whiskey House has put its own spin on American whiskey by creating bold, unique flavor experiences. The brand’s style is grain-forward spirits made with top-quality corn and heirloom wheat, barley, and rye, family farm-grown in Colorado. The brand uses time-tested production methods to showcase each grain’s terroir.

Best American Single Malt Whiskey Brand

Jack Daniels

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 Brand

WhistlePig

WhistlePig was created post-prohibition by rye enthusiasts who turned a historic Vermont dairy barn into a whiskey distillery. Constantly innovating, the brand is all about being free from industry rules, old conventions, and the status quo. The team loves “audacious experimentation, big age statements, and bold experiments.”

Best Australian Whisky Brand

Morris Rutherglen

Established in 1859.
The Morris family winery was established in 1859 and is one of the world’s most acclaimed fortified producers. Today, the brand uses its heritage, tradition, and experience to create excellent whiskey. Its distinct whiskey flavor is thanks to its fortified wine barrels for finishing.

Best Single Malt Whisky Brand – Scotland

The GlenDronach

As an early pioneer of sherry cask maturation, The GlenDronach carries a deep history, heritage, and tradition. Since its founding in 1826 to today, the brand proudly creates distinct Highland single malts with plenty of depth and character.

Best Blended Malt Whisky Brand – Scotland

Dewar’s

Dewar’s was founded in 1846 by John Dewar. With his sons, he grew John Dewar & Sons Ltd. from a small wine and spirits shop in Scotland to world-renowned blended Scotch whisky. Today, Dewar’s is the most awarded blended Scotch whisky on the planet, having earned over 1,000 awards.

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

Kavalan

Since 2005, Kavalan Distillery has been making single-malt whisky in Yilan County, Taiwan. The brand gets its mineral-rich meltwaters from Snow Mountain and uniquely ages its spirit with intense heat, humidity, and sea and mountain breezes. This process gives it the quality, smoothness, and fruity character the brand is known for.

There you have it: a rundown on our best whiskey brand in 2023 picks. 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!