Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon

(Gary Vaynerchuk’s Favorite) 

Price: $45 

Region: Franklin County, Ky. 

Notes: Smooth as butter, with a long, engaging finish. A tad more oak than the Woodford, but not as much heat comes through.

Laphroaig Malt 15 Year

(Gary Vaynerchuk’s Favorite) 

Price: $60 

Region: Islay (Scotland’s western and northern coasts, including Islay, Orkneys Mull, Skye; heavy and smokey) 

Notes: Peaty but picks up some smokiness as well. Very complex with a long

Glenkinchie Distillers Edition

Price: $70 

Region: Lowland (low areas in southern Scotland; light and dry) 

Notes: This is very different — a lighter style of Scotch. A little caramel. If you’ve been drinking American whiskeys and want to try a Single Malt, this could be a good crossover play.

Tomintoul 16 Year Speyside

Price: $70 

Region: Speyside Notes: I like the way this strikes my tongue; there’s almost a little saline component on the back end. Well balanced.