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Whether you're stepping into the world of whisky (or “whiskey,” depending on the region) for the first time or looking to refine your palate, understanding the basics can demystify this rich, storied spirit. Let’s break it down into types, what to look—and taste—for, and how to select your first bottle for a selection of rare whiskies. The Beverage Angels deliver a host of rare and collectable whisky from around the globe through our online liquor store. 1. Understanding the Main Types of Whisky Scotch whisky: Made in Scotland, it must be aged at least three years in oak barrels. Varieties include single malt (100% malted barley from one distillery), blended Scotch, and peated versions (which carry smoky, earthy flavours). There is a wide selection of whisky made in Scotland available at The Beverage Angels. Irish whiskey: Distilled in the country of Ireland, Irish whiskey is typically, triple-distilled and known for its smooth, approachable profile—often featuring orchard fruit notes like apple or pear. Find the best Irish Whiskey with The Beverage Angels. American whiskey (or Bourbon): American whiskey must be made and distilled in the United States. American Whiskey contain at least 51% corn, distilled at less than 160 proof, and aged in new charred oak barrels. Expect sweeter, full-bodied flavours with vanilla, caramel, and spice. Other categories like Japanese, Canadian, or Indian whisky also offer unique styles, but these four form a solid foundational quartet for beginners. 2. Tasting Notes: What to Look For When sampling whisky, consider these three core dimensions: Nose (Aroma): Take gentle sniffs—notes can range from fruity (e.g. apple, citrus) to smoky peat, caramel, or spices. Palate (Taste): Notice key flavours—Scotch may lean more mineral or smoky, Irish often smooth or fruity, Bourbon sweeter and richer. Finish: How does it linger? Is it warm and spicy, smooth and mellow, short or long? 3. How to Choose Your First Bottle Consider these factors: Start with what you like: Prefer lighter and fruiter? Try Irish. Into bold, smoky flavours? A peated Scotch is for you. Go by occasion: Bourbon works beautifully in cocktails (think Old Fashioned), whereas a well-aged Scotch is great neat. Explore limited or unique finishes: Many whiskies are finished in different casks—like wine or rum—for intriguing flavour twists. Featured Picks from The Beverage Angels Here are a few examples from The Beverage Angels' collection to kickstart your journey: Scotch whisky: Bunnahabhain Abhainn Araig Feis Ile 2022 Single Malt Scotch: A maritime Drams with citrus, vanilla, baked apple, honey, subtle smoke, and sea brine notes. Glen Dronach 26 Year Old 1993 PX Cask-Strength: Rich with dark chocolate, treacle, dried fruit, and sherry sweetness—powerful and warming. Johnnie Walker Island Green Blended Malt Scotch: Complex aromas of green apple and pear, balanced with vanilla, spice, chocolate, dried fruit, and underlying rooftop smoke. Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old: A classic blend, deep and complex with fruit, vanilla, and smoke—a reliable, beginner-friendly benchmark. American bourbon: Winchester Straight Bourbon Kentucky Rye Whisky: Sweet and spicy—think vanilla, caramel, oak, hints of rye, cinnamon, clove, and a touch of fruitiness. Irish whiskey: Bushmills Steamship Collection Rum Cask Reserve Single Malt: A standout expression aged in rum casks—expect rich, distinctive flavours and character. Where to Get The Best Whisky Online Embarking on whisky tasting is a personal journey full of subtlety, tradition, and discovery. Start with what aligns with your palate or mood, use tasting notes as your guide, and don’t be afraid to explore special finishes or blends. It’s about enjoyment—sip smart, savour slowly, and cheers to discovering your next favourite dram!

Whiskey production is a relatively recent development in Japan. Although it was first introduced in 1870, the first commercial distillery, Yamazaki, wasn’t established until 1923. Since then, Japanese whiskey has gained global recognition and is considered one of the world’s best, rivalling even the Scottish, Irish and American whiskies. At The Beverage Angels, we have handpicked some of the finest Japanese whiskies to try in 2025, all of which are available on our website. What's Special about Japanese Whiskey? Unlike Scotch and American whiskies, Japanese whiskies are light, subtle, and elegant. They are crafted using traditional Scottish methods, including the use of malted barley, pot stills, and long barrel ageing. Distillers combine traditional techniques with innovation to ensure consistency and quality in every batch. Aged in a variety of casks, including bourbon, sherry, and Mizunara oak casks, these whiskies have complex yet delicate flavours. Limited releases often disappear quickly. If you spot any of these bottles in 2025, consider it your cue to buy. Nikka Gold & Gold Samurai Limited Edition Japanese Whisky Nikka Gold & Gold Samurai is a unique, limited edition Japanese whiskey featuring a removable samurai armour and helmet. Bottled at 43% ABV, it blends both pot still and Coffey still whiskies to create a light, subtly sweet profile. Nose: Vanilla and caramel, with warm spices and a hint of floral notes in the background. Palette: Smooth and light, with subtle sweetness. Nikka Tailored Premium Blended Japanese Whisky For those who love a good whiskey and appreciate balance and depth, Nikka Tailored is a solid choice. Made with coffee grains, this blend is a blend of whiskies from both Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries, resulting in a full-bodied pour with a layered profile. Nose: Ripe fruit, honey, vanilla, oak with subtle hints of peat smoke and warm spice. Palette: Full-bodied with sweet fruit, clove, oak, and a touch of smoky peat. Hibiki Harmony Suntory Japanese Whisky True to its name, Hibiki Harmony is a beautiful blend crafted by Suntory. It brings together malt whiskies from Yamazaki and Hakushu with Chita grain. The whiskey is aged in five types of casks, including the Mizunara cask. The result is a smooth and layered drink, one of the most refined blends since its launch in 2015. Nose: Soft floral notes of rose, orange blossom, honey, and sandalwood. Palette: Light and refined with hints of white chocolate, citrus, oak, and cinnamon spice. Shinobu Pure Malt Mizunara Japanese Whisky Shinobu Pure Malt is matured in Japanese Mizunara oak, known for its aromatic wood and spice notes. Handcrafted by the creative distiller, Mr. Usami, this whisky is slightly sweet and mellow, keeping its balance. Nose: Vanilla, mint and plum. Palate: Medium-bodied with hints of vanilla, citrus, smoky oak and spices. Yamazaki 12 Year Old Single Malt Japanese Whisky Often considered the traditional Japanese whiskey, Yamazaki whiskey is famous for its floral and fruity aroma. Yamazaki 12-Year-Old is a flagship single malt and a favourite among Japanese whisky enthusiasts. The single malt whiskey is matured for at least 12 years in three types of oaks: American, Spanish, and Japanese Mizunara oaks. Nose: Citrusy with orchard fruits, candied orange peels, toffee, and vanilla with a touch of oak. Palette: Medium bodied with toasted coconut, vanilla, orange peels, and a subtle hint of rich Mizunara oak. Akashi Meisei With Gift Box – Blended Japanese Whisky Smooth, light-bodied, and approachable, Akashi Meisei is ideal for whiskey newcomers and casual sippers. Notes of vanilla, oak, and subtle citrus make it a crowd-pleaser. It comes in a ready-to-gift box and is a perfect winter gift. Hakushu Distiller's Reserve Suntory Single Malt Japanese Whisky Crafted in the Japanese Alps, Hakushu Distiller's Reserve Suntory Single Malt is known for its herbal, crisp profile. It features notes of green apple, smoke, and mint, delivering a fresh and layered experience. The Kurayoshi Sherry Cask Malt Japanese Whisky Kurayoshi Sherry Cask Malt Japanese Whisky brings forward rich flavours of dark fruit, roasted nuts, and spice. It has a bold character and a satisfying, lingering finish. Enjoy after dinner with a piece of dark chocolate for a cozy, indulgent treat. Yamazakura Blended Japanese Whisky Yamazakura Blended Japanese Whisky features subtle floral notes, honey sweetness, and a touch of oak. It's light, smooth, and easy to enjoy, making it a versatile gift choice for hosts, coworkers, or those exploring Japanese whiskey. Kamiki Intense Wood Blended Japanese Whisky Aged in cedar casks, Kamiki stands out with deep woodiness and warm spice. Its bold structure and unique finish make it memorable and distinct from typical blends. Use in a highball with soda to highlight its unique wood character while keeping things light. Nikka Rare Old Super Blended Japanese Whisky This classic bottle offers mellow flavours of toffee, pear, and light smoke. Nikka Rare Old Super Blended Japanese Whisky is a nostalgic blend with a smooth texture and a balanced profile. This rare Japanese whisky is ideal for fans of classic blends or those nostalgic for a vintage Japanese whiskey profile. Kujira 10 Years Old White Oak Single Grain Japanese Whisky Aged in white oak barrels, Kujira presents tropical fruit notes, soft sweetness, and subtle vanilla. It’s a refined single-grain expression with elegant depth. Great for whiskey lovers curious about lesser-known, exotic Japanese expressions. Togouchi 15-Year-Old Blended Japanese Whisky Togouchi 15-year-old blend offers complexity with layers of dried fruit, spice, and gentle smoke. It’s a mature, well-crafted whiskey with a smooth finish. This blended whiskey is ideal for seasoned drinkers who appreciate aged whiskey with nuance and depth. Nikka Discovery Miyagikyo 2021 Limited Edition Peated Japanese Single Malt A Nikka Discovery Miyagikyo limited-edition release, this peated single malt combines smoky elements with floral and orchard fruit notes. It’s rare, expressive, and highly collectible for seasoned drinkers who appreciate aged whiskey with nuance and depth. Mars Kasei Blended Japanese Whisky Mars Kasei delivers soft fruit, light spice, and a gentle smoky edge. Balanced and easy to enjoy, it’s a reliable choice for a thoughtful gift. Above all, it is a versatile gift for anyone who enjoys approachable and balanced whiskies. Ready to experience the best of Japanese whiskey? Explore our handpicked collection at The Beverage Angels and get your favourite bottle delivered to your door.