The mad fanaticism over all issues whiskey continued unabated in 2022, however with high quality like this available on the market, it’s laborious to not see why. Some of these things is so insanely good that we will absolutely perceive the wild value hikes and lengthy traces and lotteries simply to win the possibility at shopping for a bottle… although, gulp, I can’t say that anybody on the workers is able to plunk down 4 figures for 750ml of whiskey, irrespective of how good it’s. That’s a good distance of apologizing for the excessive costs and excessive rarity of some of the whiskeys on this listing, however with our prime 10 whiskeys of the 12 months listing, our purpose has all the time been to have fun the very best high quality merchandise that hit the market within the final 12 months, even when they do come at an excessive value. (For extra inexpensive picks, please seek advice from our vacation buying information.)
As all the time, we’re revealing one whiskey every day over the subsequent 10 days till we hit #1 on Christmas Eve. When you’re getting ready for the large reveal, be at liberty to bask in a few of our earlier prime 10 whiskey lists: 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, and 2017. You may also search a number of shops at wine-searcher to seek out one of the best costs on all these merchandise and extra.
Keep tuned tomorrow for the #2 decide!
2. WhistlePig “The Boss Hog IX: Siren’s Tune” Rye Whiskey 2022 – We like to have fun uniqueness with our prime 10 whiskeys listing, and there’s been nothing extra distinctive this 12 months – or perhaps within the final 5 years – than WhistlePig’s newest particular version rye. Boss Hog IX is completed in two varieties of Greece-inspired barrels, one containing fig nectar, and one containing a Greek-style liqueur referred to as tentura. The fruit and spice of these barrels, respectively, is not possible to overlook right here – and equally not possible to not love. Full of all of the flavors of the vacation, its extremely prolonged palate and end reminded us of mulled wine, maple syrup, amaretto, and, in fact, figs. I haven’t talked extra (or revisited extra) another whiskey this 12 months. 106.2 proof (varies). $610 -CN
3. Teeling Single Malt Irish Whiskey Purple Muscat End 32 Years Previous – The costliest whiskey (at introduction) on the listing this 12 months is that this gem from Teeling, which sourced a single barrel of Irish single malt practically a 3rd of a century previous, 4 of its years spent mellowing in a “purple” Muscat wine cask. Explosive on the tongue, the Muscat wine is redolent, pouring on raisin and floral notes in equal proportion earlier than shifting to a extra conventional Irish honey, vanilla, and brown butter end. Unimaginable to seek out now, however in case you do, it’s a sip to recollect for the ages. 107.4 proof. $2100 -CN
4. Yamazaki Restricted Version Tsukuriwake Choice 2022 – Mizunara – Japan’s Yamazaki shocked this vacation season with this assortment of 4 whiskies, every introducing the “foundational pillars” of the corporate’s single malt manufacturing. The top of these pillars is constructed round mizunara oak growing old, one of the vital important and distinctive parts of Japanese whiskymaking. All of the basic flavors of Yamazaki are right here, from floral tea leaf to mild baking spices, all drenched in fragrance notes. Smoldering and soothing and nearly completely constructed. Sadly, bottles are promoting for nicely into the 4 figures. 96 proof. $5000 -CN
5. Heaven Hill Heritage Assortment Bourbon 17 Years Previous (2022) – Heaven Hill hit it out of the park with the primary installment in its new annual launch sequence, a springtime counterpart to the prized Parker’s Heritage line referred to as the Heaven Hill Heritage Assortment. With a give attention to conventional mashbills and really previous age statements, this 17 12 months previous bottling isn’t any spring rooster, and you’ll style the depth and austerity from the get-go. A powerhouse of darkish chocolate, molasses, and spiced raisins, it’s acquired a prolonged end in contrast to anything we tried this 12 months. 118.2 proof. $1000 -CN [BUY IT NOW FROM CASKERS]
6. Wild Turkey Grasp’s Maintain Unforgotten – Gotta love the Russell boys and their devotion to experimentation. This 12 months’s Grasp’s Maintain launch is a follow-up to an previous and now obscure mix of bourbon and rye referred to as Forgiven, solely now it’s extra-aged and better in proof and priced accordingly. It’s implausible stuff, showcasing one of the best of each worlds – gently woody however layered with spice, by no means overtly grassy or hard-edged, with a delightfully candylike end. 105 proof. $500 -CN
7. Gold Spot Irish Whiskey – The “Spot” Irish whiskey line has but to disappoint, and this 12 months’s launch, Gold Spot, earns its place on our listing with an excellent pot nonetheless spice character coupled with a well-integrated vary of flavors. Aged in 4 several types of casks (bourbon, port, sherry, and Bordeaux wine), Gold Spot oozes caramel and toasted marshmallow however balances these sweeter notes with baking spices in addition to mild wooden tannins. Some apple and raisin fruit arrive quickly after, and the crème brûlée end seals the deal. Gold Spot has loads occurring, nevertheless it retains its flavors distinct and scrumptious. 102.8 proof. $105 -RL
8. Remus Repeal Reserve VI – Ross & Squibb (nee MGP) did an excellent job this 12 months of distracting drinkers from their uncommon renaming by releasing back-to-back bourbon beauties. It began with this bottle, the sixth version of Remus Repeal Reserve, which hit cabinets in September. The primary Repeal Reserve produced underneath the stewardship of latest grasp distiller Ian Stirsman continued the model’s custom of mixing a number of (5 on this case) high-rye bourbons to create a remaining product larger than the sum of its elements. Constructed from comparatively youthful shares (8 to 10 years previous) than earlier releases, this version was vibrant and fruit-forward whereas nonetheless showcasing a powerful steadiness of seasoned oak and darkish baking spice that by no means allowed issues to skew too vibrant or candy. Apparently, Mr. Stirsman determined to avoid wasting his older shares this 12 months for one more Gilded Age-inspired stunner, Gatsby Reserve, which very practically made the minimize, as nicely. 100 proof. $150 – DB
9. Laphroaig Cairdeas Warehouse 1 Version 2022 – If the 52.5% abv wasn’t sufficient to dial in a warning of warning, a giant blast of phenolic and lemon notes on the nostril instantly informs drinkers this Laphroaig is an intense variation that pushes past what its core vary provides. The smoke right here is relentless, with hints of coastal waters, peat, and spice on the palate all trying to claw their method to the floor. The entire distinctive and signature marks Laphroaig lovers get pleasure from are current, simply amplified. With Laphroaig returning to ex-bourbon casks this 12 months, one would suppose oak affect would play a major consider the complete tasting expertise. It doesn’t, and the complexity and depth on show all through are all the higher for it. 105 proof. $80 -RT [BUY IT NOW FROM CASKERS]
10. M&H Apex Useless Sea – Israel just isn’t a rustic that one generally associates with whiskey, and certain sufficient, M&H (aka Milk & Honey) has thus far produced a sequence of serviceable however not wholly memorable choices. That adjustments with Apex Useless Sea, an experimental whiskey aged close to the ultra-hot Useless Sea. The whiskey pours on wooden and filters it via notes of apricot, banana, and orange peel. Racy at full proof, however all the time evocative. 112.4 proof. $120 -CN
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