12 Selections for the Whiskey Enthusiast

Photo: Jonnie Miles | Photographer’s Choice | Getty Images Whiskey is as versatile as the components used to make it, ranging from the use of barley, rye, corn and other grains in the fermenting process to a range of wooden casks during the aging process. To get a sense of the best whiskey spirits, CNBC.com asked Gary Vaynerchuk of Wine Library TV to give us four of his favorites in each category. Here's what he told us.

Photo: John Holder (Gary Vaynerchuk's Favorite)Price: $45Region: Franklin County, Ky.Gary's Notes: Smooth as butter, with a long, engaging finish. A tad more oak than the Woodford, but not as much heat comes through.Video: Gary Vaynerchuk On Bourbon

Photo: Aaron Landry Price: $30Region: Bardstown, Nelson County, Ky.Gary's Notes: Tastes primarily of oak and caramel, the Oak Monster of bourbons. If you like an Oaky California Chardonnay, this is the Bourbon to try.Video:Gary Vaynerchuk On Bourbon

Photo: Anne White Price: $25Region: Clermont, Bullitt County, Ky.Gary's Notes: Knob Creek has a little smokiness; this could be a good crossover for the Single Malt Scotch drinker looking to explore Bourbon.Video:Gary Vaynerchuk On Bourbon

Photo: Woodford Reserve Price: $30Region: Versailles, Woodford County, Ky.Gary's Notes: A very well balanced Bourbon. Smooth and complex--classic slightly sweet Bourbon profile without too much oak.Video: Gary Vaynerchuk On Bourbon

Photo: Simon Jacquier (Gary Vaynerchuk's Favorite)Price: $25Region: Dublin, County Dublin, IrelandGary's Notes: This entry-level option brings the classic Irish whiskey flavor profile.Video:Gary Vaynerchuk On Irish Whiskey

Photo: Cooley Irish Whiskey Price: $80Region: Cooley, County Louth, IrelandGary's Notes: Connemara brings a little more heat to the table. The Scotch drinker's Irish.Video: Gary Vaynerchuk On Irish Whiskey

Photo: mobloggingbeni Photo: $50Region: Quin, County Clare, IrelandGary's Notes: Irish whiskey in general is known to be more mellow than its Scottish counterpart and this one achieves “mellow-hood.”Video: Gary Vaynerchuk On Irish Whiskey

Photo: Tim Brauhn Price: $65Region: Midleton, County Cork, IrelandGary's Notes: Lovely round mouth-feel, though not quite as complex as the Knappogue.Video:Gary Vaynerchuk On Irish Whiskey

Photo: Laphroaig (Gary Vaynerchuk's Favorite) Price: $60Region: Islay (Scotland’s western and northern coasts, including Islay, Orkneys Mull, Skye; heavy and smokey)Gary's Notes: Peaty but picks up some smokiness as well. Very complex with a long finish. Really stays with you.Note: Pictured is Laphroaig Cairdeas, which is produced by the same company, but is not the particular whiskey recommended by Gary Vaynerchuk

Price: $65Region: Highland (higher elevation areas of northern and central Scotland; more complex, regal)Gary's Notes: Really picks up the peat. If you like peat, you will want to try this because it is really peaty.Video:Gary Vaynerchuk on Single Malt ScotchA Master Class On Single Malt with Master Distiller, Willie Tait, from Isle of Jura

Photo: Getty Images Price: $70Region: Lowland (low areas in southern Scotland; light and dry)Gary's Notes: This is very different — a lighter style of Scotch. A little caramel. If you've been drinking American whiskeys and want to try a Single Malt, this could be a good crossover play.Video:Gary Vaynerchuk on Single Malt ScotchA Master Class On Single Malt with Master Distiller, Willie Tait, from Isle of Jura

Photo: Tomintoul Distillery Price: $70Region: SpeysideGary's Notes: I like the way this strikes my tongue; there’s almost a little saline component on the back end. Well balanced.Video: Gary Vaynerchuk on Single Malt ScotchA Master Class On Single Malt with Master Distiller, Willie Tait, from Isle of Jura