The Whisky Diary— 6 Essential Bottles for Every Cabinet

Over 2,000 whiskies and 600 documented taste notes. That’s my answer whenever someone asks me how many different expressions I sampled. Don’t get the wrong idea though. I don’t drink often, but whenever I do, I aim to try something new — I view every dram as a new experience.

So naturally, after trying so many whiskies, the question I hear most frequently is ‘What is the best whisky ever.’ I find that question extremely challenging to answer, so instead, I carefully shift the conversation towards ‘What are the must-have whiskies in our home cabinet?’ which is especially relevant as the holidays approach, a time for sharing good food and drinks with loved ones around a warm dinner table.

To help those looking to elevate their whisky cabinet or curious to try new expressions, I’ve carefully considered six different types of whiskies that I believe are a great buy in 2023. The list might change in a few years, but until then, there’s plenty of time to savor these recommendations.

1- The Daily Dram — The Chita ($50-$60)

For your go-to, daily sipping whisky, I would go for comfort, familiarity, and a touch of elegance. You want something as reliable as your comfiest sweater and as soothing as an episode of Seinfeld in the background right before bed. The Chita by Suntory fits this bill brilliantly. This Japanese marvel is as smooth as the silk robes in a samurai movie, with a delicate blend of honey, floral notes, and just enough spice to keep things interesting. It’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for whisky newcomers and seasoned sippers alike.

2- Chimney in a Drink — Ardbeg 10yo ($50-$60)

I have many great whiskies to recommend for those who appreciate a smokey dram. However, the most classic and fitting whisky to have in the cabinet has to be the Ardbeg 10yo. It is young enough to still hold its distillery’s characteristics and it’s vibrant and zesty, marrying extremely well with the smoke.

3- The Bang-for-Your-Buck Bottle — GlenAllachie 15yo ($80-$100)

Let’s start with value. Not all expensive whiskies guarantee a heavenly sip, much like not all flashy cars guarantee a smooth ride. The whisky I’d propose for this category is the GlenAllachie 15-year-old, particularly the post-2021 release. If you haven’t heard of Billy Walker, this whisky probably sounds like the new kid on the block. But trust me, it’s like stumbling upon an undiscovered artist before they become a blockbuster. With its marriage of ex-oloroso and Pedro Ximénez casks, this Speyside beauty offers a symphony of classic sherry cask flavors. Think rich dried fruits, a whisper of chocolate, and a finish that lingers longer than your in-laws after dinner. At 46% ABV, it’s poised to pack a punch without knocking your socks off.

4- The Cowboy Pleaser — Noah’s Mill ($80-$110)

For bourbon enthusiasts, recent years have been as wild as the Wild Wild West lately, with prices skyrocketing and good whiskies disappearing off the shelves faster than a cowboy’s quick draw. While the Michter’s 10-year-old used to be my go-to pick, these days, it’s extremely hard to find. So, I have to tip my hat to the more accessible Noah’s Mill. This ‘Kentucky native’ sits at 57% ABV. It’s a whirlwind of flavors — vanilla, nuts, dark fruits, and a hint of floral notes. It’s should knock any cowboy right out of their boots.

5- “Wait, They Make Whisky There?” Whisky — Kavalan Solist ex-Bourbon Cask ($100-$140)

Now, let’s talk about Kavalan from Taiwan — a true underdog story in the whisky world. When you think of Taiwan, whisky might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, Kavalan has been turning heads and winning awards since its whisky first hit the market at the end of 2008. My pick for the cabinet, the Kavalan Solist ex-Bourbon Cask, showcases the best of what the distillery has to offer. It’s a cask-strength powerhouse, often hovering around 55–60% ABV, delivering a flavor profile that’s mouth-wateringly delicious. Notes of tropical fruits, vanilla, and a hint of spice make this a must-try for any whisky enthusiast.

6- The One with Grey Hairs — Glengoyne 25yo ($500-$650)

Moving to the ‘older whiskies’ section, where age isn’t just a number — it’s a statement. I define ‘old’ in whisky as anything aged over 25 years. This aging enriches the flavor but also, unfortunately, raises the price. In today’s market, some older whiskies exceed $100,000; however, let’s avoid selecting any of these bottles — they often are a figure of rarity more than quality.

Hence, being mindful of keeping the price relatively reasonable, I’d propose the Glengoyne 25-year-old is my pick for those special occasions when you want to treat yourself or someone you realllllyyy love. Each sip is like a carefully layered chocolate cake, with stewed fruits and an oakiness that speaks of decades spent in serene Scottish warehouses. It’s a sherry bomb that’s worth every penny.