• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to after header navigation
  • Skip to site footer
Food For Net Logo (Realistic)

Food For Net

  • Original Recipes
  • Recipe Roundups
  • Beer
  • Whiskey
  • Wine
  • Subscription Boxes
  • Meal Delivery
  • Outdoor Cooking

The Best Top Range Whiskey

October 21, 2021 by Food For Net
Home ‣ Spirits ‣ The Best Top Range Whiskey
A barrel next to a bottle of top range whiskey and a glass

Determining the best top range whiskey was not an easy task. The whiskey industry is huge and even among the best quality distilleries and expressions, there is still plenty of room for opinion and preference. Several factors went into this list, including age statements, the production process, the complexity of the final result, and, of course, the glowing reviews from both the public and recognized establishments such as The World Spirits Competition and the like. 

The quality in these expressions is unparalleled, something that can’t be denied even by the harshest of critics. You can question their flavor profiles or the intensity of the nose – not everyone loves fruity palates or strong aromas – but this is where subjection ends. These whiskies are made by distillers and blenders who know what they’re doing, employed by companies that are centuries old. 

Feel free to pick up these bottles with the highest of expectations – you won’t be disappointed. Before you do anything else, pour a glass and take a sip neat. Experience these whiskies as they were intended. After that, go ahead and add some rocks, splash some water in, or make that ultra-premium cocktail if you must! 

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • The Best Top Range Whiskey
    • 1. Laphroaig Lore Single Malt Scotch Whisky
    • 2. Lagavulin 16 Year
    • 3. The Macallan 18 Year Sherry Oak Single Malt Scotch Whiskey
    • 4. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon
    • 5. Johnnie Walker Blue Label
  • Beyond the Top Shelf 

The Best Top Range Whiskey

1. Laphroaig Lore Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Laphroaig Lore Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Laphroaig Lore Single Malt is an impressive and complex spirit, thanks to the many different barrels it ages in. First-fill bourbon, Oloroso Sherry hogsheads, and quarter casks all contribute to the many flavor notes present in this rich and smokey tribute to the managers and creators of Laphroaig’s past. 

The distillery began in 1815 when Donald and Alexander Johnston leased an impressive 1,000 acres on the island of Islay. Originally, they wanted to raise and sell cattle on the land which led them to grow their own barley, meant to feed said cows. Things went according to plan at first, until a particularly plentiful harvest left them with extra barley. They decided to distill it into whiskey, which they sold to locals. 

It soon became apparent that whiskey was more profitable than cows, so they officially opened as a distillery before too long. The company remained in the Johnston family for almost 100, until Ian Hunter passed away with no children and left the distillery to his trusted, long-time secretary. The distillery is still going strong today and this particular single malt was created to pay homage to the likes of Donald, Alexander, and Ian, who played such large roles in the history of Laphroaig. 

It has a rich and smoky aroma with notes of ash and ocean spray. The palate follows with vanilla, bitter chocolate, salted caramel, vanilla, and roasted chestnuts – the perfect balance of warm and sweet. The finish offers chocolate chip cookies, malt grain, tropical fruit, and a healthy dose of peat. 

Two gold vases next to some sticks of incense, one that's been burning and giving off smoke

8 Aromatic Incense of the Month Clubs

Vertuo-Next-Review-Featured-Image

Nespresso Vertuo Next Review From A Daily Espresso Drinker

15 Best Foods For Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Plus Three IBS Diet Tips

Keto Hamburger Bun Recipes

36 Keto Hamburger Bun Recipes That Are Perfect For Adults And Kids Alike

A large jar of kombucha fermenting with the SCOBY

Is Kombucha Good For You?

Olives that have been covered in oil, next to oil soaked bread, highlighting the idea of infused olive oil

15 Exciting Infused Olive Oil Ideas

12 Spices for Turkey Breast with 12 Easy Turkey Breast Recipe Ideas featured image

12 Spices for Turkey Breast with 12 Easy Turkey Breast Recipe Ideas

A large wooden scoop filled with pumpkin seeds, on some type of table top with more seeds spilled over it

Are Pumpkin Seeds Good For You?

2. Lagavulin 16 Year

Lagavulin 16 Year

Located on the beautiful banks of Lagavulin Bay, Lagavulin Distillery is among the oldest in Scotland. Distilling was happening along the Bay as early as 1742, where as many as ten illegal stills were operating by the turn of the century. Although they’d already been making whiskey for quite some time, it wasn’t until 1816 that the first legal distillery was founded by John Johnson and a second by Archibald Campbell. 

Soon, Alexander Graham purchased Johnson’s distillery and merged with Campbell’s opening under the Lagavulin name. Lagavulin 16 is perhaps the most intense and smokey single malt whiskies around. This is because the peated barley they use gets up to 20 times more exposure to peat smoke than that used for most Scotches. 

Once distilled, the whiskey is matured for 16 years in barrels that used to hold bourbon. The nose is deep, rich, and intense with smoke, earl grey, and wood spices. The palate is similar, with notes of peat, smoke, and a salty tang, balanced by sweeter notes of honeyed oak and vanilla. The finish is just as intense with notes of caramel and fruit beneath the strong notes of peat and smoke. 

3. The Macallan 18 Year Sherry Oak Single Malt Scotch Whiskey

The Macallan 18 Year Sherry Oak Single Malt Scotch Whiskey

Rightfully earning a score of 92 points from Wine Enthusiast, this 18-year-old whiskey is considered by many as the best single malt Scotch in the world. This is, of course, subjective and opinions differ, but the general consensus does speak to the incredible quality and intense complexity of this amazing expression. 

The distillery has a meticulous, innovative, and well-oiled distilling process that ensures quality at every step. That combined with their insistence on using only the finest ingredients around, means that The Macallan 18-Year Single Malt Scotch is a force to be reckoned with. 

The distillery is located along the River Spey, on an estate called the Easier Elchies House. The Macallan has been distilling there since Alexander Reid established the estate’s first licensed distillery. He named it after an ancient church that was burned down in the 15th century, so the history runs deep in this place. He began by drinking the whiskey himself through the winter and selling it to travelers who were passing through. Popularity grew quickly, however, and today the company is one of the best. 

On the nose, you’ll find notes of ginger and toasted oak with a background of raisins, cinnamon, and vanilla. The palate is rich with notes of bright orange followed by clove, spice, and toasted oak, leading into a sweet, sharp finish of ginger, orange zest, and other dried fruit. 

4. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon

 Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon

Elijah Craig is another strong player in the world of whiskey, with their Barrel Proof Bourbon earning a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirit’s Competition. It was also given an extraordinary/ultimate recommendation from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge, and The Whiskey Advocate has named it Whiskey of the Year. 

Elijah Craig began his distilling journey in 1789 when he built a distillery on his land in Lebanon and has been credited as the first person to mature bourbon in charred oak casks. His innovation and open mind earned him the “Father of Bourbon” title, one he has never lost. Elijah Craig is a staple in the collections of bourbon lovers and newbies alike. 

This Barrel Proof Bourbon opens with notes of toasted oak, caramel, oranges, and apples. The palate is rich with notes of vanilla, butterscotch, caramel, with notes of black pepper and cinnamon to balance the sweetness. The finish is long and layered, showcasing all flavors from the body before slowly fading. 

5. Johnnie Walker Blue Label

Johnnie Walker Blue Label

Last but not least is another name from the world of whiskey that simply can’t be ignored. Johnnie Walker Blue Label is the company’s flagship expression and is still considered its best by new and old fans alike. Its supreme quality earned it a Double Gold Medal at the 2013 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. 

Founder Johnnie Walker passed on the distillery to his son Alexander Walker in 1857, who soon began greatly improving the selection of whiskies and growing the business to exponential heights. The Blue Label expression and its old, timeless recipe is the perfect representation of what Johnnie and Alexander Walker were all about and what they meant to accomplish. 

On the nose, you’ll find the aroma of bittersweet chocolate, tobacco, and caramelized oranges. The palate offers notes of roasted nuts, smoky chocolate, dates, tobacco, and brown spices. The finish is beyond smooth with a touch of milk chocolate, pecan pie, figs, and peppercorn. 

Beyond the Top Shelf 

two small glasses being filled with a small amount of whiskey for sipping to represent the best top range whiskey

This list of top-shelf whiskies was curated with accessibility and attainability in mind. Even if you’re ready for the ultimate splurge, the average person isn’t about to spend six digits on a bottle. However, that’s not to say no one will! The bottles listed above are top-notch, consistently produced, widely available, and reasonably priced for what they are. 

Sometimes, though, it’s fun to look at some of the more wild options out there and think about how the “other half” lives, so to speak. 

For example, a bottle of Glenfiddich 1937 is extremely rare and highly sought-after. It’s thought that only 60 bottles are left in existence, and you’ll only find them at auction these days. Considered one of the best in the world, it’s drawn from a cask made in 1937 – possibly the oldest whiskey you’ll ever drink! The cost for such an experience? About $70,000. 

Taking it a step further is the Macallan M. Crafted from whiskies aged 25 to 75 years, this rare expression is a true whiskey delicacy. Part of the value comes from the decanter, made with handcrafted crystal and designed by experts. It’s also a six-liter bottle, though the extra contents are a small consolation when you’re paying more than $600,000. 

Almost unbelievably, there are many more like this! Whether it’s a rarity like the 1937 expression or a novelty like crystal decanters, there’s almost no limit on what some passionate collectors will spend to add bragging rights to their shelf.

Category: Spirits, Whiskey
A large white bowl with noodles and marinated tofu, highlighting a variety of Asian sous vide recipes.

15 Delicious Asian Sous Vide Recipes

Spicy Lemon Pepper Fried Chicken Sandwich

A stack of old books sitting on the floor

7 Book of the Month Subscription Boxes For All You Bookworms

20 Best Foods for Regularity Plus Tips on How To Keep Regular Bowel Movements featured image

20 Best Foods for Regularity Plus Tips on How To Keep Regular Bowel Movements

Four types of Spanish food for kids, including cured meat, calamari, paella, and croquetas

Spanish Food For Kids For The Taste Experience Of A Lifetime

22 Types of Foods Low in Copper Plus Tips to Remember When on a Low Copper Diet featured image

22 Types of Foods Low in Copper Plus Tips to Remember When on a Low Copper Diet

A piece of steak that has been cut, where someone is pulling away some of it with a fork, highlighting the question of what to serve with steak

What To Serve With Steak So Your Meal Truly Shines

A selection of protein rich foods, including fish, cheese and legumes

34 Protein Rich Foods To Keep You Satisfied And Healthy

Previous Post:A white dish of cooked chicken drumsticks, highlighting the question of whether chicken is good for youIs Chicken Good For You?
Next Post:15 Spices for Lentils Plus 15 Easy, Delicious, and Quick Lentils Recipes15 Spices for Lentils Plus 15 Easy, Delicious, and Quick Lentils Recipes featured image

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sidebar

About The Owner

cooking bbq pizza outside

Hi! My name is Rick and foodfornet.com is just a website about food and drink that I like. That includes sous vide, slow cooking, grilling, smoking, and homemade pizzas.

I also make my own beer, wine, cider, kombucha, and sake… and am a whiskey enthusiast! 🍕🍺🥩🥃

13 Buzzworthy Cupcake Recipes Using Real Coffee

A bottle of mineral water with water swirling around it

Is Mineral Water Good For You?

A black background with some flavored vegan plant-based ice cream

5 Best Plant-Based Ice Cream Brands

Bottles of V8 vegetable juice on a grocery store shelf

Is V8 Good For You?

A rotisserie chicken on a white plate against a white background, looking at whether rotisserie chicken is good for you

Is Rotisserie Chicken Good For You?

K Cup of the Month Clubs featured image

16 Convenient K Cup of the Month Clubs

Two glasses with rum, ginger beer and a lime wedge on a chalk table

Top 18 Rum Mixers That Make Rum Taste Simply Amazing

A copper mug that contains a Moscow mule cocktail with vodka

The Best Vodka For Moscow Mules

Two glass mugs with conquitos on a table

The Best Rum For Coquitos

Two glasses of whiskey with ice, in front of a hat, gloves, and rope, next to a bottle of whiskey

The Best Texas Whiskey

A bucket of different bottles of Absolut vodka

The Best Absolut Vodka Flavors

Cognac being poured from a bottle into a glasses

The Best Cognac For Every Budget

Gourmet Food

Artisanal Beverages

Comfort Food

Comfort Food (Featured Image)

Copyright © 2025 Food For Net
Privacy Policy · Cookie Policy · Affiliate Disclosure · Accessibility Statement
Blog · Instagram · Twitter · Pinterest

FoodForNet.com is a member of the Amazon Associates affiliate program. We earn commissions from qualifying purchases through affiliate links.