5 Whiskies to Try in 2026 – A Bucket List for Whisky Lovers

A new year is often the best excuse to slow down, revisit old favourites, and finally open bottles you’ve been meaning to try. For whisky lovers, 2026 is a good year to be intentional — not just about drinking whisky, but about experiencing the right ones.

This is not a list of the rarest or most expensive whiskies. Instead, it’s a bucket list of five bottles that offer something distinctive: whether it’s a unique cask strength, a travel-exclusive release, or a beautifully balanced age statement that deserves a place on your shelf.

If you’re planning your whisky journey for the year — or looking for bottles that also make excellent gifts — these are five worth ticking off.

1. Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel 100 Proof (Traveller’s Edition Exclusive)

Jack Daniel’s is often associated with familiarity, but this single barrel expression shows just how much depth the distillery is capable of when given room to shine.

Bottled at 100 proof, this traveller-exclusive release offers a bolder, richer profile than the standard range. Each bottle comes from an individual barrel, meaning subtle variations are part of the experience. Expect deeper caramel, toasted oak, spice, and a noticeably fuller mouthfeel.

This is a whisky that surprises people — especially those who think they already “know” Jack Daniel’s.

Best for: Trying something familiar in a completely new light
👉 Shop Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel 100 Proof

2. Glen Elgin 12 Years Old (750ml)

Often described as a “hidden gem” among Speyside distilleries, Glen Elgin remains quietly underrated — which is exactly part of its appeal.

The 12-year-old expression is elegant, soft, and balanced, with notes of orchard fruit, gentle malt sweetness, and a clean, slightly nutty finish. It’s approachable without being boring, making it an excellent whisky for unhurried evenings or for sharing with guests who appreciate subtlety over smoke.

If your 2026 bucket list includes discovering whiskies that fly under the radar, this is a worthy inclusion.

Best for: Easy drinking, quiet nights, and Speyside fans
👉 Shop Glen Elgin 12 Years

3. Bushmills 12 Years Old

Irish whisky continues to gain attention, and Bushmills 12 Years Old is a great example of why.

Matured in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks, this expression delivers a smooth, layered profile with honey, dried fruit, vanilla, and soft spice. It’s triple-distilled, which contributes to its famously silky texture, making it approachable even for those new to aged whisky.

It’s also a versatile bottle — equally suitable for sipping neat or serving at gatherings where you want something refined but not intimidating.

Best for: Smooth sipping and easy crowd-pleasing
👉 Shop Bushmills 12 Years

4. John Walker & Sons XR 19 Years Old (750ml – Travel Exclusive, Single Release)

This is a whisky that feels deliberately made for special occasions.

The John Walker & Sons XR 19 Years Old is a travel-exclusive, single-release blend crafted to reflect the depth and legacy of the Johnnie Walker name. With nearly two decades of ageing, it delivers richness, structure, and complexity — layered with dried fruits, spice, oak, and a long, elegant finish.

It’s the kind of bottle you open with intention, whether for a celebration, a milestone, or as a statement gift.

Best for: Milestones, gifting, and collectors
👉 Shop John Walker & Sons XR 19 Years

5. The Macallan Colour Collection 15 Years Old (Highland, 700ml)

The Macallan Colour Collection focuses on natural colour and careful cask selection, and the 15-year-old expression sits beautifully at the centre of the range.

Matured in sherry-seasoned oak casks, this whisky delivers richness without heaviness. Expect notes of dried fruit, warm spice, citrus, and polished oak, all carried by Macallan’s signature smoothness. It’s refined, confident, and unmistakably premium.

For many whisky drinkers, this is the kind of bottle that defines what a well-aged sherried Highland whisky should be.

Best for: Sherry cask lovers and premium gifting
👉 Shop The Macallan Colour Collection 15 Years

Final Thoughts

A whisky bucket list doesn’t need to be extreme or unreachable. Sometimes, it’s simply about choosing bottles that are worth your time — whiskies that reward patience, curiosity, and good company.

Whether you plan to enjoy these slowly throughout the year or save them for special occasions, each of these five whiskies offers a distinct experience that makes it worth trying at least once in 2026.

If you’re exploring, gifting, or simply refining your whisky journey this year, this list is a good place to start.