Whisk(e)y is a spirit celebrated worldwide, with its production spanning over 100 countries. From historic American whiskey to sophisticated Japanese whisky , to innovative Indian distilleries , and refined French whiskey , each region brings its unique flair and expertise to the world stage.
At the Celtic Whiskey Shop , we are passionate about sharing our knowledge and enthusiasm for this wonderful spirit, which is why we have curated a collection that spans the globe, providing whiskey aficionados and beginners alike with an opportunity to sample some of the world's finest.
Whether you are looking for a rare single malt, a smooth blend, or a craft whiskey from an emerging market, we have something for you.
American Whiskeys
The history of American whiskey dates back to the colonial era, when European settlers brought their distilling traditions and adapted them to the local ingredients and conditions.
The first recorded distillation of whiskey in America was in 1620 by a group of pilgrims in present-day Massachusetts. However, whiskey production did not become widespread until the late 1700s, when farmers in the frontier regions of Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia began to convert their surplus corn and rye into whiskey.
One of the most famous events in the history of American whiskey was the Whiskey Rebellion of 1794 when farmers in western Pennsylvania rose up against the federal government's excise tax on whiskey. The rebellion was quelled by President George Washington, who led a militia of 13,000 men to suppress the insurgents. The tax was eventually repealed in 1802, but the rebellion marked the emergence of a distinct American whiskey culture and identity.
Here are some of our favourite American whiskeys to try out:
Buffalo Trace Bourbon : A high amount of corn in the mash bill gives this bourbon a soft, smooth, and creamy texture with some sweet and fruity notes. The taste is a deep amber whiskey with a mixed aroma of vanilla, mint, and molasses. Sweet notes of brown sugar and spice give way to oak, toffee, dark fruit, and anise; topped off with a long and smooth finish with serious depth. This bourbon has won several awards, including a double gold medal at the 2014 New York World Wine & Spirits Competition and a gold at the 2014 International Wine & Spirits Competition.
Bulleit 10-Year-Old Bourbon : Released in the US in 2013, the Bulleit 10-Year-Old is Tom Bulleit's selected reserve. Aged in charred American white oak, this bourbon has rich oaky aromas followed by notes of vanilla, spice, oak, and dried fruit. The flavour is rich vanilla fused with exotic spice and dried fruit flavours. This bourbon is smooth and balanced, with a long and complex finish.
Jack Daniels Frank Sinatra Edition : This is a classic whiskey crafted in honour of Frank Sinatra’s 50-year friendship with Jack Daniels and his timeless good taste. The nose is sweet and rich vanilla, while the palate is full and spicy, with hints of orange, brown sugar, and spice, full-bodied oak, and dry apple. This whiskey is smooth and refined, with a lingering and satisfying finish.
Japanese Whiskies
Japan is a country that makes some of the finest whiskies in the world, with a history that goes back to 1924. Japanese whiskies are influenced by the Scottish whisky tradition, but they have their own distinctive characteristics and styles. They are made from different types of malt and grain, and aged in different types of barrels, such as sherry, bourbon, and mizunara (Japanese oak). They are also blended in a unique way that showcases the signature style of each distillery.
One of the pioneers of Japanese whisky was Masataka Taketsuru, who had studied whisky-making in Scotland, and helped establish the first Japanese distillery, Yamazaki, and later founded his own distillery, Nikka .
Here are some of the best examples of Japanese whiskies that you can try:
Suntory Red is an affordable, traditional Japanese whisky that offers a smooth and elegant flavour, with notes of honey, citrus, and cherry. It’s a perfect example of why Suntory is one of the biggest names in Japanese whisky today.
Suntory Toki is a modern and versatile blended whisky made from Suntory’s three distilleries: Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita. Toki has a refreshing and vibrant flavour, with notes of grapefruit, green grapes, peppermint, thyme, and vanilla oak.
Nikka Days is a smooth and easy-drinking blended whisky, made from single malt and grain from Nikka’s main distilleries: Yoichi and Miyagikyo. Nikka Days has a bright and cheerful flavour, with notes of citrus, apple, malt, and vanilla.
Indian Whiskeys
Indian whiskey first emerged in the 19th century under British colonial influence, with the first distillery established by Edward Dyer in 1826. Initially focusing on malt whiskey, economic and regulatory challenges in the 20th century led to a shift towards producing molasses-based whiskeys, marketed as Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) to cater to the mass market.
The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw a resurgence in premium whiskey production, focusing on traditional methods and ingredients, with brands like Amrut and Paul John gaining international acclaim. Today, Indian whiskey, whether IMFL or single malt, showcases the nation's diverse culture and innovative distilling techniques, appealing to a wide range of consumers.
Here are some of the most popular Indian whiskeys that we recommend:
Amrut Indian Single Malt is uniquely distilled and aged in the foothills of the Himalayas. This whiskey has a distinct liquorice-bourbon nose with the perfect bitter-sweet balance of burnt honeycomb and toffee. The flavour is rich with barley-oak sweetness and molasses sugar, and the finish is layered oak, offering variations of sweet and dry creamy toffee.
Paul John Bold is bold in name and bold in nature. This whiskey is made using Indian barley that has been malted with peat imported from Islay. Expect a nose of sea salt, dry grass, citrus wood, and tart apple. The flavour is fruity to start with followed by a slow-building peaty kick.
Paul John Nirvana is a whiskey that has been crafted with the novice in mind. This is a simple, unpeated, and easy-to-drink single malt made using Indian barley and charred American oak casks. This whiskey has a nose of liquorice, old oak, and beeswax with notes of honey and vanilla. The flavour is a delicious fusion of coffee mocha and orange peel.
French Whiskeys
French whiskey typically uses malted barley and is aged in oak barrels, with regional terroir influencing its characteristics. Chateau de Breuil in Normandy, known for calvados, has recently started whiskey production. They offer two main expressions: Origine Whiskey, aged in a mix of oak casks including ex-Bourbon and cognac casks, noted for its fruity, creamy profile, and Sherry Whiskey, finished in peated whiskey casks from Islay, known for its smoky, spicy flavour. Both expressions highlight the innovation and quality of French whiskey and are quickly gaining international recognition.
Feel like trying out some French whiskey? Here are our top recommendations:
Chateau de Breuil Origine Whiskey is a special expression that uses 100% malted Golden Promise barley from a single farm in Yorkshire, UK. It’s aged in a combination of new French oak, ex-Bourbon, and 'Blue Swift' casks, which are former cognac casks that have been finished with VSOP eaux-de-vie. The result is a fruity and creamy whiskey, with aromas of pineapple, juicy pear, orange, lemon zest, white peach, and pepper, and flavours of white pepper, vanilla, and a hint of coconut and a warm finish. This whiskey won a Gold Medal at the 2021 World Whiskey Awards so it’s definitely worth a try!
Chateau du Breuil Duo De Malt Tourbe Whiskey is a unique expression that won the Bronze medal at the World Whisky Awards 2023 for the Best French Single Malt Whiskey. This whiskey has a smoky and sweet aroma, with notes of honey, almond, menthol, hazelnut, and mocha. It has a generous and smooth palate, with notes of baked pear, crème brulée, savoury tannins, and a hint of spice.
As you can see, there is a huge range of whiskeys to try out and this blog doesn’t even cover half of them! To view the full range of world whiskeys on the Celtic Whiskey Shop website,visit this page.
