9 Best Whiskey Bottles for New Year Gatherings

If you want a crowd-friendly lineup that feels polished without being precious, pick bottles that are approachable, versatile, and reliably tasty. 

Think of your bar as a small stage where each bottle plays a role. Some bottles are for toasts, some are for cocktails, and some are for guests who want to linger over a neat pour. If you are wondering what to bring to a celebration or how to stock a home bar for a crowd, this curated list of nine crowd-approved picks will help you find the best whiskey for New Year's gatherings. 

We’re serious! These nine that we’ll talk about are quite literally crowd favorites here at Country Wine & Spirits. Let our customers have the spotlight, you know?

Best Whiskeys for the New Year

1. Buffalo Trace Bourbon

To no one’s surprise, Buffalo starts the list off strong. Buffalo Trace is a name synonymous with quality and value in the world of whiskey. It wouldn’t be so bold of us to even assume you’ve already heard of it!

Buffalo Trace Bourbon is a dependable, well rounded pour that offers caramel, vanilla, and a touch of spice. It is the kind of bottle that slips into cocktails and neat pours with equal grace. For a party, it is a workhorse! Make a punch with Buffalo Trace as the backbone, stir up a few Old Fashioneds, or offer it neat for guests who want something classic and comforting. Its balance makes it a safe, crowd-pleasing choice when you want to deliver the best whiskey for New Year's celebrations.

2. Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon

Blanton’s is a single-barrel bourbon that feels like a small luxury. Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon brings concentrated notes of honey, orange peel, and toasted oak, with a silky mouthfeel that rewards slow sipping. 

This bottle is a statement pour for a smaller group of guests who appreciate nuance. Bring it out for a quieter moment in the evening. Perhaps after the main festivities? Let people savor it with a square of dark chocolate or a few roasted nuts. If you are asking how to choose the best whiskey for a special toast, Blanton’s is a solid answer. Many customers would agree.

3. Eagle Rare Bourbon

Eagle Rare is a bourbon that blends approachability with character. Eagle Rare Bourbon offers deep vanilla, toffee, and a hint of leather that makes it interesting without being intimidating. 

If you have a bottle, you know it works beautifully in cocktails that need a little more specialness, and it also stands up to a neat pour for guests who like to explore flavor. For hosts who want a bottle that is versatile and reliable, Eagle Rare is a smart middle ground between everyday and exceptional.

4. Jameson Irish Whiskey

Jameson is the friendly ambassador of Irish whiskey, known for its smoothness and broad appeal. Jameson Irish Whiskey pours with light honey, toasted wood, and a gentle spice that makes it an excellent all-purpose bottle. It is equally at home in an Irish coffee, a whiskey and ginger, or a neat pour for someone who prefers a softer profile.

When you are thinking about how to choose the best whiskey, consider Jameson for its universal likability and its ability to bridge different drinking preferences in a single bottle.

5. Jack Daniel's Whiskey

Guess who’s back? Yes, it’s Jack! Jack Daniel’s is an icon with broad appeal and a recognizable flavor profile. Folks who crave familiar and fantastic should be happy with this.

Jack Daniel’s Whiskey brings caramel sweetness, toasted oak, and a hint of charcoal from its charcoal mellowing process. It is a crowd pleaser for mixed drinks and highballs, and it is familiar enough that guests who do not usually drink whiskey will still find it approachable.

6. Maker's Mark Bourbon

Maker’s Mark is the bourbon that reads as both stylish and friendly. Maker’s Mark Bourbon offers soft caramel, vanilla, and a gentle spice with a rounded finish. 

This bottle’s approachable sweetness makes it a favorite for cocktails like the Manhattan and the Old Fashioned, and it is also a comfortable pour for guests who prefer something smooth and mellow. If you want a bottle that looks as good on the shelf as it tastes in a glass, Maker’s Mark brings both form and function to your selection.

7. Crown Royal Apple Canadian Whisky

Crown Royal Apple adds a playful, fruity note to the lineup without feeling gimmicky. 

Crown Royal Apple Canadian Whisky blends the smoothness of Canadian whisky with crisp apple flavor, making it ideal for spritzes, punches, and lighter mixed drinks. It is a festive option that works well with sparkling mixers and cider-inspired cocktails. For hosts who want a sweeter, more seasonal pour that many guests will find instantly appealing, this bottle is a bright, crowd-friendly choice.

8. Glenfiddich 12 Year Single Malt Scotch Whiskey

Glenfiddich is a single malt that manages to be both accessible and characterful. Glenfiddich 12 Year Single Malt Scotch Whiskey offers fresh pear, honey, and a touch of oak, which makes it a lovely introduction to single malts for guests who may not be familiar with Scotch.

It is an excellent bottle to have on hand for those who want to sip something refined but not overpowering. We know, New Year’s parties practically call for shots and chugging. But why don’t we slow it down with this bottle?

9. W.L. Weller 12 Year Bourbon

W.L. Weller 12 Year is a bourbon that has earned a devoted following for its soft, wheated profile. We haven’t met anyone disappointed with this bottle - that’s why it’s a must on this list.

W.L. Weller 12 Year Bourbon brings rich caramel, baking spice, and a velvety finish that makes it a treat for sipping. It is a bottle that signals care and taste, and it is perfect for guests who enjoy a deeper, more contemplative pour. Offer it neat or with a single large ice cube to let its layers unfold slowly.

Three Cheers for the Sippers!

What are the best whiskey brands? How to choose the best whiskey? Now you know! With just this little list, you have been armed with the best of the best, as told by many Country Wine & Spirits sippers.