The World’s Most Underrated Whiskies—According To The Author Of The Whiskey Bible

Three prime examples of undervalued whiskey from across the globe.

Photo illustration: Brad Japhe

It’s difficult to imagine that there could be any “underrated” whiskies left on shelves these days. The category has never been more popular than it is right now. At its current rate of growth, the global market could exceed $108 billion in value by the beginning of next decade. With numbers like that, virtually every expression from every conceivable corner of the planet is bound to receive publicity at some point; to get its shine, as they say—particularly in the age of Instagram.

Despite all this, Noah Rothbaum is a firm believer that there are plenty of underrated offerings left to enjoy. Or undervalued ones, at the very least. He ought to know, the whiskey expert and best-selling author has collected a total of six Spirited Awards across his distinguished career (essentially the Oscar’s of the booze industry).

“While the focus has recently been on premium and super-premium categories, whiskey bargains are in no short supply,” he tells Forbes. To his point, the Distilled Spirits Council reports that sales of super-premium whiskey have skyrocketed some 2,109% since 2003. “But price is no indication of quality and these undervalued whiskies are much better than many more expensive alternatives.”

You’ll find a litany of them in his latest tome: The Whiskey Bible, A Complete Guide to the World’s Greatest Spirit. It came out earlier this month and to celebrate its release, Rothbaum agreed to reveal his top seven most underrated whiskies exclusively with us. We’ve gone ahead and listed his selections below, along with a few added tasting notes and tips to help you find the bottles out in the wild.

Rittenhouse Rye – $24

“It’s hard to match the quality of Rittenhouse Rye,” says Rothbaum. “This stalwart is great in classic cocktails and was a favorite of the first generation of craft cocktail bartenders. It was originally produced in Pennsylvania and is now made in Kentucky by Heaven Hill.” Brimming with menthol and grassy earth aromas, this is a 100-proof belter that stands sturdy in the midsts of a memorable Manhattan.

Old Overholt Bottled-in-Bond Rye – $24

Rothbaum: “Overholt has been made for more than 200 years and its bottled-in-bond rye should be in every liquor cabinet and on every bar cart in America. It’s a big whiskey that is 100 proof and full of flavor.” Bold and spicy, yet still fruity and approachable, Old Overholt’s house style stays true across almost all of its releases. It’s seen a fancy facelift in recent years, and a portfolio expansion that most recently incorporated a sensational 12-year-old cask strength offering. Sleep on this brand at your own peril.

George Dickel 8-Year-Old Bourbon – $28

“George Dickel’s master distiller Nicole Austin settled once and for all the age-old debate about whether Tennessee whiskey is actually bourbon. The short answer: Tennessee whiskey can be labeled as bourbon and George Dickel’s version is wonderful. It’s also better than many bourbons made in Kentucky.” Fighting words to be sure, but the proof is under the cap. This whiskey is a confectionary sensation, boasting toasted pecans and butterscotch in its luscious 90-proof body.

Black Bush Irish Whiskey – $32

“Bushmills has been making whiskey for centuries in Northern Ireland. While the brand’s single malts are worth the splurge, I also really like the affordable Black Bush. It has enough complexity to be drunk neat or on the rocks, but also works really well in a simple highball.” Time spent in oloroso sherry casks introduces a sweet and salty depth to something that goes down super easily at 80-proof.

Dewar’s 12-Year-Old Blended Scotch Whisky – $25

“It’s hard to talk about the history of Scotch and not mention Dewar’s. A few years ago, the brand’s award-winning master blender Stephanie Macleod reworked its 12-year-old whisky and the new version is a wonderful dram.” It’s a wonderful entry point for anyone eager to explore the category. Well-rounded and approachable, it still holds a tickle of peppery dried fruit in a sophisticated finish.

Famous Grouse Blended Scotch Whisky – $30

“This might surprise many people but the number one-selling Scotch in Scotland is Famous Grouse. The blended whisky is usually served with a pint of beer—the combination is called a Low Flyer. Pick up a bottle today and see why it’s so popular.” Or we can just give you a helpful hint: it’s like your favorite Scottish shortbread in a glass.

Lot No. 40 Canadian Rye Whisky – $34

“Lot No. 40 Canadian Rye Whisky is made in Windsor, Ontario, at the Hiram Walker distillery on the banks of the Detroit River. It is distilled from only rye grain and is rich and delicious. It’s one of my favorite Canadian whiskies.” Cinnamon spice and everything nice, this well-composed liquid does a good job of dispelling the ill-conceived notion that Canadian whisky can’t be elegant.