With a name originating from the Gaelic word โusque-baugh,โ meaning โwater of life,โ the amber-hued spirit whiskey has long been loved by millions around the world. Celebrated for its range of flavours, the fermented grain beverage can lean fruity, creamy, or even spicy. With a wealth of options on the market โ from single malt and blended to barrel-aged and beyond โ things can get a bit overwhelming, especially for newcomers. To help narrow down your selection, weโve rounded up some of the best whiskeys to get you started. Whether youโre a complete beginner or a seasoned connoisseur, you can count on these picks for a good time.
Read More: Beyond The Hidden Door โ 10 Speakeasies In Hong Kong Worth The Hunt
The Glenlivet, Caribbean Reserve, HKD$423.44
The special touch that sets the Glenlivet Caribbean apart from your standard Speyside single malt is the hint of rum introduced during its ageing process. A portion of this whisky is finished in casks that once held Caribbean rum, lending it a subtle tropical fruit and brown sugar flavour โ making each sip reminiscent of biting into a cinnamon pastry. In that same tropical vein, youโll catch notes of honeyed orchard fruit, tinned pear, and fried banana on the nose, with a finish comparable to pineapple upside-down cake. While itโs certainly not your typical whisky flavour profile, this eccentric spirit still delivers a mouth-watering kick.
The Clydeside Distillery, Clydeside Napier, HKD$595.02
A recent release from the famed Clydeside Distillery, Clydeside Napier is a six-year matured Lowland malt thatโs smooth and zingy in all the right places. Crafted with clear water from Loch Katrine, this sherry cask-matured expression is made with 100% Scottish barley. It delivers ripe berry and tropical notes on the nose, followed by cherry vanilla on the palate, and finishes with a warming hint of clove and ginger.
Glenfiddich 12 Years Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700ml, HKD$390ย (On Sale)
New to whiskey and not sure where to start? Glenfiddichโs 12-year Speyside malt is a light-bodied, fruity dream with zesty pear and malt notes. It serves as the perfect introductory course to sipping whiskey for enjoyment โ and when youโre ready to level up, check out the 18-year edition, which offers a richer cinnamon-toffee flavour.
The Macallan, 12 Years Old Double Cask, HKD$698
The youngest in the labelโs Double Cask range, this expression is a sweet union of classic Macallan character and the signature warmth of American oak โ resulting in a fully rounded single malt. Perfectly balanced with a sweet and spicy edge, it carries whispers of fudge, citrus, and gentle spice. A warm, delicate blend thatโs easy on the palate.
House Of Suntory, Hibiki Harmony Blended Japanese Whiskey, HKD$890 (On Sale)
Suntoryโs signature whisky, Hibiki Harmony, is often aged in Mizunara oak, imparting its signature delicate floral and honeyed finish โ an approachable yet sophisticated choice for newcomers. An example of Japanโs long-celebrated craftsmanship, this blend brings together at least ten malt and grain whiskies, creating a subtly layered, elegant profile.
Expect notes of rose, lychee, rosemary, and sandalwood on the nose, followed by flavours of candied orange peel, white chocolate, and sweet honey on the palate. A hint of Mizunara oak lingers on the finish, balanced by nuanced touches from sherry and American white oak โ resulting in a uniquely polished and memorable pour.
Chivas, Regal 18 Year Old Scotch Whisky 700ml, HKD$608
Another Scotch with deep honey and dark chocolate notes โ but with a fruitier kick. Ripe apricot, fig, and oak spice take centre stage, lingering on the palate with a lush mouthfeel and a warm, nutty finish. Enjoy neat or over ice with a slice of lemon for a refreshing post-meal twist.
Monkey Shoulder, Blended Malt Scotch Whisky 700ml, HKD$331ย (On Sale)
Another light, versatile option, Monkey Shoulder holds a well-deserved spot in every bartenderโs inventory. Designed for cocktails, this malt whiskey is great on its own but shines brightest when mixed, thanks to its smooth, rich profile thatโs never overpowering. Expect spicy citrus and vanilla notes that blend beautifully โ making it an ideal go-to for mixing drinks when friends are over.
Johnnie Walker, Blue Label 750ml, HKD$1,498
It doesnโt take a whiskey connoisseur to recognise Johnnie Walker as one of the leading labels around. The Blue Label is a premium blended Scotch, loved for its complex, velvet-smooth blend of sweet and floral notes โ think vanilla, honey, and rose petals โ balanced by a roasted richness from hazelnut and dark chocolate, with a zesty edge from the orange. This one finishes lingering and spicy, pairing beautifully with a piece of dark chocolate bark.
Jack Danielโs, Old No. 7 1000ml, HKD$298
Of course, it wouldnโt be a whiskey roundup without a mention of Jack Danielโs. As the worldโs best-selling Tennessee whiskey, a bottle of Jack is celebrated not only for its affordability, but also for how remarkably easy it is to drink. Mellowed through sugar maple charcoal and matured in handcrafted barrels, its almond, vanilla, and caramel aroma is an unmistakable signature of the label โ its sweet, oaky flavour cementing it as a cult favourite around the world. Whiskey Coke tastes best with Jack Danielโs, as does a classic Tennessee Mule.
Editorโs Note: All listed prices were correct at the time of publication.
Rachel Tang
Rachel Tang is the Social Media Manager and a contributing writer at Friday Club., where she combines her expertise in PR and Marketing with a passion for storytelling. She began writing for a media platform early in her career, which sparked a love for storytelling that still drives her work today. With a deep passion for fashion, music, and all things pretty, Rachel is always on the lookout for the next best thing โ and sheโs quick to rave about it to those around her.
