Whiskey might be one of the most popular spirits across the world, behind only vodka and (maybe) rum. There’s just something that is both so graceful and comfortable about sitting back in your home, with a whiskey on the rocks in your hand, isn’t there?

Because of its popularity, whiskey is often used as a base spirit for many fine cocktails and adds a distinct character to any drink it is a part of.

However, perhaps more than most other spirits, whiskey is often best drunk straight as it is, with no extra sugar, sweeteners, fruits, or any other ingredients needed for a flavor-filled experience, especially by whiskey sommeliers (connoisseurs).

If this is the case for you, which whiskey might be best for this experience? A finely aged 12-year rye? A straight bourbon? A single malt option? Or something else, perhaps?

We answer all of these questions and more in this buyer’s guide to the best straight whiskeys to drink.

Whether it is specific distilleries that bring you the best experience, or tips and advice for what you should be looking for in your searches, we’ve got all that and more here!

Westland Peated Single Malt Whiskey

Starting this list with a classic single malt that acts as both a classy option as well as a great introduction to straight whiskey, we have this bottle from Westland’s distilleries!

As anyone with a little knowledge will know, whiskey gets much of its distinct flavor from both the type of grain that is used, as well as from how it is aged and stored.

However, what gives Westland Peated’s whiskey its distinct flavor is its namesake, and that its whiskey is made from grains that have been smoked in peat fire, adding another layer of flavor to the grain as it both dries and ferments in its barrel for 3 years.

The results speak for themselves, as the single malt has plenty of that smoky flavor that you would expect from the smoking process.

However, you may also be surprised to find the undertones and hints of a slightly bitter coffee flavor in this whiskey as well, alongside a finishing flavor that tastes almost chocolaty to the tongue.

It is an involved experience, that’s for sure, and one that will appeal to both long-time whiskey fans and newcomers that want a taste (quite literally) of what straight whiskey has to offer.

What We Liked

• A wide array of both sweet and bitter flavors are on offer here, with none being too overpowering.
• The smoky flavor from the peat fire is well-integrated into every bottle.
• This distillery is constantly pushing the boat out in terms of new flavors, and that experience and an adventurous spirit are on display here!

What We Didn’t Like

• The smoky flavor depends on the intensity of the peat fire the grain was smoked with, so that smoky flavor may vary between bottles.

Also Available From: Westland Distillery

Buffalo Trace Bourbon

If you’re looking for premium whiskey, then you can’t go wrong with Buffalo Trace’s variety of bourbon whiskey!

Like many of the finest whiskeys in the country, Buffalo Trace’s is located in Frankfort, Kentucky, along the banks of the Kentucky river.

Aged for close to 10 years, this particular tipple of choice is highly sought after by customers across the country for both private collections and public venues, thanks in part to its many sweet flavors and distinct texture.

The flavors that you’ll find in this particular bourbon, full of hints of caramel, butterscotch, and even cinnamon, are no joke, and make for a bourbon that leans a little more into the sweeter side of whiskey flavors, and is all the better for it.

Add to that an almost unparalleled smoothness in its mouthfeel, and you have a drink that is perfect for serving neat or on the rocks (learn more about what “on the rocks” means here).

Sure, this bourbon might be a little tough to source for yourself, especially if you don’t live nearby or in a high-demand season. But once you’ve had a taste of this particular distillery’s bourbon, you’ll understand why that demand is so high!

What We Liked

• Aged for almost a decade, this bourbon is over 9 years in the making, from a distillery with a long and storied history!
• Full of sweet flavors, and complemented by a smooth texture as you drink it.
• Easy on both the tongue and the nose, with a distinct aromatic character.

What We Didn’t Like

• The availability of this bourbon makes this a hard product to source reliably from retailers, as it’s always in demand.
• If you don’t have a sweet tooth, this bourbon may not be for you.

Also Available From: Drizly

Colonel E.H. Taylor Straight Rye

Moving away from the bourbon for a second, we have rye whiskey that adds something a little different from your straight spirit-drinking experience.

You can certainly taste that distinct character in this whiskey, with this product having a distinct peppery flavor to it that adds a heat unlike what you’ll find in many other spirits, much less in whiskey.

Complimented by hints of minty undertones, you have a whiskey that just as much perks you up as it does to relax you into a luxurious armchair.

However, the warmth from this rye whiskey is a very pleasant one and complements the smooth texture very nicely. It’s easy to see how this has become such a popular whiskey, that’s for sure!

However, if you’re someone that trusts a name as much as they do a review, you’ll be more than happy to know that this Colonel E.H. Taylor is made at the Buffalo Trace distillery in Kentucky, the same place that the bourbon we covered earlier is distilled, and one of, if not THE, oldest distillery in the United States.

So, if you love a rye whiskey with plenty of flavors in the bottle and history behind the name, you know where to look!

What We Liked

• The rye whiskey has a distinct heat to it that separates it from many of the other bottles that we have covered here.
• Undertones of sweetness complement the more noticeable spice from the rye and mint.
• Aged to at least 4-9 years old, finely aged indeed!

What We Didn’t Like

• The extra heat won’t be on everyone’s palette.

Also Available From: Buffalo Trace Distillery

Bulleit 10 Years Old Bourbon

Moving from one historically rich distillery to another, Bulleit has been distilling whiskey and bourbon for over 150 years, and you can taste that long and storied history in its many products. Especially ones as well-aged as their 10-year-old bourbon.

As the name implies, this particular mix has been aged in a charred white oak barrel for upwards of 10 years, giving this particular drink a complexity and richness that few other bourbons can match.

While you can certainly taste the spices and toasted oak that this bourbon is aged with, they are not overpowering, as the hints of both vanilla and caramel that you’ll be able to detect on a first taste.

Punch a little deeper, and you’ll find a whole world of extra flavors, however, as the fruitier cherry, citrus, and even butterscotch come through.

That aging that every barrel goes through helps mellow out the otherwise punchy and perhaps too bold flavors and creates a smooth and pleasant experience for both your taste buds and the olfactory sense.

A bourbon for those who like to taste something a little more distinguished on the rocks.

What We Liked

• The aging of this bourbon gives it plenty of flavor on both the tongue and nose, without any one of them being too overpowering
• Hints of caramel and vanilla flavors are perfectly balanced against both the aged oak and spice, as well as the fruitier undertones that come with them.

What We Didn’t Like

• While exceptional in many ways, it doesn’t quite deliver the same experience as other bourbons that you’ll find in this price range.

Also Available From: Total Wine

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon

Now, if you’re looking for a bourbon that leaves an experience on both your eyes and your mouth, you can’t go wrong with Elijah Craig’s distillery and their Barrel Proof Bourbon variety.

Named after the titular Baptist preacher that first founded the distillery, Elijah’s name is hand-added to every bottle that comes out of this distillery, giving it a unique character all to itself.

It is an attention to detail that you can see in pretty much every aspect of this product. The hand-labeled bottles each contain a bourbon that has been finely aged for 12 years, with that care and attention translating to a sublime flavor many people will love to taste.

And what a taste sensation it is! Just on the nose alone, there is a massive array of flavors on display here, with an array of fruity fragrances sitting in this bourbon from plums and cherries to other sweet flavors such as vanilla and caramel.

That sweeter and fruitier flavor carries over to the taste as well. Those stone fruit and sweeter flavors are also accompanied by an aged oak and slightly burned molasses, so it is even richer to taste than it is to smell.

The finish ends with a slight emphasis on the char, molasses, and oak flavors, while still carrying a little of that fruity and sweet flavor to boot.

In short, this is a bourbon packed full of character and flavor, and a great addition to anyone’s decorated whiskey, where it more than earns its spot amongst the best!

What We Liked

• A rich smell and flavor combination, coupled with a great finish, makes this bourbon one of the best high-end whiskeys out there.
• The hand-labeled bottle shows a great deal of care put into it.
• With a distillery that has been open since the 18th century, there’s plenty of history in every bottle!

What We Didn’t Like

• If you’re not a fan of fruit in your spirits, this may not be the bourbon for you. There is a lot of strong cherry and plum flavor throughout this whiskey.

Also Available From: Elijah Craig Distillery

Buyer’s Guide

So, as you can see, you’re pretty spoiled for choice when it comes to what kinds of whiskey are served well when served straight. And this is just a fraction of the total number that you’ll find across the country too!

There are so many, that we couldn’t exactly fault you if you wanted to do some more searching for a whiskey that’s just right for you.

If that’s the case, then you’ll want to keep a few details in mind for the factors and features that go into a good whiskey, and which ones may appeal to you more.

Type Of Whiskey

One of the things that many people seem to underestimate with whiskey is just the sheer variety of different kinds that you’ll find out there, which factors from the preparation to the country of origin often contribute to these different categories.

While this might not cover every single type of whiskey that you’ll find on the market today, this sort of list will cover most of the official types that you’ll be able to purchase for yourself.

Single Malt

This is arguably the standard whiskey that you’ll be able to find in most retailers and stores.

The main distinguishing fact for single malt is that it is aged from malted barley, and in a single distillery (though they don’t have to be from a single barrel).

Single Grain

This is a type of whiskey that is made from some form of grain, wheat, or corn instead of barley, though it is still aged and blended in a single distillery.

(Interestingly enough, whiskeys from Scotland and Ireland must be mixed with malted barley if it is an official whiskey from these countries.)

Bourbon

Bourbon is a slightly different variety of whiskey as, for it to legally classify as a bourbon, a whiskey of this kind must be made in the United States, and consist of t least 51% corn from the grain that is mashed into the blend, and be at least 40% ABV once it leaves the barrel.

Blended Whiskey

This is exactly what it sounds like. Blended whiskey can be a combination of malted or grain whiskey, and can come from more than one distillery.

Rye Whiskey

For a whiskey to be classified as a rye whiskey, it must first contain at least 51% rye wheat and have been aged in a barrel of newly charred oak for at least 2 years. This produces a whiskey that is slightly lighter-bodied than other types.

Tennessee Whiskey

Why does Tennessee get its variety of whiskey? Well, this variety will typically go through a maple charcoal filter before being aged in its barrel, giving it a unique profile to others.

Scotch Whiskey

This renowned type of whiskey can’t just be aged but must be distilled in pots as well as stilled in them for 3 years at least, as well as coming from Scotland in the first place.

Canadian Whiskey

Aside from allowing additives to be added to whiskey, Canadian whiskey also needs to be aged in a barrel that does not exceed 700 liters.

Irish Whiskey

Like Scotch whiskey, Irish whiskey must also be aged, stilled, and bottled in Ireland for it to be considered true Irish whiskey.

Japanese

Japanese whiskey is often prepared similarly to Irish and Scotch, although you may also find barrels made from Mizunara oak as you will American or Sherry oaks.

Blended Scotch Whiskey

It’s exactly what it sounds like, a Scotch whiskey made from a blend of different scotch whiskey distillery products.

(You’ll find blended scotch grain and malted whiskeys too.)

Labelling

Checking the label on a whiskey bottle will tell you much about the product, from its age of distilling to the country and distillery(ies) that it came from, as well as its type of whiskey, or the alcohol (ABV) content.

When all else fails, check the label!

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can You Tell If A Whiskey Is Good To Drink Straight?

While the boundaries will change for different people, a good whiskey for drinking straight will generally have a ton of distinct character to it that warrants drinking it on its own.

Everything from the aromas of the whiskey to the taste and finish as you drink it will also have a distinct character to them, at least in a good whiskey.

In short, if you would consider adding anything but a small amount of water to it, it’s not a good whiskey for straight drinking!

Can Whiskey Expire?

This will depend largely on the type of whiskey you are drinking, as well as the overall volume of your bottle.

While a fully open bottle can stay drinkable for up to 2 years if it has been freshly opened, emptier bottles with only a small amount left inside can expire in less than 6 months.

Final Notes

So, which of these fine spirits will you pick for yourself?