Once again, we’re set to see which spirits made the biggest impression on me this year! As always, I try not to include rare/allocated bottles, but rather try and give you solid bottles that can still be found (sometimes with a little bit of hunting). I know you may not always be able to find my “Best of the Year” selection, so I also show some “runner-ups”/”honorable mention” bottles, that are sure to please. This year’s categories are Irish Whiskey, Single Malt Scotch, Blended Scotch, World Whisky, Canadian Whisky, Japanese Whisky, Bourbon, Rye, Tequila, Mezcal, Rum, Brandy (includes Cognac & Armagnac), Vodka, & Gin.
The Bottles shown (“W” indicated Category Winner):
0:00 Intro
0:52 Irishman 17 (W)
1:07 PX I Love You
1:44 Knockando 21 (W)
2:05 Signatory Unchillfiltered
3:09 Single Malts of Scotland
3:47 Dewars 21 (W)
4:14 Cadenhead Seven Stars
4:32 Indri “Trini” Single Malt (W)
5:10 Indri “DRU” Single Malt
5:41 Found North 17 Rye (W)
6:23 Gooderham & Worts
6:53 Lot 40 Dark Oak
7:13 Shibui White Oak 10 (W)
8:00 Shibui 15 Year & 18 Year
9:03 Henry McKenna 10 Year Bourbon (W)
9:49 Rare Breed NCF Bourbon
10:37 Baker’s 13 Year Bourbon
11:04 Jack Daniels Barrel Proof Rye (W)
11:34 Rossville Union Rye
11:45 Bhakta 1928 (Blended Spirit)
13:19 La Pulga Añejo Tequila (W)
14:36 Suerte Añejo Tequila
14:59 5 Sentidos Pechuga de Mole Poblano (W)
15:37 Montelobos Pechuga Mezcal
16:07 Doorly’s 14 Year Rum (W)
16:43 Balcones Still Strength Rum
17:38 Clairin Sajous Rum
18:43 Delord 1975 Armagnac (W)
19:38 Bhakta 21 Year Armagnac
20:21 Zakuska Vodka (W)
21:30 Goodnight Loving Vodka
22:01 Vikre Spruce Gin (W)
22:50 Antagonic Gin
If you join my Patreon channel (www.patreon.com/liquorhound) for $5 or $10, you'll get a bunch more insider information and great bottle options for "My Best Spirits of 2023" that didn't make my regular KZfaq video. Beyond that, you'll get all my videos add-free, 2 weeks early, a huge private review library - that's never been on KZfaq, eligible for free giveaways, and all my Patron Only bonus content - that I do to show my appreciation.
As of December 2023, my current bottle count is over 2,600. I am a Certified Specialist of Spirits and have also been accredited by the Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT). I've been actively collecting for more than two decades and what started as a small basic home bar has transformed (with the help and understanding of my wonderful wife) into this collection and career. Speaking of my career, our “Saints Alley" Bourbons & Rye whiskeys are on Total Wine shelves and customers are really enjoying them (be sure to ask for a sample when you're in the stores)! Currently, our Special Editions are moving fast and winning awards! So, keep an eye out for our "Nobleman Rye", the White Port & Cognac finished Bourbon, and our Special Edition "Herald" Bourbon that adds Pineau Des Charentes casks to the mix. It was just named "The Best Overall Bourbon" in a blind competition at Tales of the Cocktail's - 2023 New Orleans Spirit Competition! It was awarded that over a lot of really big names, and just goes to show that when you take the branding away, our Saints Alley whiskeys can stand on their own! Given my decades of training and knowledge, you know I’ll continue working hard with my team to bring you whiskeys that we’re proud of! Thanks for watching and please remember to drink responsibly. Cheers!