Some drinks are made for mixing while others are made for sipping neat. Whisky, however, often prefers to be consumed neat – no ice, no soda, and no fluttering distractions. Just pure, refined liquid gold! Sipping neat whisky isn’t about showing off your distinct preferences but more about letting the spirit speak for itself. From silky smooth pours to robust drinks that are meant to be enjoyed exactly as they are. So without further ado, let’s take a look at the top 7 whiskies to sip neat!
The Glenlivet is an internationally-acclaimed whisky that traces its legacy to 1824. The Glenlivet is made in the Scottish Highlands and uses mineral water from Cairngorms National Park. The whisky is distilled in traditional stills and matured in oak casks. With different expressions ranging from 12 years to 18 years, you can choose from a range of whiskies to sip neat. The smooth, refined flavor is incredibly versatile, but when consumed neat, it brings forward a gamut of flavors.
Glenlivet 12 Yrs: INR 5,500 for 750 ml
Glenlivet 15 Yrs: INR 11,000 for 700 ml
Glenlivet 18 Yrs: INR 12,200 for 1000 ml
Amrut Amalgam is a premium Indian whisky that is known for its complex flavor. The whisky is crafted from a blend of malt whiskies aged in oak barrels. The result is rich notes of caramel, dried fruits, and spices. It has a deep amber color with golden highlights with a rich and full-bodied character on the palate. With flavors of toffee and raisins, it has a smooth and lingering finish with a touch of warmth and complexity. If you’re looking for 7 whiskies to sip neat, this whisky is definitely a top contender.
Amrut Amalgam Malt Whisky price: INR 5,000 for 750 ml
Also Read: Whisky, Heritage & Bold Moves: A Spirited Chat With Amrut's Rakshit Jagdale
Paul John Nirvana by Paul John is a premium offering that is designed to offer excellence in each sip. This entry-level expression is light and approachable, making it a great whisky to sip neat, even if you’re new to the world of whisky. The non-peated whisky is matured in bourbon barrels. With notes of honey, citrus, vanilla, and gentle oak, the whisky is approachable for anyone who’s interested in experimenting with their drink.
Paul John Nirvana price: INR 3,475 for 750 ml
Glenmorangie The Original is Glenmorangie’s flagship single malt Scotch whisky. The Original expression is known for its elegant and approachable character that is suitable for both seasoned drinkers and new whisky lovers alike! Glenmorangie The Original has a zesty aroma with notes of vanilla and honey. It is light and delicate on the palate and has flavors of lemon, vanilla custard, and floral notes. If you love your whisky with a hint of florals and a gentle spice kick, this Scotch is one of the best top 7 whiskies to sip neat!
Glenmorangie The Original price: INR 6,166 for 750 ml
How can a listicle about the top 7 whiskies to sip neat be complete without a classic single malt Scotch like The Glenfiddich 12 Yrs? The whisky is produced in the Glenfiddich distillery in Scotland and is one of the most popular whiskies today. It packs an approachable flavor profile with notes of pear, apple, oak, and honey. This 12-yr-old expression is balanced with the right intensity of flavors, aged in a combination of oak barrels. With a clean and lingering finish, The Glenfiddich 12 Yrs is a smooth, satisfying whisky to consume neat.
The Glenfiddich 12 Yrs price: INR 6,900 for 700 ml
From one great whisky to another, here’s Singleton's 15 yr-old expression. The premium Scotch whisky has aromas of figs, raisins, and toasted oak along with notes of dried fruits, oak, vanilla, and a kick of spice. The whisky has a smooth, silky texture with a hint of warmth. It has a long and satisfying finish with lingering notes of oak and spice. While it can be enjoyed on the rocks or stirred up in cocktails, the whisky tastes especially great when it's neat!
Singleton 15 Yrs price: INR 8,250 for 750 ml
The Balvenie Double Wood 12 Yrs is a classic Speyside single malt Scotch straight from the Balvenie Distillery in Scotland. The whisky is aged in traditional oak casks before being transferred to sherry casks. The result is a rich and complex flavor profile with notes of honey, dried fruits, and spices. It has flavors of honey, vanilla, and raisins, apricots, and a hint of cinnamon. With a finish so long and comforting, The Balvenie Double Wood 12 Yrs is definitely a must-consider whisky if you like your whisky in its most classic form.
The Balvenie Double Wood 12 Yrs price: INR 10,200
Also Read: DIY Mixers 101: Transforming Cocktails Into Art Pieces
Whisky tastes great in almost all ways, however, if you are in the mood to experience the flavor of whisky in its purest form, you must have it neat. When a whisky is consumed neat, it lets you enjoy the full, undisputed flavor profile. The ‘neat’ whisky lets you enjoy the aroma of the whisky and lets you soak in the complex, layered notes. In fact, adding a few splashes of water to your whisky ‘opens up’ the flavor of the whisky even further. Additionally, neat whisky enables you to grasp the full body and mouthfeel of the drink.
In this listicle, we have covered some of the best whiskies to sip neat. Whether you’re a fan of Singleton 15 Yrs or are keen to try out The Glenlivet expressions, we’ve got you covered. There are many ways of enjoying whisky, but to enjoy it in its most unfiltered form, with all its flavors and aromas, a neat whisky is definitely the most appropriate choice.
.jpg&w=3840&q=100)