Calling out all scotch and whiskey lovers, this one is for you! Okay, even if you aren’t a scotch or whiskey fan, we are sure someone in your life is. There are so many different brands and types out there, that it’s so hard to know which one is the best for you. Well, after trial and error, we have discovered some top-notch scotch and whiskey brands we love, that nearly anyone and everyone can enjoy, plus the accessories to enjoy them in style. Follow along with The LA Girl’s Guide to Scotch and Whiskey to find out how to do it right!
Step 1: Find Your Go-To Scotch or Whiskey
Finding your go-to drink takes time and practice. Here are The LA Girl’s recommendations to help jump-start your exploration!
1. Bushmills Irish Whiskey
Are you a fan of the show Peaky Blinders? Well, you are in luck because Bushmills Irish Whiskey has just created a Peaky Blinders-inspired whiskey, that you can now enjoy while you watch your favorite show. This bottle can be described as intense, complex, and bold, and if you’re in the mood for a cocktail, transform your glass of whiskey into The Shelby Sour with a few extra ingredients.
2. Macallan 12
This is our Editor in Chief’s FAVORITE. With a wide variety of options, from matured 12 years all the way to 18, Macallan Single Malt Whiskey is quite the fan-favorite. The Macallan 12 makes a great gateway for new scotch drinkers. It is known to be “smooth, sweet, and balanced,” which is why so many people find themselves picking this brand amongst the crowd. TIP: Though 12 is the most commonly found and served, the Macallan 10 has an out-of-this-world flavor and is at a lower price point.
3. Talisker 10-Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
With intense flavors like deep smoke, barley-malt taste, and rich, dried fruit, the Talisker 10-Year is sure to add boldness to your at-home alcohol cart! These strong flavors allowed it to earn awards like a double gold medal at a 2022 Spirits Competition. After experiencing what it’s all about after we attended a dinner party to celebrate the launching of Talisker’s newest luxury bottle, Talisker 44 Year Old: Forests of the Deep Sea, we can officially say it has earned its place high up on The LA Girl’s favorites list! Enjoy, and as always, drink responsibly!
4. Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey
Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey originated in Tennessee and has since made its way all around the world. It’s hard to describe the massive amount of success they have experienced in just a few words. For starters, they won Most Awarded American Whiskey Or Bourbon of 2019, 2020, and 2021, and we now know why! CEO, Fawn Weaver, is the first African American woman to lead a major spirits company, which is another reason why this company felt so special to us. For our whiskey beginners, the Chief Business Officer, Kate Jerkens, recommends starting with 1884 as it is a lower proof. The Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Whiskey is bottled at 93 proof and has quite a unique blend, with a slightly sweeter flavoring and notes of leather (Yes, leather!). If you are more of a cocktail kind of person, they have a wide variety of delicious cocktails that can be made from this whiskey and by adding in other ingredients like fresh fruit, coffee bitters, honey tea syrup, and more! Next time you hit the bars, find yourself sipping on a glass of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey and see for yourself just how unique this brand is.
5. Glen Fiddich
The owner of Glen Fiddich had a mission back in the 1800s, and here we are today 136 years later enjoying the fine whiskey that this company has to offer. The 15 Year Old Single Malt Whisky is a two-time gold medal winner and is known for its warm spice and rich honey flavoring. It is full-bodied and the finishing flavor is definitely on the sweeter side. Yum!
6. Brenne Whisky
Brenne Whisky is the “world’s first single malt aged exclusively in both new French Limousin Oak barrels and Cognac casks.” The Brenne Estate Cask has been aged for 6-8 years and has a French patisserie aroma. Fun Fact: The Founder, Allison Parc, was a ballerina who turned into a highly successful whisky entrepreneur, based on the love and desire to make a great single malt whisky. We love to support a female-owned, booming brand!
7. Lodestar Whiskey
Lodestar Whiskey is representing female whiskey drinkers all around the world. While working in the music business, cousins (& lifelong whiskey lovers), Anna and Wendelin von Schroder realized that there were few whiskey brands that were marketed toward a woman’s personality and intention ( let alone few women that are entrepreneurs in the whiskey space). So they created their own. A high-quality but approachable American Whiskey that embodies the laid-back California lifestyle where Lodestar is based and the universal truth that life’s special moments are always better when shared. Lodestar is an unconventional blend of Straight High-Rye Bourbon and American Single Malt Whiskey and has notes of caramel, citrus, and warm baking spice. Drink it neat or mix into a flavorful cocktail.
Step 2: Grab Some Accessories
Would you ever go out without accessories on? NO! So why would sipping on some whiskey be any different? There are so many useful (& chic!) accessories that can join your bottle of scotch or whiskey on the bar cart, and make for a great addition to any occasion.
1. Decanter
“What does a decanter do?” Decanters allow oxygen to interact with the scotch or whiskey and this causes some form of oxidation. Plus, they look absolutely fabulous in your bar area and can add a real unique look as opposed to a normal store bottle. Add some luxury to your night with a Diamond Decanter.
Diamond Decanter with 2 Drink Glasses and Wooden Stand – $55
2. Crystal Glasses
Yes Crystal Glasses, it’ll match the Diamond Decanter… These glasses have a stem and are the perfect size for any kind of spirit. Everyone has their go-to glass so next up is finding yours.
Whiskey Crystal Glasses – $28
3. Round Ice Cube Tray
Round Ice Cubes are the perfect touch to any glass of scotch, whiskey, or even cocktails. Plus, the fact that this tray is pink should give you enough reasoning as to why it is a must!
Round Ice Cube Tray – $14
4. Gift Box
Maybe it’s a loved one or significant other who’s the whiskey or scotch drinker… in that case we know just what to gift them! This gorgeous wooden trove, containing cubes, crystal drinking glasses and more is our LA Girl pick.
Gift Set – $39
5. Extra Large Single Cubes
We’ve all seen the ballers at the bar with a single, large cube gliding around in their glass. Whelp, now you can be that person in your own home. Check out these huge ice cube trays the next time you’re serving something dark :).
Single Cube Set– $12
Step 3: Enjoy!
Enjoy a night with your favorite bottle of scotch or whiskey, grab your favorite glass, and add some accessories for a relaxing night with friends. Cheers!