16 best whiskies from around the world

As the nights draw in and the temperature drops, an expertly made Old Fashioned is my tipple of choice – and this is the bourbon for the job.

It's distilled in Kentucky before being ocean-aged and then further matured in England – and with a slightly lower ABV of 47.5%, it's a great "every day" whiskey.

It's light and approachable with notes of vanilla, caramel, orange and mild oak – making it the perfect base for the classic cocktail, and with just 2,750 bottles made per small-batch, it's also a special bourbon to gift this Christmas.

If you like the sound of the bourbon above, and fancy delving a bit deeper, this luxury advent calendar from Drinks by the Dram is a great investment. You'll get to try 25 different bourbons and American whiskies, from the likes of Bulleit through to Wild Turkey 12 Year Old Distiller's Reserve (which retails at £158.95 for a full-size bottle!).

Score: 84/100

Our winner is a fruity Australian single malt. It's a sweet and syrupy whisky with aromas of banana peel and tropical fruit that reminded our testers of rum.

Flavour-wise, expect rich notes of golden syrup and molasses that fade into savoury flavours of wood and wheat. Add a large ice cube and sip it slowly for a delicious digestif.

Score: 83/100

Consider this a reinterpretation of the classic single malt; barley grown in the Alps is first distilled over wood fire, before a lengthy maturation in ex-Cognac, ex-Armagnac, and ex-wine casks.

A must-try for whisky enthusiasts, Indigene opens with sweet vanilla, almond, and toasted oats, followed by warming cinnamon, clove, and a hint of citrus. Savour straight-up, or enjoy in a Rusty Nail by shaking with Drambuie and serving on the rocks with a lemon twist.

Score: 82/100

Buffalo Trace is a household name, scoring highly with our panel thanks to its easy drinking nature. The brand's flagship bourbon is a great everyday dram (and excellent value!), with classic caramel, vanilla and molasses on the nose, and a super smooth finish.

Score: 81/100

Launched in 2017, this Cotswolds single malt is crafted using locally grown barley and is matured in a combination of ex-bourbon barrels and ex-red wine casks.

This imparts a rich and fruity flavour, with notes of banoffee pie and spicy marmalade. The deliciously long finish is oh-so-smooth, and not one you’re likely to forget in a hurry.

Score: 80/100

If you’re willing to spend a little more, we think Uncle Nearest is one of the most exciting brands on the market right now. When you think about Tennessee whiskey, Jack Daniels is probably the first name to spring to mind. However, it’s since been discovered that Nathan Green (or Uncle Nearest as he was known to his friends) was the man who taught Jack everything he knew.

His story is finally getting the recognition it deserves, and this expression (made with barrels selected by Nearest’s great-great-granddaughter) is a great place to start your discovery.

You can expect orange peel and sweet charred pineapple on the nose, with a deliciously herbaceous fresh finish. One to sip and savour...

Score: 78/100

Hailing from Arboga, Sweden, this single malt won our panel over with its lively fruit profile (we’re talking citrus, red apple, and dried fruit sweetness, imparted by the sherry casks it's aged in).

On the palate, peat and a hint of sea salt join the party, making this a worthy sipping whisky – try with a dash of distilled water to bring out the nuttier backnotes.

Score: 78/100

Made from 100% floor-malted Danish grain, this special sipper combines the best of traditional single malt and rye whisky in one dram. Fruity and floral – with apple blossom, red berries and honey at the fore – our panel had high praise for its “smooth, rounded mouthfeel” and felt it made for the perfect nightcap.

Score: 78/100

Rye adds an extra spicy element to whisky, and Adnams makes its blend on homegrown soil with the addition of East Anglian malted barley. It’s matured in French oak for a minimum of five years and is equally delicious sipped neat or in a classic cocktail.

The black pepper injects interest without overpowering the vanilla, butterscotch and maple notes, making this a well-balanced, enjoyable dram for all.

Score: 72/100

Born in Melbourne, the foodie capital of Australia, Left-Field has been matured in red wine barrels from some of the country's best wine regions, adding a red berry layer to the liquid.

Aromatic and floral, it’s a treat on the nose, with cherry blossom moving towards a deeper, peppery oaked finish that builds and lingers. This modern, new-world whisky is versatile enough to be enjoyed neat, or with a splash of tonic should the mood take you.

Score: 72/100

Regarded by many as one of Canada’s best whiskies, Pike Creek is soft, supple and approachable, like a slice of sticky fruit cake.

It’s finished in rum barrels, which results in bags of bold vanilla, syrupy sweetness and spice. As such, we think it’s perfect for bourbon fans that are looking to branch out.

Score: 71/100

Mackmyra is thought to be Sweden’s first malt whisky and uses locally sourced barley and spring water before it’s aged in Swedish oak at the brand's climate-smart distillery. The smokey spirit is delicate and fresh on the nose, with a touch of salinity; moving to notes of leather and bursts of brown sugar on the palate.

The panel felt it would excel in a short cocktail, such as the Rob Roy with vermouth and bitters.

Score: 71/100

Based in Norwich, The English Whisky Company’s Original expression is an easy drinking, unpeated single malt, which should appeal to those who enjoy a lighter style of scotch.

The refreshing citrus hits first — think, grapefruit and orange zest — before layers of vanilla-flecked almonds and marzipan are layered on top.

Score: 71/100

Celebrity-backed spirits often fall victim to style over substance, but this collaboration between Ballantine’s and American rapper, producer and filmmaker, RZA, is anything but.

The nose is filled with toffee apple, vanilla, and baking spices, making it a mainstay for short, sweet cocktails, such as a classic sour or a summer-ready whisky smash.

Score: 70/100

Rampur is unique in that it’s an Indian single malt, matured in both bourbon barrels and ex-sherry casks. This combination results in a beautifully balanced dram bursting with tropical fruit, caramel and cooking spices on the finish.

Keen collectors will be delighted with this addition to their bar cart.

Score: 70/100

Paul John offers a slightly cheaper alternative from this part of the world, with a whisky created from Himalayan barley and matured in Goa.

The nose is deceptively clean and peppery, but the real magic happens on the palate, where its rich, malted core comes to light. There’s also a light smokiness (reminiscent of pricier Lagavulin), combined with walnuts, cinnamon and vanilla. Add a drop of water and savour this one sip by sip.