The whiskey world is vast and filled with numerous choices, from scotch to Japanese, bourbon whiskey, and more, which is ideal as you aren’t limited. However, the immense options come with one downside; it takes a lot of work to pick a whiskey for a special occasion, especially for newbie whiskey lovers. This post has compiled a list of pointers you can use to pick the right whiskey for all occasions. Plus, recommendations of excellent whiskeys you can buy.

Know the occasion

Properly understanding the occasion is essential as it will determine the type of whiskey you should get. For instance, an exclusive and rare whiskey bottle will be suitable for a big occasion. On the other hand, a regular but tasty whiskey will suffice for a minor occasion, like hanging out with your friends in the evening.

Below are examples of seasons and recommendations of the type of whiskey you could get for each

Spring gatherings

Most types of whiskey fall towards the strong side; however, in springtime, it’s preferable to go for lighter, sweeter types with floral or fruity undertones. Japanese whiskey perfectly fits this description since it’s refreshing, paler, and lighter. Depending on your brand and type of Japanese whiskey, your drink could contain fruity or floral flavors with traces of vanilla, berries, or citrus.

Wintertime 

During winter, people aren’t that active; therefore, whiskey that has smoky undertones and traces of fruits and spices would be ideal. Scotch whiskey is a top choice, especially if you live in areas that experience the harshest winters, thanks to its mellow or somewhat earthly flavor. Since aging directly affects how alcohol tastes, going for older scotch whiskey would give you a robust flavor, great for winter.

Autumn occasions

Autumn reminds us of the smell of falling leaves and dry tree bark. Therefore, consider going for whiskey with oak undertones or spices like cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, mace, or cardamom. You can opt for scotch in place of Japanese bourbon, or Canadian whiskey, for it offers a smokier flavor to enjoy during the chilly autumn afternoons.

Summer celebrations

To combat the unforgiving summer heat, choose flavorsome, light whiskey that tastes well in cocktails or with ice. whiskey with hints of tasty fruits like pears, grapes, or apples will give you an unforgettable summer feel.

Holiday season

During holidays, it’s time to relax and let loose. A ‘traditional’ whiskey with nutmeg, allspice, and cinnamon undertones, preferably made from rye or malted barley, will help you do that.

Consider your company

Take a moment and think about the people around you during the occasion. Do they drink whiskey? If yes, what type do they prefer, bourbon or scotch, etc.? If you are having a family gathering, you can ask everyone who will attend what type of drink they prefer to make informed decisions.

Giving people what they like will not only make your event more successful, but you will also earn their respect.

Check your budget 

You must understand that in the whiskey world, the most expensive brand doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best. The high price could result from the distiller’s marketing expenses, the number of bottles produced, and other business factors, which in no way impact the whiskey quality.

So, you should have an estimate of how much you are willing to spend, and don’t go over it. You can get a good deal by comparing the prices of different sellers online.

Best Whiskeys to consider for your occasion

Below are some of the top scotch, rye, and bourbon whiskeys you can get depending on your particular occasion. Explore to find the right whiskey for your occasion!

Bourbon 

1792 Full Proof 

An internationally acclaimed full-proof bourbon that undergoes barrel entry-proof bottling, the 1792 proof is a unique whiskey product boasting countless accolades. For instance, in 2018, during the World Whiskies Awards, it received the sort after “World Best Whiskey Award.”

1792 Full Proof is an inspiring and stunning bourbon that’s aged for eight and a half years, after which it goes through a specialized filtration procedure that bypasses the conventional chill-filtration. The result is a breathtaking drink. Expect maple flavors and lots of bold oak, cinnamon, and subtle toffee hints. Plus, awe-inspiring heat, which will surely excite your taste buds.

Weller Antique 107 

A famous bourbon originating from the Weller Line “Wheated” group, the Weller Antique has similar proof, warehouse, and mash bill to the infamous Old Rip Van Winkle 10 years. It’s also an iteration of Wellers Antique 107 that replaces the discontinued age varieties. However, experts estimate that the bourbon is about seven years old due to its refined and mature flavor profile.

In addition, the Weller Antique 107 ranks among the top value bourbons globally mostly because of its deep complexity and robust strength. A combination that’s hard to find in one bottle of whiskey.

Taylor Single Barrel

Backed by a long traditional history, recipes, and unique methods of bourbon’s founding father, Colonel E. Hs Single Barrel is proof of the distiller’s unwavering dedication to improved craftsmanship. It’s internationally renowned for its smoky undertones and fantastic smooth taste. Additionally, the Single Barrel bourbon steadily builds on your palate and will linger in your mind.

You can get the Taylor Single Barrel for birthday parties and even a chill night out and enjoy its sweet, spicy taste at an accessible price.

Henry Mckenna, 10-Year-Old Bib

Henry Mckenna’s bottled-in bond single-barrel bourbon is among Kentucky’s finest whiskeys available in the market. The whiskey won the 2021 single-barrel bourbon trophy in the San Francisco World Spirit Awards competition. It also won the trophy in 2018 and 2019. You can get this bottle to celebrate your achievements and enjoy its combined and complex flavors; toasted marshmallow, semisweet caramel, and subtle pepper.

Booker’s Small Batch 2021-01E

Aged for six years, eleven months, and four days, then bottled at 125 proof, Booker’s small 2021 isn’t your regular type of bourbon. It has a smooth, tasty feel and lots of class. Additionally, the whiskey has an extensive profile, spanning between lukewarm baking spice and soft vanilla that’s tied up with a full-bodied finish. It’s an ideal bottle you could get when visiting your partner’s parents due to its classic yet approachable look, and it shows you have class without going over your budget, often making it just the right whiskey for the occasion.

Rye

Wild Turkey Cornerstone 

A fourth product of the Master’s Keep series, following Decades, Revival, and 17 Year Old, respectively. It’s worth noting that Cornerstone is the first rye released by Wild Turkey in their series. Plus, it’s also the company’s highest-proof, best-selling, and longest-aged rye produced.

The bottle features a nine-year age stamp; however, experts have found that it includes up to eleven-year-old whiskey, and there are only 160000 bottles sold in the U.S. That means it’s not a common bottle, which makes it a perfect birthday gift.

WhistlePig 15-Year-Old Straight rye.

This whiskey rye is a 92-proof hand-bottled product that will give you a breathtaking experience. On the surface, the whiskey has a warm golden-brown color, somewhat like butterscotch candy.

When you taste the Whistle pig 15-Year-Old rye, you’ll enjoy a complex mix of flavors that will start with a creamy sweetness—followed by a peppery spice that hits your palate with pleasing heat. You also feel a taste of oaky, earthy rye. With the Whistle pig Straight rye, you get the bold flavor and zero burns at an affordable price.

Taylor Bottled in Bond Rye

Now a limited production, the Taylor Straight Rye is a highly sought-after collector’s item. The whiskey’s subtle but complex blend is made using malted barley, and the mash bill is bottled in bond, then designed so that the corn sweetness doesn’t overpower the taste of the rye, resulting in a beautiful yet sophisticated bouquet.

Belgrove Distillery Rye

Belgrove’s Distillery Whiskey is an interesting and unique rye made using sustainable methods. It’s also one of the top Australian rye whiskeys, which explains its nickname “Liquid Gold.” Sample this unique spirit to see if it’s the right whiskey for your tastes.

Angel’s Envy Rum Barrel Rye

A product of Lincoln Henderson, master distiller, the run barrel rye is a masterpiece. Though it’s fairly new in the market, it has delighted Angel Envy’s loyal following with its loud, spicy, and smooth taste. After spending twenty months inside Caribbean rum casks, the Rum Barre emerges with relaxing peat notes complemented by dark rum subtle sweetness.

If you are an Angel Envy fan, you should get this rye, as it’s often the right whiskey for the occasion, especially during house parties.

Scotch 

Glendronach 15

Glendronach Distillery has produced top-quality sherried single malts for the past two centuries. Founded by James Allardice in 1826, it was later bought by William Teacher in 1960, and in 2008 it underwent a complete overhaul under the management of The BenRiach Distillery Company.

You can see the company’s rich history, having gone through expert whiskey producers. For instance, in 2015, the company won the Whiskey Distiller of the Year award. Their most recent product, Glendronach Revival single malt, is nothing short of excellence. It’s a thick delight with traces of chocolate and coffee.

If you want a drink that shows class but is inexpensive, Glendronach 15 ticks all those boxes.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label 

The Blue Label is a product of an exquisite blending process designed to mirror 19th-century whiskeys. It’s created using some of the oldest and rarest Johnnie Walker casks to achieve a perfect blend of malt whiskey and grain. The result is a tasty, soothing drink you can enjoy during house parties, date nights, or while chilling alone.

Macallan Concept No.2

Steven Bremner, a master crafter, aimed to create a wonderful whiskey drink by mixing various flavors, and the result was the Macallan Concept No.2. The drink has a sweet taste of dry fruits, expertly molded in cinnamon, candy, and toffee swathes, with warm spice and oak wood undertones.

While sipping this single malt scotch, you will enjoy a blend of flavors without the burning effect. We recommend this to be the right whiskey for graduation ceremonies or family get-togethers.

Lagavulin 16

The Lagavulin 16 malt has a sturdy peat, seaweed nose, and smoke accompanied by chili, toffee, iodine, and charcoal. It also has a dryness usual for Islay malt and richness in taste, making it an ideal drink for date nights.

Macallan Edition 6

The Macallan Edition 6 was inspired by natural landscapes in the expansive Macallan Estate. A collector’s item, the whiskey is matured in European and American casks selected by Steve Bremner, an expert scotch maker. Expect lots of fresh fruit, vanilla, nutmeg, toffee, and ginger with traces of oak and citrus bottled at 97.2 proof.

You can buy the Macallan Edition 6 while going for camping trips, house parties, game nights, or barbeques.

Conclusion 

After going through this post, you can pick the right whiskey for your occasion.

Here are a few points to remember:

• Understand the occasion 
• Check your budget 
• Consider your company 

You can contact us for more information.