Critically-Acclaimed Whiskey
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.
Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon
(Gary Vaynerchuk's Favorite)
Price: $45
Region: 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
Evan Williams Bourbon Single Barrel
Price: $30
Region: 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
Knob Creek Bourbon
Price: $25
Region: 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
Woodford Reserve Bourbon
Price: $30
Region: 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
John Power Irish Whiskey
(Gary Vaynerchuk's Favorite)
Price: $25
Region: Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland
Gary's Notes: This entry-level option brings the classic Irish whiskey flavor profile.
Video:Gary Vaynerchuk On Irish Whiskey
Connemara Irish Single Malt
Price: $80
Region: Cooley, County Louth, Ireland
Gary's Notes: Connemara brings a little more heat to the table. The Scotch drinker's Irish.
Video: Gary Vaynerchuk On Irish Whiskey
Knappogue 1995 Irish Single Malt
Photo: $50
Region: Quin, County Clare, Ireland
Gary'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
Redbreast Irish Whiskey 12 Year
Price: $65
Region: Midleton, County Cork, Ireland
Gary's Notes: Lovely round mouth-feel, though not quite as complex as the Knappogue.
Video:Gary Vaynerchuk On Irish Whiskey
Laphroaig Malt 15 Year
(Gary Vaynerchuk's Favorite)
Price: $60
Region: 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
Glencadam 15 Year
Price: $65
Region: 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 Scotch
A Master Class On Single Malt with Master Distiller, Willie Tait, from Isle of Jura
Glenkinchie Distillers Edition
Price: $70
Region: 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 Scotch
A Master Class On Single Malt with Master Distiller, Willie Tait, from Isle of Jura
Tomintoul 16 Year Speyside
Price: $70
Region: Speyside
Gary'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 Scotch
A Master Class On Single Malt with Master Distiller, Willie Tait, from Isle of Jura