The Ultimate Whiskey Buyers' Guide
It’s the holiday season and for the $72 billion dollar spirit industry, that means parties, gift giving and a nice drink or two to escape those pesky in-laws.
In 2015, whiskey continued to boom. Irish whiskey and Single Malt Scotch alone increased 19.9% and 13.5% to $664 and $732 million respectively, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS).
So what do you do if you have a whiskey drinker on your shopping list? Should you get Scotch or Canadian? Have you tried Japanese whiskey? FOXBusiness.com put together the top five must-try whiskies to give, sip and enjoy this holiday season. Watch the video above and check out some of the highlights below.
For the Newbie
![jameson](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxbusiness.com/foxbusiness.com/content/uploads/2018/02/931/523/whiskey.00_00_20_05.still001.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Jameson Caskmates is said to be a good start for those looking to get in to the whiskey hobby. Smooth, light and finished in stout season whiskey casks, Caskmates boasts a price tag of only $39.99. Jameson holds the lion’s share of the Irish category with 80%, reports DISCUS.
Want Something Different?
![copperpot](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxbusiness.com/foxbusiness.com/content/uploads/2018/02/931/523/d094495a-copper.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Canadian whiskey has seen an uptick in recent years as well. In 2015, 16.7 million nine liters cases were sold in the U.S., or nearly $1.9 billion worth. One such whiskey flying off the shelves is Forty Creek Copper Pot Reserve. Rugged with hints of toffee and orange zest, which complement the rye, for $28 the Copper Pot Reserve can make for a good gift for those outdoorsy types.
Real Top Shelf
![octomore](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxbusiness.com/foxbusiness.com/content/uploads/2018/02/931/523/yd4a9898.mooctomorev.05_29_00_02.still001.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Time for the good stuff! The trend toward premium and craft has consumers turning towards the single malt Octomore 7.4.
$664 million in revenue was pocketed by Irish whiskey distillers in 2015, and the Octomore's $149 bottle is made with 25% Scottish barley. With oak, coconut and clove flavors, it's a pick for a refined whiskey palette.
On The Lighter Side
![glenmorangie](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxbusiness.com/foxbusiness.com/content/uploads/2018/02/931/523/glen.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Another option on the lighter scotch side, on your wallet and taste, is the $39 Glenmorangie. Originating from the Scottish Highlands, it is expertly matured in the finsest oak casks, used only twice.
Experimental Drinker
![suntory](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxbusiness.com/foxbusiness.com/content/uploads/2018/02/931/523/japanese.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Between 2015 and 2016, imports of American whiskey have skyrocketed to 49% close to $16.4 million, reports DISCUS. But another trend is the rise of Japanese whiskey.
A good option in this category is Suntory Whisky Toki, which can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks or mixed in a highball with a splash of soda water.
True Craft
![hgihwest](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxbusiness.com/foxbusiness.com/content/uploads/2018/02/931/523/high-west.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Millennials are helping to drive the industry, says DISCUS. A top pick for this demographic is the High West Double Rye!
Since 1870 High west is known for its bold, rugged rye. Home-grown, locally-aged, this $35 American spirit is a throwback to the Old West.
So whether you are just getting into the whiskey world or you are a connoisseur, pour yourself one of these whiskies and have a happy holiday!