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Let’s have a quick little aside on the most important things you should know about whiskey. The varieties are endless, from light to straight, to single-malt or blended, bourbon, rye, and all in between. There are some differences that are regional, others relative to the type of mash and the resultant flavor that they possess. There are so very many variations that we’re definitely not going to get through it before you say TLDR. So let’s focus on the important things that you need to know in order to merely SURVIVE a trip down the rabbit hole into ‘whiskey world’.
What’s The Strongest Whiskey We Know?
Alright, so let’s assume for a second that you have the sophistication of a 2nd term college freshman and you’re just looking for the knock-down, drag-out strongest possible whiskey in existence. You’re either not in it for the flavor at all or you’re trying to help Doc Brown blow the fuel-injection manifold straight off of his AMC DeLorean D12.
Well, the stuff you’re looking for is Bruichladdich X4 Quadrupled whisky. This is definitely not your Granddad’s ‘shtuff‘ (unless he was loaded in more ways than one). This particular creature at 92% ABV or 184 proof is downright FLAMMABLE. Chilled Magazine describes it thusly, (at 92% ABV I’m pretty sure they’re understating this) “Referred to as the most alcoholic single malt whisky in the world, Bruichladdich’s X4 quadrupled Whisky stands tall at 92% (184 proof). From the same island as Laphroaig, this whisky is best enjoyed on a cold night in dram form. Just like its Islay counterpart, this whisky packs a punch and should be consumed very slowly while your body is blanketed by a slight warming sensation.”
What’s The Most Expensive Whiskey Out There?
Don’t worry, most of us can’t afford to even look at it for that long. This particular vintage is the Macallan Fine and Rare 60-Year-Old 1926 which according to Forbes sold for an eye-watering $1.9 Million. This is basically the American Express Black Card of whiskeys, for all intent and purpose if somebody offers you some, sit down, shut up and drink it. The Macallan has also created some…slightly more affordable offerings as well, which are worth a look.
And The Other End of The Spectrum? (If We Have To)
Everything from these two high precipices is downhill as far as price and strength, but not value or flavor. But as for the cheapest and weakest whiskies? At $8.99 per 750ml, you have Old Crow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey which paste magazine describes thusly,
“Old Crow illuminates many of the problems inherent in creating a straight bourbon for so little money. The relatively scant aging time means the whiskey still has a fair burn to it, though in the case of Old Crow, that burn actually falls on the lighter, crisper side of the spectrum. The flavor won’t win any awards, unless there’s an award for tasting like a tongue depressor (the unique, musty flavor I detected when putting it on ice). There’s even a nasty little acrid aftertaste to it, especially when drunk neat.”
As far as a “weak-dram” is concerned according to FoodandWine, Scotch distillery Whyte & Mackay has a 21.5 percent ABV Whyte & Mackay “Light” described as “a lighter spirit drink from Scotland, made from Scotch whisky married with Sherry.” for those days when you want something slightly stronger than a beer. Or you want to look like you’re drinking while your friends are having the real stuff. Either way! The wonderful world of whiskey lies between, and now you know the most important thing in any game: where the ends of the map are.
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