The world's top 5 whisky producing regions and their characteristics. Sales ranking and popular brands

Whisky is made all over the world. In fact, each region has different manufacturing methods and ingredients, so you can enjoy each one's unique characteristics. Among all the whiskeys in the world, there are some that are particularly famous, known as the "World's Five Great Whiskies." Japanese whiskey is also included in the world's five great whiskeys.
In this article, we will explain the characteristics of the world's top five whiskeys. We will also introduce the world's best-selling whiskeys and famous, high-end brands, so please take a look.

What are the world's top 5 whiskies? Differences and characteristics between Scotch and Bourbon

The world's top five whiskies

Types of whiskey	Main characteristics and definitions
Scotch whisky	Made in a Scottish distillery Must be aged in barrels for at least three years Alcohol content at bottling is over 40% Malt and grain are the raw materials
Irish Whiskey	Matured in Ireland or Northern Ireland Must be aged in barrels for at least three years Alcohol content at distillation is 94.8% or less Many of them do not burn peat.
American Whiskey	Made in the USA Distilled at 190 proof or less (95% alcohol by volume), bottled at 80 proof or more (40% alcohol by volume) Aged for at least 2 years in oak barrels There are many varieties, including bourbon and rye whiskey.
Canadian Whisky	Made in Canada Must be aged in barrels for at least three years Alcohol content at bottling is over 40% Caramel and flavoring additions are permitted.
Japanese Whisky	Made in Japan Made with malt and water only from Japan Must be aged in barrels for at least three years The definition was established only recently

The world's top five whiskies are those made in Scotland, Ireland, the United States, Canada, and Japan . These five countries are known as world-famous whiskey producing countries, and have many famous brands that sell on a global scale.
The world's top five whiskies are characterized by their high levels of craftsmanship and quality, as well as large production volumes.
Each of the five countries has its own unique characteristics, and the whiskey production methods, ingredients, and flavors vary. If you want to find a whiskey that suits your taste, you should first understand the characteristics of the world's top five whiskeys .

[Scotch] A classic whiskey with a high reputation and sales.

Scotch is one of the world's top five whiskies, with the largest production volume and the largest number of brands. It is whiskey made at distilleries in Scotland , and the alcohol concentration at the time of distillation and the alcohol content at the time of bottling are strictly regulated by definition.
Scotch tends to have a smoky, peaty aroma . This is because peat is burned as fuel during the production process, and the aroma is transferred to the whiskey. However, there are some brands that do not have a peaty aroma. It can be said that one of the unique features of Scotch is that you can feel the individuality of each distillery.
In addition to malt whiskey made from malted barley , Scotch also includes blended whiskey made from grain whiskey such as corn. Single malt whiskey produced at a single distillery is particularly famous around the world, and there are many high-end whiskey brands, including The Macallan.

[Irish] Traditional taste made in the birthplace of whiskey

Irish whiskey refers to whiskey made in Ireland . Nowadays, Scotland is famous for whiskey, but in fact, whiskey has a long history, with some saying that it originated in Ireland .
Irish whiskey also has its own definition, and the manufacturing method and ingredients are strictly regulated. While Scotch is basically distilled twice, Irish whiskey is characterized by being distilled three times in a pot still . Because it is distilled many times, it has few unpleasant flavors and you can enjoy its oily and smooth texture.

Jameson is one of the most well-known brands.
Also, while many Scotch whiskies have a distinctive peaty aroma, most Irish whiskeys are made without burning peat . If you compare the two, you'll notice a big difference.
Irish whiskey includes malt whiskey, blended whiskey, single pot still whiskey made from malt and unmalted barley, and sometimes oats and rye are also used as ingredients.

[American] Bourbon and other drinks are popular and have a rich, sweet taste.

American whiskey produced in the United States is rich in individuality. The key point is that it is divided into detailed genres, such as "bourbon" produced in Kentucky , which uses corn as the main ingredient, "rye whiskey" made from rye, "wheat whiskey" made from wheat, and "corn whiskey" which is mostly made from corn.
By the way, there is also a type of American whiskey called blended whiskey, but it has a different meaning from Scotch blended whiskey. While Scotch blended whiskey is made from malt and grain, American blended whiskey is defined as a blend of multiple whiskeys .
American whiskey, made from grains such as corn, often has a sweet taste and deep richness . Bourbon in particular is aged in "charred barrels," giving it a strong personality and direct flavor not found in Scotch or Irish whiskey.

[Canadian] Smooth taste and light flavor

Canadian whiskey is made in Canada. It is often made from rye and is said to be the lightest of the world's top five whiskeys . Its mild flavor makes it easy to drink even for beginners, making it popular.
Another big advantage of Canadian whiskey is that it is permitted to add caramel and other flavorings. Whisky with its mild, sweet nuances is often used as a cocktail base .

Canadian Club Black Canadian Club is a black beer that is only available in the Japanese market. As it says on the label, it is smooth and fruity. Easy to drink and delicious! It's good enough to drink straight, but it also goes well with highballs. #TWLC pic.twitter.com/A4L37O11W0

— Hirapar (@hirapa100) December 3, 2023

Although the number of brands is smaller than Scotch or American whiskey, there are some classic whiskeys in Japan, such as "Canadian Club" and "Crown Royal." There are also many whiskeys with excellent value for money , so be sure to check them out.

[Japanese] Domestic whiskey in short supply worldwide

Japanese whiskey is whiskey produced in Japan. However, please note that not all whiskey made in Japan is considered Japanese whiskey. There are detailed rules, such as the use of water from Japan , and a clear definition was established in April 2021.
Many Japanese whiskies are made with reference to Scotch. However, unlike Scotch, they are made to suit the Japanese palate. There are many products with delicate beauty, such as whiskies aged in Mizunara oak barrels.
Japanese whiskey has become increasingly popular around the world since the year 2000. Due to its popularity, many bottles are in short supply and difficult to obtain, causing a significant increase in market value .

The world's top 10 whiskeys in terms of sales!

1st place: Johnnie Walker

• Type of whiskey: Blended whiskey
• Origin: Scotland
• Characteristics: A whiskey made from a blend of various raw spirits, with the contents changing depending on the label color

Johnnie Walker is a very famous blended whiskey made in Scotland. Over 200 million bottles are shipped worldwide each year , with many being distributed in Japan as well.
Johnnie Walker is distinguished by its slanted label, and the color of the label indicates the contents and aging period . Each bottle is nicknamed "Johnnie Black" or "Johnnie Red" according to the color of the label.

2nd place: Jack Daniel's

• Type of Whiskey: Tennessee Whiskey
• Origin: America
• Characteristics: Sweet and bitter taste reminiscent of caramel and vanilla

Jack Daniel's is an American whiskey brand. Although bourbon is the most famous American whiskey, Jack Daniel's is not bourbon but Tennessee whiskey .
Tennessee whiskey is similar to bourbon, but it is made in Tennessee, not Kentucky. It is also characterized by the use of the "charcoal mellowing method," which allows you to enjoy the mellow aroma and flavor achieved by filtering through sugar maple.

3rd place: Jim Beam

• Type of whiskey: Bourbon whiskey
• Origin: America
• Characteristics: A representative bourbon whiskey brand that has also won the No. 1 spot in sales

Jim Beam is a brand of bourbon that is extremely famous and has been the world's number one selling bourbon. It is also available in Japan and is readily available at convenience stores and supermarkets .
This whiskey has a sweet taste derived from corn and also has a hint of vanilla. It is a delicious whiskey that can be enjoyed as a highball.

4th place: Jameson

• Type of whiskey: Single pot still whiskey
• Origin: Ireland
• Characteristics: Triple distilled for a smooth and refreshing taste

Jameson is a representative brand of Irish whiskey . In addition to barley malt, it is made from corn, rye, wheat, and other ingredients. It is a triple-distilled, clean, and smart whiskey with a smooth aftertaste that makes it easy to drink.
The most popular bottle is the "Jameson Standard." There are also aged bottles such as 12 and 18 year olds.

5th place: Crown Royal

• Type of whiskey: Canadian whiskey
• Origin: Canada
• Characteristics: A whiskey marked with a crown that was presented to the King of England

Crown Royal is a Canadian whiskey. It is characterized by a label with a crown on it, and is a prestigious whiskey that was once presented to the King of England.
It is a secret whiskey whose specific manufacturing process is not disclosed, and it has a unique character that other brands do not have. It has a sweet vanilla-like aroma and a hint of maple syrup.

6th place: Ballantine

• Type of whiskey: Blended whiskey
• Origin: Scotland
• Characteristics: A whiskey with a good balance of peat and smokiness. The 17-year-old version is popular.

Ballantine's is a brand of blended Scotch whisky that has a well-balanced flavor . It is made by blending more than 40 types of malt carefully selected from all over Scotland. The key malts used include the fruity "Scapa," the oily "Old Pulteney," and the distinctive "Ardbeg."
The Ballantine's 17 Year Old, which is aged for 17 years, is especially popular. It is recommended for those looking for a versatile whiskey that can be enjoyed both straight and as a highball.

7th place: Suntory Kakubin

• Type of whiskey: Blended whiskey
• Origin: Japan
• Characteristics: Purely domestic whiskey, popular bottle for highballs

Suntory Kakubin is a Japanese-made blended whiskey produced by Suntory. Although it is not technically a Japanese whiskey, it is a bottle that allows you to feel Suntory's high level of craftsmanship in a purely domestic whiskey .
It is a popular brand at izakayas, and the "Kaku Highball" made using Kakubin is extremely famous . This whiskey is also recommended for those who can't drink beer and prefer highballs.

8th place: Chivas Regal

• Type of whiskey: Blended whiskey
• Origin: Scotland
• Characteristics: A whisky that has won many international awards and is easy to drink even for beginners

Chivas Regal is a whiskey made in the Speyside region of Scotland. It is a talented brand that has won many international awards, including the ISC .
It is an easy-to-drink whiskey, and the lineup also includes bottles for the Japanese market.

9th place: Grantz

• Type of whiskey: Blended whiskey
• Origin: Scotland
• Characteristics: A highland whisky with excellent value for money

Grant's is another Scotch whisky. It is a blended whisky made in the Highlands .
The brand is produced by independent distillers William Grant & Sons and is made from a blend of whiskeys from sister distilleries , including Glenfiddich, Palveny and Tullamore Dew.

10th place: Black Nikka

• Type of whiskey: Blended whiskey
• Origin: Japan
• Characteristics: A beer made with non-peat malt for easy drinking.

Black Nikka is a brand of Nikka Whisky, famous for its Yoichi and Taketsuru brands. It is known as the whiskey of the "bearded man."
The mild flavor of the non-peat malt makes it suitable for drinking on the rocks or with water .

5 luxury brands to keep in mind if you're a whiskey lover

Among the world's top five whiskeys, there are many that are popular as "luxury items" in addition to famous brands with large production and sales volumes. Here are five popular luxury whiskeys that whiskey lovers should definitely check out.

The Macallan

• Top 5 Whiskies: Scotch Whisky (Single Malt)
• Characteristics: Nicknamed the Rolls Royce of single malts

The most famous luxury whiskey is the Scotch whiskey The Macallan. It is a single malt made in the Speyside region of Scotland, and is popular for its sweet, luscious flavor, achieved by using sherry casks .
Macallan is also known as the "Rolls Royce of single malts" and is often chosen as a whisky for celebrations and as a gift. There are also ultra-premium bottles, such as a bottle with a Lalique decanter that is valued at over 5 million yen .

Suntory Yamazaki

• Top 5 Whiskies: Japanese Whisky (Single Malt)
• Characteristics: The most luxurious domestic whiskey, with many premium priced bottles

Suntory Yamazaki is the most popular and expensive brand of Japanese whiskey. It is a single malt brewed at the Yamazaki distillery owned by Suntory.
The limited edition Yamazaki 55 Year Old was so popular that it was sold at an auction for 80 million yen . The standard bottles are also highly rare, and are traded at several to several dozen times the retail price .

Highland Park

• Top 5 Whiskies: Scotch Whisky (Single Malt)
• Characteristics: Traditional whiskey made using the floor malting method

Highland Park is a whiskey with a history dating back to the 1700s. Made using the traditional floor malting method, it has a unique malty flavor, heather peat, and a gentle sweetness .
Highland Park has a wide variety of bottles, with some costing less than 10,000 yen and others priced at hundreds of thousands of yen.

Nikka Taketsuru

• Top 5 Whiskies: Japanese Whisky (Pure Malt)
• Characteristics: A whiskey made from malt liquors from two distilleries. Many of the products are no longer on sale.

Taketsuru is a Nikka Whisky brand, a pure malt whiskey made by combining malt whiskeys from the Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries. It is characterized by its beautiful balance despite being a malt whiskey.
Due to a shortage of raw liquor, Taketsuru has discontinued or suspended sales of all of its aged bottles, and as a result, the remaining bottles are priced at high prices.

Glenfiddich

• Top 5 Whiskies: Scotch Whisky (Single Malt)
• Characteristics: A popular product that is said to be the best single malt in the world and is widely distributed in Japan

Glenfiddich is a single malt whisky from Speyside. It is the world's first single malt brand and is known worldwide.
Glenfiddich is available in a range of bottles with different ages.

The world's top five whiskies are highly valued and appraised at high prices when buying alcohol

Among the world's top five whiskeys, there are many popular and expensive bottles. The world's top five whiskeys, which are well-known and popular, are highly valued and tend to be appraised at high prices when buying alcohol.
If you have any unopened bottles of the top 5 whiskeys that you don't drink, why not try selling them to a liquor seller ? You can turn your unused whiskey into cash at a liquor seller.
Linksus, a liquor buying and selling specialty store , also buys and evaluates various brands of the world's top five whiskeys. We offer the highest appraisal prices in the industry, so if you have bottles you want to sell, please feel free to contact us.
Buy whiskey here

summary

This time, we explained about the world's top 5 whiskeys. If you know the characteristics of each whiskey, you will be able to find the whiskey that suits your taste more easily and will come to like whiskey even more.
If you're interested in whiskey, be sure to try different brands of the big five.