The past year brought some incredible whiskies, and our Winter 2018 issue showcases the Top 20 most exciting examples from around the world. Whisky Advocate’s blind tasting panel sipped and scored bottles from the U.S., Scotland, Ireland, Canada, Japan, and beyond to crown one standout dram Whisky of the Year.

Also in this issue, we look ahead to 2019 with a guide to making this your best whisky year ever. Plan your own blind tasting, tinker with a signature cocktail, schedule a distillery tour, and experiment with cigar pairing. And what about taking a whisky journey? Our feature on French whisky reveals why this country is making such high-quality stuff—and recommends the best bottles to look for on the shelf.

Don’t miss the quest for maritime-influenced American whiskey, an in-depth look at private-label whiskies from Costco, Trader Joe’s, Walmart, and Total Wine, our tips for pairing whisky and wings, and whisky punch recipes perfect for your next party. Plus, the Buying Guide is chock-full of over 175 reviews of scotch, bourbon, and more.