The best whisky: 10 tried and tested tipples, from scotch and single malt to blended and bourbon
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Not sure which whisky to sip by a roaring fire? No problem, we’ve tasted them straight up for you. The Guardian’s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. Whether you’re stocking the bar trolley or hunting for a gift for a hard-to-buy-for relative, you’ll likely be one of the many picking up a bottle or two of whisky this Christmas.
![[Glenmorangie 18-Year-old The Infinita Whisky 70cl]](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/d8d4d2b85de067c253f18b2133c24ae944e6245e/1000_0_3000_3000/master/3000.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none)
After carefully testing every whisky on this list – and many more – we are full of festive spirit and ready to step in to Christmas. Some whiskies were stirred into manhattans, others were enjoyed as a highball, and all were tasted straight up; all in the name of fairness, you understand.
![[Boann Madeira Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey from The Whisky Exchange]](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/2000a02086f94cd5b58bfc56cd411f1de86c47dc/1000_0_3000_3000/master/3000.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none)
We’ve rounded up 10 of our favourite bottles this December, from fine single malts to planet-friendly tipples and something for the more adventurous whisky drinker. Spicy rye, in-your-face smoke or elegantly English, there’s a dram for everyone. Slainte!.
![[Rampur Double Cask Single Malt Whisky, India from Majestic]](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/673e6be32851a7449c257fa0e9de1bcc2fbaed69/1000_0_3000_3000/master/3000.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none)
Glenmorangie 18-year-old the Infinita, 70cl. £124 at Master Of Malt. £116.89 at Amazon. It’s easy to spend silly money on aged single malts, but this (almost) accessibly priced 18-year-old Glenmorangie is a safe bet for scotch fans. Its honeyed spice notes morph into burnt orange, jasmine and wood smoke for a deeply delicious dram for any whisky connoisseur. This tasted fantastic rounding off a special dinner as a celebratory digestif.
![[The Matsui Sakura Cask Whisky 70cl]](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/c10c0f6bcee86cb1abad8b57a084126ae4292612/1000_0_3000_3000/master/3000.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none)
