The best whisky: 13 tried-and-tested tipples, from scotch and single malt to blended and bourbon

Not sure which whisky to sip? No problem, we’ve tasted them straight up for you

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Whisky – or whiskey if we’re talking about the Irish or American stuff – continues to enjoy widespread appeal. Whether you’re picking up a bottle for your scotch-loving relative’s birthday, restocking the home bar or looking for a couple of new nightcaps, the choice can be pretty overwhelming.

While scotch is arguably the most famous type of whisky, there’s quality and interest to be found far and wide, with premium distilleries doing exciting things in places such as India, Japan, the Nordic countries and beyond. The beauty of whisky-making is that so much expression comes from the landscape where the grain and water are sourced, together with the skill and preferences of the blender; so each whisky’s profile offers something different to be explored.