10 Great Whiskies from Around the World to Toast World Whisky Day 2025

Happy World Whisky Day (May 17)! This holiday is a great reason to explore international whiskies. Below are 10 carefully chosen whiskies from around the world. These expressions offer distinct regional character, a range of aging styles and broad appeal for both newcomers and longtime whisky fans.

Listed alphabetically by country:

1. Australia: Pinhook Collaboration Series No. 3 ($99.99)

(Photo: Pinhook)

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This 114.8-proof Australian single malt is a partnership between Starward Distillery and American blender Pinhook. Aged in red wine barrels in Melbourne’s fast-changing climate, this whisky is bold and fruity with tropical notes like mango, pineapple and cherry. It finishes with oak, peach tea and a burst of bubblegum.

2. Canada: Pendleton 1910 12 Year Canadian Rye Whisky ($45.99)

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Pendleton 1910 is produced and distilled in Canada, but bottled by Hood River Distillers in Oregon. Named after the Pendleton Round-Up, an annual rodeo in Oregon since 1910, it’s a 100% rye whisky aged for at least 12 years in oak barrels.

3. Denmark: Stauning Rye Whisky ($68.99)

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Crafted with Danish rye and barley, Stauning Rye is double-distilled and aged in new oak. It’s herbaceous and spicy with a gentle smoke note and soft sweetness, showing the strength of Nordic distilling.

4. France: Brenne Estate Cask (~$64)

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Made in Cognac and aged in French oak and Cognac casks, this single malt is twice-distilled in alembic stills. Whisky Advocate describes it as honeyed with notes of chocolate, honeycomb and dates — smooth, dessert-like and distinctively French.

5. India: Paul John Brilliance ($65)

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Distilled and aged in Goa, this Indian single malt won gold at the 2025 London Spirits Competition. Expect a honeyed profile with a vanilla-spiced finish. We haven’t reviewed this expression yet, but it’s coming soon — keep your eyes peeled.

6. Ireland: Natterjack Irish Whiskey The Mistake ($49.99)

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A happy accident, this release was finished for two years instead of one in virgin American oak. Nutty and sweet, it shows toasted walnut, vanilla and banana pudding. This is perfect for fans of bourbon, considering it’s aged in ex-bourbon barrels and finished in the same type of New American oak casks bourbon matures in.

7. Japan: Nikka Whisky From The Barrel (~$80)

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This culty blend from Nikka is well-regarded for its balance. Notes of plum, almond and cereal lead to a soft finish with a wisp of smoke. It’s versatile and easy to enjoy — neat or in a highball.

8. New Zealand: The Cardrona Single Malt Whisky Growing Wings ($120 per 375ml bottle)

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Aged in oloroso sherry and bourbon barrels and bottled at cask strength, this New Zealand single malt brings big flavor. Expect peach, citrus, vanilla and tobacco with a long, fruity finish.

9. Scotland: The Glenrothes The 15 Single Malt Scotch Whisky ($100)

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This new addition to The Glenrothes lineup is aged in sherry-seasoned European oak. Nutty and sweet on the nose, it offers complex layers of oak, spice and dried fruit. This solid, well-balanced Speyside scotch was introduced to the U.S. just this month, The 15 is a newcomer — and absolutely one worth checking out.

10. Taiwan: Kavalan Triple Sherry Cask (~$95)

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A blend finished in three types of sherry cask — Oloroso, PX and Moscatel — this whisky is fruity and full of flavor. You’ll find apples, cherries, oatmeal cookies and a touch of spice. The finish is long and smooth with clove and cinnamon.