20 Best Whiskey For Sour (2022 Updated)

I honestly only buy a handful of different pods. Old Fashion, LI Iced Tea, and the Margarita. These are my staples. I have, and will continue to purchase others but they are few and far between. The Margarita is a very refreshing cocktail.

Flavors are very good but it is on the sweet side when made on regular strength. Make it strong and don’t forget the to salt the rim. Party on!!.

I am a clear alcohol drinker (vodka, rum, etc) and my husband prefers dark (whiskey, bourbon, etc) and this is by far our #1 go-to! We have tried so many of the different cocktails and there is just something about this Whiskey Sour that is even better than you can get at your best bar! It is the perfect amount of whiskey, smooth, tasty but not too sweet — absolutely love it! We did just upgrade the whiskey we use too, and now its even better!.

My family and I do tastings whenever we have family gatherings, comparing the subtle features of different distilleries from different regions has become a serious passion over the years. My father recently bought me a bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue as a gift for a big promotion at work and I’m only partially joking when I say that it ruined all other Scotches for me.

This spirit is so complex and smooth that my 14, 15, and 18 year single malts and blends get shelved when this bottle is out because it makes them taste relatively simple and cheap. Blue Label has now found a permanent home in my cabinet, but because of the price tag it only graces our pallets on special occasions… This scotch is very well balanced with notes of vanilla, caramel, light hints of pepper and peet.

Food pairings are something I plan on exploring more in time, so far we have only tried a small selection of cheeses. The very fragrant Schlosskranz played up roasted caramel. Sharp white cheddar was rounded off bringing out a really rich creamy flavor from both cheese and scotch.

A lot of older reviews say the blend has changed, which I get what they don’t like about the new blend, their saying it feels like an entry level scotch with how mellow it is. I find the flavor to be very supple, and a blend of 27 whiskeys giving it a wide variety of flavor where I can’t taste one rising above the rest like the Smokey flavor of black label does, however it’s so much smoother than black label, which is my favorite scotch.

I bought a 200 ml bottle, tastes great, so I bought a 750. The box it comes in is so ugly and I’m going to prank my dad on his birthday by putting his present inside. The blue bottle itself looks kind of weird, even though brown and blue are opposite on the color wheel and therefore it should be the most visually appealing bottle, it reminds me of a toilet bowl of diarrhea with some toilet bowl cleaner in there.

I ironically like to drink this stuff out of a blue glass to stay on theme. It’s true that it’s artificially expensive by becoming intentionally rare, I don’t think 1/10K casks stand out so much that it’s the only one worthy of being in the blue blend.

With the one in 10K worthiness rating, it’s obvious they wanted to make a cheaper replica of sorts that’s more accessible to the general population in blends like Gold and Green. A lot of people who drink gold and green have also tried blue, many say they’re on par with eachother and it likely comes down to the 1/10K cask artificial rarity vs all the other casks that were equally as delicious but didn’t make the narrow cut, probably got turned into gold and Green.

I love black and it tastes like a totally different product, I love both of these, but the research tells me, I’d you like this blue label, Green and Gold are worthy maidens who won’t slurp the money out your wallet.

I occasionally buy this bottle because I like to have an “alternative” mild smoky scotch in my collection that is perfect when I want to drink something with a good balance, “conversational” without missing quality and complexity.

I have to say that I always had a good experience considering what I was expecting, thanks to the equilibrium between the smokiness, fruitiness, and creaminess that this spirit was delivering. I was appreciating the complex and dynamic changes from tropical fruity notes at the beginning, progressively going toward more darker tones at mid palate.

Even if the experience was ending with a short finish, the spirit was always leaving with the desire to drink more from the bottle, witch was a winner point. On the other hands, I feel this new bottle ( remarkably increased in price), delivers a very different experience toward a cheaper and unsophisticated direction.

The aroma at the nose it is still wonderful and it is probably the only positive side of it, and even if bottled at 40% abv it taste bolder and heavier than the previous bottles I owned, but again not in a positive way as I will explain.

This new bottling of JW blue tastes remarkably oily and mono-dimensional, missing the dynamic changes I remember from the beginning to the end, living you with an overall “cheap and flat/boring” taste starting in a way and not developing.

it doesn’t taste bad, but it is really boring. It almost looks like they added too much grain whisky (inexpensive ) maybe to create more creaminess and to save money, completely overriding the magic rollercoaster experience of dynamic complexity provided by the old blends used that I remember.

The overall result it still remains pleasant, but it doesn’t keep your interest alive enough to ask for more, and especially doesn’t justify this price point. For me it is absolutely a no. I would rather buy for half of the price a great single malt blend like Mackinlay’s rare old or stick to the way cheaper Johnnie walker green for about 1/4 of the price, with a splash of water in the glass to open up the flavor and smoothen up the experience.

I tasted the 12 and the 15 independently and then put them head to head. I love the biscuit and Chardonnay flavors and the price of the 12. This is the gold standard for the quintessential Irish whiskey experience.

That being said, it has some alcohol flavors that I don’t get on the 15. The 15 has darker fruit flavors which aren’t the typical Irish whiskey experience (kinda reminds me of a port finish). even though the abv is higher, I get less alcohol bite and alcohol flavors on the 15.

It costs much more but is more unique and limited so maybe it’s worth it. The 12 and 15 are different experiences. The 12 is a staple in my cabinet due to price and availability, but the 15 is overall a better experience for me.

It truly depends on your taste as to which you will like more. I suggest getting the redbreast family collection with the three 50ml sample bottles. This allows you to taste both without committing to a whole bottle of either.

For any of you whiskey drinkers who have never tried a really good Irish whiskey, I have to point out that Red Breast’s 15 year old whiskey was released last year in limited circulation (due to a small batch) and will probably be quite a few years before we can enjoy it again.

It was first introduced in 2006, the second edition came in 2010, the third in 2014. It’s from the Midleton distillery in Midleton, Co Cork. This is an exceptional whiskey, from its complex honey taste to a gorgeous palate, the finish is so satisfying.

We have an extensive sipping whiskey collection & this is among the best you can get at any price, in our opinion. If you miss the 15; try the 12, which is still a terrific value for money. Redbreast 15 (46%) is richer, earthier, and stronger than its 12-year-old sibling (40%).

Here in So California, the 12-year-old runs approx. $40-50, while the 15 costs $75 – 100. The Whisky Advocate prefers the 12 over the 15, but that was the 2010 edition & we are currently sipping the 2104 edition; not exactly the same, due to the variables of a small batch.

These premium whiskies are not bottled every year, so when you see buy. Clearly nectar from heaven. Slainté !.

I’m relatively new to Irish Whiskey and I’m learning. I have thoroughly enjoyed the 12 yr, 12 yr cask strength and the Lustau editions; all wonderful. The 15 yr builds positively in my short time enjoying the Redbreast line.

The 15 yr offers a warm, inviting, and lovely aromatic experience that flows beautifully from nose to finish. Good to have an extra bottle on hand when guests visit. They will definitely enjoy the experience.

And this is one to share.

I had written off Scotch years ago. I received a bottle of Buchanan’s 12 yr as a gift and immediately wrote it off. I decided to give it a try. I poured a glass and sipped it slowly. I immediately noticed the light smoke flavor which is my favorite part.

The smoke flavor was everything to me. Prior to drinking Buchanan’s, I enjoyed an occasional glass of Crown Royal. Now, I cannot drink Crown anymore, it just cannot compare to the flavor that Buchanan’s offers.

I understand that the two should not be compared as they are different however I am sharing my real experiences with the two. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND BUCHANAN’S, especially if you’re not a huge fan of Scotch or Blended Scotch.

This is a great place to start. I am at the very beginning of my Scotch journey. I am looking to try the smokier Scotches and go from there. I tried the Macallan 12 a few times and I can say it wasn’t for me.

I’ve also tried Johnny Walker Blue Label and again, wasn’t impressed. I think a lot of people would think I was crazy for liking Buchanan’s more than the Macallan.

This scotch lacks personality. Blended so that it does not offend. Ho Hum. Great looking bottle, full of elite packaging and vibrant color. Reduced alcohol content, 40%, not the standard 46%. Yes, it’s a kiss, but with your distant Auntie.

sigh.

Asked the bartender at Lazy Dog what their most requested bourbons were the other night. There so many marginal products out there, I usually stick with Makers/46 or on a really good night Blanton’s.

That evening I tried a Tin Cup again (it was still ok) then tried Basil Hayden’s. Have to say, Basil Hayden’s was impressive. Basil Hayden’s is much closer to the quality and finish of a Blanton’s. Its much smoother than Makers or 46.

There is one issue; Basil Hayden’s isn’t easy to find. When you do, I’d suggest picking up an extra.

As a Sevierville resident, I recently purchased an admittedly excellent locally-made bourbon that set me back $60. 00. With gas prices rising daily and every commodity becoming unaffordable or unavailable, I’ve decided I must cut back to protect my budget.

“So long JD Single Barrel. Goodbye Makers’ 46”. I have reached the point where I must either change hobbies or conserve. Basil Hayden’s Bourbon is tasty, smooth, and affordable. I only hope that, by posting this review, I’ve not made it all disappear from Total Wine’s well-stocked shelves.

This is a good one for those that are either new to bourbon drinking or just want a nice flavor regardless of the proof/price ratio. Because it is lower proof, it’s not a “value” buy. but it definitely is nice tasting and smooth.

On the nose, it’s not very strong. Maybe a hint of sweetness and floral. But on the palate it is very noticeably caramel, and so very smooth. A smokey finish that lingers but wouldn’t call quite call it a long finish.

I bought this with the intent of comparing to Four Roses Small Batch because they’re similar priced and I drink a lot of the 4R. After having tasted it, though, it’s apples and oranges comparison. I like both.

I can see enjoying this one when not in the mood for a strong powerful bourbon. The lower proof, however, is a drawback.

If you want a starter bourbon, here you go. This is literally like drinking pure sugar. If you drink Fireball, this is for you. If you want to make Old Fashions, bingo. If you’re just getting into bourbon.

Bingo. Having friends over that aren’t into bourbon. This. I watch the Total Wine guys try to push people toward things like Bib and Tucker 5 year for a “starter bourbon” and shake my head. Yeah, they’ll love all that oak and nuttiness.

Angel’s Envy Bourbon Barrel Select is an average bourbon with a rush of ethanol on the nose and a simple flavor profile (mild notes of vanilla, toast and brown sugar). It has the bite of a higher proof; I describe it as “sharp.

” It is drinkable. but in its price point, there are lot of better options. If you want high proof with the delicious benefits of age and complexity, I recommend MM Cask (better pricing as well); the AE really does not compare.

This is my desert island whisky. If I could only have one for the rest of my life, well, that might be the Dimensions Bruichladdich 15, but then my life would have to be shorter because it costs 3X as much and may not be around forever.

Still this Distiller’s Edition is in a virtual tie, so I’ll give it the win. As much as I love the 16, this Distiller’s Edition is more intense and full and complex but, somehow, also smoother. An amazing animal.

You better love Islay, and you better love Lagavulin, but if you do then you’ll love this.

I’ve been drink Lagavulin 16 for quite a few years and I would say that it’s been my favorite. When I saw the Distiller’s Edition, I had to try it. It blew my mind. It cost a bit more but it’s was definitely worth it for me.

I would definitely recommend this to anyone that enjoys peaty Whiskey.

Forget complexity, nuance, restraint, old wood, or a burn. This is a deliciously smooth, fruity, semi-sweet whiskey that is so mellow and fruitful from the sherry and port wine casking, that you’ll think someone snuck some Hennessy XO cognac in the batch.

Not joking. It’s not layered or complex in the least. It’s a bit of a one-trick pony, but it’s a hell of a trick. If the crazy sweet-light flavor palate of delicious soft tangy fruits like apricot, peach, sherry cream, and delicate hints of cinnamon and sweet vanilla oak suits your taste buds, you’ve won the lottery with this bottle of Irish Dessert.

Fortunately, it’s not SO sweet that it’s cloying, but it dances on that edge. And the finish is absolutely delicious. More of the same, even more mellow, with more hints of apricot and cream sherry and honey.

If you want complex layers, heavily smoked woods, more dry and distinct character to chew on and ponder, then PLEASE do NOT buy this whiskey, leave it for folks that want an incredibly smooth, mellow, sweetish, fruity-as-all-hell sherry cream port dessert confection.

Possibly a scotch drinker’s worst nightmare. If you love Johnny Walker Black, you might just hate this. The longer the bottle sits, the tastier the finish notes get. Highly recommended.

I really like Irish whiskeys. This is the first Irish single malt I’ve tried and while it really was excellent, I still prefer Tulamore DEW. That said, it’s definitely worth a try. Irish whiskeys really are much smoother than Scotch.

Their blended malts are superior to single malt scotch in my opinion.

Smell: A sweet, floral, buttery brine, peat and smoke. Taste: Starts off with a smoke, peat, brine, and spice. Brine, peat, smoke going down. Lingers with a sweet oak, brine, peak and smoke. Very pleasant lingering taste with intense brine, peat and smoke and the smallest hints of a sweet oak o it.

I am not necessarily a big fan of Islay scotches in general, but this one is hands down my favorite. Deserves a 5/5 for my favorite Islay scotch in my collection thus far (among Ardbeg and Laphroiag) Lagavulin in general is better than an Ardbeg or Laphroiag to me.

The lingering tastes has me wanting to taste another pour. I enjoy this when I need a break from other scotch flavor profiles. Great on the rocks with barbeque (yum!). A nice slap in the face neat. Mixed? Just stop right now.

You don’t buy a bottle for this price to try to mask this behind anything. I don’t recommend to give this to someone new to whiskey nor scotches. This is the best Islay they could taste though and could help them enjoy the “harsher” more intense Islays that aren’t as complex and just balance themselves between the brine, peat and smoke profiles.

Do introduce this to someone that loves smoky scotches and wants to venture into more intense notes.

This is the Rolls-Royce, the gold standard, the benchmark of fine peated scotch. Even at $100, it’s underpriced. The peat is just strong enough to embolden this whiskey without masking or overshadowing the other flavors.

The scent of the peat, brine, and dusty malted barley sail you away to the shores of Scotland, followed by a darker, almost coffee tone. The taste starts with a combination of sweet prunes or raisins, immediately replaced by brine, peat, and medicinal notes of iodine and rubber bandage.

The finish then takes over for miles, fully-rounded with a fantastic dark chocolate and coffee. This lasts so long you can enjoy a couple ounces of this whiskey for an hour. Peated scotches aren’t typically my thing, but every whiskey aficionado should have one in their bar, and this is the one to have.

If you spot one on the shelf, don’t think about it, just buy it. You, and anyone who loves peated scotch, will be impressed, and if you’re so inclined to share it, be blown away. What an adventure.

This is an exceptionally balanced and lightly-nuanced, tasty Islay. It drinks expensive. It’s very approachable for a heavily peated malt. It embodies ALMOST everything great about Islay scotch – the sweet, incredible smooth, full-bodied profile, the rich oily mouthfeel, the charred meats and charred molasses, the heavy black Latakia tobacco and campfire smoke throughout – except for one notable detractor.

the proof. She’s a light and tender 86 proof, sadly. If only she were cask strength! After a bottle of an unabashed masher like the formidable cask-strength Ardbeg Uigeadail, then going to the gentle Lagavulin 16, you’ll wonder who the heck already melted two ice cubes in your scotch before you got there! I love the Laga 16, and she’s more quaffable and approachable than an Ardbeg or Laphroaig cask-strength offerings, the but I found myself wanting a bit more power and panache in the body of the thing.

Lagavulin, please bless us with a cask-strength offering of this fine, smokey nectar ASAP!!!! Somewhere in the 100 to 115 proof range, PLEASE. I’d LOVE to know what this fine concoction tastes like straight out of the keg, before she was cut down sadly with more than 30 percent tap water.

Still highly recommended if you love your peated scotches but don’t want them to own you or pummel you into submission.

Bought for my husband at Christmas. Wanted to get him a smokey, strong, memorable taste experience. Also, something beautiful to open, a special gift and enjoyable to drink. Great price while on offer.

Gorgeous box and bottle but of course its the contents that counts! Husband who is not an expert but no pleb when it comes to whiskey and other spirits is enjoying it next to a snoozing me on a lazy Boxing day afternoon.

watching the cads drink and read their paper in their London club while Fred Astaire taps away is ‘Top Hat’. Perfect! He is enjoying the warmth and smoky comforting taste. Spicy overtone and golden colour.

I had a taste. Flipping heck I’m awake now! Sparks in my mouth like a firecracker leaving smoke and brown sugar notes. Mmmmmm really enjoyable.

If you are a fan of Peat in your Whisky then look no further. This is such an insatiable drop and gets better the more you sip. I’d recommend trying this neat first, then a couple of drops of water(dilute the smoke)and even over ice.

A must try. Again if smoke isn’t your thing do not consider this.