Its long been known from whiskey lovers all over that this age-old drink originated in Ireland. Wait, I mean Scotland? Both countries actually claim to be the first distillations of modern whisky. Either way, it continues to be enjoyed by people all over the world, and the U.S. sure has adapted quite the pallet as well. Let’s dive into the top five greatest whiskeys to enjoy anytime of the year.

WhistlePig Straight Rye

WhistlePig prides themselves on their farm to bottle approach. What are their magical ingredients you ask? Grains, water and wood, of course.  They especially pride themselves on their Vermont-based home grown oak.  Their shorter growing seasons leads to oak trees with the most growth rings- when aging whiskey encounters a growth ring in a barrel it imparts flavor, bringing much depth to the flavor in each bottle. If you enjoy sipping whiskey on the rocks, you’ll taste notes of burnt sugar, toasted marshmallows, dried fruits and an oaky-spice finish.

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Redbreast 12 Year Old

This Irish born Redbreast whiskey holds a good rep and stays true to its rich, spicy and dried red fruit taste. Made in Midleton Distillery almost 200 years ago, Redbreast whiskey has perfected each step of fermenting, distilling, maturing, and blending to create perfection by the time its ready to bottle. Critics describe this whiskey as smooth and welcoming while tasting notes of caramel, honey, berries and citrus.

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High West Bourye American Whiskey

Bourye is unique in that they pride themselves on their combination of bourbon and rye whiskey. The cross between the two makes all the more sense why there is a jackalope on the front label (a cross between a jack rabbit and antelope, get it?) You can read more of the interesting theory and history of the drink label here, but lets get into how this unique beverage tastes. This whiskey has notes of sweet honey nougat, rich caramel, dark ginger cake, spices, and dried cherries with a long and rich finish. Bourye best enjoyed sipped straight or mixed with water. It’s not recommended with ice, so it’s safe to say this drink is for straight up die-hard whiskey lovers.

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The Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14-Year-Old Single Malt

Need a vacation? Don’t we all. Well, you don’t have to wait until spring break to sip on this Caribbean rum cask Whiskey. While drinking, you may daydream about being on a deserted island somewhere with Jack Sparrow. But don’t let this rum inspired whiskey fool you, The Balvenie Caribbean has been matured for 14 years in traditional oak casks before being transferred to Caribbean rum casks to impart some extra flavor. So, it’s not like you’re necessarily sipping on rum, but rather has notes of rum as a finish.  This process has created a well-rounded and drinkable whisky with notes of fruit and vanilla. It smells are brown sugar and butter nutmeg on the nose with a palate of apples, lemons, icing sugar and brown toast. This Whiskey has zero smoky taste, medium bodied, and a sweeter finish than most.

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Green Spot Single Pot Still

Green Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey is Made from a mash of malted and unmalted barley and then triple distilled in traditional copper pot stills, Pot Still whiskeys are characterized by full, complex flavors and a wonderful, creamy mouth feel. With notes of peppermint, malt, sweet barkey and creamy vanilla on the nose, you may be surprised when you taste a somewhat spicy and soft gentle bourbon oak on the palate. It does, however, leave a long finish of a creamy vanilla. It’s overall a touch light, but that single pot still character is present and tasty.

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