Around The World In A Glass; The Best Top-Shelf Global Drams To Try This World Whisky Day

A celebration of the ‘water of life’, World Whisky Day falls on the third Saturday of each May, with the annual event taking place on the 18th of May 2024. As for what World Whisky Day actually entails? Well, we’re not quite sure — we just know it’s as good an opportunity as any to indulge in a dram or two (or three).

When it comes to whisk(e)y, our favourite pourings run the gamut from approachable drops to special-occasion libations. But if ever there was a time to get out the top-shelf stuff, it’s World Whisky Day. And while fine whisky is inextricably linked to Scotch, the windswept country isn’t the only purveyor of a good dram. This is World Whisky Day after all, so we’re not geographically limiting ourselves to one region, with our picks of the best whiskies and whiskeys (yes, our Irish and American friends get a look in) plucked from across the globe.

From Scottish, Irish, Australian, and even Indian single malts to American bourbons and Japanese blended whiskies, there’s something here for every palate.

1. Kyrö Malt Rye Whisky, from Finland

While whisky is still a nascent industry in Finland, the Nordic country is swiftly carving out a niche for itself thanks to its fusion of traditional Finnish distillation methods with the unique climate of the region. Located in the former Isokyrö dairy, the Kyrö distillery has become known for its idiosyncratic rye whiskies, made with a 100% rye mash bill. As a staple grain in the Finnish diet, the inclusion of (locally sourced) rye is an apt one with Kyrö Malt Rye Whisky hitting the palate with sharp spicy notes that swiftly evolve into a nuanced medley of orange marmalade, blueberry, vanilla, and dark chocolate.

Price: $94.90AUD
Country of Origin: Finland

2. GianChand Single Malt Whisky, from India

Although India is the largest consumer of whisky in the world, many of the republic’s offerings leave something to be desired — despite boasting Scottish named, Indian whiskies are often made by blending local spirits with molasses in order to overcome hefty import tariffs. Fortunately, there’s now a small but strong crop of Indian distilleries doing things the right way. One such brand is GianChand; hailing from the northern state of Jammu, the distillery is surrounded by the Himalayas, with the rugged mountainous region providing ideal climatic and geographical conditions for the production of malt spirits. A non-aged statement, the GianChand Single Malt Whisky sees a nose of dried fruits, brandy, and sweet spices with a hint of hay and oat open up to reveal a palate of honeycomb, dried ginger, and a touch of salt and peat with a dry, astringent character. A dry finish is laced with bitter chocolate and white pepper. Its soft peaty and smokey character is well suited to pair with the spicy qualities of Indian tandoor dishes.

Country of Origin: India

3. Michel Couvreur Overaged Single Malt Whisky, from France

While France may be known for its wine and Champagne, it does have a few whiskies worth knowing about. Late French distiller Michel Couvreur was a proponent of the idea that whisky was all about the wood it was matured in. While it might be a controversial notion for some, the theory has served his namesake brand well, with the distillery also experimenting with atypical cask materials. The Michel Couvreur Overaged Single Malt Whisky is vatting of single malts aged between 12 and 20 years in Pedro Ximenez casks. Its deep gold hue and soft vanilla nose hint at its slightly sweet palate of dried fruits, cereals, nuts, and chocolate, with a decidedly creamy mouthfeel.

Price: $169.99AUD
Country of Origin: France

4. Kentucky Owl Maighstir Edition, from America

Scotch and bourbon both share a storied history, but the two are typically referred to in an either/or scenario; it’s rare the twain shall meet. Paying homage to the centuries-old craft of whisk(e)y making in a decidedly unconventional way, Kentucky Owl Maighstir Edition is a Scotch meets bourbon expression, blending four-year-old, five-year-old, eight-year-old, and nine-year-old Kentucky straight bourbons.

The unique blend comprises mash bills containing corn, wheat, and malted barley; each meticulously selected to create a dram that blends the best of both whisk(e)y styles. On the nose, there’s a sweet aroma of wheat and barley alongside hints of caramel and vanilla. Yet on the palate, it’s distinctly more bitey, with a hit of spice from the rye, which gives way to citrus-forward flavours of orange and grapefruit.

A natural choice to celebrate World Whisky Day — it doesn’t get much more global than this.

Price: $249.90AUD
Country of Origin: America

Related: The 18 Best American Whiskey Brands

5. Hibiki Harmony Blended Japanese Whisky, from Japan

Japan is in no shortage of good single malt whiskies, with the likes of Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Yoichi showcasing the nation’s singular take on whisky making; borrowing from Scotch whisky production while imbuing the process with its own unique spin, resulting in mellower drams. However, it’s the art of blending that perhaps best encapsulates the Japanese approach, with Hibiki Harmony Blended Japanese Whisky marrying grain and malt whiskies from different distilleries to form an elegant expression with a smooth, sweet palate of honey and orange paired with Hibiki’s signature creamy aftertaste.

Price: from $189.99AUD
Country of Origin: Japan

Related: The 14 Best Japanese Whiskies You Need To Try

6. Starward Nova Single Malt Whisky, from Australia

Since its inception in 2009, Australian upstart Starward has developed a reputation for doing things differently. While the distillery’s Solera—exclusively matured in Apera casks—garners the lion’s share of attention, it’s the Starward Nova Single Malt Whisky that tickles our tastebuds. Exclusively matured in Australian red wine casks, it’s a vibrant expression laden with olfactory notes of red berries, chocolate, and a healthy dose of oak spice. On the palate, choc-raspberry pudding, vanilla, caramel, and baking spices make for a delectably smooth whisky that’s perfect served neat or the star player in any cocktail.

Price: $99AUD
Country of Origin: Australia

Related: Drams Down Under; The Best Australian Whisky Brands

7. Redbreast 27-Year-Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, from Ireland

Considered a pioneer in the realm of pot still whiskey, Redbreast is a must-try for any whiskey lover. The Redbreast 27-Year-Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey is considered the quintessential expression of the Irish distillery’s distinct house style. A decidedly luxurious dram, it sees pot still whiskeys triple distilled and matured in sherry, bourbon, and port casks for almost three decades. The deep red liquid emits wafts of ripe stone fruit, black cherries, and summer berries, tempered by a hint of sharp chilli oil. The whiskey evolves to reveal an almost medicinal cherry note, alongside vanilla, cinnamon, and toasted oak.

Price: $999AUD
Country of Origin: Ireland

Related: The 15 Best Irish Whiskey Brands For Dangerously Smooth Drams

8. Yellowstone Kentucky Straight Select Bourbon, from America

You can’t talk whiskey without mentioning bourbon. In a saturated market (there are over 2000 distilleries in America) it takes something special to stand out — while many bourbons err on the sweet side, we’re partial to the spicy, oak-driven character of Yellowstone Kentucky Straight Select Bourbon. Its high-rye mash bill contributes to the notes of strong spices and rye toast on the nose, while a soft palate of caramel, vanilla, butter and leathered cherries make for easy drinking.

Price: $97AUD
Country of Origin: America

Related: The Best Bourbon Whiskeys Are Unfussy & Uncomplicated

9. Kavalan Classic Single Malt Whisky, from Taiwan

The subtropical climate of Taiwan makes for a markedly different whisky than anything you’ll find coming out of Scotland, Ireland, or America. Young yet full bodied, Kavalan Classic Single Malt Whisky is an expression befitting of its location; it’s defined by a clean, elegant palate of honey, mango, pears, coconuts, and a touch of chocolate, with citrus on the finish. Its oily mouthfeel and tropical notes make it the accompaniment to seafood.

Price: $109AUD
Country of Origin: Taiwan

10. The Macallan Harmony III Amber Meadows, from Scotland

A country so synonymous with exceptional whisky that the term ‘Scotch’ is often used interchangeably—and sometimes incorrectly—when referring to the brown stuff, Scotland is the perfect place to end one’s whisky world tour. A veritable reference point for Scotch whisky, The Macallan is an archetypal expression of Speyside style. While it’s hard to go wrong with any pourings from the distillery, The Macallan Harmony III Amber Meadows offers something special. Created in collaboration with Stella and Mary McCartney, it’s a gustatory ode to the lush Scottish landscape. Aged in a combination of sherry seasoned oak and bourbon casks, the single malt has a delicate nose of citrus, honeysuckle, vanilla, coconut, and barley, while a soothing palate of oak, lemon, melon, baked bread, almonds, and green tea is designed to recall warm meadows and barley fields.

Price: $300AUD
Country of Origin: Scotland

Related: Raise A Dram; The 23 Best Scotch Whisky Brands Of All Time


Words by Henry Blake and T. Angel
Feature image courtesy of Emerson Vieira/Unsplash