House whiskies are the bottles you want to always have on hand. They don’t cost too much, play well with others, and most of all, deliver in flavour. If you want to be ruthless, the real test is this: would you happily pour it for a friend without explaining it first? If yes, it qualifies.
If you’re looking for the ideal house whisky for you or want to gift one, then this quickfire round-up should help. It covers a few countries and styles, so if you want one of each, your home bar will be suitably stocked.
Top 5 house whiskies
Bring the Islay vibes to you with a bottle of Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old
Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old
A gorgeous whisky that punches well above its weight. Bunna isn’t peated, so it’s an all-round crowd pleaser with a graceful coastal quality bolstered by dark sweet fruits and a creamy, nutty edge.
Tullamore D.E.W.
Easygoing, clean, lightly fruity. Ideal for guests, Highballs, and nights when you want flavour without thinking too hard. That is not an insult.
Buffalo Trace is a bartender’s favourite
Buffalo Trace
Reliable, affordable, and full of vanilla, toffee and oak. Makes a cracking cocktail (particularly an Old Fashioned) and still holds up neat. Does the job and then some.
Benromach 10 Year Old
Just enough smoke to be interesting, with plenty of malt and orchard fruit underneath. Traditional in the best way, like a pub that still has carpet.
Masthouse Grain Whisky
I enjoy having a nice grain whisky in the house. It’s basically like drinking shortbread, right? Ain’t nothin’ wrong with that. I also like having something local in my cabinet, and Copper Rivet is just a hop, skip and a jump away in Chatham. That means this little hip flask of a whisky is ticking a few boxes. That is exactly what house whiskies should do.
What’s your go-to house whisky? Let us know in the comments below. Sláinte.
