If you’re a whiskey lover, you know that smoothness is one of the most desirable qualities in a good whiskey. Smooth whiskey is easy to drink, with a pleasant taste that doesn’t burn or overpower the palate.
Whether you prefer bourbon, rye, or scotch, there are plenty of smooth whiskeys out there to satisfy your craving. In this article, we’ll introduce you to some of the smoothest whiskeys available, so you can enjoy a glass of your favorite spirit without any harshness or bite.
When it comes to smooth whiskeys, there are many factors that can contribute to a whiskey’s smoothness. Some whiskeys are aged for longer periods, allowing the flavors to mellow and blend together. Others are made using special distillation techniques or unique blends of grains. Whatever the reason, a smooth whiskey is a pleasure to drink, and it’s worth seeking out the best examples of this beloved spirit.
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What Makes a Whiskey Smooth?
When it comes to whiskey, the term “smooth” is often used to describe a drink that is easy to drink and doesn’t have a harsh or burning sensation. But what exactly makes a whiskey smooth? Here are a few factors that can contribute to a smooth whiskey:
The Role of Aging
Aging plays a crucial role in the smoothness of a whiskey. As whiskey ages in oak barrels, it undergoes a process called maturation, where it takes on flavors and aromas from the wood. This process can mellow out the harsh flavors and aromas that can make a whiskey less smooth. Whiskeys that are aged for longer periods of time, such as 12, 15, or even 21 years, tend to be smoother than younger whiskeys.
The Importance of Mash Bill
The mash bill, or the combination of grains used to make the whiskey, can also impact its smoothness. Whiskeys that have a higher percentage of corn in their mash bill, such as bourbon, tend to be smoother than whiskeys with a higher percentage of rye, such as rye whiskey. This is because corn has a sweeter flavor profile that can balance out the harsher flavors and aromas in the whiskey.
The Impact of Distillation Process
The distillation process can also impact the smoothness of a whiskey. Whiskeys that are distilled multiple times, such as Irish whiskey, tend to be smoother than whiskeys that are only distilled once, such as Scotch. This is because multiple distillations can remove impurities and create a smoother, more refined spirit.
Of course, there are many other factors that can contribute to the smoothness of a whiskey, such as the alcohol content and the water source used in production. But by considering the role of aging, the importance of mash bill, and the impact of the distillation process, you can begin to understand what makes a whiskey smooth and seek out the perfect bottle for you.
Top 11 Smoothest Whiskeys
In no particular order, here are the top 11 smoothest whiskeys you can buy:
1. Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon
photo Editorial credit: Carlos Yudica / Shutterstock.com
If you’re looking for a smooth bourbon, Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon is a great place to start. This whiskey is aged for at least six years and is made from a mash bill of corn, rye, and malted barley. It has a rich, caramel flavor with notes of vanilla and oak. The finish is long and smooth, with just a hint of spice. It’s no wonder that Blanton’s has won numerous awards, including World’s Best Single Barrel Bourbon at the World Whiskies Awards.
2. Hibiki Harmony Whiskey
photo Editorial credit: Billy Watkins / Shutterstock.com
Hibiki Harmony Whiskey is a Japanese blended whiskey that is known for its smoothness. It is made from a blend of malt and grain whiskies that have been aged in different types of casks, including American white oak, sherry, and Mizunara oak. The result is a whiskey with a complex flavor profile that is both sweet and spicy. It has a creamy mouthfeel and a long, smooth finish. It’s no wonder that Hibiki Harmony has won numerous awards, including Best Japanese Blended Whisky at the World Whiskies Awards.
3. Angel’s Envy Bourbon
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Angel’s Envy Bourbon is a small-batch bourbon that is finished in port wine barrels. This gives it a unique flavor profile that is both sweet and spicy. It has notes of caramel, vanilla, and dried fruit, with a hint of spice on the finish. The mouthfeel is smooth and creamy, with just the right amount of warmth. It’s no wonder that Angel’s Envy has won numerous awards, including Best Bourbon at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
4. Glenlivet 18-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch
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Glenlivet 18-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch is a smooth and elegant whiskey that is aged for at least 18 years. It has a complex flavor profile that is both fruity and floral, with notes of honey, vanilla, and oak. The mouthfeel is smooth and creamy, with just a hint of spice on the finish. It’s no wonder that Glenlivet 18-Year-Old has won numerous awards, including Best Speyside Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards.
5. Crown Royal XR Extra Rare Whiskey
photo source: www.crownroyal.com
Crown Royal XR Extra Rare Whiskey is a Canadian whiskey that is aged for at least 40 years. It has a rich, complex flavor profile that is both sweet and spicy, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. The mouthfeel is smooth and creamy, with just a hint of warmth on the finish. It’s no wonder that Crown Royal XR has won numerous awards, including Best Canadian Whisky at the World Whiskies Awards.
6. Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 23 Year
photo source: www.buffalotracedistillery.com
When it comes to smooth whiskeys, Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 23 Year is a top contender. This bourbon has a rich, complex flavor with hints of vanilla, caramel, and oak. It’s aged for 23 years, giving it a smoothness that’s hard to beat. The finish is long and satisfying, with a touch of sweetness that lingers on the tongue.
7. Yamazaki 18 Year Old Single Malt
photo Editorial credit: ThamKC / Shutterstock.com
Yamazaki 18 Year Old Single Malt is another Japanese whiskey that’s known for its smoothness and complexity. It’s aged for 18 years in oak casks, giving it a rich, mellow flavor with notes of dried fruit, spice, and honey. The finish is long and satisfying, with a touch of smoke that lingers on the palate.
8. Glenlivet 25 Year Old Single Malt
photo source: www.theglenlivet.com
Glenlivet 25 Year Old Single Malt is a Scotch whiskey that’s aged for a quarter of a century, giving it an incredibly smooth and complex flavor. It has notes of fruit, spice, and oak, with a long, satisfying finish. This whiskey is perfect for sipping on a special occasion or for enjoying with friends.
9. Lagavulin 16 Year Old Single Malt Scotch
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If you are a fan of smoky and peaty scotches, Lagavulin 16 Year Old Single Malt Scotch is a must-try. This scotch is made on the Isle of Islay and is known for its intense flavor profile. The nose is filled with aromas of smoke, seaweed, and iodine, while the palate offers notes of peat, salt, and honey. The finish is long and warming, with a hint of sweetness and smoke. Despite its intensity, this scotch is surprisingly smooth and easy to drink.
10. Old Elk Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey
photo source: shop.oldelk.com
Made using the Slow Cut process, this bourbon has a fuller, deeper, and smoother flavor than many other whiskeys. It’s won numerous awards, including a Gold Medal at the New York International Spirits Competition. It has a sweet, nutty flavor with hints of honey and cinnamon, and it’s a pleasure to sip on its own or in a cocktail.
11. PiggyBack Bourbon
photo source: shop.whistlepigwhiskey.com
This bourbon is a blend of Vermont and Indiana distillate, aged for six years and bottled at 100 proof. It has a robust flavor with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak, but it’s also surprisingly smooth and easy to drink. At around $50 a bottle, it’s a great value for a high-quality bourbon.
Smooth Whiskey Cocktails
If you prefer your whiskey in a cocktail, you can still enjoy the smoothness of a good whiskey. Here are a few classic whiskey cocktails that are sure to please.
Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that highlights the flavor of a good whiskey. To make an Old Fashioned, you’ll need:
- 2 oz whiskey
- 1 sugar cube or 1 tsp of sugar
- 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
- 1 orange slice
- 1 maraschino cherry
- Soda water (optional)
To make the cocktail, dissolve the sugar in a splash of soda water in a rocks glass. Add the bitters and stir. Add the whiskey and a large ice cube. Stir until chilled. Garnish with the orange slice and cherry.
Manhattan
The Manhattan is another classic whiskey cocktail. To make a Manhattan, you’ll need:
- 2 oz whiskey
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
- 1 maraschino cherry
To make the cocktail, stir the whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters with ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with the cherry.
Whiskey Sour
The Whiskey Sour is a refreshing cocktail that combines the smoothness of whiskey with the tartness of lemon juice. To make a Whiskey Sour, you’ll need:
- 2 oz whiskey
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 1 dash of Angostura bitters
- Lemon wheel for garnish
To make the cocktail, shake the whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, and bitters with ice. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with the lemon wheel.
Conclusion
You have now been introduced to some of the smoothest whiskeys available in the market. We hope that this article has been informative and has helped you discover your new favorite whiskey.
Remember, when it comes to smooth whiskeys, it’s all about finding the right balance between flavor and drinkability. Whether you prefer bourbon or scotch, there’s a smooth whiskey out there for everyone. So, next time you’re in the mood for a smooth sipper, try one of the whiskeys we’ve highlighted here and you won’t be disappointed.
