In the realm of distilled spirits, few beverages command the reverence and fascination that whiskey does. Whisky, steeped in centuries of history and made with an artistic touch, is a monument to the artistry and experience of distillers all over the world. Whisky is a multidimensional and complex spirit that has captivated the palates and minds of connoisseurs and fans all over the world.
Malaysians have embraced whisky as more than just a drink, embracing it as a sign of sophistication, a testament to workmanship, and a fuel for celebration. Each whisky in our selection reflects a distinct blend of tradition, innovation, and flavour profiles that have won acclaim and adoration around the world. Malaysia’s whisky scene has something for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned whisky enthusiast or a newbie to the world of aged spirits. Here are the 8 best whiskies in Malaysia.
What Is Whiskey, And How Is It Different From Other Spirits?
Whiskey is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain mash, typically including barley, corn, rye, or wheat. It distinguishes itself from other spirits by its production methods, which involve ageing the distilled liquid in wooden barrels, often oak, which imparts distinct flavours and aromas. The specific grains used, ageing process, and regional variations result in various types of whiskey, such as Scotch, Irish whiskey, Bourbon, Rye, and Tennessee whiskey, each with its unique characteristics and traditions.
What Are The Main Types Of Whiskey?
The main types of whiskey include Scotch whisky, Irish whiskey, Bourbon whiskey, Rye whiskey, and Tennessee whiskey. Each type is defined by its specific production methods, geographic origin, and ingredients, resulting in distinct flavour profiles and characteristics.
What Are Single Malt And Blended Whiskey?
Single malt whiskey is made from 100% malted barley and produced at a single distillery. It is known for its distinctive, pure expression of the distillery’s style. Blended whiskey, on the other hand, combines malt and grain whiskeys from various distilleries. This allows for a wider range of flavours and a consistent taste, as the blender can adjust the blend to achieve a desired flavour profile.
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8 Best Whiskies in Malaysia 2023
1. JF Dominic Whisky
JF Dominic Whisky is a premium and meticulously crafted spirit known for its exceptional quality and distinctive character. Exceedingly opulent and intricately textured, this spirit possesses a one-of-a-kind personality, meticulously distilled, aged in oak barrels, and expertly blended following the traditions of a master blender. This whiskey is celebrated for its smoothness and depth, making it a cherished choice among discerning connoisseurs seeking a refined and memorable drinking experience.
Specifications:
- Alcohol content: 43%
- Volume: 70ml
- Country of Origin: Scotland, Highlands
Pros:
✅Blended with Scotland’s Malt Whisky
✅Extremely rich and multi-layered
✅Delicate taste
Price: RM79.90
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
2. Chivas Regal 12 Years Old Blended Scotch Whisky
Chivas Regal 12 Years Old Blended Scotch Whisky is a blended Scotch whisky made from a variety of malt and grain whiskies that have been aged for a minimum of 12 years. This blend achieves a harmonious fusion of traditional and contemporary elements, offering a rich and velvety character. In terms of flavour, it boasts a radiant amber colour, an enticing aroma with hints of wild herbs, heather, honey, and orchard fruits, and a well-rounded, creamy palate characterised by honey and ripe pear flavours, complemented by notes of vanilla, hazelnut, and butterscotch.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Water, Grain, Malt
- Alcohol content: 40%
- Volume: 700ml
- Country of Origin: Scotland
Pros:
✅Luxurious notes of honey, hazelnut, and butterscotch
✅Blend of many different malts
✅Rich, smooth blend balances style with substance and tradition with a modern twist
Price: RM278.00 – RM305.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
3. Timah Double Peated Blended Whisky
Timah Double Peated Blended Whisky combines gentle green undertones and subtle fruitiness, creating an alluring blend with a touch of smoky peat. On the palate, the peaty essence takes the forefront but is softened by sweet malt and a warm, peppery sensation. As for the finish, it offers a soft peatiness in the mouth, accented by a mineral saltiness and subtle hints of vanilla and coffee, culminating in a warm and enduring light oak conclusion.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Imported Peated Malts, a locally distilled Neutral Cane Spirit (NCS) from Molasses
- Alcohol content: 40%
- Volume: 750ml
- Country of Origin: Malaysia
Pros:
✅Fruity whiskey
✅A hint of vanilla and coffee
✅A mixture of smoky peat
Price: RM199.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
4. New Port Blue Signature Whisky
New Port Blue Signature Whisky is a luxuriously smooth and intricately crafted whisky, created by blending approximately fifty malt and grain Scotch whiskies, all aged for a minimum of 12 years in Scotland. This expertly curated combination is then bottled at an ABV of 43%, resulting in a rich and harmonious expression of the art of whisky-making. The rich and harmonious character of this whisky is evident from the very first sip. It offers a smooth and velvety texture that caresses the palate, while its intricate flavour profile unfolds with each nuanced note.
Specifications:
- Alcohol content: 43%
- Volume: 700ml
Pros:
✅Smooth and unique aroma
✅Intricately crafted whisky
✅Aged for no less than 12 years
Price: RM85.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
5. Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey
Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whisky, a best-selling offering from the famed Jack Daniel distillery, is made with an 80% corn, 12% rye and 8% malt mashbill. This innovative process gives the whisky a smooth and faintly smokey flavour. It has a mild and sweet aroma with undertones of dry spice and nuttiness, as well as a little touch of smoke. The taste is exceptionally smooth, with flavours of banana milkshake, mixed nuts, and a subtle blend of caramel and crème anglaise. The finish is equally sweet, with cereal sweetness and toasty oak overtones that round out a lovely tasting experience.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: 80% Corn 8% Rye 12% Malt
- Alcohol content: 40%
- Volume: 700ml
Pros:
✅Filtered through 10 feet of sugar maple charcoal
✅Warm amber colour with aromas of sweet vanilla
✅Flavours of orange, brown sugar and spice
Price: RM215.99
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
6. Ballantine’s Finest Blended Scotch Whisky
Ballantine’s Finest Blended Scotch Whisky is a testament to this commitment, offering a harmonious melding of flavours. It presents a delicate balance of the sweetness of ripe red apples intertwined with the luscious, creamy notes of milk chocolate. This enchanting symphony of tastes leads to a velvety, lingering finish adorned with the smooth embrace of vanilla. This remarkable blend encapsulates the rich heritage and dedication that have defined Ballantine’s for generations.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Water, Malted Barley, Cereal, Yeast
- Alcohol content: 40%
- Volume: 750ml
- Country of Origin: Scotland
Pros:
✅A balance of subtle, sweet flavours like milk chocolate, red apple, and vanilla
✅Rich flavour
✅Heather honey aromas with a hint of spice
Price: RM215.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
7. Jameson Irish Whiskey Caskmates Stout Edition
Jameson Irish Whisky Caskmates Stout Edition is aged in oak barrels that have previously been seasoned with craft stout. The stout influence shows through with tempting flavours of cocoa, coffee and butterscotch, making it a modern, captivating Irish whisky. It starts with the traditional sweet Irish Pot Still Whisky mouthfeel, then transitions to mild undertones of hops and cocoa from the beer cask finish, which is accented by nuances of marzipan and charred wood. The aftertaste is long, sweet, and decadent, with milk chocolate and butterscotch flavours.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Water, Barley, and Maize
- Alcohol content: 40%
- Volume: 700ml
- Country of Origin: Ireland
Pros:
✅Subtle touch of hops and cocoa beans
✅Long and sweet with milk chocolate and butterscotch finish
✅Ageing in oak barrels previously seasoned with craft stout
Price: RM296.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
8. Teeling ‘Single Grain’ Irish Whiskey
Teeling’s ‘Single Grain’ Irish Whisky distinguishes itself with a unique mash bill of 95% corn and 5% malted barley, a triple distillation process, and exclusive ageing in Californian French oak Ex-Cabernet Sauvignon red wine casks. The end product is a really unique Irish Whisky experience. The aroma begins with a blend of spice and fruit notes, which are complemented by a gentle sweetness. Its palate is luxuriously smooth, with a hint of spice and rich berry undertones that perfectly balance the innate sweetness.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: 95% Corn, 5% Malted Barley
- Alcohol content: 46%
- Volume: 700ml
- Country of Origin: Ireland
Pros:
✅Nose opens with spice and fruit notes
✅Drying with lingering subtle fruit notes finish
✅Fresh and zesty peppers with honeydew melon, vanilla sweetness and hints of pear taste
Price: RM345.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
Disclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us support@myweekendplan.asia. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
