Top 10 Whiskeys of 2024: Award-Winning Picks, Distillery Links & Tasting Notes
Top 10 Whiskeys of 2024: Expert Picks, Distillery Insights & Must-Try Bottles
The world of whiskey in 2024 is a thrilling blend of tradition and innovation, with distilleries pushing boundaries while honoring time-tested craftsmanship. From smoky Islay malts to velvety Kentucky bourbons, this year’s standout bottles showcase exceptional aging techniques, rare cask finishes, and bold flavor profiles. Whether you’re a collector or a casual sipper, our curated list of the top 10 whiskeys of 2024 highlights award-winning bottles, complete with distillery locations and links to their official websites.
1. The Macallan Sherry Oak 25-Year-Old (Scotland)
Tasting Notes: Rich dried fruits, dark chocolate, and cinnamon spice, with a velvety oak finish.
ABV: 43%
Why It Stands Out: Matured exclusively in handpicked sherry-seasoned oak casks, this Speyside single malt is a masterclass in complexity.
Distillery Location: The Macallan Estate, Easter Elchies, Scotland
Website: www.themacallan.com
2. Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 23-Year-Old (USA)
Tasting Notes: Caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak, with hints of maple and leather.
ABV: 47.8%
Why It Stands Out: This ultra-rare Kentucky bourbon remains a holy grail for collectors, thanks to its decades-long aging in charred American barrels.
Distillery Location: Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, KY
Website: www.oldripvanwinkle.com
3. Yamazaki 18-Year-Old Mizunara (Japan)
Tasting Notes: Exotic sandalwood, apricot, and honey, with a silky Mizunara oak finish.
ABV: 43%
Why It Stands Out: Aged in rare Japanese Mizunara casks, this whisky from Suntory’s legendary distillery is a harmonious fusion of East and West.
Distillery Location: Yamazaki Distillery, Shimamoto, Japan
Website: www.suntory.com
4. Redbreast 27-Year-Old Single Pot Still (Ireland)
Tasting Notes: Tropical fruit, toasted almonds, and a lingering spice from sherry and bourbon casks.
ABV: 54.6%
Why It Stands Out: Ireland’s oldest single pot still whiskey offers unrivaled depth, with three decades of maturation.
Distillery Location: Midleton Distillery, County Cork, Ireland
Website: www.redbreastwhiskey.com
5. GlenDronach Grandeur Batch 12 (Scotland)
Tasting Notes: Dark cherries, molasses, and espresso, with a sherried richness.
ABV: 48.2%
Why It Stands Out: This Highland gem is a limited release aged in Oloroso sherry casks, delivering a luxurious, full-bodied experience.
Distillery Location: GlenDronach Distillery, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Website: www.glendronachdistillery.com
6. Michter’s Celebration Sour Mash (USA)
Tasting Notes: Butterscotch, baked apple, and toasted rye, with a creamy mouthfeel.
ABV: 56%
Why It Stands Out: A blend of rare aged bourbons and rye whiskeys, this bottle is Michter’s most ambitious release to date.
Distillery Location: Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery, Louisville, KY
Website: www.michters.com
7. Hibiki 21-Year-Old Harmony (Japan)
Tasting Notes: Floral sakura, mandarin zest, and a whisper of smoke.
ABV: 43%
Why It Stands Out: A blend of malt and grain whiskies aged in plum wine casks, Hibiki 21 is a symphony of Japanese artistry.
Distillery Location: Yamazaki & Hakushu Distilleries, Japan
Website: www.hibikiwhisky.jp
8. Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection (Ireland)
Tasting Notes: Crème brûlée, clove, and toasted barley, with a buttery texture.
ABV: 56.3%
Why It Stands Out: Distilled in 1974 and bottled in 2024, this Irish whiskey from the shuttered Old Midleton Distillery is a piece of history.
Distillery Location: Midleton Distillery, County Cork, Ireland
Website: www.midletondistillery.com
9. Angel’s Envy Cask Strength (USA)
Tasting Notes: Dark chocolate, ripe figs, and a port wine finish.
ABV: 62.1%
Why It Stands Out: Finished in ruby port barrels, this uncut bourbon from Louisville offers bold, undiluted flavors.
Distillery Location: Angel’s Envy Distillery, Louisville, KY
Website: www.angelsenvy.com
10. Ardbeg Traigh Bhan 19-Year-Old (Scotland)
Tasting Notes: Smoldering peat, lemon zest, and sea salt, with a maritime finish.
ABV: 46.2%
Why It Stands Out: Aged in American oak and sherry casks, this Islay single malt balances fiery peat with refined sweetness.
Distillery Location: Ardbeg Distillery, Islay, Scotland
Website: www.ardbeg.com
Final Thoughts: Exploring the World of Whiskey in 2024
The 2024 whiskey landscape celebrates diversity, from Japan’s meticulous blends to Kentucky’s bold bourbons. Each bottle on this list tells a story of heritage, innovation, and patience. Whether you’re visiting distilleries virtually via their websites or planning a tasting journey, these whiskeys offer a gateway to global flavors.
Pro Tip: Many distilleries offer exclusive tours and limited-edition releases—book ahead to secure your spot!
Enjoy responsibly. Whiskey is best savored in moderation.