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Best whisky in Australia

Whether you prefer a single malt Scotch, a Tennessee whiskey or anything in between, these are the best whiskies in Australia.

Tim Falk
Tim Falk

Updated

Fact checked
Close-up glass of whiskey and whiskey bottle on wooden table against wooden wall.

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The best whisky in Australia

How did we pick this list?

Our editorial team selected the products on this list based on actual customer reviews on Dan Murphy's. For each category, we carefully selected parameters based on our research and identified the whiskies with the highest review score within those parameters.
Read more detail on our methodology below.

Whisky vs whiskey — what's in a name?

Whisky is used in Scotland, Japan and Canada, while whiskey comes from Ireland and the USA.

Best overall whisky: Lagavulin 16 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Lagavulin 16 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Pros

  • Award winner
  • From one of Scotland's oldest distilleries

Cons

  • Not cheap
  • Too smoky for some people's tastes

Price at Dan Murphy's: $104.90 (700mL)

Buy at Dan Murphy's

Why we chose it

Lagavulin's Single Malt Scotch Whisky boasts an average rating of 4.6/5 from over 225 Dan Murphy's customer reviews. It's also been a gold and silver medal winner at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition, so it's our number-one pick as the best overall whisky.

Produced by one of Scotland's oldest distilleries, Lagavulin hails from the Scottish isle of Islay and has a full-bodied flavour. Described as being reminiscent of a driftwood fire at dusk, this single malt combines a smoky flavour with maritime notes. With an alcohol volume of 43%, a 700mL bottle contains 24 standard drinks.

What users say

"Nicely balanced - not too much peat or alcohol and a great introduction to powerful scotches at a great price. Really recommend this scotch." Read reviews.

Best single malt whisky: Aberlour 12 Year Old Double Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Aberlour 12 Year Old Double Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Pros

  • Award winner
  • Less than $100

Cons

  • Some customers complain about this whisky being more expensive than was previously the case
  • Taste is a little rough for some people's liking

Price (RRP): $94.99 (700mL)

Buy at Dan Murphy's
Buy at First Choice Liquor
Buy at Liquorland

Why we chose it

Our best overall pick is obviously well worth checking out if you're searching for a quality single malt whisky, but there's also a lot to like about this offering from Aberlour. With an average score of 4.6/5 from almost 100 Dan Murphy's customer reviews, plus the fact that it was a double gold medal winner at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, it's our pick as the best single malt whisky.

Matured in traditional oak and seasoned sherry casks, this popular drop combines a range of fruity and spicy notes. Red apples, chocolate, toffee and cinnamon notes all feature, while this whisky hails from the famous Speyside region of northeastern Scotland. With an alcohol content of 40%, a 700mL bottle contains 22.1 standard drinks.

What users say

"Love this whiskey, we often host scotch nights with mates trying different varieties. This is definitely one not to shy away from it is smooth, and a great go to!" Read reviews.

Best blended Scotch whisky: Dimple 12 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky

Dimple 12 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Eye-catching bottle

Cons

  • Some buyers complain the taste is too bland
  • Some drinkers may prefer the taste of a Scotch whisky that has aged longer

Price at Dan Murphy's: $44.90 (700mL)

Buy at Dan Murphy's
Buy at First Choice Liquor
Buy at Liquorland

Why we chose it

There's plenty of competition in the best blended Scotch whisky category, with famous names like Johnnie Walker Black Label and Chivas Regal earning plenty of rave reviews. While these two drops were unlucky to miss out, Dimple's average rating of 4.5/5 from over 130 Dan Murphy's customer reviews see it take the win here.

Standing out in a uniquely shaped bottle, Dimple 12 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky mainly uses malts from Glenkinchie and Linkwood. Designed to offer a balanced and well-rounded taste, this Scotch also offers plenty of depth and comes in a screw-cap bottle. With an alcohol volume of 40%, a 700mL bottle contains 22 standard drinks.

What users say

"Refreshing classic drink and aroma is very good . Smooth and goes down smoothly. I definitely recommend it to my friends" Read reviews.

Best high-end whisky: Glenfiddich 21 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Pros

  • Complex flavours
  • From the famous Speyside region

Cons

  • Some drinkers claim it is not worth the price tag
  • Lower alcohol content than some other options

Price at Dan Murphy's: $269.99 (700mL)

Buy at Amazon
Buy at Dan Murphy's
Buy at First Choice Liquor

Why we chose it

If you're buying a gift for someone special or just looking to treat yourself to something a little fancy, Glenfiddich 21 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is definitely worth considering. With an average score of 4.7/5 from over 30 Dan Murphy's customer reviews, it's our pick as the best high-end whisky.

Finished in Caribbean rum casks to give it an exotic touch, this single malt whisky offers rich and complex flavours. Vanilla, toffee and new leather notes all feature, while this drop is designed to be enjoyed on ice or with a little water. With an alcohol content of 40%, a 700mL bottle contains 22 standard drinks.

What users say

"Bought for the old man's 60th and as an excuse for me to have a taste of something other than the 12yr old version. We enjoyed every sip of it, found no need for water/ice smooth from start to finish." Read reviews.

Best Irish whiskey: Jameson Blended Irish Whiskey

Jameson Blended Irish Whiskey

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Also comes in 1L bottles

Cons

  • Some drinkers say the taste is too mild
  • A little too basic for some whisky connoisseurs

Price at Dan Murphy's: $44.95 (700mL)

Buy at Dan Murphy's
Buy at First Choice Liquor

Why we chose it

Jameson is a well-known name among Irish whiskey drinkers, and this blended whiskey has earned plenty of positive reviews from Dan Murphy's customers. With an average score of 4.6/5 from over 150 customer reviews, plus the honour of being a gold medal winner at the 2017 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, it's our pick as the best Irish whiskey.

John Jameson established his first distillery in Dublin in 1780, and this whiskey is now the world's largest-selling Irish whiskey. Made using unmalted grain and then matured in bourbon and oloroso sherry casks for up to seven years, this whisky delivers a light and delicate flavour. With an alcohol content of 40%, a 700mL bottle contains 22 standard drinks.

What users say

"Jameson is a crisp smooth whiskey. It has a well bodied flavour with a slightly sweet finish that leaves you wanting more. On the rocks, in a shot, and great when combined with a variety of mixers." Read reviews.

Best Japanese whisky: Hibiki Harmony Whisky

Hibiki Harmony Whisky

Pros

  • Award winner
  • 23.7 standard drinks per 700mL bottle

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Taste isn't complex enough for some people's liking

Price at Dan Murphy's: $199.99 (700mL)

Buy at Dan Murphy's
Buy at Vintage Cellars

Why we chose it

If you're searching for a high-quality Japanese whisky, there are plenty of good reasons to check out Hibiki Harmony Whisky. A silver medal winner at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and boasting an average score of 4.7/5 from 20 Dan Murphy's customer reviews, it's our pick as the best Japanese whisky.

Hibiki means "resonance" in Japanese, and this whisky delivers a bold aroma and a harmonious taste. A blend of malt and grain whiskies, this blended whisky comes in a cork-sealed bottle. With an alcohol content of 43%, a 700mL bottle has 23.7 standard drinks.

What users say

"Really well balanced blend, rich honey on the nose with a slight spice on the palate. If this whisky was 80 dollars it would be amazing but for 200 you can find far better." Read reviews.

Best Australian whiskey: Whipper Snapper Upshot Australian Whiskey

Whipper Snapper Upshot Australian Whiskey

Pros

  • Award winner
  • Many reviewers praise its smooth flavour

Cons

  • Some drinkers claim taste is only average
  • May not be the right choice for drinkers who prefer malt whisky

Price at Dan Murphy's: $89.99 (700mL)

Buy at Dan Murphy's

Why we chose it

Looking to add some home-grown whiskey to your liquor cabinet? Having won the title of Best Australian Corn Whisky at the 2020 World Whiskies Awards, plus boasting an average score of 4.6/5 from 20 Dan Murphy's customer reviews, it's our pick as the best Australian whiskey.

This Western Australian whiskey is made from 100% Western Australian grains, and is designed to be a modern Australian version of a well-rounded bourbon. Aged in Perth's warm climate and in southern American white oak barrels, this whiskey combines vanilla, dark toffee and hints of nutmeg. With an alcohol content of 43%, a 700mL bottle contains 23.7 standard drinks.

What users say

"Love this, so easy drinking, very smooth and almost a bit sweet. I wasn't a whiskey drinker at all before, this has been my gateway whiskey. Also love being able to support local!" Read reviews.

Best American whiskey: Jack Daniel's Old No.7 Tennessee Whiskey

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Also comes in 1L bottles

Cons

  • Some drinkers claim it is better as a mixer than on its own
  • Some drinkers claim taste is a little too harsh when enjoyed neat

Price at Dan Murphy's: $42.85 (700mL)

Buy at Amazon
Buy at Dan Murphy's
Buy at eBay

Why we chose it

With its familiar brand name and label, Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 Tennessee whiskey is our choice as the best American whiskey. With an average score of 4.7/5 from over 200 Dan Murphy's customer reviews, it certainly has plenty of Australian fans.

Created by using sugar maple charcoal to help mellow the whiskey, this Tennessee favourite is matured in American oak barrels. To ensure consistency, each batch is then made using 170 barrels from all levels of the Jack Daniel Distillery barrelhouses in Lynchburg, Tennessee. With an alcohol content of 40%, a 700mL bottle contains 22 standard drinks.

Methodology

50+
Brands considered
100s
of Products compared
8
Best products chosen
  • We considered whiskies from dozens of leading brands.
  • We based our findings on reviews from real Australian consumers.
  • The products on this list are chosen by our editorial team and are not selected based on commercial relationships.

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