Best Whiskey in 2026

Best Whiskey in 2026

Whiskey is a classic spirit that deserves a place on every shelf, whether you are a cocktail enthusiast or just want to enjoy a good drink. Made from grains such as barley, rye, corn, or wheat, whiskey offers flavours that never fail to surprise, from the rich, malty character of Scotch to the bold, spicy kick of a high-rye bourbon.

This guide is a roundup of some of the best whiskey for 2026, chosen for their tasting notes, craftsmanship, and overall drinkability. We will also guide you on how to pick the right whiskey for cocktails or for enjoying neat.

The top ten whiskey bottles featured here are all available on Flaviar, so you can easily explore these gems whenever you are in the mood for a classic tipple.

Read More
BEST OF OTHER SPIRITS
Best Bourbon Under £100
Best Scotch Under £100
Best Irish Whiskey Under £100
Best Rum Under £100
Best Cognac Under £100
Best Tequila Under £100

Our Top 10 Whiskey Picks in 2026 Best Whiskey Choices

We'll take you through the best whiskey bottles for 2026 in this section.

Hinch Small Batch Bourbon Cask (700mL)
Hinch Small Batch Bourbon Cask (700mL)

1.

Hinch Small Batch Bourbon Cask (700mL)

Hinch
About Hinch Small Batch Bourbon Cask (700mL)

A bold, innovative, and contemporary sipper from County Down. Terry Cross is not just a serial entrepreneur, he is also a bit of an Irish living legend. He built a print and packaging business from the ground up. During that time,...

View more about Hinch Small Batch Bourbon Cask (700mL) >>
£32.10
Hinch Small Batch Bourbon Cask (700mL) Tasting Notes

Appearance / Color
Orange

Nose / Aroma / Smell
Sweet wood and toffee.

Flavor / Taste / Palate
Dry fruit, vanilla, and citrus mingle over a lingering caramel.

Finish
Bold

Powers Gold Label (700mL)
Powers Gold Label (700mL)

2.

Powers Gold Label (700mL)

Powers
About Powers Gold Label (700mL)

A high-quality Irish Whiskey that has been distilled by POWERS for nearly 230 years. James Power was an innkeeper in Dublin. In 1791 he decided to take some of his profits and start his own distillery. Thus, John’s Lane Distillery at Thomas Street was born. The company grew...

View more about Powers Gold Label (700mL) >>
£27.90
Powers Gold Label (700mL) Tasting Notes
Appearance / Color
Warm Gold   
 
Nose / Aroma / Smell
The aroma is rich with notes of cinnamon, white pepper, honey, and cloves with underlaying scent of toasted oak, sweet fruit, butterscotch and orange zest.
 
Flavor / Taste / Palate
The palate begins with honey, brown sugar and a hint of nutmeg, opening to vanilla, toasted oak and orchard fruits. 
 
Finish 
The finish is long and oily with the spice fading into notes of rich barley and toasted wood.
Bulleit Straight Bourbon Whiskey (45%) (700mL)
Bulleit Straight Bourbon Whiskey (45%) (700mL)

3.

Bulleit Straight Bourbon Whiskey (45%) (700mL)

Bulleit
· 700ml · 45% ABV
About Bulleit Straight Bourbon Whiskey (45%) (700mL)

Bulleit Straight Bourbon Whiskey is THE original family recipe that built the Bulleit name.  Tom Bulleit comes from a family steeped in distilling fine Spirits. He set out to make his own mark in 1987 when he launched Bulleit Frontier Whiskey by reviving the old family recipe — Bulleit Bourbon — with a high-rye mash bill...

View more about Bulleit Straight Bourbon Whiskey (45%) (700mL) >>
£43.99
Bulleit Straight Bourbon Whiskey (45%) (700mL) Tasting Notes

Appearance / Color
Medium Amber

Nose / Aroma / Smell 
The nose is rich and thick with warm spices, toasted oak, and toffee.

Flavor / Taste / Palate 
The palate is smooth and assertive at the same time with notes of vanilla, baking spices, english toffee, and a dash of pepper.

Finish
The finish is smooth and drying with lingering toffee notes.

Buffalo Trace 80 Proof Bourbon (700mL)
Buffalo Trace 80 Proof Bourbon (700mL)

4.

Buffalo Trace 80 Proof Bourbon (700mL)

Buffalo Trace
· 700ml · 40% ABV
About Buffalo Trace 80 Proof Bourbon (700mL)

This flagship Bourbon has history in every sip. There has been Whiskey made on the site of the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, for more than two hundred years. The first distillery operation that can be continuously traced to Buffalo Trace was started in 1812 by Harrison Blanton (yes, that Blanton). He...

View more about Buffalo Trace 80 Proof Bourbon (700mL) >>
£31.12
Buffalo Trace 80 Proof Bourbon (700mL) Tasting Notes
Appearance / Color
Medium amber

Nose / Aroma / Smell 
Caramel, plenty of butter, warm mixed nuts, pumpkin spices.

Flavor / Taste / Palate
Butter toffee, mint, fruit cake.

Finish 
Medium length with lingering sweet and spice.
Starward Nova Single Malt Whisky (700mL)
Starward Nova Single Malt Whisky (700mL)

5.

Starward Nova Single Malt Whisky (700mL)

Starward
About Starward Nova Single Malt Whisky (700mL)

*Starward has recently changed their labels, and as the original labels are being phased out, there is still a chance that you might receive a bottle different than what is pictured. But rest assured, the liquid remains the same, regardless of the label.  Top Malt from Down Under. ...

View more about Starward Nova Single Malt Whisky (700mL) >>
Regular
£57.53
Flaviar black
£51.78 (−10%)
Starward Nova Single Malt Whisky (700mL) Tasting Notes

Appearance / Color
Reddish hue

Nose / Aroma / Smell
A wonderful concoction of dried and tropical fruits followed by complex Wine notes and a spicy-sweet dance.

Flavor / Taste / Palate
The palate is ruled by red fruits, accompanied by fresh oak spice and Red Wine influence.

Finish
Savory and dry finish with oaky notes.

How to Choose the Best Whiskey?

What makes your guests glance at your whiskey shelf and say, “This person has taste!”? It’s all about striking the right balance between your own preferences and quality. Do you enjoy smoky notes, or do you favour vanilla and spice?

Then there’s the distillery. What is the story behind each bottle? And, of course, the price matters too. Whether you choose something affordable or treat yourself to a top-shelf bottle, each option offers a unique drinking experience that can completely change the way you enjoy whiskey.

Best Whiskey for Cocktails

As much as we enjoy slowly savouring a glass of whiskey, an even more exciting option is to mix it into cocktails to add depth and complexity. Rye Whiskey gives that extra kick, while bourbon leans towards a sweeter flavour.

Irish Whiskey, by contrast, is known for its light, floral notes, making it perfect for classic cocktails. We suggest trying all the standard whiskey drinks, such as the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, Whiskey Sour, Mint Julep, and Highball.

Best Whiskey for Drinking Straight

If you prefer to drink your whiskey neat or with a splash of water, you will want something that adds more depth to your glass. Sipping Whiskey that has been aged longer usually has richer, more complex flavours, such as deep oak, caramel, spice, and a hint of smoke.

Japanese Whisky, aged bourbons, and cask-strength whiskey are all examples of drinks crafted for savouring slowly rather than hiding them in cocktails. Some Tennessee Whiskey can also be excellent for sipping, particularly if you enjoy a smoky flavour.

How Much Does Whiskey Cost?

The price of a standard 750ml whiskey bottle can range from £20 to £120, depending on the brand and type of whiskey you choose. Everyday bottles you might pick up from Tesco, Sainsbury’s, or your local off-licence sit at the lower end of the scale, while collectible and premium bottles can easily set you back hundreds or even thousands of pounds.

When you are shopping for whiskey, think about what you are after, whether it is your daily go-to, a rare treat, or a brilliant gift for a whiskey enthusiast. Let that guide your choice and lead you to the perfect bottle to buy whiskey with confidence.

More Top Whiskey Options